Patient Care

Today, Dr. Ryan Whalen at Whalen Dentistry wants to give teens the bottom line about tobacco use: there is no such thing as a “safe” or “safer” tobacco product. Every tobacco product contains nicotine in varying amounts and not only is nicotine addictive, but it can also harm the brain. (Many people don’t realize the… (Read More)

Tooth decay in infants and very young children is often called baby bottle tooth decay. This happens when liquids with natural or artificial sugars remain in an infant’s mouth for extended periods. Bacteria in the baby’s mouth thrive on these sugars, using them to produce acids that attack the teeth and gums. Today, Whalen Dentistry… (Read More)

The upper teeth formed along the maxillary jawbone are called “maxillary teeth” and include the top incisors, molars, premolars, and canines. Whalen Dentistry shares more information about maxillary teeth below. Understanding the role of the upper teeth and caring for them properly is important in the fight against bacteria and infection in the gum tissues… (Read More)

If you fear shots, injections, or medical needles in general, you may be suffering from trypanophobia, and an estimated 10 percent of Americans share the same aversion. The general public calls it “needle phobia,” but the DSM-IV classified it as a specific phobia of medical needles as of 1994.  Dr. Ryan Whalen understands these fears,… (Read More)

If braces are in your child or teen’s future, or they have just had them placed, you may be wondering just how the heck they’re going to work around them when flossing and brushing. We’d love to calm your mind by reminding you that those wires and brackets are temporary visitors, hanging out to help… (Read More)

You’ve worn your braces or aligners, kept your checkup appointments, and followed treatment instructions from Whalen Dentistry. You love your new smile, but it’s not over yet—how long will you have to wear a retainer? There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are taken out of your mouth during your oral… (Read More)

At Whalen Dentistry, we understand that dental insurance can be tricky to navigate. Evaluating dental plans and considering deductibles, benefits, which treatments are covered, and the mountain of other information insurance companies provide can be a headache in and of itself.  Dr. Ryan Whalen wants every Cornelius patient to have the power to control their… (Read More)

Holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter bring extra candy and homemade goodies along with them. Sadly, the bacteria in your child’s mouth are always ready to start producing the acid that contributes to cavities, but candy still can be enjoyed in moderation! Cornelius’ dentist, Dr. Ryan Whalen at Whalen Dentistry, has the skinny on some… (Read More)

No one of any age gets shots in their mouth for fun, and fear of needles (trypanophobia) is a documented condition. Children may fear shots because they seem so unfamiliar, with a fear of potential pain. Does your child have to have a shot to get dental work? It will depend on the procedure being… (Read More)

Being the parent of a little one (or a couple or a few) means making a lot of decisions each day—what to dress them in, what to feed them, what books to read, toys to purchase, and schools in your district. There are also a lot of questions you’ll ask, such as: “How do I… (Read More)