Darren G. Koch's Blog

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. 

In recent years, sedation dentistry has become more and more sought-after. With more than 50% of Americans struggling with mild to severe dental-related anxiety, it’s not hard to see why. While it’s certainly effective and safe, it’s not an ideal fit for everyone. That’s why your dentist will consider the following factors during your initial appointment to determine your candidacy!

You might think dental implants are only good for replacing teeth. Namely, they don’t stand out more than similar services like dentures or bridges. However, that’s far from the case — implants have more to them than most would expect.

Here are four lesser-known facts about dental implant treatment, explained by your Cary dentist. See for yourself that it can do more than just fill smile gaps.

Ever since you found out you were pregnant, your health has been your top priority. You’ve been taking all of the recommended vitamins and staying away from anything that may harm the health of your unborn baby. However, one thing you may not have been aware of is that pregnancy comes with a higher risk of gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease. Since gum disease has been linked to complications such as low birth weight or pre-term birth, you’ll want to avoid it at all costs. Keep reading to learn how you can recognize, prevent, and treat pregnancy gingivitis.

Have you been tossing and turning all night because of an intense toothache? If so, you’re probably thinking that you should call your emergency dentist first thing in the morning when they open. That’s the smart thing to do – your dentist can target the source of your pain and bring you relief right away. But how can you get some shuteye in the meantime? These five tips may help you temporarily soothe the pain and fall asleep when you have a stubborn toothache at night.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for patients missing some or all of their teeth. They’re the most permanent method of tooth replacement, restoring the ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again. Your new smile can last for decades or even a lifetime, but only if you take proper care of them. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are crucial practices to extend the longevity of your implants. With that in mind, here are a few things you should know about flossing with dental implants.

Over the last two decades, Invisalign has helped more than 8 million patients achieve their smile goals, making it one of the most sought-after treatments. One of the most popular reasons patients choose Invisalign is because of the discreet aligners. After all, who doesn’t want to straighten their teeth without the metal? However, there are a few notable, non-cosmetic benefits of Invisalign to consider as well. To learn what they are, read on!

It’s estimated that over 170 million Americans struggle with one or more missing teeth—with that number expected to increase! Losing your teeth can be pretty problematic and also lead to an awkward smile, but fortunately, dental implants are game changers when it comes to replacing them. These awesome little implants can effectively restore the look, feel, and functionality of your lost pearly whites. That said, here’s more from your dentist about three of the incredible cosmetic benefits of dental implants.

All it takes is one quick Google search or look at TikTok to find a seemingly endless number of “tried-and-true” whitening products. But do they work and, more importantly, are they safe? After all, there is no room for error when it comes to your smile, and the last thing you want is to damage your enamel, resulting in further discoloration. With this in mind, keep reading to learn which teeth whitening products really work.

Imagine you are relaxing after dinner and pop a chewy caramel into your mouth. As you chat with your family, your tooth suddenly begins to feel strange. A realization hits you: your veneer fell off! While porcelain veneers are generally quite durable, sometimes they can still break or fall off. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are some tips to follow until you can see your dentist.