It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. Our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental procedure. Here’s why: Some drugs—prescription or over-the-counter—can impact oral health or dental treatment. Bleeding Issues Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can result in abnormal […]
Cosmetic Dentistry
Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Flossing is a bit of a chore. It takes a little extra time, and if you haven’t flossed in a while, it can even be painful. It’s no wonder our team at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are constantly reminding our patients to ‘brush and floss!’ Flossing is vital, You’ll never hear one of […]
Do You Grind Your Teeth While You Sleep?

Here is the Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry guide to treating teeth grinding. Understand Most teeth grinding will occur while sleeping. Consistent teeth grinding might be suspected with a sore jaw and a dull headache in the mornings. Anxiety or stress are not the only reasons grinding may appear. It can also be related […]
It Doesn’t Take Long To Beautify Your Smile

Are you a busy Arlington resident who can’t find the time to improve your smile? Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help restore missing, cracked, or discolored teeth—sometimes in just one visit. And we offer extended weeknight and weekend hours to accommodate your schedule. Our Legacy of Excellence At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry […]
Why Is An Implant Better For Oral Health?

What Is A Dental Implant? A complete dental implant restoration consists of three components: Post Abutment Crown A tooth implant is a permanent anchor (post) that is inserted into the jawbone at the site of an extracted tooth. In the months after implantation, it integrates with the jawbone. This is called osseointegration. The post becomes […]
Need An Implant? Let’s Do A Checkup And Talk About It.

When is the last time you had a dental check-up? Most people need a dental check-up every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we advise you to receive an examination every four months. At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are dental implant specialists but also provide general dental services. […]
How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Many individuals know that a tooth implant is an ideal tooth restoration. Some don’t realize, however, that two or more can support a partial or full denture. This can be a more budget-friendly option than having multiple implants while still providing many benefits as compared to standard dentures. Today’s post answers the most common questions […]
Why a Water Flosser Might be a Good Idea

The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. The tool is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its creation, several other companies have entered the market with similar […]
Do Kids Get Periodontal Disease?

Most Arlington parents are concerned about cavities. And rightly so. Tooth decay in children is a serious and widespread health condition. What about kids’ gum disease? Are children at risk for an oral ailment that is commonplace in the adult population? Short answer: yes. Let’s discuss it. Children and teens are at risk of gum […]
Dental Problem? There Is Always A Solution!

There is no doubt that a healthy, pleasing smile positively affects one’s life. It lets us convey confidence and friendliness in business and social settings. A beautiful healthy smile also affects our personal relationships. When we smile, we appear (and feel!) younger and more attractive. But if you are troubled by dental problems, then you […]