Shannon Stokes DDS Blog

If your oral health is in a tough spot, your dentist may recommend that you get what’s called a full mouth reconstruction. This is a combination of several restorative treatments—fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, etc.—used to get people with severe oral health problems back on track.

As you may imagine, recovering from a full mouth reconstruction can take a little bit of time. If you’re wondering how to make that a little bit easier, here are some things you can try.

If you’re ready to turn the smile of your dreams into reality, veneers can be the solution for you. Porcelain allows veneers to be thinner than ever before while creating results that look natural. After just 2 appointments, you can say goodbye to stains, gaps, and other imperfections using a quick, minimally invasive method. Your dazzling new smile can last for 10 or more years with the right care. Although brushing and flossing are important for protecting your investment, your cosmetic dentist will recommend watching what you eat. Here’s what you should avoid to safeguard your pearly whites.

(more…)

Have you always wanted straighter teeth, but didn’t want to wear the clunky metal wires and brackets of traditional braces? The good news is that modern orthodontics have now made that possible! Invisalign is a discreet and reliable way to get the aligned smile you’ve always wanted. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently move your teeth into the desired place. It’s the perfect solution to correct your pearly whites while still maintaining a professional appearance and without causing a major overhaul to your life. Here are four great reasons why Invisalign may be right for you!

When it comes to classic movie snacks, popcorn is often the first one to come to mind. Whether you eat it with dessert toppings or classic salt and butter, there’s an endless number of ways to enjoy this treat. As tasty as popcorn is, it can unfortunately have some unsavory effects on your smile. Continue reading to learn about the link between popcorn and oral health.

Does drinking a glass of ice water make your lips? Maybe a hot cup of coffee causes a sudden twinge of pain? You may be dealing with sensitive teeth. It’s normal to have some tooth sensitivity after certain dental treatments, but if the problem is persistent, there may be an underlying issue, like a cavity, gum disease, or weakened enamel. No matter the reason, you don’t have to avoid hot and cold foods or drinks. Desensitizing toothpaste can provide you with the relief you need until seeing your dentist.

(more…)

For many kids around the country, summer vacation is drawing to a close. This means getting ready to head back to the classroom by purchasing a new wardrobe, new school supplies, and finishing summer projects. Though it’s important for your little one to focus on having the best school year they can, that doesn’t mean that your work helping them maintain a healthy smile is over. Read on to learn five tips that will help your child keep their oral health in good standing and prevent dental emergencies as they prepare to head back to school.

Nothing is more precious than watching your child’s first tooth break through the gum tissue; however, their first visit from the Tooth Fairy is equally exciting. Between the ages of 6 to 7, most children have their first loose tooth. Until then, the baby teeth act as placeholders for their permanent set, while also allowing them to learn how to eat and speak. Losing a primary tooth too soon can have lasting consequences for their smile. Here’s how to pull your child’s tooth safely.

(more…)

When it comes to summer vacation, taking tons of photos is a great way to capture memories so you can look back on them in the future. Since a smile says a thousand words, it’s important to make sure yours is saying the right things. Fortunately, porcelain veneers can help. Read on to learn how this cosmetic procedure can give you the beach-ready beam you’ve always wanted.

So, you’ve taken your first step to a better smile and scheduled a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Do you know what to ask about during the appointment? You won’t know the best way to improve your smile otherwise, and a poor decision on treatment can have lasting consequences.

If you find yourself at a loss over what to bring up, don’t panic: Here’s a summary of three essential questions to ask during your cosmetic dental consultation and why you should do so.