If you have high blood pressure, your medical doctor may prescribe calcium channel blockers to help control it. However, that can have a side effect that can be disturbing if you don't expect it. See the before-and-after pictures.

Do some of your teeth look short? A procedure called crown lengthening can fix the problem and help you have the smile you always wanted. Click for pictures and details.

In some cases, minor surgical therapy can change a patient's life forever.

The Gummy Smile procedure is one such treatment. It helps patients smile more, adds self-confidence and promotes better health for the rest of their lives. When patients return for their follow-up visits, they usually say they never knew their teeth could look so good and cannot understand why they waited so long to have the procedure done. They love their new smiles and they usually want to share stories about family, friends and co-workers taking notice immediately.

If you have an exposed tooth root, it's usually the sign of a problem. Coast Dental Periodontist Michael Quinn explains the possible causes of exposed tooth roots and how they can be fixed. The pictures help tell the story.

Diabetes affects almost 26 million Americans, which is more than 8 percent of the U.S. population. The condition often requires them to make lifestyle changes, including what they eat, how they exercise and the medications they take. It also requires them to change the way they take care of their teeth and gums. Here's what you need to know.

Three of our four adults have some form of periodontal disease. It can be shocking when you're diagnosed and you can have a lot of questions. One of the first ones asked is often, "Can my children get periodontal disease, too?"

Dr. Michael Quinn, a Periodontist with more than 14 years of experience, explains the risk factors for children and whether you need to take action.

It's a goal we all have: We want to walk into the dentist's office, hear that our teeth look great, get a routine cleaning, and then not have to think about going to the dentist again for another six months.

It can come as a shock when that doesn't happen.   You might think you're taking great care of your teeth: You brush twice a day, you floss somewhat regularly, and occasionally use a mouthwash.  So how can a dentist diagnose you with periodontal disease?