Blog Archive

It’s been estimated that close to 70% of U.S. adults between the ages of 35-44 have lost at least one tooth. Once the first tooth is lost, a cascade can begin, ending only when the patient’s arch of teeth is completely gone, leaving them edentulous (toothless). Dental implants are far...

A gummy smile isn’t an unnatural or bad thing. Some people simply have shorter teeth, or their gumline falls lower on their teeth. However, we expect a specific aesthetic from our smiles, and “gummy” isn’t on the most-wanted list of attributes. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr....

Do you get a solid eight hours in bed every night, but still wake up feeling absolutely fatigued and unable to think clearly? You could have obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that affects some 30 million Americans annually  Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc, with dental offices located in Washington, DC, have successfully treated...

Close to 70% of adults between the ages of 35-44 have already lost at least one tooth and require a replacement to fix their smile. Dental implants require more work and downtime than other restoration options like bridges or dentures, but they also provide a more permanent, natural-looking result. However, not...

Preventive dentistry is designed to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. When your smile is damaged in any way, whether from lack of access to preventive care or due to some sort of trauma, restorative dentistry can provide you with a second chance at looking and feeling...

Your smile is the first thing people see, and it can directly impact their impression of you. An even, white, perfect-looking smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and self-confidence, positively affecting your personal and professional life. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Culotta Norton and Dr....

There’s nothing better than being able to smile freely, without any self-consciousness about the color of your teeth. With regular teeth whitening, you can maintain a sparkling smile while still enjoying things like fruit, red wine, and coffee. However, you’ll need to be vigilant to keep them from staining your...

Many adults don’t concern themselves with their teeth until there’s an issue, but taking the initiative can actually help you save big in the long run. Here are seven key benefits of regular dental cleanings, and how these exams can prevent future problems. At the Washington, DC, dental practice of...

You only have one set of adult teeth, which is why a missing tooth presents such a problem. The cost of replacing it can be intimidating, which sets many people off expensive options like implants. However, unlike other replacements, dental implants are permanent and almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth,...

The top cause of tooth loss isn’t cavities, as some people think, but gum disease (periodontal disease). It’s estimated by the CDC that around 50% of the population over the age of 30 has some form of periodontal disease.  If your gums are still in the early stage of gingivitis...

While one of the most common reasons to want a dental bridge is to restore a smile damaged by a missing tooth or multiple teeth, bridges do far more than cover up imperfections. Having a dental bridge can actually benefit your oral health.   At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington,...

Worried about a root canal? Don’t be. This is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures, with dentists in the US performing around 15 million root canals every year. However, many people are anxious about the idea of a root canal, and ignore signs that their tooth is in...

Not everyone has perfectly white teeth naturally. Even the most assiduous brushing and flossing routine isn’t going to guarantee a snow-white smile. However, you can have the smile of your dreams after talking to your dentist about your smile goals. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Culotta Norton...

Ever bit down and felt pain shoot through one of your teeth as you tried to chew? Pressure pain in a tooth (also known as a pressure toothache) is typically a sign that something is wrong even if there is no visible damage. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr....

Everyone wants straight, white, even teeth that look gorgeous and work just as great. When you aren’t born with perfectly straight or shaped teeth your friendly dentist can help. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Culotta Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc provide beautiful veneers to help give...

Dental crowns are one of the top services provided by dentists. The need for a dental crown can crop up in many different types of situations, and one may be recommended by several different sorts of dental specialists to correct a problem or finish a multistep procedure. Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton and Dr....

Whether you’re missing one or a few teeth, you might be the perfect candidate for a dental bridge. Supported by your surrounding teeth, bridges provide a tooth replacement option that gives you a natural look while restoring functionality. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc provide four...

With proper brushing and flossing, you can maintain your teeth and help to avoid decay and gingivitis for years. However, cavities can form in the smallest crevices, and not all problems can be solved with good hygiene. During your professional cleaning, your dentist isn’t just buffing your teeth, but checking...

Nearly half of American adults over age 30 suffer from gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medically known as periodontitis, gum disease is a severe infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround your teeth. If you’re among those plagued with gum disease, a deep teeth...

Smiling can be tough if you’re unhappy with your teeth. When you have cracked, chipped, gapped, crowded, or discolored teeth, you may feel like grinning in public is out of the question. The good news is that there's a fast, easy fix for a slightly unpresentable smile. At Margaret Culotta-Norton,...

If you’re struggling to share a smile because of missing teeth, dental implants can help restore your confidence. When bone loss is a factor, your jaw may not be able to support dental implants. Bone grafting can provide the stability for successful dental implants and renew your smile.  Dr. Margaret...

Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body and vital to your overall health. However, many Americans lack access to dental care or put off appointments thinking they can deal with oral health issues later. This can mean you end up needing more significant work later...

If you’ve gotten smacked in the face, fallen down and hit your mouth, or been in an accident that involved facial trauma, you might end up with a dental emergency. Your teeth can be uniquely vulnerable. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton and Dr. Peter...

Naturally pearly whites are nearly impossible to achieve (and maintain), especially if you enjoy wine, coffee, or soda. Even tomato sauce can contribute to staining your teeth, which is why whitening products are in such high demand. We all want picture-perfect teeth, but OTC solutions might not provide the results...

If you practice good oral hygiene at home, you may be tempted to skip your biannual dentist visit. However, there are some things only a dentist can do. Regular in-office cleanings are necessary to prevent tartar buildup, identify potential problems, and catch cavities before they become toothaches. Prevention is easier...

Sleep apnea does more than disrupt your sleep: It can have a negative impact on your mood, energy levels, concentration, and overall health. If your partner or roommate has complained about you snoring, snorting, or choking in your sleep, it might be a sign that you’re suffering from sleep apnea....

If you’ve ever neglected your teeth and ended up with sore, red gums, you already know how quickly infection can set in. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to keep gum disease at bay, which protects not only your teeth, but your overall health as well. Here’s a...

Dental bridges can provide a valuable alternative to dental implants for those who want to avoid implant surgery, cannot afford implants, or just want to fill the gap in their smile. If you’re currently considering replacement options for your missing tooth, a dental bridge might be the perfect solution for...

If you are unhappy with the shape, size, and color of your teeth, veneers are a great way to correct all of the cosmetic issues at once. The process is less intense than undergoing multiple procedures, and it might be the cheaper option to achieve the perfect smile. That said,...

If you’ve taken a hard fall, gotten hit in the face, or been in some kind of accident, you might be startled and upset when you find out you’ve knocked out a tooth. In these situations, staying calm and acting quickly can help you save your tooth and avoid extensive...

Has a tooth been affected by a cavity, or been cracked or chipped slightly? If so, you may be a candidate for a filling. You may be thinking that you don’t like the metal look of gold or silver colored fillings, but rest assured, those days are gone. Today’s fillings...

Nearly 70% of adults between the ages of 35-44 have lost at least one tooth, and the rate of tooth loss only rises the older people get. In fact, a single missing tooth can lead to instability in the entire jaw, increasing your risk of losing your other teeth as...

Losing your teeth impacts more than just your smile. When your jaw loses a tooth, it can cause a host of other issues, including bone loss and higher rates of decay. This is why restorative dentistry is vital to oral health; it helps you protect your other teeth, improve your...

Feeling fatigued after eight hours of sleep isn’t abnormal, but it can be a sign that something is wrong with your lifestyle, health, or sleeping patterns. If you regularly find yourself tired during the day and have a partner that complains about your snoring, there’s a good chance that you’re...

Anxiety associated with the dentist is a common phenomenon. Approximately 3-16% of adults experience dental phobia, ranging from a general unease to outright panic. This anxiety can stem from a number of things, including feelings of fear and/or shame. If you’ve been avoiding going to the dentist due to anxiety,...

The more diligently you maintain your teeth, the healthier and stronger they will be when you get older. This is why it’s important to stay on top of your dental care, especially when it comes to brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Having a reliable dentist check up on your...

Your teeth are exposed to plenty of chemicals and staining agents every time you eat or drink. This can lead to yellowing and discoloration that you’d rather not show off when you smile. If you’re avoiding photos and dreading social situations because of your yellow teeth, don’t worry. It’s easier...

Dentists have been using fluoride treatments for decades, and fluoridated toothpaste and water also helps with improving the health and durability of your teeth. However, fluoride has been the center of many controversies. We can dispel the myths surrounding fluoride and explain why it’s vital to healthy teeth. Dr. Margaret...

When deciding what dental restoration to choose, you’ll need to consider multiple factors. What state describes your teeth, gums, and jawbone? What is your budget and your timeframe for treatment? Are you worried about having to repeat treatment in years to come?  Bridges and implants serve similar purposes, but they’re...

The CDC reports that nearly 50% of the population over the age of 30 has some form of periodontal disease. Luckily, the early stages of gum disease can be alleviated and reversed with proper dental hygiene, including flossing. Despite this fact, many people don’t floss regularly or properly, leaving themselves...

Dentists perform 15 million root canals a year, but even more people than that need a root canal and put off their appointment until it’s too late. Are you among the “root canal delayers”? If so, you may need to rethink your approach. At the Washington, DC, dental practice of...

Straight, white teeth are considered the epitome of dental hygiene, but this makes many people self-conscious of their crooked, chipped, or yellowed teeth. Frequent whitening sessions can be difficult to maintain, and certain aesthetic issues might require big changes. Veneers are a fast, easy solution that gives you a beautiful...

If your smile needs an update, maybe it’s time to look into restorative dentistry. Whether your issues are cosmetic or functional, a restorative dentist can create the smile of your dreams.  At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Culotta Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc can recommend the best...

Are you taking proper care of your teeth at home? Research shows that one out of five Americans may have gone two whole days without brushing their teeth, and the same percentage never bother to floss at all. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, regular checkups and dental...

Do you think you need a root canal but are too afraid of the dentist to have your tooth checked out? Don't be. More than 15 million root canals are performed every year, and this simple procedure can eliminate your tooth pain and even save your tooth.  At the Washington,...

An estimated 38 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes you to stop breathing momentarily, and then jolt back into a normal breathing pattern with a snore, snort, or gasp. In order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, your periods of nonbreathing must last for...

A great smile often enhances your first impression of a new acquaintance, and you may wonder how effective your own smile is at showcasing the real you. When you’ve got the basics of dental care under control — cavities, tartar control, and hygiene — there’s plenty I can do to...

Getting dental implants can be a big decision, one that can take time and consideration. Once you do decide to get dental implants, however, preparing with your dentist is an important part of the process before you ever move toward the surgery. You should know what to expect before, during,...

Straighter teeth are usually considered to be a matter of aesthetics. We live in an image-driven society, and studies have found that bad teeth can impact everything from your social life to your job prospects. But straight teeth are about more than looking good in selfies or impressing friends, potential...

Do you have a badly damaged or missing tooth? If so, you may be thinking about getting dental implant surgery. You may also be wondering what’s involved and if it hurts. Every case is different, but you should know that you have nothing to fear with modern implant surgery. You...

It’s hard to see the value in bi-annual dental exams, especially if you’re pain-free and have good dental hygiene habits. Given your busy lifestyle, those dental exams may slip lower and lower on your priority list until you realized you’ve gone a couple of years without darkening a dentist’s door....