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Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC Blog

I Can’t See or Feel My Wisdom Teeth – Is That Bad?

September 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 9:41 pm
Woman lost in thought about her missing wisdom teeth

You watched high school peers get their wisdom teeth extracted and post mildly entertaining videos about their reaction to the anesthetic. After yours didn’t show for a year or two, a quick internet search revealed that third molars might not grow in until you’re 21. So you waited, mildly concerned that you’d wake up to find a painful surprise towards the back of your mouth any day now.

But you’ve past the 21-year mark, and your wisdom teeth are still nowhere to be found – or felt, for that matter. Is that a bad sign? Keep reading – wisdom tooth development might be more nuanced than you thought! 

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Tasteless Teeth: How Dentures Can Impact Flavors

August 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 7:14 pm
Man with gray hair in brown shirt with eyes closed sticking his tongue out

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life because gaps in your grin make it hard to eat, speak, and smile as easily as you used to. Thankfully, your dentist can provide lifelike dentures to act as artificial teeth. Once in place, you can enunciate words and sufficiently chew your food to be more easily swallowed and digested.

However, your prosthetics can also interfere with your sense of taste, making meals less enjoyable. Continue reading to learn four potential reasons for this and how it can be addressed!

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Dental Implant Inquiries: 3 Things to Ask at Your Consultation

July 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 4:18 pm
Man facing concrete wall with 3 chalk question marks above his head

Dental implants are considered by many to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth. They’re the restorations that are embedded into your jawbone, so they both look and function like your missing pearly whites.

The first step toward rebuilding your grin is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate. This appointment is also the perfect time to ask questions to ensure you make an informed decision about your smile.

If you’re unsure what you need to know, continue reading for 3 helpful suggestions!

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How to Handle a Dental Emergency on Summer Vacation

June 7, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 10:45 pm
person experiencing dental emergency holding cheek

After months of anticipation, meticulous planning, booking accommodations, and saving up for some well-deserved time off, your summer vacation is finally here! Whether you’re heading to a nearby spot or a far-off destination, the last thing you want is to deal with a dental emergency. But emergencies can strike without warning. If you find yourself facing a dental issue while on vacation, follow these essential steps to handle the situation effectively.

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Staying on Top Post-Op: What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

May 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 11:24 pm
Illustration of dental implant

People have fretted over their missing teeth ever since cavemen figured out how to recognize their own reflections. Luckily, dental implants offer a modern tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and works just like the real thing. These wonderful artificial teeth are designed to be surgically implanted into the jawbone, allowing patients to smile naturally and enjoy all sorts of foods that traditional restorations have difficulty chewing. Here’s a brief list of commonly asked questions about the dental implant recovery process as well as their answers.

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Baby on Board: Can You Still Get Dental Implants?

April 19, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 4:11 pm
Pregnant patient considering dental implants

Pregnancy is a time of significant changes and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to your health. Suddenly, every choice you make has another life to consider and it can be difficult to navigate previously easy decisions. For instance, if you’re missing teeth and need replacements, is getting dental implants still safe? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about dental implants while expecting.

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Do You Really Have to Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day?

March 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 3:32 pm
a woman putting her Invisalign aligners in her mouth

Most patients choose Invisalign orthodontic treatment over traditional metal braces due to the flexibility and freedom it offers. The removable trays make eating what you want, when you want, possible, and they’re ideal for patients who play instruments. They also make it much easier to maintain good dental health throughout the process. However, if you’re worried about forgetting to put your trays back in, losing them, or any other issues that could prevent you from meeting the ideal wear time, there could be consequences. Read on to learn why wearing your trays for the proper amount of time is so important.

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How Can I Go on a Date with Invisalign?

February 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 7:52 pm
Lady wears Invisalign

One of the reasons why Invisalign has become so incredibly popular is because its clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, are virtually invisible and require no dietary restrictions. However, patients still need to observe certain rules to prevent complications and make sure their treatment stays on schedule. It’s important to keep your Invisalign treatment in mind if you’re planning on taking a special someone out for a night on the town this Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tips to help you comply with your treatment plan when you’re out on a date.

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Getting Back to Work: Recovery Timeline After Dental Implant Surgery

January 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 5:26 pm
Patient talking with coworkers after dental implant surgery

The weekday grind is a ritual that many Americans hold dear. So, if you’re recovering from dental implant surgery, you may be wondering when you can safely return to work. While the recovery timeline varies from person to person based on various factors, there are some general guidelines to consider.

Read on if you want to plan so you can get back to your personal hustle after getting dental implants.

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5 Popular Holiday Drinks That Can Hurt Your Teeth

November 21, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drjaylopez @ 10:37 pm
person sipping holiday drink

What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? For many, it’s the seasonal treats. As the holidays approach, many people look forward to enjoying sweet and carb-filled drinks. However, it’s important to recognize the potential harm these beverages can cause to dental health. This guide highlights five holiday drinks that should be enjoyed in moderation to protect your teeth during the festive season.

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