October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Dental Hygiene Month

October is here and fall has officially begun, bringing with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a time to raise awareness for both and help to prevent problems by monitoring your health and being mindful of your lifestyle choices. Whether you are fighting cancer or dental problems, catching problems in their early... read more »

Dental Implant Placement Basics as a Step-by-Step Process

If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time,... read more »

Enamel-Friendly Foods for Your Teeth

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow... read more »

How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile in the Long Run

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will... read more »

Oral Health Promotions: Dental Bridges

Are you missing any teeth that need to be replaced with a highly reliable tooth prosthetic? Through the use of a dental bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, a prosthetic device can be placed in areas where voids are left behind from a tooth that has either been extracted or knocked out. It is important to always make... read more »

The Basics: TMJs

Your smile often depends on getting the necessary care in the face of all accidents and injuries that can often arise. However, prevention and treatment plans are often effective as well, as they can minimize risks associated with various aspects of your oral health. Due to the importance of your temporomandibular joints, also known as your TMJs, it is essential... read more »

If a Dental Crown Falls off Your Tooth

Dental crowns come loose and fall off at times. If this happens to you, the dentist can get it back where it belongs or provide a replacement if necessary. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to keep the tooth safe and ease any discomfort you may feel. For dealing with discomfort, you can try putting some... read more »

Repair a Tooth With a Dental Filling

What Is a Dental Filling? If your tooth has a small area of damage, Dr. Steven Walker may recommend a dental filling in Chesterton, Indiana, to restore it to its proper shape, size, and function. The damaged area of the tooth is removed and then the filling material is placed to restore the tooth. Why Are Dental Fillings Used? The... read more »

Your Options for Athletic Mouth Guards

We encourage our patients who are athletes and enjoy contact sports to receive and wear custom athletic mouth guards. Essentially, you have three different options for mouth guards, making it easier to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Stock mouth guards are simple and perhaps the most inexpensive option, and can be found at most stores... read more »

Oral Health Keys: Risk Factors for Gum Disease

Are you suffering from painful gums? Do find your lifestyle habits drastically affecting your oral health? If so, it may be that you find yourself in a position where you are at an increased risk for gum disease. Typical risk factors for gum disease include the following: - A failure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and oral examinations... read more »