Your teeth are held in place by roots that extend into your jawbone. Front teeth usually have one root. Other teeth, such as your premolars and molars, have two or more roots. The tip of each root is called the apex. Nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth through the apex, travel through a canal [...]

If you have a toothache or notice evidence of an abscess on your gum, visit your dentist. Even if the abscess drains and the pain decreases, a visit to the dentist for complete treatment is crucial. Prognosis The outlook is excellent if detected promptly and treated appropriately.

Symptoms of an Abscess The main symptom is persistent, throbbing pain. At first, the tooth will be sensitive to heat and pressure while chewing. Later, you may develop a fever. Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck can be tender and you may feel pain in the sinus area. If the abscess [...]

Dr. Sheen recently completed the LSU Esthetic Continuum. This hands-on workshop, spanning 10 months, concentrates on achieving the beautiful, healthy, and longlasting smile we all desire. The LSU Esthetic Continuum is recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as one of the foremost programs in the country.

Whether to seek orthodontic care is a personal decision. Many people live with crowding, overbites or other types of bite problems and do not seek treatment. However, many people feel more comfortable and self-confident with properly aligned, attractive teeth. Orthodontic care can help improve appearance and build self-confidence. It also may help you to chew [...]

Many people’s teeth are irregular in some way. For example, teeth may be slightly crowded or unevenly spaced. In fact, experts say many adults have an irregular bite. Sometimes the main problem with a “bad” bite is appearance. In other cases, it can cause difficulty in chewing or talking.  You may have inherited an irregular [...]

Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats irregularities of the teeth and face. Treatment can correct an irregular or “bad” bite, also known as a malocclusion. Orthodontic care involves the use of appliances. There are two main types. Braces are attached to the teeth. Removable appliances are put in and [...]

After your orthodontist has determined that your braces can be removed, it is very important that a retainer (a plastic appliance) be worn during the day or night as recommended by them. The retainer can be cleaned with warm water or toothpaste and a toothbrush after you wear it and placed in a plastic container [...]

Your orthodontist, dentist or dental hygienist will provide you with thorough instruction of how to properly clean your braces. There are many toothbrushes you can use both manual (specifically designed for orthodontic patients), power, electric or sonic. Ask your dental professional which is be best for you. Brushing should be conducted at least 2-3 times per [...]

The American Association of Orthodontists reports that in the United States 4.5 million people are wearing braces or other dental appliances to straighten teeth and provide a healthy, beautiful smile1. As many of us know, an orthodontist is a dentist with additional clinical training to treat malocclusions (improper bites), which may result from tooth irregularity and [...]