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Tooth loss can be a serious dental concern – and that’s not just because it affects the appearance of your smile. The loss of even one tooth can have negative effects on the overall functionality of your mouth, complicating everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, or even sleeping. Often the result of poor oral hygiene, tooth loss should never be taken lightly and should be prevented at all costs. Several issues can arise as a result of tooth loss. For […]

The world of prosthodontics is constantly evolving, with innovative solutions, techniques, and devices being introduced to the market every day. One of the most groundbreaking prosthodontic developments in history is the creation of implant-supported dentures. These natural-looking dentures are anchored into the jawbone with high-quality dental implants to replace multiple teeth at a time. Considered a long-term solution, implant-supported dentures have quickly become the preferred treatment of choice. This is because they offer multiple advantages over traditional removable dentures, including […]

There can be a variety of reasons why your gums bleed when you floss. If you just adopted a daily flossing routine, your gums may not be accustomed to your new regimen yet. In this case, bleeding is normal and should subside within a week. Bleeding gums may also be caused by other factors, such as a vitamin deficiency, ill-fitting dentures, or a side effect of blood-thinning medication. For some patients, bleeding can be a warning sign of gum infection. […]

As we age, almost everyone will experience some kind of teeth staining or discoloration. These stains can interfere with the aesthetics of your smile, which can in turn negatively impact your confidence. However, although some degree of tooth discoloration is inevitable, you can help slow the process by avoiding the common causes of staining. Some of the most common sources of tooth discoloration are: Food: Certain foods, including coffee, tea, berries, cola, and tomato sauce, can stain teeth over time. […]

Having a toothache can be a debilitating problem that affects your ability to go about your day like normal. This pain can lead to headaches and even cause a loss of appetite. To determine whether your discomfort will go away on its own or if you should see your dentist, it can help to understand why you are having a toothache in the first place. See below for common causes of oral pain and discomfort, and whether or not you […]

With orthodontic treatments like traditional braces and Six Month Smiles^®, a series of wires and brackets are utilized to slowly shift the teeth into a straighter position. Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets, while the Six Month Smiles system involves tooth-colored nickle titanium wires and clear brackets. To help braces stay in good condition and do their job properly, Dr. Robin Rutherford recommends his orthodontic patients adjust their diet to avoid certain types of foods. While this doesn’t have […]

The purpose of gum disease treatment is to remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Although gum disease can’t be reversed once it has progressed past its beginning stage, gingivitis, the condition can be managed to minimize future damage to the mouth. At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Robin Rutherford prefers a non-surgical approach to gum disease treatment whenever possible. In addition to scaling and root planing, Dr. Rutherford may conduct saliva testing to diagnose the exact type of […]

Well-known actress Carrie Fisher recently passed away at 60 years old following a heart attack. Although the cause of her death was reported as “undetermined,” it was just released that an extremely common health condition was a contributing factor—sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues in the back of the throat relax to the point that the breathing passage is narrowed, or sometimes completely closed. This can lead to snoring, difficulty breathing, and numerous breathing pauses throughout the […]

While traditional braces often take up to two years or more to straighten crowded or crooked teeth, Six Month Smiles^® is designed to correct misalignment in just six months. By focusing on gently guiding the front teeth that are visible when you smile toward their ideal position, the overall treatment time with this innovative orthodontic treatment can be dramatically reduced. However, one of the most significant benefits of Six Month Smiles^® is the ability to improve the beauty of a […]

Oral cancer is a prevalent disease that is characterized by malignant cells forming in the mouth and/or throat. The symptoms are typically very subtle, meaning that without a screening the cancer might spread too quickly before it is detected. This is why an oral cancer screening is so important. At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Robin Rutherford performs this preventative screening utilizing VELscope^® Vx technology to detect oral abnormalities before symptoms appear. It can help reveal cancer cells at their […]