Dentures today look natural, feel comfortable, and restore confident smiles—but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, dentures have a long and fascinating history filled with trial, error, and major breakthroughs. From early materials that were far from comfortable to today’s custom-designed restorations, dentures have evolved dramatically over the years.

Understanding this evolution helps explain why modern dentures are such an effective and reliable option for replacing missing teeth.

Dentures are remarkable prosthetic devices that can restore the appearance and function of a patient’s smile after severe tooth loss, and millions of people have used them to complete their grins. These astounding prosthetic devices require a rigorous hygiene and maintenance regimen to stay in great shape, but you can brush them between cleaning sessions to remove clinging debris and freshen your breath. Here’s a quick look at how you should clean your dentures and how you can brush them without damaging them.

Dentures are a popular way to replace lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that allow you to present a gorgeous smile, and these devices are so remarkably comfortable that you might be tempted to continuously wear them for days. Unfortunately, this will lead to unsightly and nasty-smelling accumulations of plaque and food debris and set you up for a host of unpleasant oral health problems. Here’s a quick look at how wearing your dentures continuously can hurt you and how you can keep your appliance clean and your mouth healthy.

Even if you no longer have natural teeth, smoking can still cause major oral health problems. Many people assume that dentures eliminate the risks associated with tobacco use, but this isn’t the case. In fact, smoking can affect the fit, appearance, and longevity of your denture—and it can impact your overall health as well. If you’re preparing to transition to dentures or have recently begun wearing them, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for long-term comfort and success.

Tooth extraction is a common procedure that may be necessary due to oral infections, injuries, severe dental wear, or the mouth not being large enough to fit all its teeth. While severe gum infections may compromise a tooth to the point where removal is necessary, you may need additional treatments to resolve the problem after the extraction is performed. Here’s a quick look at how your dentist may be able to address your gum disease after tooth extraction.

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction or are preparing for one, you’ve probably heard about a common post-surgery concern called dry socket. The term alone can sound a bit intimidating, and understandably, many patients worry about it. But while dry socket can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it’s rare, temporary, and preventable with the right care.

Here’s what you should know about what causes dry socket, how to recognize it, and the steps you can take to lower your risk.

Tooth extractions are common dental procedures, but they sometimes come with the risk of a complication known as dry socket. This condition can be painful and delay healing, but the good news is that it’s often preventable. Understanding what dry socket is and how to avoid it can make your recovery smoother and more comfortable.

Dental emergencies seem to always strike at the least convenient moments and cause frustrating setbacks, but taking a little time to prepare for unforeseen oral health crises can spare you from a lot of discomfort. One great way to make sure you have everything you need is to assemble a kit that includes the supplies necessary to address common oral health issues. Here’s a quick overview of a few essential items for your dental emergency kit.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken filling. When pain or damage strikes unexpectedly, knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can help ease anxiety and ensure you get the care you need quickly and efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during an emergency dental appointment so you can walk in with confidence and walk out with relief.

While the initial cause for panic may be your dental emergency, there’s a good chance that you’ll soon begin to worry about the potential cost of treating your cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth. Before you allow yourself to go down the rabbit hole of “what ifs,” it’s important to remember that most dental insurance companies are designed to help in times of need. Keep reading to learn the truth about what kind of coverage is available when facing an oral injury and why you don’t need to panic when it comes to paying for treatment.