Does a routine trip to the dentist make you want to hide under the bed? Dental anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon in which a person experiences intense anxiety at the prospect of going to the dentist. The condition may involve shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and panic. While it’s perfectly normal to be nervous about the dentist, if you experience... read more »
No matter the circumstances, getting a tooth extracted is rarely much fun. Even though the worst is probably behind you once a dentist removes your tooth, practicing proper aftercare will help your mouth heal up quickly. Of all the questions people ask after this procedure, the most common one is simple: “After a tooth extraction, what can I eat?” While... read more »
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but let’s not undervalue the charm of a beautiful smile. Of course, even if you’re lucky enough to grow up with a perfect set of pearly whites, it’s hard to keep them that way. From chipped teeth to cavities, tooth damage is as common as it is unpleasant. But you don’t... read more »
A wise person once said that everyone wants to have a long life, but no one wants to get old. Yet it happens. At Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we believe that just because we get older doesn't mean we sacrifice our dental health. Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed... read more »
Root canals have a bad reputation. Just hearing the words make a lot of people uneasy, because they're associated with pain. But at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we stress that root canals do the opposite: they don't cause pain, they relieve it. A root canal usually becomes necessary when a tooth is infected or badly damaged. Formally known as... read more »
Most people know they can come to us at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany for toothaches, cleanings, and bleeding gums (not to mention cosmetic dentistry procedures such as a smile makeover). But there are some lesser-known concerns that we can help you with. Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable.... read more »
There is more than one way to fix a tooth. In this post from Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we look at six restoration procedures that are used to repair a damaged tooth: 1. Dental Bonding Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to fix chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill... read more »
At Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health. Frequently Asked Questions One of the questions we're frequently asked is whether... read more »
During a dental checkup at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany we do a thorough inspection of your teeth and gums. But visual inspections can't tell us everything we need to know about your dental health, which is why we take x-rays. For most patients, we update our x-rays once a year. They help us to make accurate diagnoses by showing... read more »
Filling cavities with a resin composite material is increasingly popular in dentistry. They are commonly referred to as "white fillings," and they are available at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany. One of the things that makes composite fillings so attractive is the color. They easily blend in with the color of your teeth, making them all but invisible. A second... read more »