News and Information

Having a toothache can be a debilitating problem that affects your ability to go about your day like normal. This pain can lead to headaches and even cause a loss of appetite. To determine whether your discomfort will go away on its own or if you should see your dentist, it can help to understand why you are having a toothache in the first place. See below for common causes of oral pain and discomfort, and whether or not you […]

The purpose of gum disease treatment is to remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Although gum disease can’t be reversed once it has progressed past its beginning stage, gingivitis, the condition can be managed to minimize future damage to the mouth. At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Robin Rutherford prefers a non-surgical approach to gum disease treatment whenever possible. In addition to scaling and root planing, Dr. Rutherford may conduct saliva testing to diagnose the exact type of […]

Well-known actress Carrie Fisher recently passed away at 60 years old following a heart attack. Although the cause of her death was reported as “undetermined,” it was just released that an extremely common health condition was a contributing factor—sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues in the back of the throat relax to the point that the breathing passage is narrowed, or sometimes completely closed. This can lead to snoring, difficulty breathing, and numerous breathing pauses throughout the […]

Oral cancer is a prevalent disease that is characterized by malignant cells forming in the mouth and/or throat. The symptoms are typically very subtle, meaning that without a screening the cancer might spread too quickly before it is detected. This is why an oral cancer screening is so important. At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Robin Rutherford performs this preventative screening utilizing VELscope^® Vx technology to detect oral abnormalities before symptoms appear. It can help reveal cancer cells at their […]

Those who suffer from sleep apnea have a number of treatment options readily available to address their condition. Although treating sleep apnea can be a fairly straight-forward process, discovering whether you suffer from the common condition can be more difficult. Many people who experience the symptoms of sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. Oftentimes, sleep apnea can be dismissed as “just snoring.” Unfortunately, in addition to snoring, sleep apnea patients also frequently experience pauses in breathing at night or […]

Dental implants are known for their exceptional stability, comfortable fit, and natural-looking aesthetics. Without the hassle of slippage or messy adhesives associated with traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. The advanced solution is designed as a durable, long-lasting tooth replacement that becomes a permanent part of your mouth. However, it is important to note that if you smoke, this can have an impact on the longevity your implants. If you are considering […]

The space left behind by a missing tooth can have an immediate impact, leaving a gap in your smile and hindering your ability to speak and chew. Though these consequences may seem like relatively minor inconveniences, a missing tooth can actually lead to more complex and costly dental issues when left unaddressed. For this reason, Dr. Robin Rutherford urges patients with one or more missing teeth to consider a restorative procedure such as dental implants to restore the integrity of […]

As mentioned in our previous blog post, your teeth tend to wear down over time, gradually making your face appear older than you really are. To combat this often unwelcome change, Dr. Robin Rutherford offers his patients the Dental Facelift. This procedure is a means to restore your beautiful smile and revitalize your facial appearance without the need for plastic surgery. The noninvasive procedure has proven to offer natural-looking rejuvenations and can often be completed in as few as two […]

Have you noticed your smile changing over the years? If so, you’re not alone. As we age, it is common for our teeth to wear down and become shorter, especially if you grind your teeth. The problem with our teeth gradually shortening is this may cause the face to appear wrinkled or collapsed since there is less space between your nose and chin. Stained, cracked, and chipped teeth, as well as dark fillings, can also add unnecessary years to your […]

Despite how commonly it occurs, you may be surprised to know that snoring isn’t actually considered normal. What I mean by this is that snoring isn’t a trait that people simply have when they sleep – it is often caused by one or more outside factors. While these can be harmless, some factors can potentially lead to more serious health concerns. For example, as you sleep, the muscles and tissues in the back of the throat relax. As the air […]