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Dental implants provide the most effective and durable tooth replacement solution. They stimulate the preservation of jawbone density, facial structure, bite integrity, and alignment among remaining teeth. How exactly do dental crowns come to work their magic? Let’s break down the dental implant placement process!

The Dental Implant Process, Step-By-Step

1. Initial consultation — X-rays, dental impressions, and a thorough evaluation of ...

Now that the new year is underway, it may be a good time to consider making those smile improvements you've been thinking about. If you've been dreaming about improving the appearance of your smile, this could be the right time, and cosmetic dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC, can help!  

Here are some cosmetic procedures to consider and how they might ...

Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and it should reflect the confidence and joy you feel inside. Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile, enhance your natural beauty, and boost your self-esteem, making it a popular option. With treatments designed for long-lasting results, you can finally love the way your smile lights up a room every ...

What if, instead of anxiety or fear, the moments leading up to dental procedures — and during the procedures themselves — brought with them tranquility and calm? Thanks to sedation dentistry, they can!

Patients are conscious during the majority of procedures performed with sedation dentistry. As a result, ensuring a peaceful and pain-free atmosphere for any procedure is hugely beneficial for ...

Moderate and temporary zingers may result from teeth whitening, but if they last more than a few days, I encourage you to contact my dental office for guidance. Sometimes, we’ll direct you to pause whitening for a few days.

Let’s explore ways to help prevent or lessen tooth sensitivity during teeth whitening in Mount Pleasant, SC.

About Whitening Your Smile Safely and ...

Medication-induced gingival enlargement, also known as “drug-induced gingival overgrowth” or gingival hyperplasia, is a condition in which a person’s gums become swollen, thickened, and enlarged due to certain medications.

This side effect is especially distressing for many patients and can impact their oral health and quality of life. For effective management and prevention, we must understand the causes and treatment ...

Thanks to generations of television and big-screen comedies, the mere mention of the term  “root canal” is enough to send most people into some degree of anxiety, if not out-and-out panic. In reality, while it may be good for some easy laughs, the notion that root canal therapy is painful or otherwise frightening is wildly inaccurate.

In reality, any discomfort associated ...

Among smile-enhancement options, dental veneers and dental bonding are two of the most popular for addressing a variety of cosmetic issues. It’s worth noting, however, that each achieves this differently and with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Dental Veneers: An Overview

Dental veneers are thin, custom-designed shells, in most cases made of porcelain or composite resin, that are permanently affixed to ...

At East Cooper Smiles, we specialize in your comfort and are pleased to offer sedation dentistry as part of that treatment.

Dental sedation allows patients who fear the dentist a chance to reestablish care. And over the last several years, it has given rise to phobic patients returning to the dental setting.

Some patients fear the dentist because of a traumatic ...

Oral and physical health are related, so your dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC, emphasizes prevention. Through prevention, we aim to lower your risks for oral health conditions, decreased self-confidence, and physical health ailments.

Tooth Loss, Smile Flaws, and Self Confidence

We consider your emotional health an essential part of your overall well-being. Unfortunately, tooth loss and aesthetic imperfections can make it ...

Few attributes have a more powerful impact than a bright, beautifully-aligned smile. A radiant smile can not only win over a room before we've even said a word but also boost self-confidence and self-esteem in the person to whom it belongs.

Thankfully for those with discolored, misshapen, or misaligned but otherwise healthy teeth, veneers offer a non-invasive path to a gleaming ...

Everyone wants straight, beautiful teeth, but most of us aren't born with picture-perfect smiles. That's where cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics come in. East Cooper Smiles offers various treatments to improve your oral health and enhance the beauty of your smile.

Our team is proud to offer Invisalign and Six-Month Braces as alternatives to traditional braces. You don't have ...

Just like a foundation supports your home, your gums are the foundation for your teeth. Since September is Gum Health Month, your team at East Cooper Smiles is here this month with tips and tricks for maintaining excellent gum health.

Gum Health 101

Did you know that nearly half of American adults suffer from gum disease? What's worse is many of ...

The basic definition for dental emergencies is any oral health condition that leaves you in pain or risks your oral health. Your emergency dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC, makes time in their schedule to accommodate dental emergencies as soon as possible. 

What Defines a Dental Emergency?

There are too many scenarios to consider every situation, but most dental emergencies include one ...

Did you know that approximately 54,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF)? The OCF also states that about 132 American people are diagnosed every day, and every hour of the day, someone dies from oral cancer. These statistics are frightening, but together, ...

If you’re considering a smile upgrade, veneers in Mount Pleasant, SC are an excellent choice. They are minimally invasive and conceal most tooth flaws. They are also permanent in the sense that if you damage a veneer, it must be replaced.

First, let’s talk about how dental veneers work.

At East Cooper Smiles, we use porcelain to create our veneers because ...

Some people are not new to orthodontics. Maybe they had treatment as a teenager but didn’t wear the retainers and relapsed. For patients undergoing therapy for the second time, you know what to expect.

But for those new to Invisalign in Mount Pleasant, SC, we’ve put together some tips, including what to expect during and after treatment.

New to Invisalign, here ...

In any dental business, overhead is a fact of life. Specifically, we are talking about recurring and consistent bills month-over-month, like lab tests, supplies, utilities, and routine repairs. A gander at the books might reveal that these bills add up.

But beyond being merely the price of doing business, these charges represent an opportunity for you to leverage these costs to ...

Emergencies are the quintessential example of unforeseen circumstances, in some cases resulting from an accident. And for those of us with children, we know accidents and kids go hand-in-hand. After all, kids are learning machines, and sometimes the most effective learning happens, as they say, the hard way. For example, children are constantly falling off of things, taking spills ...

The question of how long the Invisalign system requires to straighten teeth is akin to asking how long it takes to drive to Reno. The answer is as simple as it is unenlightening: it depends on where you start. The essential fact is though all adults originally have 32 teeth, that’s where our uniformity ends. In Mount Pleasant, ...

Dental veneers in Charleston, SC can be made from materials like resin or porcelain. But in our dental office, we rely on quality porcelain for the most natural-looking finish.

Porcelain veneers, similar restorations, and prosthetics cannot be whitened. However, you can whiten your teeth before veneers, allowing you to choose a lighter color. Our professional teeth whitening can dramatically ...

If you’re thinking about tooth veneers or dental implants in Charleston, SC, you may be asking yourself, “Why might I need one over the other?” The fact is, veneers and implants are different. While both can be considered cosmetic, dental veneers conceal flaws while implants replace missing teeth.

Why You Might Consider Dental Veneers in Charleston, SC

Dental veneers are thin ...

Are you worried about smiling, laughing, or eating in public because you have missing teeth? Luckily, you can put those worries behind you by getting dental implants in Charleston, SC. 

East Cooper Smiles can help you restore your smile and replace missing teeth with high-quality dental implants. Our dental implants are customized to match your natural smile and complement your ...

Sometimes our patients need a little extra help attaining their dream smiles. Whether they have crooked teeth or gaps in their smile, Invisalign may be the perfect option for straightening teeth with discretion and comfortability. 

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic system that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. The trays are custom-fabricated in sets by an Invisalign lab. ...

Our smiles can last a lifetime if we stay on top of our oral health care and practice good dental hygiene. However, it takes more than brushing our teeth to keep them functional and strong. The teeth and gums work together to create a healthy mouth, which is why it’s so important for individuals and their families to care ...

Practicing good oral hygiene is vital for having a healthy smile, but it also impacts your overall wellbeing. Gum disease, for example, is a major risk factor for developing other health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. 

From a young age, many of us are taught that brushing our teeth regularly is one of the best ways to keep ...

If you compete in sports and you’re considering orthodontics, you probably have questions. Mouth and soft tissue injuries are indeed fairly common with traditional wire and bracket braces. A ball to the cheek—even lightly—can cause the brackets to scratch and tear at cheeks.

Your dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC has found that Invisalign is the better option for athletes. A mouth ...

At East Cooper Smiles, your oral health is our top priority. We encourage regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings as part of this priority. However, there are measures you can take—and bad habits you can avoid—to keep your teeth and gums healthy between dental visits.

Let’s look at four bad habits your Mt. Pleasant, SC dentist recommends you break to ...

When you have a toothache, it can be hard to focus on anything else but the pain and discomfort you feel. If you are unable to see your dentist right away, there are other ways you can relieve your tooth pain. But first, what causes tooth pain and when should you seek immediate care?

Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can occur ...

Do you have white spots or streaks on your teeth and no idea about how to remove them? East Cooper Smiles offers KöR teeth whitening for patients who want a whiter smile from the inside out. With KöR, you can say goodbye to those little white splotches for good! 

What Causes These White Spots?

White spots on teeth usually point to ...

When patients experience pain or an injury, they are sometimes unsure whether or not what they are experiencing is a dental emergency. We are here to help you understand dental emergencies, and we can help you decide whether or not an emergency dental appointment is necessary. 

We always recommend taking your dental problems seriously, and we never want you to ...

Teeth whitening is a simple and popular treatment that helps people achieve a brighter, more dazzling smile. However, some teeth whitening treatments can be too potent for people with sensitive teeth. At East Cooper Smiles, our team treats every patient with customized care so we can help them achieve their dream smile without compromising their safety or comfort. 

Why Teeth Whitening ...

The foundation for a beautiful smile is excellent oral health. Just because you have an attractive smile doesn’t necessarily mean your teeth and gums are healthy and strong. To keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible, you must have regular exams and teeth cleanings. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues, but many of these ...

If you’re new to the area or simply unhappy with your current dental treatment, we invite you to contact our dental office to schedule an exam and teeth cleaning. We offer comprehensive services in a patient-friendly environment to people in all locations, including Mount Pleasant and the greater Charleston area.

Besides being a skilled and gentle dentist, Dr. Jason Annan ...

As an adult, you may dream of a straighter smile, but you don’t want to spend years in braces. You don’t have time for multiple dental visits to adjust or check on your braces' status. You have responsibilities, a career, or a family to care for.

Fortunately, Six Month Smiles in Mount Pleasant means a straight smile in approximately six ...

COVID-19 has been challenging for many people. With dental offices being shut down, many people have had to forego their routine dental checkups and exams. Over time, this could lead to poor oral health and dental emergencies. 

With dentists reopening, it's an excellent time to prepare for a safer future in dentistry. 

How We Keep Patients Safe and Secure

As we begin to ...

Most adults who want straighter teeth are motivated by aesthetics—they want to improve the beauty and harmony of their smile without a long-term commitment to orthodontic treatment. 

A Straighter Smile in Six Months

Six Month Smiles braces in Mount Pleasant, SC are an innovative method for straightening teeth faster than ever before. This is the perfect solution for adults because it ...

Losing a tooth can impact your life dramatically, and it’s normal to experience emotions like sadness, shame, or embarrassment because of it. Your dentist understands, but don’t spend too much time worrying about tooth loss; today, you have several excellent options to replace missing teeth in Mount Pleasant.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, and fixed ...

What Are Crowded Teeth?

Crowded teeth are much like it sounds; basically, there is little room in your mouth for your teeth to line up comfortably next to each other. When this happens, teeth can push together, overlap, bunch up, twist, and not align properly.

What Are the Problems With Crooked Teeth?

Overcrowded teeth are harder to brush and floss and prevent cavities ...

It might be easy to decide to put off your six-month dental cleaning and exam because of a busy schedule, family duties, and a never-ending list of errands. After all, your teeth aren't even in pain, and your smile looks excellent. Why not put it off?

Before you go through with canceling your dental appointment, consider some of the following ...

Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is perfect for busy adults or anyone who want a straighter smile without metal braces. If you want to straighten crooked teeth, it’s likely because you want to improve your appearance.

You’ll be happy to know that clear aligners like ClearCorrect or Invisalign in Mount Pleasant, SC help you achieve your goals of a more attractive ...

Professional tooth whitening is a perfect way to remove yellow stains or brown discoloration that can detract from a beautiful smile. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular non-invasive dental cosmetic procedures because it improves your appearance and evens make you look youthful. Our patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC enjoy immediate benefits with a whiter, bright smile. 

At East Cooper ...

Do you think cosmetic dentistry is beyond your financial reach? There’s a common misconception that any treatment that improves the appearance of your smile comes with a high price tag. 

But the reality is that there are plenty of aesthetic treatments that will spruce up your smile without busting your budget! Many patients in Mount Pleasant, SC turn to cosmetic dentist ...

Are you an adult who has crooked front teeth? Do you have a big event coming up like a wedding, reunion, or important job interview and want to look your best?

Six Month Braces in Mt. Pleasant, SC have helped many patients who want a quick solution for straightening their teeth. This short-term adult orthodontic treatment is the perfect solution for ...

You might be shocked to discover how many people contact our dental office and tell us they have some level of dental anxiety. Much of their fear of the dentist comes from a past negative experience or a traumatic memory from childhood. If you are one of the people who try to avoid the dentist at all costs, you will ...

Have you tried over-the-counter whitening products only to be disappointed by the results? Has professional whitening treatment left you wishing the results had been more dramatic?

In either case, you should learn about KöR Whitening. This revolutionary method for achieving a brighter smile works unlike any other product out there. Rather than removing light surface staining as most methods do, KöR’s ...

With so many options available for aligning your teeth, you may wonder which is the right treatment for your needs? You've heard about clear braces in Charleston, SC, but will you achieve the same results as you would with traditional braces? Here are some reasons why traditional orthodontics may be better for your needs.

You Have Complex Bite Issues

When you ...

Over the years, a variety of toothpastes have emerged claiming to eliminate sensitivity; however, toothpaste is designed to help reduce sensitivity rather than completely alleviate it, as a recent study has found. Here's what you should know about tooth sensitivity and when to visit your dentist for it. 

What Causes Sensitivity?

Ultimately, most tooth sensitivity is caused by enamel erosion, which occurs ...

Dental pain can keep you from thinking clearly and participating in your normal daily activities. If you are suffering from a toothache or even a headache, it might be indicating that your tooth is abscessed or infected. If it is infected, it's important to note that the infection will not go away without treatment. ...

Do you find yourself hiding your smile in photos or when you meet someone new? Are there aspects of your smile that you would like to improve? Did you know that enhancing your smile doesn't have to be super expensive or time-consuming? It's true! There are many cosmetic dental services in Mt. Pleasant that are cost-effective and can improve ...

Taking care of your family's health is a top priority. You want to find doctors you trust to have your family's best interests at heart, and the same goes for your dentist. But how is the best way to find that caring and skilled dentist? Here are some helpful tips for finding the right dentist in Mount Pleasant for ...

Dental implants are one of the most reliable tooth replacement options you can choose since they can potentially last for a lifetime with the right care. The question is - what should you be doing to care for your implants? Your dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC has some helpful tips.

Consistent Home Care

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at ...

The fact that sugar is bad for our teeth is pretty much ingrained in us from a very young age. And it's true that sugar is the fuel for the bacteria that produce the acids that destroy tooth enamel. However, you probably don't hear much about how your overall nutrition also affects your oral health. Your dentist in Mount ...

If you feel anxious or even fearful about going to the dentist, we want you to know that you are not alone! In fact, millions of Americans feel the same way, and unfortunately, it often keeps them from getting the dental care they need. However, sedation dentistry in Charleston, SC may be the solution you need because it can ...

Cakes, cookies, pies – your sweet tooth just can't get enough! With the holiday season rapidly approaching, you are looking forward to extra special treats during your favorite time of year. Don't forget, however, that your teeth also need extra special protection during this time in order to prevent cavities and tooth decay from putting a damper on your holiday ...

Trauma, injury, and severe decay are all conditions that can cause your tooth die. When your tooth no longer sustains blood flow it is considered "non-vital" or dead. This also means that the nerves in the tooth are also dead. In order to protect the oral health of your other teeth, it's important to have your dentist in Mount Pleasant, ...

Are you looking for a dentist office where you can feel at home? An office that is warm and welcoming but still features the latest in leading-edge technology? Look no further than your Mount Pleasant, SC, dentist East Cooper Smiles.

When we designed our office, we wanted to create a comfortable space for our patients so they could feel relaxed ...

Dental emergencies are scary and inconvenient! It can be overwhelming if there's blood or pain and you're not sure what to do. The good news is that when you have the right dental team on your side, you can rest assured that things will turn out all right. Here are three common dental emergencies and tips on how you can ...

Dental implants have been the top tooth replacement option for decades since the '50s when they first hit the scene. Because they restore your root, they closely mimic your natural tooth, which best protects your oral health. Implants have improved over the years as we learned that titanium easily integrates with bone, but what does the future hold for this ...

All the commercials and promotions that discuss tooth decay and how to prevent it often focus on sugary snacks and the products that can counteract decay, but what you rarely hear about is how acidic and sugary drinks can cause as much, if not more, damage to the enamel protecting your teeth.

Common foods and beverages that contribute to decay include:

• Sugary ...

We understand that a trip to the dentist is not everyone’s idea of a fun way to spend the day. That is completely understandable!

With this in mind, we strive to make your visits to our Mt. Pleasant, SC dental office as comfortable as possible. Our friendly team puts patients at ease and makes your experience an enjoyable one.

We also know ...

If you are looking for a high-quality dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC and want exceptional patient care, you have come to the right place!

We are dedicated to excellence in dentistry and stand behind our prosthetics, including dental crowns, with a five-year guarantee! As long as you maintain your regular dental visits and cleanings and take great care of your dentistry ...

There's never been a more important time to take charge of your oral health because emerging studies have shown us the connection between oral health and overall health and well-being. Your preventative care, or six-month cleanings and checkups, are your first line of defense against oral health issues such as periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Dr. Jason ...

If you have what appears to be a cavity, your dentist might tell you that a filling will suffice. However, there is also a chance your dentist will mention that a root canal might be a possibility. Although the root canal sounds much worse than merely filling a cavity, a root canal is not the excruciatingly painful procedure many dental ...

Modern dentistry is always evolving, changing and improving, which is great news for our patients! The other good news is that Dr. Jason Annan, your premiere dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC is committed to staying on top of those changes and providing the latest dental technologies that will ensure your comfort during dental procedures. Here are just a few of the ...

When it comes to your health care, are you willing to settle for a good provider, or would you to prefer to work with someone who is great? There are many things that set great dental providers apart from good ones. Dr. Jason Annan is your premiere dentist in Mount Pleasant, and he shares some tips for finding great ...

Most of us understand the importance of brushing our teeth at least twice per day. But what about flossing your teeth? It seems like a hassle at times to make the effort to floss, especially when you're tired after a long day. Besides, is it really that important?

The answer to that question is - yes! Flossing is very important and ...

We all have our own little bad habits.

Is nail biting one of yours?

Nail biting is a common way to relieve anxiety, but unfortunately it results in ragged, unattractive nails, painful hangnails, and even infections in the nailbed.

You might not realize it, but nail biting is also a problem for your oral health. Mt. Pleasant dentist Dr. Jason Annan sees a ...

If you are an adult and have considered orthodontic treatment, you are probably wondering if you have options beyond the traditional bracket-and-wire metal braces. You might have even heard about subtle and fast working options and wondered about the availability of treatments like Six Month Braces and invisible braces in Charleston.

We’re pleased to let you know that East Cooper Smiles ...

If you are missing teeth, you are well aware of the struggle. You might be avoiding smiling when you feel happy or laughing out loud at your friend’s funniest joke.

This is no way to go through life!

But you might be also worried about what your options are when it comes to filling in the gaps in your smile. It’s possible ...

Chances are, you’ve heard at least one person say, “I’d rather have a root canal than [fill in the blank with something awful].” But that fact of the matter is, the pain that brings you in to the dentist is far worse than the root canal itself. With a local anesthetic give before the procedure, you are unlikely ...

Everyone knows that brushing, flossing, and seeing their dentist regularly is important to maintaining their oral health, but many people still skip their routine dental visits. Seeing your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams is vital to ensuring your dental health is on track and in helping you avoid developing gum disease and tooth decay.

What to Expect During ...

What is Sedation Dentistry?

As sedation dentistry becomes more and more common, you’ve probably been wondering how it works, and if it can help you have an easier experience at the dentist. Sedation dentistry is a great way to address fears of dental procedures, and at East Cooper Smiles, we are proud to offer sedation for our patients.

If you have anxieties ...

Most people want whiter teeth, yet anyone who has purchased over the counter whitening products knows it is frustrating when you don’t get the results you want. This is especially true when you pay the extra money for a “professional strength” in-office whitening treatment and still don’t have the discoloration lifted. This is why Dr. Jason Annan offers his patients ...

If you are a teen or an adult and have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth it can seem like your only options are Invisalign or traditional braces. Invisalign can be expensive and traditional braces are unsightly and can take years to get you the results you want, but now there is another option: Six Month Braces. East Cooper Smiles has ...