I’m Craig Longenecker of Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS in Monkton. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”. Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Monkton area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants…
Family Dentistry
3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you “gotta do”. At Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS, we understand that. But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty possessions on your to-do…
The 411 on TMJ

Do you have unexplained pain or clicking sounds in your jaw? They can be the result of a serious jaw condition. Some conditions with the jaw and the muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But it’s also also called TMJ, because that’s the acronym for the name of the joint. Technically,…
What’s The Difference Between An Inlay And An Onlay?

If you have tooth sensitivity or pain when you chew with your back teeth, the surfaces may be damaged. One option for restoration is the use of an inlay or onlay made of metal, composite resin, or porcelain. Inlays are very strong and shaped to precisely fit a hole in a damaged tooth. The choice…
Oral Health During Pregnancy

Today’s post is for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Carrying a precious child can not only consume your time but your attention as well. However, don’t forget your needs and your well-being during these critical months. It’s critical to understand that the multitude of changes your body experiences during pregnancy also…
Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to autopilot morning and night and get it over with. But are you doing it correctly? Actually, many individuals are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better sustain your oral health and shield your smile from tooth decay and…
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Evolution isn’t always tidy and linear. For example, we have smaller jaws than our ancestors thousands of years ago, but most of our bodies haven’t adapted by generating fewer teeth. Two-thirds of us create the same amount of teeth as early humans. These late-developing extra molars are called wisdom teeth and they pose unique oral…
Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS In Monkton Is Accepting New Patients

Whether you are one of our patients or a blogosphere visitor, welcome to our dental blog. Our dental practice is called Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS and is located at 16928 York Rd in Monkton, Maryland. I have been practicing dentistry since 1998. Since opening my dental practice, I have seen a lot…
What is an Orthodontic Pacifier?

Infants are born with a natural sucking reflex, and it is common for this reflex to evolve into a comforting behavior. Pacifiers can soothe a crying infant. However, parents often worry that a pacifier is dangerous for a baby’s teeth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents that pacifiers are generally safe for babies…
Answers to Important Pediatric Dental Questions

Today’s post is for new Monkton parents. It contains useful guidance about caring for baby’s and toddler’s teeth. How should I clean my toddler’s teeth? For infants, gently wipe their gums with a piece of gauze or soft cloth. The ADA does not recommend any toothpaste for infants. When your child is three, a pea-sized…