Shane Smith DDS Blog

Think You Know About Dentures? Here Are 5 Common Myths—Busted!

November 12, 2024

Patient questioning their dentures

Dentures have been helping people restore their smiles and improve their lives for centuries. However, they’re also surrounded by plenty of myths that can make patients hesitant or unsure about getting them. It’s time to set the record straight! Continue reading to see five common denture myths debunked so you can feel confident about restoring your smile.

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The Lives of Replacement Teeth: How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

October 9, 2024

A lab technician working on a dental bridge

A dental bridge should suit your needs if you need to replace several teeth. After all, that device is great at “bridging” large smile gaps formed from tooth loss (pun intended)! Still, you likely have a question you want to ask first: How long do dental bridges last? Knowing its answer would help you decide whether treatment is right for you. With that said, here’s a primer on dental bridges and their lifespans from your Jonesboro dentist.

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Be Honest: Are Root Canals Actually Painful?

September 16, 2024

Patient talking to a dentist

Root canals have long been associated with fear and pain, but is this reputation deserved? Thanks to modern dental practices, this once-dreaded procedure is now much more comfortable. Here’s whether root canals are as painful as commonly believed by looking at the procedure itself, the role of anesthesia, and the recovery process.

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Dental Emergencies 101: Back-to-School Tips for Parents

August 23, 2024

Children smiling at school without dental emergencies

As the back-to-school season kicks off, parents are busy with school supplies, schedules, and the excitement of a new academic year. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook one critical area—dental safety. With kids participating in sports, recess, and lunchtime snacks, the chances of dental emergencies can increase. Here are some smart tips to help keep your child’s smile safe and sound throughout the school year.

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5 Traits of a Good Emergency Dentist

July 12, 2024

Illustration of tooth, dental mirror, and emergency kit

There’s no time to waste during a dental emergency, so if you don’t already have a dentist to turn to for urgent oral health issues, now is the time to look for one. Of course, there’s no shortage of emergency dentists to choose from, so how can you narrow down the one that’s right for you? Below are 5 key traits that you should be looking for.

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Tips for Getting Used to Eating with Dentures

June 13, 2024

Older couple enjoying a meal outdoors

Nothing is more exciting than getting your dentures. You no longer have to deal with insecurities about your appearance or struggle to chew food. Your dentures will fit like gloves for maximum comfort and function. However, don’t expect to chomp into a hamburger right away. It will take time to get used to eating with your dentures. Here are a few tips to make that transition process easier.

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Dentures Aren’t Just for Seniors

June 3, 2024

Upper and lower dentures

Dentures have been used for generations to treat tooth loss. They are often associated with being elderly, but adults of all ages can experience missing teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, almost 27% of adults aged 20 to 34 years have lost at least one tooth. You don’t have to wait until you retire to treat tooth loss. Here’s why more younger adults than ever before are investing in dentures.

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Finding the Best Denture Adhesive for a Secure Smile

May 21, 2024

Patient holding u[ dentures using denture adhesive

Denture adhesives are an excellent way to provide comfort and confidence to denture wearers. With so many options available, however, choosing the best kind can be overwhelming. If you’re curious about how different denture adhesives work, continue reading. You’ll learn about several common types so you can choose the best one for you.

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How to Respond When Your Dental Implant Feels Loose

April 18, 2024

A young man showing off his dental implant

Dental implants are pretty successful as replacements for lost teeth. So long as they’re correctly placed, their success rate ten years after surgery is over 95%! However, even these prosthetics can face a few problems at times. Your dental implant may loosen over time, putting your treatment and mouth at risk. Luckily, your Jonesboro dentist can explain what to do about this issue. Read on to learn how you should respond when your dental implant feels loose.

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The Latest Examples of Dental Implant Technology

March 14, 2024

A dentist using an intraoral scanner on a patient

If you’ve heard of dental implants, you likely know they tend to succeed. Their placement process works so well that they have a 95% success rate. Well, this effectiveness stems from a long string of innovations. Dental implant technology lets the metal posts work as the gold standard of tooth replacement. Your Jonesboro dentist will gladly share some key examples. To that end, here are four recent tools that enhance today’s dental implant results.

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