Kristin Petulla DDS' Blog

Proper preventative care can help you avoid many potential dental emergencies, but sadly, some are unavoidable. For instance, even if you consistently clean your teeth at home and visit your dentist regularly, you might sustain an injury or blow to the face that knocks a tooth out of your mouth.

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, you’re probably in pain and unsure what to do next. You might also have questions, like whether you should put it back in its socket. Continue reading to learn more about how you should handle this urgent scenario and if it’s safe to reseat it yourself!

Did you know occasional tooth pain isn’t normal? Toothaches are common, but they are a symptom of an underlying dental problem. Ignoring dental pain can cause a small issue to cause the loss of your tooth. Here are the top causes of toothaches and what your dentist can do to stop your discomfort.

(more…)

Veneers are the open secret behind the flawless grins of many Hollywood stars. These cosmetic dental appliances are used to cover flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains to completely transform a smile into a beautiful new state. While these thin porcelain shells are designed to be strong, durable, and long-lasting, they do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Here’s a brief guide to how you can extend the lifespan of your veneers through proper care and maintenance.

Veneers are a great investment because they can give you a picture-perfect smile using a minimally invasive method. You can say “goodbye” to several aesthetic flaws using a single procedure. Veneers can last for a decade or longer with the correct care, like watching what you eat. Here are a few dietary changes that will help you get the most from your veneers.

(more…)

Tooth loss can be devastating for oral health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Dentures are a fantastic solution that is both budget-friendly and comprehensive. Whether you’re missing a few teeth in different places or a full dental arch, a denture can help. However, over time, your jawbone and gums will begin to change shape and your denture will need to be adjusted. But is denture relining something you should do yourself?

If you want to know whether relining your denture is possible at home, continue reading.

Dentures have allowed many patients to restore their smiles and their confidence after extensive tooth loss. It’s no wonder that they’re so popular because they look incredibly lifelike and are so comfortable that patients regularly forget that they are wearing them. While dentures are made of high-quality materials, they still require regular maintenance to stay in proper working order. Here’s how to take excellent care of your dentures so they look great and last for as long as possible.

Keeping your mouth healthy is no simple task—in a literal sense, it’s the very large task of controlling the billions of bacteria that live there, some of which are helpful, but others that aren’t very nice. This isn’t always easy, but your dentist is an important ally in this ongoing challenge, as they have all sorts of treatments capable of helping, like ozone therapy. This is an approach to dentistry that’s become quite popular these days as more people are considering holistic methods when it comes to their oral wellness. Continue reading below to learn a little more about what it is, along with a few of its notable benefits!

If you don’t want gum disease to lead to severe consequences like tooth loss, you need to seek professional treatment as soon as you can. But exactly what will that treatment look like? The standard method is a deep cleaning that consists of scaling and root planing, but some dentists can offer another approach: ozone therapy. If you want to protect your oral health, it’s a good idea to learn more about ozone therapy and how it can be used to reduce gum disease symptoms.

A nice smile is crucial as it enhances our appearance, boosts confidence, and makes a positive impression on others. It can also contribute to improved social interactions and overall well-being. Achieving a white smile is desirable, but teeth discolor naturally due to factors like coffee, tea, and red wine. Seeking DIY whitening hacks online may seem tempting, but they can harm your oral health and teeth. Discover the risks of DIY teeth whitening and explore safer alternatives.

Society attributes an attractive smile to youth, confidence, and success. It can seem like everyone has bright teeth–from your favorite movie stars to top social influencers. If your teeth are stained, many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are said to provide amazing improvement. If you’ve given a few a try, you were probably disappointed with the results. Contrary to online ads and testimonials, OTC products don’t work. Don’t worry, your cosmetic dentist has the solutions you need to revamp your pearly whites.

(more…)