Sometimes, dental emergencies strike after hours. And, while getting in to see your dentist as soon as you can should be the goal, we can offer a few tips to help get you through. Toothache If you have a toothache, gently clean the painful area with floss or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If you experience facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area for relief. Take an over-the counter pain medication and call your dentist. Do not p

You and your dentist have several choices when it comes to selecting materials to fill cavities. Among the choices are tooth-colored fillings made of resin-based composite and traditional dental fillings made of metal amalgam. Amalgam is more durable and less expensive than resin; however, resin fillings mimic the appearance of natural teeth, making them much less visible than amalgam fillings. What are amalgam fillings? Amalgam fillings are often known as silver fillings. D