Downtown Family Dentistry of Leesburg Blog

Is It OK If I Have Coffee After an Extraction?

October 2, 2023

person at dentist about to have tooth extracted

Following a tooth extraction, the desire to resume normal routines, including enjoying a cup of coffee, is understandable. However, it’s advisable to temporarily refrain from indulging in java to avoid potential risks to your oral health during the recovery period. This article delves into the reasons for postponing coffee consumption post-extraction, suggests an appropriate timeline for reintroducing it, and provides tips for expediting the recovery process.

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How Can Getting Porcelain Veneers Affect My Diet?

September 13, 2023

Woman has curious expression

Porcelain veneers can be an excellent way to reshape your smile into a more ideal form, but your dietary choices can affect their appearance and how long they can last. Unlike your natural teeth, porcelain veneers have no way to repair themselves if they get damaged, so using them properly is important for keeping them in good shape. Here’s what you should know about eating with porcelain veneers.

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Should I Replace My Metal Dental Crowns With Ceramic Ones?

August 26, 2023

dental crowns of various materials lying on a table

Dental crowns have been a very popular treatment for a long time, but over the years they’ve changed considerably. By far, the most significant shift has been in the materials that they’re made of. For a long time, dental crowns were made of metal—however, in modern dentistry, they’re typically made of some kind of ceramic.

If you have a metal dental crown, it may be worth taking the time to upgrade it into a more modern version. Here are a few reasons why that’s the case.

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How to Pick Between Dental Fillings and Dental Crowns

August 8, 2023

3D render of a dental filling

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems that any dentist will have to deal with, which is why it’s no surprise that there are several ways to handle it. Both dental crowns and dental fillings are able to deal with cavities, and both are well within most dentists’ areas of expertise.

However, if you’re someone who needs one of these restorative treatments, you might not necessarily know the difference between them. That can make it hard to decide which one is best for you. If you’re in that position, here’s what you should know about how to contrast the two procedures.

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Why You Don’t Want Sunburned Lips!

July 25, 2023

Woman with brown hair in a sun hat putting lip balm on in front of a light blue sky background

During the summer months, there are so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy yourself, whether it’s at the swimming pool or a family barbecue in the backyard. While you may be in the habit of wearing sunblock to protect your skin, did you know that your lips can also get burned? If they do, it could negatively affect your oral health as well as your general well-being. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your lips safe this season!

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Smile Like It’s Summer: 5 Oral Health Tips for Vacations

July 20, 2023

Smiling couple sits in back of boat.

Just because you’re off-duty from work doesn’t mean you’re off-duty from brushing your teeth. While summer is a great time to take that cruise or hit the pool at the resort, oral hygiene remains just as important as ever. Taking care of your teeth will keep them healthy for any voyage. Read on for five tips that are certain to help you keep your smile in top shape this summer vacation.

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How to Handle Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare

June 8, 2023

woman holding her cheek and tooth in her hand

Often, wisdom tooth extractions are the first time that a patient has ever had a tooth removed. The procedure itself is fairly easy considering you won’t be able to feel your mouth, but many patients are naturally concerned about what aftercare will entail.

If you have a wisdom tooth extraction coming up, here are a few things you should keep in mind directly after the procedure.

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4 Health Issues that Can Result from Impacted Wisdom Teeth

May 6, 2023

a digital image of impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last of your pearly whites to develop. They usually come in during the last years of being a teenager or early adulthood—between the ages of 16 and 24. While wisdom teeth can oftentimes develop without any issues, they can cause issues for some people. In some cases, the third molars can become impacted below the gumline, leading to oral health issues. Read on to learn four problems that can result from impacted wisdom teeth and what to do about them.

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Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Just One Side?

April 6, 2023

someone holding their cheek in pain

Have you recently noticed that your jaw has been hurting on just one side of your mouth? Uncovering the culprit behind any kind of mouth pain can be difficult, especially when you’re actively dealing with discomfort.

Your emergency dentist can help you in diagnosing the issue, but it can be helpful to try and develop a working theory for what the problem might be before you see them. To help you do that, here are some of the most common conditions that can cause jaw pain on one side of your mouth.

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How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?

March 8, 2023

person with jaw pain holding face

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The disorder can cause pain, discomfort, and restricted jaw movement, making it difficult to eat, speak, and even sleep. If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ, you may be wondering how long it takes to treat the condition. Keep reading as we take a closer look at how long TMJ treatment typically takes and what factors can impact the duration of treatment.

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