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....
