Cochell Family Dentistry Blog

Since it’s November, now is a good time to start thinking about your dental insurance benefits. Does your carrier’s plan run on the calendar year? If it does, then you are running out of time to utilize those benefits to the fullest – and both your wallet and your smile could end up paying a hefty price for it! Read on to learn why you should make an appointment with your dentist in Salem and… (Read More)

When it comes to scheduling dental procedures of any kind, many people tend to put it off until it’s absolutely necessary. While the reasons for this are many, some individuals point to fear, anxiety, or even time or financial constraints as to why they wait. With the end of the year quickly approaching, getting the most out of your dental insurance benefits is crucial to minimizing your costs at the dentist’s office. If you’re… (Read More)

At one time (not that long ago), dentists almost always pulled teeth that had cavities or other problems. Fortunately, modern dentists focus on prevention and restoration and only recommend extractions as a last resort. One of the main procedures used to repair a damaged tooth is a dental filling. Nearly everyone has gotten one at some point, but it’s still quite common for patients to be unsure of how fillings work. Another common question is,… (Read More)

Each year, dentists treat more and more patients suffering from gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, more than 65 million people in the United States have some form it, many of whom don’t even realize they have symptoms. If you think your teeth are the only aspects of your smile you need to keep healthy, you’ll be surprised to learn just how crucial this soft tissue is to your overall well-being. Read on to… (Read More)

You just received your new porcelain veneers, and you couldn’t be happier with the results. Their sleek and natural look have other talking about how beautiful your smile is, which makes you grin bigger and bigger. But suddenly, while enjoying a nice glass of ice cold water, you start to chew and before you know it, you’ve chipped your brand new veneers. Although porcelain veneers are made to withstand much of the normal wear… (Read More)

Don’t you just hate it when you have a toothache and there doesn’t seem to be much you can do about it? The pain radiates through your mouth and head, leaving you wondering when you’ll have some relief. Toothaches can occur because of a wide variety of issues, but if you’re wondering what might be causing yours, let a dentist share 5 reasons you are experiencing pain in your teeth and what you can… (Read More)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with your spouse or significant other? While many couples say they could never do, Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell make it look easy! As a family-led dentistry practice, they oftentimes work together to co-diagnose and formulate treatment plans for the same patients. Why? Because they can each bring their own unique skills, talents, and knowledge to provide patients with a higher level of… (Read More)

If you deal with tooth or jaw pain because you grind your teeth at night or throughout the day, you are not alone. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a surprisingly common condition. Some estimates say that as much as 16 percent of the population deals with bruxism, many of them not realizing what is causing their discomfort. But there is good news — you can find treatment and relief by visiting… (Read More)

Did you know that an estimated 65 million adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease? You may not spend much time thinking about your gums, but the truth is that they’re incredibly important to both your smile and general health. In this blog, you’ll learn how healthy gums also keep your body healthy and how a dentist can help you prevent or manage gum disease. With this information, you can maintain your… (Read More)

Unfortunately, dental emergencies can turn the most pleasant of days into a complete disaster. Whether it’s your child’s injury during a sporting event or even just biting down on a hard popcorn kernel, dental emergencies can be shocking and painful. Thankfully, your dentist has some tips on how to minimize your chances of dental emergencies. Keep reading to learn the best ways to avoid dental disaster and what you should do if it strikes. (Read More)