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Dental tips from Kendall Dental Associates
Plain answers to the questions patients ask us most.
110 guides, written to answer real questions
Dental implants
How dental implants work, step by step
Here is each step of getting an implant, from the 3D scan to your new tooth.
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What dental implants cost, and what "starting at $99 a month" means
Why implant prices are not the same for everyone. And how "starting at $99 a month" works.
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How long do dental implants last?
The implant itself can last decades. The tooth on top may need a refresh sooner. Here is what decides it.
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Dental implant recovery: a week-by-week timeline
How long does implant recovery take? Most of the soreness fades in about a week. The bone needs months. Here is the full picture.
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Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with a missing tooth can be considered. Here is what dentists check, and what can be fixed first.
Read moreBone graft for dental implants: why, how and how long
Told you need a bone graft before an implant? Here is what it is, the main types, how long it heals and what to ask.
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Dental implant failure: warning signs and what to do
Implants fail rarely, but it helps to know the early signs. Here is what to watch for and who to call.
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Can you get dental implants if you smoke?
You can, but smoking raises the odds of failure. Here is what the research says and how to improve your chances.
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Dental implants and diabetes: are they safe?
Yes, for many people with diabetes. The key is steady blood sugar and clean gums. Here is what the research says.
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How to clean and care for dental implants
Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums around them can get infected. Here is a simple daily routine that protects them.
Read moreDental implant vs. root canal: save the tooth or replace it?
If a tooth is badly damaged, you may face this choice. Here is how dentists think about it and what to ask.
Read moreHow to choose a dental implant dentist in Miami
Implants are a big decision. Here is what to look for in an implant dentist and the questions that protect you.
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Dentures
Loose dentures? What implant-supported teeth can change
If your denture slips when you talk or eat, you have options. Here is why dentures get loose and how implants can hold them.
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How long do dentures last?
Most dentures last about 5 to 10 years. Here is what shortens or extends that, and the signs it is time for a new set.
Read moreHow much do dentures cost, and what changes the price?
Denture prices vary a lot. Here is what drives the cost, what insurance and Medicare cover, and what to ask before you say yes.
Read moreEating with new dentures: what to expect and what to eat first
Eating feels strange with new dentures. Here is how to start, which foods to try first and when to call your dentist.
Read moreDenture sore spots: what causes them and what to do
Sore spots are common with new or loose dentures. Learn why they happen, what helps at home and when to call your dentist.
Read moreDenture reline or new denture? How to tell
A reline can bring back the fit of a loose denture. Here is when a reline is enough and when a new set is the better choice.
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How to clean dentures the right way, every day
A simple daily routine keeps dentures fresh, white and healthy for your gums. Here is what to use, what to skip and how to store them.
Read moreHow soon can you get dentures after tooth extraction?
You can get an immediate denture the same day your teeth come out, or wait for the gums to heal. Here is how each path works.
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Cosmetic dentistry
Zoom whitening: what happens in one hour in the chair
A whiter smile in about an hour. Here is each step of Zoom whitening at our office. And how to make it last.
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How long does teeth whitening last?
Most people keep their results for about six months to two years. Here is what changes that number, and how to make it longer.
Read moreSensitive teeth after whitening: how to calm them fast
Zings of pain after whitening are common and usually fade in a few days. Here is why they happen, what helps and when to call your dentist.
Read moreZoom whitening vs whitening strips: which is better?
Both can brighten your smile. The right pick depends on how fast you want results, how even you want them and how sensitive your teeth are.
Read moreHow long do porcelain veneers last?
Veneers often last 10 years or more, and some last 20. Here is what shortens or extends their life.
Read moreVeneers vs crowns: what is the difference?
A veneer covers the front of a tooth. A crown covers the whole thing. Here is how to tell which one your tooth needs.
Read moreDental bonding vs veneers: which one is right for you?
Bonding is quick and low-cost. Veneers last longer and resist stains. Here is how to choose for a chip, a gap or a stained tooth.
Read moreHow long does dental bonding last?
Bonding often lasts several years, but habits can cut that short. Here is how long to expect and how to protect it.
Read moreInvisalign vs braces for adults: which is better?
Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable. Braces work for almost every case. Here is how to pick as an adult.
Read moreHow many hours a day do you wear Invisalign?
Plan on 20 to 22 hours a day. Here is how that fits into a normal day and what happens if you wear them less.
Read moreHow long does a smile makeover take?
It can take one afternoon or more than a year. It depends on which treatments make up your plan.
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Comfort and special situations
Dental anxiety vs. dental phobia: what is the difference?
Nervous or truly afraid? Here is how to tell the two apart, how common each one is, and what helps.
Read moreScared of the dentist? What to say and how to find the right one
A script for the phone call, questions to ask, and signs that a dentist will treat your fear with respect.
Read moreDental care for seniors: what changes after 65
Gums, dry mouth, root cavities and dentures all change with age. Here is what to watch and how often to go.
Read moreDry mouth from medication: what you can do
Hundreds of common medicines dry out your mouth. These steps bring relief without stopping what your doctor prescribed.
Read moreDry mouth and your teeth: why cavities rise
Saliva is your teeth's best defense. Here is what happens when you lose it, and how a dentist can help.
Read moreDiabetes and gum disease: a two-way street
High blood sugar feeds gum disease, and gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. Here is how to break the cycle.
Read moreDental work on blood thinners: is it safe?
Yes, most dental care is safe on blood thinners. Do not stop your medicine on your own. Here is how dentists plan around it.
Read moreHeart condition? Do you need antibiotics before dental work?
Only a small group of heart patients need antibiotics before dental care. Find out who, why, and what to ask your cardiologist.
Read moreDental work while pregnant: what is safe and when
Cleanings, fillings, X-rays and numbing are safe during pregnancy. Skipping care is the bigger risk.
Read moreSensitive teeth: why it happens and how to fix it
A zing from cold water has a cause, and most causes have a fix. Here are the common ones and what to do.
Read moreDental emergencies
Tooth pain at night: why it gets worse and what helps
Tooth pain often feels worse after dark. Here is why, what you can do tonight and when to call a dentist.
Read moreKnocked-out tooth: what to do in the first 30 minutes
If an adult tooth is knocked out, speed matters. Follow these steps and get to a dentist right away.
Read moreCracked tooth: symptoms, repair options and what to do now
A cracked tooth does not always show on the surface. Learn the signs, the five types of cracks and how dentists fix each one.
Read moreTooth abscess: symptoms, stages and treatment
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from infection. Learn the signs, why antibiotics alone do not fix it and when it is an emergency.
Read moreSwollen face from a tooth infection: what to do right now
A swollen cheek or jaw from a bad tooth can turn serious fast. Here is how to tell when to call a dentist and when to go to the ER.
Read moreDentist or ER for a dental emergency? How to choose
For most tooth problems a dentist is the right call. Here is how to know when the emergency room is the better choice.
Read moreCrown fell off? What to do and how fast to see a dentist
A crown that comes off is not usually an emergency, but the tooth underneath is exposed. Here is how to protect it until you are seen.
Read moreFilling fell out? What to do and when to see a dentist
A lost filling leaves a hole in your tooth. Here is how to cover it, ease the pain and what repair usually involves.
Read moreWisdom tooth pain: relief at home and when to see a dentist
Wisdom tooth pain usually comes from a tooth that is stuck, crowded or infected. Learn what helps at home and when to get it checked.
Read moreTooth pain when biting down: causes and what to do
Sharp pain when you bite is a sign something is wrong with the tooth or the gum. Here are the common causes and the fixes.
Read moreCleanings and gum health
How to reverse gingivitis, step by step
Gingivitis is the one stage of gum disease you can fully reverse. Here is what to do and how long it takes.
Read moreGingivitis vs. periodontitis: what is the difference?
Both are gum disease, but one can be fully reversed and the other cannot. Learn how to tell them apart.
Read moreWhy your gums bleed when you brush, and what to do
Bleeding gums are common, but they are not normal. Here are the causes, the fixes and the signs that you need a dentist.
Read moreDeep cleaning vs. regular cleaning: which one do you need?
A regular cleaning keeps healthy gums healthy. A deep cleaning treats gum disease. Here is how they differ.
Read moreScaling and root planing: what to expect, and does it hurt?
A plain walk through a deep cleaning, from the numbing to the first week at home.
Read moreWhat does a deep cleaning cost, and does insurance help?
Deep cleaning prices vary a lot. Here is what drives the cost, how insurance usually works and how to plan.
Read moreCan periodontitis be reversed? What treatment can and cannot do
Lost bone does not grow back by itself, but periodontitis can be stopped. Here is the honest picture.
Read moreHow to get rid of bad breath for good
Most bad breath starts in the mouth. Find the cause, fix it and know when to look beyond your teeth.
Read moreHow often should you get your teeth cleaned?
Twice a year works for many people, but the best schedule depends on your gums and your risk.
Read moreGum disease, diabetes and heart disease: how they connect
Your gums and your body are linked. See what the research shows about diabetes, heart health and what you can do.
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Choosing a dentist
How to choose a dentist in Miami: 7 things that matter
Not sure how to find a good dentist? Here is a simple checklist you can use before you book your first visit.
Read more15 questions to ask a new dentist before you book
Meeting a new dentist? These 15 simple questions help you find an office that is honest, clear and a good fit for you.
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Dental care near Kendall
Dentist in Kendall, The Hammocks, Kendale Lakes and Westchester
Living in Kendall, The Hammocks, Kendale Lakes, Westchester, Sunset or Olympia Heights? Here is how to pick a dentist near you.
Read moreDentist near Pinecrest, South Miami, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay
Live in Pinecrest, South Miami, Palmetto Bay or Cutler Bay? See what to look for in a dentist and why many people come up to Kendall.
Read moreInsurance and cost
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Sometimes, and usually only part of the cost. Here is what decides it and what to ask your plan.
Read moreDental PPO vs HMO: which is better?
A plain comparison of the two most common dental plan types, with a quick way to choose.
Read moreDental insurance vs dental savings plan
One pays part of your bill. The other gives you lower prices. Here is how to know which fits you.
Read moreHow to read a dental treatment estimate
A plain guide to the lines, codes and numbers on a treatment plan and an insurance statement.
Read moreIs dental insurance worth it?
How to tell in ten minutes whether a plan will save you money or just cost you money.
Read moreCost and prices
How much does a dentist cost without insurance?
Real published price ranges for cleanings, extractions, crowns and root canals, plus ways to pay less.
Read moreHow much does a dental crown cost?
Published price ranges for crowns by material, what insurance usually pays and ways to plan.
Read moreHow much does a root canal cost?
Published price ranges for front teeth, premolars and molars, what insurance pays and what else to budget.
Read moreEveryday prevention
How to brush your teeth properly, step by step
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Here is the exact technique, step by step.
Read moreHow to floss properly (and whether to floss first)
Floss once a day with a gentle C-shaped motion. Here is the step-by-step method and the answer to the floss-or-brush-first question.
Read moreElectric vs manual toothbrush: which cleans better?
Electric brushes clean a bit better in studies, but the ADA says both work. Here is how to choose.
Read moreWater flosser vs string floss: which should you use?
Both clean between your teeth. Here is when a water flosser is the better pick, when string floss wins and why the best tool is the one you use.
Read moreDoes fluoride prevent cavities? What the science says
Yes. Fluoride makes enamel stronger and repairs early damage. Here is how it works, how much to use and what the safety limits are.
Read moreMouthwash: how often to use it and when
Mouthwash is a helpful extra, never a replacement for brushing and flossing. Here is how often to use it, which kind to pick and when to skip it.
Read moreDoes sugar cause cavities? How often you eat matters
Sugar feeds the bacteria that make cavities, but how often you snack and sip matters as much as how much you eat.
Read moreHow to prevent coffee stains on your teeth
You can keep your coffee and your smile. Simple habits, from rinsing with water to professional cleanings, keep stains from building up.
Read moreDoes red wine stain your teeth? How to enjoy it and keep your smile
Yes, red wine can stain teeth, and the stain can show up fast. Here is why, what to do right after a glass and how to fix purple teeth.
Read moreOral cancer screening at the dentist: what to expect
An oral cancer screening is a painless check of your mouth, tongue and throat that takes a few minutes. Here is what happens and why finding it early matters.
Read moreMissing teeth
Partial denture or dental bridge? How to choose
A bridge is fixed and a partial comes out. Here is how they compare on comfort, cleaning, cost and your own teeth.
Read moreWhat happens if you don't replace a missing tooth?
A gap can seem harmless, but the teeth and bone around it slowly change. Here is what happens and what your choices are.
Read moreRoot canals and extractions
Inlays, onlays and crowns
3D scans and X-rays
What is a CBCT dental scan, and when do you need one?
A CBCT scan is a 3D X-ray of your teeth and jaw. Here is what it shows and when it is worth it.
Read moreAre dental X-rays safe? Radiation, how often and pregnancy
Dental X-rays use very little radiation. Here is how much, how often you need them and what to know if you are pregnant.
Read moreReady when you are.
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