How to Treat Infected Gums: A Guide to Healthier SmilesGum issues are incredibly common, affecting nearly half of adults at some point in their lives. If you’ve noticed red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you may be dealing with a gum infection, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. At Smile For Life Dental in Elgin, Dr. Dean Lodding provides advanced gum disease treatments to restore gum health and prevent complications. Identifying… Continue Reading
Can I Replace My Dentures with Dental Implants?If you’re tired of dealing with the discomfort and inconvenience of dentures, dental implants may be the solution for you. At Smile For Life Dental in Elgin, our team offers implant dentistry as a reliable, long-term option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they… Continue Reading
What Are the Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?Cosmetic dentistry treatments are often associated with enhancing the appearance of your smile, but they can also offer significant health benefits for many patients. At Smile For Life Dental in Elgin, Dr. Dean Lodding offers advanced treatments that are designed to help patients love their smiles and enhance their oral systemic health outcomes. One of the primary advantages associated with… Continue Reading
What Happens if I Stop Wearing My Retainers?Your retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. When you stop wearing them, your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. This can lead to crowding, gaps, or other alignment issues, undoing the time and investment you put into achieving your ideal smile. Orthodontic compliance is key… Continue Reading
What Causes Short and Worn Teeth?Short or worn teeth can impact the appearance of your smile and the health of your bite, making them a concern for many people. But what causes teeth to wear down or appear shorter over time? Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—explains common causes as well as treatment options to restore smile aesthetics. One of the main culprits of… Continue Reading
How to Get a Celebrity SmileMany celebrities are known for their winning smiles, but red carpet-worthy teeth are more attainable than you might think. With today’s advanced cosmetic dentistry options, you can enhance your smile to look brighter, straighter, and more symmetrical—just like the stars. Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—introduces some of the top treatments that can transform your smile: Dental Veneers: Porcelain… Continue Reading
Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth that guards against decay and damage. Unfortunately, once enamel wears away, it doesn’t grow back. This is because enamel lacks living cells, making it impossible for the body to repair or regenerate it naturally. However, while lost enamel cannot be restored, there are several ways to address the damage… Continue Reading
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, but not everyone is an immediate candidate. Several factors determine if you can get dental implants, and a consultation with an experienced implant dentist is essential for assessing your specific case. Below, Elgin dentist Dean Lodding, DDS discusses dental implant candidacy, including options for those who may have… Continue Reading
Are My Headaches Caused By Dental Problems?If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’re not alone. Approximately 45 million Americans visit their doctor complaining about head pain each year. That said, discerning the cause behind the discomfort can be difficult. Many patients are not aware that dental problems like misalignment, teeth grinding, or even a poorly positioned jaw can trigger persistent headaches. Below, our Elgin dentist, Dr…. Continue Reading
When Does a Broken Tooth Need to Be Replaced?A broken tooth can be a minor inconvenience or a significant dental issue, depending on the extent of the damage. Knowing when a broken tooth needs to be replaced is crucial for maintaining oral health. If a tooth is chipped or cracked but the root is intact, your dentist may repair it with a tooth-colored filling, crown, dental veneer, or… Continue Reading