Our dentist, Dr. Ryan D. Sparks has years of experience providing people with partial or complete dentures. These special removable dental appliances are designed to replicate teeth lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or a severe dental trauma. The base of the denture is designed to closely match your existing gum structure. Still, you might like to apply a small... read more »

Your periodontal tissues play an important role in anchoring your teeth to the underlying oral structure. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums starts with a basic oral hygiene routine of brushing twice each day and effectively flossing at least once per day. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Using a... read more »

If you are an athlete who enjoys playing a contact sport, we encourage you to receive and wear a quality sports mouth guard. There are three main options for mouth guards--stock, boil and bite, and custom--and we can help you find one that fits your needs and preferences. Stock mouth guards are the simplest and perhaps least inexpensive style, available... read more »

Following wisdom teeth removal, taking good care of the extraction site is very important. To help you remain comfortable, following the instructions provided by the dentist, including taking the prescribed painkillers as recommended. At the time of your appointment, we will provide detailed aftercare instructions, but we offer these general steps now for optimal wisdom tooth removal recovery: - Reduce... read more »

  Tooth hazards can cause dental damage in a variety of ways. Due to the fact that dental damage can occur at so many different angles and aspects in your everyday life, it is important to always be prepared for any oral accidents or injuries that can occur. In addition, it is a good idea to have oral health care... read more »

Sometimes, you just need something sweet. Unfortunately, nuts, candy canes, and caramel seem to permeate the dessert and candy scene, and you can’t eat any of those if you have braces. But there are still lots of delicious foods you can eat--especially if you make your own simple treats! Here are some yummy and easy options for your holiday season.... read more »

Dental crowns are one of the most useful and cosmetic dental restorations available, but many patients do not have the level of knowledge needed to determine if a dental crown is right for them. Dr. Ryan D. Sparks offers general answers to the three dental crown questions you should ask a dentist. What is a dental crown? Dental crowns are... read more »

If you ever take part in contact sports or any other high-risk activities, wearing a mouth guard can significantly decrease your chances of oral injuries. For a better understanding of mouth guards, here are some fundamental facts: - If you are participating in a contact sport or similar high-risk activity, it is imperative to wear the necessary safety equipment, such... read more »

Irritated, inflamed gums are unattractive and unhealthy for your smile. While your daily oral care habits help prevent gum disease, your diet can also give your gums the means to remain healthy and vibrant. Your gums give your teeth the support they need, keeps valuable bone material from deteriorating, and fights off harmful oral bacteria that creates gum disease. Let's... read more »

As you may already know, it’s important to clean your retainer regularly. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. However, this might be a difficult task if you’re not sure how to clean the appliance and keep it in tip-top shape. So, to help you, our orthodontist, Dr. Ryan D. Sparks, has some cleaning instructions... read more »