Illuminate Family Dentistry Blog

Summertime is known for soaring temperatures and long, bright days. You probably already know that you will need sunblock, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from all the extra ultraviolet rays. Too much sun increases the likelihood of developing certain health conditions, like skin cancer, so it’s important to take precautions.

But do you know how it impacts your smile? It may come as a surprise, but there’s a strong connection between daylight and having a happy grin. When you’re exposed to sunlight, your body creates vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in preventing potential dental problems. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of getting enough of this essential ingredient and how you can increase your levels to safeguard your smile!

Seeing the dentist on a regular basis is important, but you also need to make sure that you’re able to fit the cost of your care into your budget. Dental insurance can be an invaluable tool for managing your oral health care expenses, but are you sure that you fully understand your plan and how you can take advantage of it? Here are 4 essential facts about dental insurance that you should remember if you want to save as much money on dentistry as possible.

A dental implant is an incredible way to replace a missing tooth! It’s the only restoration treatment that includes a support rod which is inserted directly into your jaw. Once the bone fuses around it, your dentist caps it with a tooth-shaped crown. The end result looks and functions just like the natural pearly white you lost. Because they bond with your bone, dental implants are more supported than other methods and last longer. With the right upkeep, your implant could serve you for 30+ years!

Though dental implants have a high success rate and are incredibly strong, if they aren’t treated well, they can be damaged or even fail altogether. Keep reading to learn 3 habits to avoid if you have a dental implant!

Your oral health is more than just a dazzling smile; it’s intricately linked to your overall well-being. Neglecting your oral hygiene can have far-reaching consequences beyond toothaches and cavities. A healthy mouth goes hand in hand with a healthy body and prevention is key.

Read on to discover how issues in your mouth can impact other systems in your body and why maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for your overall well-being.

If you need a dental crown, you don’t have to worry about a complex procedure or a long recovery. However, your mouth may be sore for a day or two, and your dentist will have specific aftercare instructions. Here’s what you can expect after receiving your new restoration.

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A dental emergency can be shocking and leave you at a loss for what to do next. However, it can be even more stressful if one occurs while you are away from home and abroad overseas. Without your familiar surroundings, you must navigate getting help for your smile in a new place. The good news is that it is a perfectly solvable situation! Read on to learn more about tips for a dental emergency while in a different country and what you can do to immediately care for your oral health.

A dental implant is a close replica of a real tooth. It’s the only tooth replacement method to treat both the root and the crown. 500,000 people every year are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth, and for good reasons. With over a 95% success rate and a lifespan that can span for decades, they are a smart choice to complete your smile. Did you know not all dental implants are the same? You can choose between titanium or zirconia. Here’s what you need to know to make the best investment for your smile. 

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Believe it or not, the new year is right around the corner. As you head into the holidays, you’re searching for the perfect goodies and gifts to put in your little one’s stocking. Candy canes, cookies, and other sweet treats are staples of the season, but they can lead to toothaches during the year ahead. You can avoid bad news at the dentist with smile-friendly stocking stuffers. Don’t worry about your little one being disappointed. Here are 3 stocking stuffer ideas your child will love.

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According to the CDC, 90% of adults over the age of 20 have had at least one cavity. Thanks to restorative dentistry, your dentist can treat your tooth decay with a filling. By cleaning out the infected area and filling it with a dental material, your pearly white is protected from future reinfection and further damage. But how long can you count on this restoration? Here’s all to know about how long a dental filling will last and how to extend its lifespan!

Dental decay, also referred to as cavities, are an incredibly common oral health problem that most people will need treatment for during their lives. The trick to keeping the damage to your pearly whites as minimal as possible is to catch the early signs of decay so you can receive a dental filling as soon as possible. If you leave decay untreated, it could result in much greater problems, like a tooth infection that requires a root canal and crown. Read on to learn the seven signs that you could need a dental filling.