Blog Archive

Learning that you need a root canal isn’t the most joyful news. However, it is important. Getting the root canal therapy you need can bring a range of short- and long-term benefits. Fortunately, the procedure probably isn’t as daunting as you might imagine. Our expert team at Swinney Dental in...

Each year in the United States, over 58,000 people receive a diagnosis of mouth cancer. Also known as oral cancer, these types of cancers can affect your tongue, gums, and floor of your mouth. Fortunately, mouth cancer is usually curable when detected early. November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, making...

You notice it the moment you wake up: a throbbing headache that sets an uneasy tone for the rest of your day. But did you know that a night guard may provide a solution depending on the cause of your symptoms? Wearing a night guard can help address headaches associated...

If you neglect your gum health, problems are likely to unfold. Nearly 50% of adults in the United States eventually develop gum disease. In addition to causing bothersome symptoms, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. September is National Gum Care Month, making it the perfect time...

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type, happens when your relaxed throat muscles block your airway.  About 39 million adults in the United States have OSA, making it the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. If you’re among them, a...

Each year in the United States, dental professionals perform over 41,000 root canals to preserve endangered teeth. While the procedure is common and usually successful, not every root canal is created equal. Even the diagnostic tools involved with root canals and determining your ideal treatment vary in effectiveness. Our expert...

Dental health is a significant part of your child’s wellness, and nothing supports it like effective brushing and flossing. While many parents struggle with implementing these habits, you can take steps to make the process easier.  Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides caring and effective pediatric...

Tooth loss affects over 120 million people in the United States. Dental crowns effectively preserve damaged teeth, saving you from future frustrations and oral health complications. Whether you cracked a tooth in an accident or have a severely decayed tooth, a crown can help. As the most common tooth restoration...

Are you bothered by crooked, crowded, or oddly spaced teeth? Did you know you can improve these issues without the hassle of braces? Gone are the days when straighter teeth required having a “mouth full of metal.” Invisalign® orthodontic treatment boasts a range of benefits to optimal candidates, from straighter...

50% of people report noticing others’ smiles before anything else. And the more confident you feel about your teeth, the more likely you’ll feel at ease smiling. If you’re concerned about the color of your pearly whites, it’s time to rethink your eating habits.  Our expert team at Swinney Dental...

Over one-third of people in the United States fear dental treatment. If you’re among them, it’s time to consider nitrous oxide sedation. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is administered through a mask you wear over your mouth and nose. As you breathe it in, your mind and body...

There’s little pain quite like a toothache caused by an infected tooth.  If a tooth infection goes untreated, you can experience increasingly bothersome symptoms, lose the tooth, or even land in the hospital. By understanding what causes tooth infections, you can take steps to lower your risk.  Our expert team...

If you long for brighter or more even teeth without braces or teeth whitening, look no further than veneers. Once bonded to your teeth, the thin shells of a composite or porcelain look just like healthy, natural teeth. Best of all, the application process is quick and minimally invasive. Our...

Feeling nervous about going to the dentist is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s common. In fact, dental anxiety affects an estimated 9-20% of Americans. While everyone experiences dental fears differently, there are ways to get the care you need with less emotional stress. And our expert team at Swinney...

Smiling is a sign that you’re living life right. Research shows that smiling can boost your moods, “tricking” your brain into happiness. But what if you’re self-conscious of your not-so-pearly whites? If you long for a celebrity smile, consider veneers. Placed on your teeth using noninvasive techniques, they give you...

A pearly white smile boosts your confidence, helping you feel more comfortable at everything from job interviews to social gatherings. However, when that brightness fades, the opposite can happen. If you’re bothered by stained or discolored teeth, our dental team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, can help.  Here’s a closer look at tooth...

Getting your child on track with appropriate dental care from an early age can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. And preparing your child for their first visit plays an essential role. Our dental team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, is pleased to offer expert dental care for kids of...

Tooth decay and gum disease are common in the United States, and a lack of flossing is a reason why. In fact, research shows that while 41% of Americans floss daily, 20% never do.  If flossing feels like a hassle or a habit you just haven’t been able to cultivate, our dental team at Swinney Dental in Tyler,...

Toothaches are no fun, but are they an urgent condition? In many cases, yes.  While pain in or surrounding a tooth can stem from a mild and temporary issue, other causes require treatment, both for relief and to reduce your risk of potential complications. And if your pain is severe,...

Whether your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have gaps between them, misalignments are common. In fact, 90% of Americans have misaligned teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign treatment can conveniently fix those issues.  Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, is pleased to provide these clear aligners to help...

Losing a tooth during childhood can be a welcome and exciting part of growing up. But losing a permanent tooth as an adult isn’t very pleasant. And in many cases, the loss derives from a deeper oral health problem that needs addressing. Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental...

If your teeth don’t seem as white as they once did, you’re not imagining it. Numerous factors affect the color of your teeth, including the passage of time. And while tooth discoloration isn’t a medical concern, it can make you feel less confident about your appearance. If you long for...

Taking your child to the dentist is an essential step toward maintaining their overall health. While the first visit may make them feel a bit anxious, you can take steps to prepare them for a comfortable experience. Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, is pleased to provide child-friendly pediatric care for...

If you’ve noticed jaw popping sounds when you open your mouth, you’re far from alone. Over 10 million people in the United States deal with this symptom at some point. And often, the popping sounds aren’t the only bothersome symptom. Thankfully, appropriate care can go far in alleviating them all. Our experienced team of...

If you’re nervous about an upcoming dental procedure or simply desire a more comfortable experience, consider nitrous oxide sedation. Dental providers started using it during treatment in the mid-1800s, making it one of the longest-standing sedation options. Best of all, its proven track record of benefits goes beyond relaxation. Our experienced team of dentists...

You’re playing a sport or driving along when wham, a sudden impact knocks one of your teeth clear out. This painful occurrence can be scary, but there is hope!  Getting proper care for your missing tooth quickly can help ensure your health and well-being, relieve bothersome symptoms, and restore your...

Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but those habits don’t negate the need for professional dental cleanings. By embracing both, you can enjoy the many perks of lasting teeth and gum health.  Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, offers preventive dental care and thorough cleanings to optimize your oral health. ...

Whether you want a whiter and brighter smile in time for fall classes or to show off during the upcoming holidays, autumn is a great time to consider professional teeth whitening. And while a whitening kit from your local grocery store or pharmacy might be tempting, they’re often cumbersome and...

An estimated 22 million people in the United States live with sleep apnea, yet 80% of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed.  A significant sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes interruptions in your breathing while you sleep. And while you might not immediately think of dentistry in terms of breathing...

A smile that reveals crooked teeth can damage your self-confidence. If you’re bothered by your misaligned teeth, you may be a good candidate for veneers. While veneers don’t actually move your teeth, they can create a smile you’re happier about. Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, is pleased to offer...

It’s easy to think of straighter teeth as a cosmetic goal. And, while a lovelier smile is worth striving for, the benefits go far beyond that.  Strong and healthy teeth play a valuable role in your overall health. From improved self-confidence to healthier gums, straighter teeth optimize your oral health...

About 17% of adults aged 65 and older have lost all of their teeth. Beyond that, many more have lost at least one tooth or have damage or decay that could lead in that direction.  If you’re among those populations, dental implant restoration may be just the solution you’re hoping...

Did you know that nearly 50% of adults over age 30 in the United States have a form of gum disease? The common condition can lead to potentially serious complications, including tooth loss. Diseased gums may also raise your risk for conditions beyond your oral health, such as heart attack and stroke....

If you have anxiety leading up to a dental appointment, you’re far from alone. An estimated 9-20% of people in the United States avoid going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Whether you’re among them or simply want to feel more at ease about dental care, we’re here...

Some 15% of adolescents and 8% of middle-aged adults grind their teeth at night. If you’re among them, you may have little idea that you’re doing it until you notice symptoms. Medically known as bruxism, teeth-grinding can impact your teeth and jaws in many ways.  Our experienced team of dentists...

Your child’s teeth play a significant role in their health. Just like adults, kids need daily teeth-brushing and flossing starting around age two, as well as routine dental exams. While many people associate tooth straightening with teenage years, children can benefit from better alignment, too. For optimal candidates, Invisalign can...

For many people, going to the dentist causes anxiety. If you have a condition that may require lengthy treatment, or you just really don’t like the feel or sound of drills or other dental tools, you may be tempted to delay or avoid the care you need. Rather than put...

Nothing enhances your appearance like a confident smile. If you’re concerned about discolored teeth, there are steps you can take to preserve their color. That said, not all tooth discoloration is inevitable.  Thankfully, you don’t have to go to extremes to prevent staining. Relatively simple efforts can be paired with...

If you’re missing one or more teeth or have significant damage to existing teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants or dentures. Both dental restoration options improve your oral health by cultivating a full mouth of well-aligned teeth that are easier to keep clean. Dental implants and dentures...

You bite down on a hard candy or take a spill and now have a crack in one of your teeth. Perhaps it’s a small crack and not painful. Does it really need treatment? Almost always, the answer is yes. And you’ll want to see your dentist sooner rather than...

Smiling and laughing is a lot more fun when you feel confident about your teeth. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile due to perceived imperfections, there’s a lot you can do to improve it.  Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides an array of...

By age one or as soon as your child has teeth, dental care is essential. And while some aspects of their visits will be similar to general dental appointments, pediatric dentistry offers specialized care that meets the unique needs of your growing child. Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney...

If anxiety about going to the dentist keeps you from taking control of your oral health, you are not alone. Some 10-20% of adults experience dental anxiety, according to research, and, in some cases, it keeps individuals from getting the care they need. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do...

If you’re concerned about the look of your teeth, you may want to consider cosmetic or restorative dentistry. A few popular options include bonding, veneers, and implants.  While all three of these treatments can effectively improve your teeth, they do so in different ways and invite different benefits. And because...

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. And the more confident you feel about your teeth, the more likely you’ll be to show off your pearly whites.  But if your teeth have started to appear more yellow than white, that confidence can dwindle. Thankfully, there...

If an upcoming dental visit has you worried, you’re far from alone. Up to 20% of people in the US, or one in every five, experience some amount of dental anxiety. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to ease your nerves while getting the care you need. Sedation dentistry...

Nearly 50% of adults ages 30 to 65 have a form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And from age 65 on, that number increases to over 70%. As common as gum disease is, there’s also good news. When gum disease is addressed early...

Teeth grinding can be tough to treat because it often occurs subconsciously. How can you stop something you aren’t doing on purpose? That’s where dental professionals can help. Research has shown that up to nearly 50% of children grind their teeth at night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. And...

Along with festive meals, lights, and decorations, the holidays bring a plethora of something else, too: photo-taking. Whether you want to feel more confident smiling through holiday celebrations or to shine brighter in photographic keepsakes or social media posts, teeth whitening can be the answer for a bright, holiday-ready smile....

It’s no surprise that Invisalign has become such a popular means of straightening teeth. The virtually invisible plastic aligners gradually correct common problems such as gaps, an overbite, tooth crowding, and crooked teeth. And because they’re removable, you’ll have an easier time keeping your teeth clean.  At Swinney Dental, located...

Healthy tooth brushing habits are a habit you can encourage in your child that will benefit them for life. If brushing feels like a daunting chore, though, they’ll be less likely to embrace or stick to it. Adding some fun to the mix provides a powerful means of benefiting your...

Dental crowns are pretty incredible innovations. The devices can essentially give you a “new tooth,” or at least the appearance and function of one after the original tooth has been severely damaged due to factors such as gum disease or decay. Once a crown is cracked or falls out, however,...

Have you ever noticed a Hollywood smile on TV and wished you had similar pearly whites? Veneers can provide such an option. The thin shells of porcelain look just like healthy, natural teeth and provide a range of additional benefits, from correcting imperfections to giving you a more youthful look....

Some 25 million root canals are performed each year, according to the American Association of Endodontists, making them one of the most common endodontic procedures. While they aren’t generally a treatment people eagerly anticipate, it’s important to know that root canals aren’t painful. In addition, they tend to bring about...

Loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but there’s a lot more to the disorder. You can even have sleep apnea without much noticeable snoring. Similarly, snoring loudly doesn’t necessarily mean you have it. For these reasons, seeking proper diagnosis and care is very important. Once you’re diagnosed...

If you want straighter, better-aligned teeth without the hassle of metal braces, you could be a candidate for Invisalign®. The clear orthotic devices are barely noticeable, and you remove them before brushing your teeth or eating. Most people won’t know you’re wearing them. Best of all, they address most of...

Your dental health needs are an important aspect of your overall wellness, and this includes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may also be a good time to make sure you have good oral hygiene habits in place. While these habits won’t guard against the virus, they can help lower your...

If tooth pain, dental surgery, and tooth loss rank high on your “no thank you” list, look no further than preventive dental care. Staying on top of your dental health can go a long way toward ensuring your long-term well-being.   At Swinney Dental, our experienced team of dentists provides...

If you’re missing several or more of your teeth, dentures offer several benefits, from improved chewing and speech capabilities to a smile you feel more confident about. Dentures can also help if you need to have teeth removed due to damage or decay. They look like natural teeth and, thanks...

If you’re missing a tooth or two, or even more, you have a range of options to fill the gaps. The option that comes closest to a natural tooth is a dental implant, but there are differences that set implants apart from your natural teeth.  From what you need to...

Dental veneers are one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform your smile. They can cover up imperfect teeth, chips, and stains, to give you a picture-perfect smile for years to come.  Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain, or resin composite, that your dentist bonds to the...