Blog Archive

The Importance of Regular Dental X-Rays May 8th, 2023

Dental X-rays are an essential part of routine dental checkups. They provide your dentist with critical information about your oral health that can't be detected through a regular examination.  At Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly wants you to understand the importance of having dental X-rays performed...

Is Your Spouse’s Snoring Wrecking Your Sleep? Apr 4th, 2023

If your spouse snores, it’s safe to assume that you’re probably not sleeping very well, either. Maybe you’ve even taken the desperate step of sleeping in a separate room just so you can get some rest. But this is not a good solution, and it could spell doom for your marriage....

Straighten Your Teeth Without Anyone Knowing Mar 14th, 2023

Many people want straighter teeth, but they don’t want to commit to the appearance of a mouthful of metal associated with braces. Fortunately, there’s now an alternative that’s much more appropriate for older teens and adults: clear aligners. Invisalign® is a system of customized clear aligners, which gradually move your...

Consider These Benefits of Dental Implants Feb 19th, 2023

Unfortunately, missing a tooth can be a common occurrence in life. Many of us lose at least one tooth before our senior years, while those who don’t practice good hygiene and health tips may lose many more.  In the past, if you were missing one tooth, you received a dental...

Kick Off the New Year with a Radiant White Smile Jan 19th, 2023

Your smile says a lot about you. Some might even say that it’s your calling card to the world because of how much it makes a first impression. It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to re-evaluate how you present yourself. Now’s the time to take this opportunity...

How to Buy a Toothbrush Dec 11th, 2022

Choosing a new toothbrush is a bigger decision than you may realize. You want to get the best toothbrush possible, but you aren’t sure about how to go about selecting the right one. Surprisingly, it requires a little more effort than just going to the drugstore and choosing whatever you...

Why Straight Teeth Matter Nov 17th, 2022

Having a straight, even smile is often a matter of genetics. For others, it might be achieved by wearing braces. But if you never had to wear braces because your teeth weren’t very crooked, you can still benefit from aiming to have straighter teeth. Straight teeth improve your life in...

Flossing Tips to Elevate Your Oral Hygiene Routine Oct 11th, 2022

You probably do the best job you can when it comes to taking care of your teeth by regularly brushing and flossing them and keeping up with regular dental exams and cleanings. But there may be some things that you can do better.  Flossing, in particular, is something that many...

5 Ways Sugar Affects Your Teeth Sep 14th, 2022

You probably already know that sugar can have a negative impact on your physical health. But you may not know the many adverse ways it can affect your teeth.  If you regularly consume sugar, you need to be vigilant about your dental health to protect your teeth from damage. Here, Dr....

What Material Are Crowns Made of? Aug 9th, 2022

If you break a tooth or have a root canal, you may need a dental crown on one of your teeth. A dental crown is placed over your tooth, giving you a natural-looking and stable tooth. When you get a dental crown, you may wonder what it’s made of. At Sokoly Dental, Dr. Thomas...

The Link Between Bad Breath and Dental Health Jul 10th, 2022

When you have bad breath, it’s normal and expected that you might feel a bit self-conscious. Often, it’s not the kind of problem that you can get rid of by chewing gum or brushing your teeth. The issue may be more complex than that. Bad breath can be caused by...

Who Needs a Dental Bridge? Jun 1st, 2022

If you have a tooth pulled or are missing a tooth, you need to make arrangements for a replacement. Not replacing a missing tooth can result in all sorts of problems — from changing the shape of your face to altering the way that you chew.  When you have one...

Am I Flossing and Brushing Properly? May 1st, 2022

When it comes to your oral health, nothing is more important than proper brushing and flossing. But you may be a bit confused about whether or not you’re doing it correctly. And for good reason: many people tend to skip some of the most important parts of taking care of...

How a Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea Apr 3rd, 2022

If you have sleep apnea, you’re not alone: 50-70 million adults in the US have some form of the condition. Snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, although you may also experience other symptoms like daytime drowsiness. The typical treatment for sleep apnea is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP.) This device...

Problems Veneers Can Correct Mar 2nd, 2022

If you want to get a dazzling “Hollywood” smile, you might think it’s strictly a matter of luck: either you’re born with it or you’re not. But the truth is that a lot of the people whose smiles you most admire may have a little bit of help in the...

Is Invisalign® Right for You? Feb 1st, 2022

If you’ve always wanted braces but didn’t want to commit to a mouth full of metal, an alternative called Invisalign® can provide the solution you’re seeking. The Invisalign system is a series of custom-molded, clear aligner trays that can straighten your teeth, often in as little as 6-12 months. Invisalign...

Our Favorite Smile-Friendly Snacks Jan 5th, 2022

If you are what you eat, it’s especially true when it comes to your teeth and gums. You may think you just need to avoid obvious choices like sticky candy or popcorn, but there’s more to it. It’s also about choosing the right things to eat. Making the right snack...

6 Dangers of Sleep Apnea Dec 7th, 2021

Millions of Americans live with sleep apnea. It’s estimated that one in 15 Americans lives with a diagnosed case of sleep apnea, and some 4% have undiagnosed sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea  — whether diagnosed or not — can have very serious consequences for your overall health. Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly...

How Your Overall Health Is Linked to Dental Health Nov 5th, 2021

You know you should take care of your teeth, because you want to have a white, bright smile. But did you also know that your dental health is about more than just your smile? Your attention to your dental health has more than just cosmetic benefits. The health of your...

I’m Embarrassed About My Yellow Teeth Oct 8th, 2021

Your smile is like your calling card to the world. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, you might hide it from people. Yellow or stained teeth are among the most common reasons to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile. The good news is that yellow or stained teeth...

8 Problems that Veneers Correct Sep 13th, 2021

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit snugly against the front surface of your teeth. As a result, they can correct many imperfections in your smile, often more effectively than other alternatives like teeth whitening or crowns. There’s nothing like veneers to give you a true “Hollywood smile.” You...

How Does Snoring Therapy Work? Aug 16th, 2021

If you or someone you live with has a snoring problem, you already know how it can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. You may think you have to resign yourself to snoring — or go to a sleep specialist for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device —...

5 Benefits of Dental Implants Jul 20th, 2021

When you’re missing a tooth and need to replace it, there’s no better option than a dental implant. While it’s more costly than bridges or dentures, it’s by far the superior option. Most people who have gotten dental implants are very happy with them. According to the cosmetic procedure review...

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked or Missing Crown Jun 25th, 2021

Breaking or losing a dental crown may or may not be a dental emergency, but it’s always a sign that you need to seek dental attention soon. Dental crowns perform a very useful function in protecting your teeth. A dental crown may be put in place if you have extensive...

How to Make the Most of Veneers May 4th, 2021

Porcelain veneers are one of the best ways to dramatically transform your smile. These thin, porcelain shells go over your natural teeth, covering all sorts of imperfections. In addition, they often make your teeth whiter in the process. Veneers can give you the brighter, more even teeth you desire. Most...

Benefits of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Apr 4th, 2021

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the doctor probably prescribed a treatment called a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and the machine blows forced air into your lungs through a mask that you wear. Many people find themselves unable to get adjusted to wearing a...

Bridging the Gap in Your Teeth Mar 4th, 2021

If you have gaps between your teeth, it may make you feel self-conscious about your smile. You’re not alone, though. According to the American Dental Association, as many as 25.4% of adults have a gap between their front teeth. Some gaps may be small and virtually unnoticeable, but other gaps,...

5 Tips to Extend the Results of Your Tooth Whitening Feb 7th, 2021

Professional tooth whitening is a great investment in the appearance of your smile. You’re likely thrilled with the results, and may even be experiencing a boost in your self-confidence now that you’ve had it done. Some studies show that whiter teeth impact how you’re perceived by the world, which can...

Invisalign: From Homeroom to the Boardroom Jan 12th, 2021

Washington, DC is the kind of city where your image counts for a lot. Whether you always wanted braces or have a teenager who needs them, you may be feeling understandably hesitant about getting the traditional cumbersome and painful metal braces. Today, wearing braces is a much more pleasant —...

How to Extend the Life of Your Crown Dec 8th, 2020

Getting a dental crown is an important investment in the health and appearance of your teeth. Crowns are restorative dental fixtures that repair your teeth in certain situations, such as after a root canal or in cases of tooth damage. A crown can restore your smile and help your teeth...

Foods that Promote Oral Health Nov 1st, 2020

Want healthier teeth? It all starts with what you put into your mouth, quite literally. The foods that you eat can have a big impact on your oral health, as well as on your overall physical health. What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in your oral health...

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Regular Dental Cleanings Oct 5th, 2020

Everyone knows that regularly visiting the dentist is important, but in our busy lives, it’s easy to put it off. Before you know it, months have passed and you haven’t yet made time for attending to your dental health. But there are several reasons why your dental care needs more...

Non-Cosmetic Reasons to Get Dental Implants Sep 16th, 2020

Dental implants are revolutionary in what they can do to restore your smile. They look and feel like natural teeth in your mouth, and are a stable, permanent investment in your appearance. There’s no question that implants make a huge difference. While many people are aware of the cosmetic reasons...

What’s Better: At-Home or In-Office Whitening? Aug 18th, 2020

Everybody wants a whiter smile. Numerous studies show that whiter smiles are associated with friendliness and attractiveness and even more success in your career. Like many people, you may not have been blessed with naturally white teeth, and certain habits like drinking coffee or using tobacco can increase their dullness....

4 Conditions that Improve with Veneers Jul 26th, 2020

Everyone wants to have a healthy, attractive smile. Maybe in pursuit of a better smile, you’ve tried things like whitening toothpaste or even opted for a dentist to do teeth whitening on you. But still, you feel like your teeth don’t look their best and wonder if there’s something more...

Help! My Partner Snores Jun 24th, 2020

If your partner snores, you probably feel like you haven’t had a good night’s rest in months, if not longer. Most of the time, your partner is oblivious to their snoring, while you lie awake wishing for some peace and quiet. Snoring is an extremely common health problem: according to...

Dentistry and COVID-19: What You Should Know May 28th, 2020

Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re overdue for a dental cleaning and haven’t gotten a reminder card in the mail yet. Or perhaps you’ve tried to call the office to schedule tooth whitening, only to be told that those appointments are on hold. The developing COVID-19 situation has changed many things,...

Regular Dental Cleanings Pave the Way to Great Dental Health Apr 20th, 2020

Life is busy for most of us. Between work and family obligations, finding time to get a dental cleaning can slip down on your priority list. But keeping up with regular dental cleanings is essential for maintaining your oral health. Dental cleanings do more than just keep your smile looking...

The Many Roles a Crown Fills Mar 17th, 2020

You want to have the most beautiful possible smile but sometimes nature doesn’t always give you what you want. You may have one or more damaged teeth, which can leave your smile looking less-than-perfect and leave you open to oral health problems. Dental crowns, which are caps placed over your...

Tooth-Colored Fillings Excel in Form and Function Feb 19th, 2020

Having a cavity filled probably isn’t your favorite procedure to undergo. But the end result of getting a filling now creates little disruption to your smile’s appearance. Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite or porcelain fillings, are a natural-looking way to treat areas of tooth decay. You may remember when...

Why This Should Be the Year You Resolve to Keep Your Regular Dental Exams and Cleaning Jan 8th, 2020

Your teeth’s health impacts your everyday life in ways you don’t always realize. Your smile makes the first impression and says a lot about your confidence.  Chewing makes meals enjoyable and nutritious. Plus, you're able to get a wide array of nutrients from crunchy foods like fresh vegetables and nuts....

Give Yourself the Gift of Straighter Teeth with Invisalign Dec 5th, 2019

If you think your dream smile is unattainable without years of bulky metal braces, think again: Thomas D. Sokoly, DDS, at Sokoly Dental in Washington, D.C., offers Invisalign® clear aligners for quick, easy teeth straightening.  This holiday season, give yourself the gift of straight teeth and a beautiful smile with...

How Snoring Can Lead to a Health Nightmare Nov 1st, 2019

On its own, snoring isn’t necessarily a medical issue. Not all snorers have sleep disorders; however, many of those who have a potentially dangerous sleep disorder called sleep apnea exhibit snoring as one of their primary symptoms. You also experience brief periods where you hold your breath, depriving your body...

Suffering From Sleep Apnea? Learn About Our CPAP Alternative Oct 4th, 2019

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not the only solution. If you suffer from sleep apnea (or live with someone who does), you know that the chronic snoring that often results can be extremely disruptive to everyone’s sleep and overall quality of...

Dental Implants: Why They're Your Best Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth Sep 1st, 2019

Did you know that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? While your teeth are designed to serve you for a lifetime, life can get in the way, forcing you to seek out effective replacement options. If you want to replace your tooth with one that serves both...

Summer Selfies and 5 Other Great Reasons to Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened Aug 7th, 2019

How often has someone taken a picture of you and said, “Say cheese,” only to have you hide your teeth? Stained and yellow teeth can be embarrassing and prevent you from feeling comfortable with your smile. Instead of hiding your teeth get them professionally whitened so you can enjoy taking...

Why Veneers Are So Awesome: 5 Smile Flaws They Can Easily Correct Jul 10th, 2019

Dental veneers are like “tooth shells” that cover your problem dental areas to change your look -- and your outlook. Like dental implants, veneers are a permanent solution to many cosmetic issues, but they’re much less invasive.  Here at Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, Dr. Thomas Sokoly specializes in both...