Kristin Petulla DDS' Blog

If your dentist recommends that you receive a crown, bridge, or other type of restoration, it is vital that it fit well. If it does not, it could interfere with your bite, contribute to jaw pain, and be at risk for premature failure. Impressions play a key role in determining whether a restoration fits properly. While most dentists still use manual impressions, some have upgraded to a digital impression system. Does it matter which one your dentist uses? Let’s take a moment to compare these two methods.

Are you embarrassed by your teeth? You’re not alone. Studies show at least one-third of adults are also unhappy with their teeth; however, many people are choosing to overcome their insecurities with the help of their cosmetic dentist in Marlton. Believe it or not, there are many amazing benefits linked to a smile makeover. Besides giving your self-esteem a boost, you can also improve your social life and career prospects. Here are a few of the best perks connected to an attractive smile.

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As you age, your teeth may become more of a priority to you. You’ll likely start to realize all of the day-to-day tasks that they’re crucial for and may be motivated to make changes to make small lifestyle changes to help preserve them. As you age, this task can become more difficult than it already is with the constant threat of gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. One way you can do this is by maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. Many people aren’t aware that this can help reduce your risk of developing oral health problems and extend the lifespan of your smile. Read on for four nutritional tips from your dentist in Marlton that can help adults over 40 keep their natural pearly whites.

If you’ve recently gotten dentures or are beginning to go on dates for the first time in a while, dating can sound scary. Will they know that you have them? Will they find them unattractive? Will something go wrong? Dating is difficult enough without this added pressure. Fortunately, it’s not as different as you may think. People as young as 30 get dentures as a solution for missing teeth. Continue reading to learn more about dentures and some tips for dating when you have them.

The question on everyone’s mind when the step out of their home these days is the same: will I be safe from COVID-19 at my destination? If you’re headed to a dental practice, you can confidently answer yes. Since dentists started reopening their practices, they have been taking extra steps to keep the virus away from their patients. One way they have been doing this is by using new pieces of protective equipment. This article will detail four of the most common ones you’ll see at your next appointment with your dentist.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the definition of “normal” for many aspects of our lives. Since so little is known about this novel coronavirus, a wide variety of dental safety protocols and infection controls have been established in dental practices. Among many other new precautions your dental team is taking, they will only be changing into and out of their scrubs while inside the practice. Read on to find out why you won’t be seeing your Marlton dentist or their team wearing their scrubs outside the office.

You’ve been as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ve made sure to social distance yourself from others and have worn a mask each time you’ve gone out. Unfortunately, you’ve started to have a pain in your mouth that just won’t go away. During the pandemic, most dental practices are only seeing patients on an emergency basis. You want to get your tooth examined but aren’t sure if it would be considered an emergency. Read on to learn what types of ailments you should schedule an emergency appointment for.

As an adult, losing a tooth isn’t nearly as exciting as it was as a child. With no new tooth coming in to replace it naturally, it’s up to you whether or not to fill that gap in your smile. It may be tempting not to, especially if you’ve lost a tooth in the back of your mouth that you don’t think anyone will see. However, the rest of your mouth will notice! As soon as a tooth is knocked out or extracted, your jaw and remaining teeth begin to change, which can lead to health issues like gum disease, digestive issues, and bone loss. Your dentist in Marlton explains the consequences and complications of a missing tooth and which replacement options can protect your smile.

Permanent teeth are supposed to be just that: permanent. Dentists will always do what they can to help patients preserve their natural teeth, but sometimes an extraction is what’s better for the person’s health. Teeth that are broken beyond repair, overcrowded, infected, or damaged by periodontitis can all cause serious health problems if not extracted. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that by 17 years old, 7% of Americans have already had at least one permanent tooth extracted because of tooth decay. By the age of 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.

So, if you’ve recently had a tooth extraction in Marlton or will be getting one soon, you aren’t alone. But once the procedure is over, what comes next?  Read on to learn what you can expect in the days to come, and what to do now that you’re missing a tooth.