A metallic taste can appear suddenly, linger throughout the day, or become more noticeable after brushing, flossing, or eating. Sometimes it is temporary. When it persists, changes involving your teeth, gums, saliva, or dental restorations may be contributing. For example, bleeding gums can create a metallic taste. Tooth infections, dry mouth, and recent dental work can also affect how your... read more »
Getting a dental crown traditionally requires two appointments. Your dentist prepares the tooth and captures an impression or scan during the first visit. A dental laboratory then creates the permanent crown while you wear a temporary restoration. You return later to have the final crown placed. Modern technology in digital dentistry has changed that workflow. With same-day crowns, digital scanning,... read more »
For many nervous dental patients, uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of an upcoming appointment. You may know sedation can help you relax, but practical questions remain. Can you eat beforehand? Will you be awake? What happens in the dental chair? When can you go home? The answers depend partly on the type of sedation you receive. Parthenon Dental... read more »
By the teenage years, your child may seem to have finished developing their adult smile. Most permanent teeth are in place, and they manage much of their daily oral hygiene independently. Their dental needs, however, are still changing. Adolescence can bring changes in gum health, new permanent teeth, orthodontic decisions, sports-related risks, and greater independence over daily habits. Regular pediatric... read more »
People with diabetes often keep a close eye on their blood sugar, eyes, feet, and other aspects of their health. Gum health deserves attention, too. Diabetes can affect the body's ability to respond to infection and inflammation, including problems that develop in the mouth. The connection also runs in both directions. Diabetes can increase the risk and severity of gum... read more »
Hearing “you need a deep cleaning” can catch you off guard, especially if you are used to routine dental cleanings. Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease that cleans below the gumline where regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings cannot fully reach. Knowing why your dentist recommends a deep cleaning and what happens during the appointment... read more »
Regular brushing generally should not cause ongoing gum pain. Mild tenderness can sometimes happen after changing your brushing or flossing routine, but gums that consistently hurt when you brush are worth paying attention to. The cause may be as simple as brushing too aggressively or temporary irritation. Soreness can also be a sign of plaque buildup, gingivitis, or another dental... read more »
When a tooth is knocked out, breaks unexpectedly, or suddenly becomes painful, what you do next can matter. But first aid is exactly that: first aid until you can get professional dental care. It does not repair the tooth, treat an infection, or replace an examination by a dentist. Some dental problems require immediate attention, while others may allow enough... read more »
Dental anxiety can come from many places. A painful experience years ago, fear of losing control, sensitivity to sounds or sensations, embarrassment about your teeth, or uncertainty about what will happen during treatment can all make a dental appointment feel much harder than it seems like it should. For some adults, that anxiety is uncomfortable but manageable. For others, it... read more »
For most appropriately screened patients, dental sedation can be used safely when the type and level of sedation are selected for the individual, and appropriate monitoring is used. That does not mean sedation is risk-free. Your medical history, medications, procedure, and the type of sedation being considered all matter. At Parthenon Dental, we offer sedation dentistry in San Ramon for... read more »