Blog Archive

Oral hygiene is more than just a pretty smile. How healthy your mouth is determines how healthy the rest of your body is too. Subpar oral care increases the risk of problems like cavities and gum disease but also puts you at risk for stroke, heart attack, and sepsis.  Even...

Keeping your natural teeth remains the best approach to your oral health. Dentures are prone to slipping because there’s no replacement for tooth roots. Dental implants solve that problem, but they still represent compromises.  Sometimes, though, damage and decay happen, compromising the full integrity of a natural tooth. If it’s still functional...

If your dental care practitioner at Silver Lake Dentistry has recommended orthodontic treatment to correct flaws in your smile or bite, you’ve likely considered Invisalign® clear aligners. They’re discreet, removable, and much simpler to use than traditional metal braces. Our skilled and talented dental care team in Raymore, Missouri, has helped numerous teenagers and adults...

Cavities, also known as caries, are small holes that develop in your teeth because of decay that starts when bacteria takes hold in a soft spot in your tooth enamel. Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues we see in our practice, and one of the most easily avoided. ...

Having a beautiful smile isn’t only about aesthetics — it’s also a great way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. After all, your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, so making sure it looks its best helps ensure you always make a good impression. At Silver Lake...

Dental implants are the most reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. The titanium post implanted into your jawbone serves as the root of your artificial tooth. It’s then topped with an abutment and a prosthetic tooth or teeth. Implants can last the rest of your life with proper care, but anything...

Whether you’ve invested in your smile by paying for professional whitening, or you’ve been vigilant about dental hygiene your whole life, you probably have an interest in keeping your pearly whites bright and beautiful. Following a few simple steps should help you maintain your gleaming smile.    The cosmetic dentistry...

For most people, hearing they need a root canal causes dread. However, a root canal can be a lifesaver for an infected tooth. And, there really isn’t anything to worry about. Our providers at Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Missouri, are experts in performing root canals. And they know that how you take care of your...

Metal braces used to be nearly as common as homework during teenage years. Thanks to improved technology, however, your teen can enjoy the many perks of straighter teeth — from a more confident smile to improved dental health — without the hassle or embarrassment of traditional braces. Our team at Silver Lake...

Sugar is your brain and body’s main source of energy – but not all sugars are created equal. Glucose from all carbohydrates besides fiber break down into the energy you need to function and thrive. But added sugars, prevalent in everything from candy and sodas to many cereals and sauces,...

Dental checkups are the annual physical exams of dentistry. Instead of checking in on your overall health, we check your teeth and gums for signs of issues that need treatment.  Based on the results of your checkup, we can tell you if you need any treatments like fillings and root canals to keep your...

When one or more of your teeth have suffered damage from anything concerning, including tooth decay, nail-biting, or even tooth-grinding, your dentist probably informs you that you need dental fillings. But don’t fret: Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures you can have. Even if you have a...

Dental crowns are a great way to restore damaged teeth, whether due to decay, aging, breaking, or other issues. You don’t want tooth damage or tooth loss to affect your life for the worse in the future. Crowns provide a sensible and effective solution to these dental problems but they...

You know you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. That’s the standard recommendation from dentists.  You’re probably pretty good about brushing your teeth. But when did you last floss? The answer to that question is not so easy. According to the CDC’s National Health...

Dentures and bridges replace only the crown, the visible portion of your tooth above the gumline. These options must also fasten above the gum line, straining other teeth or leaving you with less-than-secure methods to hold artificial crowns in place.  Normally, your natural teeth stimulate bone tissue in your jaw...

Noticing your teeth aren’t as bright and white as they used to be isn’t something you’re likely to smile about. Over time, teeth can lose luster, and your daily habits may contribute to your less-than-perfect smile. At Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Missouri, Dr. Joshua Whitford and Dr. Jessica Whitford knows what it takes...

Invisalign® gives you a way to straighten your teeth and close gaps without the embarrassment of wearing metal braces. At Silver Lake Dentistry, located in Raymore, Missouri, Dr. Joshua Whitford and Dr. Jessica Whitford have been helping patients get straight, healthy smiles for years. Read on to learn more about what you can expect...

Your teeth are vital for eating, allowing you to chew your food. They’re also an important part of your appearance, as your pearly whites are the first thing people notice in your smile. When you smoke, both your smile and ability to eat are affected by long-term tobacco use. At Silver...

When you get the bad news that you need a root canal, your first reaction may be to feel anxious. However, you’re not in for a painful experience. Procedures are refined to the point where you’ll feel as little with a root canal as you would from a typical filling.  The...

Though dentistry has come a long way since your grandmother’s teeth in a cup, dental implants aren’t an option for everyone. Dentures remain one of the standard options for people missing anywhere from one to all their teeth in the upper or lower arch. At Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore,...

There are certain things we have to live with, but having to display imperfect teeth isn’t one of them. Further, thanks to the numerous dental issues that veneers can fix, they can transform your smile within a few office visits. At Silver Lake Dentistry, in Raymore, Missouri, Dr. Joshua Whitford...

Anytime you lose a tooth, you jeopardize your oral health. It alters your bite, affects tooth wear, and causes bone loss in your jaw. Options are available to replace teeth, from bridges and crowns if you have one or two teeth missing, to full dentures if you’ve lost all your...

There’s always been some misconceptions about dentures, no matter how old you are. Unfortunately, not everyone’s teeth are created equally, and you may find yourself needing dentures sooner rather than later. But with so many misconceptions, how do you know what to believe when it comes to dentures? At Silver...

Straight, even teeth look great and give a strong first impression whenever you show your smile. But did you know that straighter teeth can also have lasting dental and oral health benefits? At Silver Lake Dentistry of Raymore, Missouri, our expert team helps new and existing patients benefit from orthodontics....

Your smile is essential to your first impressions, whether that’s at a job interview, on a first date, or when just meeting with a friend. Don’t feel like you have to avoid photos or cover your mouth when you speak. Get a smile you can’t wait to show off with...

There are many reasons for missing teeth, but just one replacement option that’s truly a game-changer when it comes to replacing them. Whether you are missing one or multiple teeth, dental implants are your number one choice for filling those gaps in your mouth. No one knows that better than...

If you need to have one or more teeth replaced, you have multiple options for dental restoration. Crowns and bridges are two common approaches, and depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate or desirable than the other.  The team at Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Missouri, can help...

Around one in five people say they’re afraid of going to the dentist. This can be due to hearing stories about poor dental experiences, a fear of needles or dental tools, or a general phobia about having your teeth worked on. Whatever the cause, being nervous about going to the...

We know cavities aren’t fun. But ignoring your tooth pain is not the solution. You could develop serious tooth decay that can lead to tooth loss, and even the loss of your jawbone. Infection in your teeth can spread to your gums and even enter your bloodstream, triggering clots that...

For many people, the words “root canal” are synonymous with pain, even when they’re not sure why. Estimates suggest that about one-quarter of all people have anxiety or even phobia about dental visits. Those nervous about facing root canal therapy are likely more common.  It’s okay to feel nervous about...

If smile flaws prevent you from flashing you’re pearly whites, dental veneers could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or resin composite that are permanently affixed to the front of teeth.  At Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Missouri, Dr. Joshua Whitford and...

As a child, losing a tooth was something you looked forward to. It meant you were going to get a little gift from the Tooth Fairy. It also meant your adult teeth were on their way to fill in the missing spot. But as an adult, losing a tooth doesn’t...

Your teenage years are some of the most awkward and self-conscious years of your life. They’re also a time when many kids need orthodontia. In the past, you had to put up with a mouth full of wires, metal brackets, and rubber bands for a few years. Those were painful,...

Missing teeth can create some uncomfortable and unhappy changes in your life. After all, who wants to smile when you have missing teeth? Fortunately, you have choices to restore your smile. One of the most common ways is with the help of dentures. While they have been around for a...

Tooth pain can stop you in your tracks — you can’t eat, you can’t drink, you can’t sleep. Many things can cause pain in your mouth, and the treatments are just as varied, but if you have a tooth that is severely infected or dying, a root canal may be...

Only about 48% of women and men in the US still have all their teeth at the age of 64 years. If you’re unfortunate enough to have lost a tooth or teeth to decay, injury, or disease, replacing them with dental implants not only restores your appearance but also helps...

Cavities are a big problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 46% of kids between the ages of 2-19 have cavities, and 13% of them are untreated. Things just get worse as they grow up: More than 91% of adults over...

Wanting a beautiful smile you feel confident sharing with the world is something many people desire. However, being genetically gifted with that naturally dazzling smile isn’t always in the cards. Thanks to the most advanced orthodontic treatment available today, the Invisalign® clear aligning system can deliver what genetics didn’t give...

A knocked-out, or avulsed, tooth is an obvious and common dental emergency. More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year. But knocking out a tooth isn’t the only type of dental emergency.  Here at Silver Lake Dentistry in Raymore, Montana, our gifted dentists, Josh Whitford, DDS, and Jessica...

Your smile is the first part of yourself you present to the world, whether at work, at home, or on the social scene. That's why you take such good care of your dental health. But did you know teeth whitening can also create a more youthful appearance, making you seem...

Although modern dental implants have existed for over 50 years, they’ve recently become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. This rise in popularity is partially because of how similar they look and feel to your natural teeth. Today’s modern dentistry practices can help ensure your dental implants are comfortable...

Lots of people lose teeth. We all start out with 32, but by the time we’re 50 years old, statistics show there’s a good chance we’ll have only 20. Age, illness, injury, and infection all take their toll on your teeth. If you’ve lost one or two over the years...