Darren G. Koch's Blog

Before you commit to replacing your teeth with dental implants, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors that can potentially lead to complications. One of the more common causes of implant failure is bruxism, a condition that can have serious implications for oral health if it isn’t dealt with. How exactly does bruxism put dental implants at risk? And is it okay for you to go forward with the implant process if you’ve already been diagnosed with bruxism? Here’s what you need to know.

If your dentist has informed you that you’re going to need a dental crown, you might be a little concerned. Although this treatment is obviously meant to help restore your compromised tooth, you might not know what to expect after receiving your crown. But there is absolutely nothing to worry about! Here are four things you can expect to deal with after receiving your new dental crown, and some ways for ensuring that your crown does its job.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental bridges are one of the most effective treatments available! They can even restore two or three lost teeth in a row, making them an awesome option for many patients. However, they aren’t meant to last forever—even with proper care, they can only last up to 10 or 15 years before needing to be replaced. That said, it’s important to be mindful of some of the things that could potentially cause your bridges to fail even earlier! Keep reading to learn more about some of these causes and what you can do to help prevent dental bridge failure.

If your smile is worn, yellow, chipped, or gapped, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry to correct these issues and give your pearly whites a more gorgeous glow. Though there is a range of treatment options available, it may be difficult to determine what you need to have done to achieve your desired results. To help you on your journey towards a more aesthetically pleasing beam, read on to learn about six traits of a lovely, luminous smile.

Have you ever had a dental emergency before? Whether it occurs while you’re playing sports or out on the town with friends, injuries to the mouth or jaw are always a cause for concern. Having to stop what you’re doing to visit your dentist and have the damage repaired is a stressful situation to be in, so wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to avoid it? Read on to learn six tips that will make you less likely to encounter a dental emergency.

On its own, sleep apnea is already a very dangerous problem. Having your breathing interrupted repeatedly during the night can take a heavy toll on your blood pressure and heart health, and drowsiness from a lack of quality sleep can lead to accidents during the day. However, recent studies have shown that some sleep apnea sufferers may have even more to worry about. Researchers are finding that women with sleep apnea have a higher risk for oral cancer, and understanding why could be the key to protecting your overall health.

When you’re a child, there’s nothing unusual about a tooth becoming loose and falling out every now and then. Once you reach adulthood, however, all of your teeth should be permanently anchored in place for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, trauma, poor oral hygiene, and tooth decay can all cause adult teeth to come loose. This is an extremely serious dental emergency, and you need to act quickly if you want to protect your smile. The post below covers what you should do if you notice a loose tooth.

Everyone wants to have a bright white smile, but discoloration happens naturally over time, especially if you enjoy items like coffee, tea, and red wine. It is something many people are self-conscious about. No wonder you see so many techniques online for DIY teeth whitening. Unfortunately, a lot of these “hacks” can put your oral health at risk. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of DIY whitening, plus safe alternatives, from your cosmetic dentist in Cary.

It can be nerve-wracking to chip a tooth. You may not know what to do right at first – but placing a call to your emergency dentist right away will help you get relief. Until you can make it to their office, there are a few other things to keep in mind to increase the likelihood that repair is possible. Keep reading to find out what to do after a chipped tooth!

If you’re like many families, you probably have a first aid kit tucked away for medical emergencies. If you keep bandages and tweezers on hand for a sprained ankle or hurt foot, why not do the same for your teeth and gums? Preparing a dental emergency kit now can help you keep your cool in the event of an injured tooth, gum, or lip. Keep reading to find out what to pack.