Futch Dental

08/25/2026

07/30/2026

🦷 Protecting Your Smile During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can affect more than your overall health—it can also impact your teeth, gums, and mouth. Knowing what to expect can help you protect your smile throughout your treatment journey.

💙 Common oral side effects include:
• Dry mouth
• Mouth sores and sensitive tissues
• Increased risk of cavities
• Gum inflammation or bleeding
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Changes in taste
• A higher risk of oral infections

If you're preparing to begin chemotherapy or radiation, one of the best things you can do is schedule a dental examination beforehand. Addressing existing dental concerns before treatment begins can help reduce complications and keep your mouth healthier during therapy.

During treatment, gentle oral care is especially important. Staying hydrated, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and following your dentist's recommendations can make a big difference in your comfort and oral health.

At Futch Dental, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you or a loved one is preparing for cancer treatment, we'd be honored to help protect your smile.

📞 Call today to schedule your dental evaluation.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste. 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177

07/28/2026

💧 Dry Mouth: Why It Happens and What Helps

Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, chronic dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections because saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth and gums.

🦷 Common causes of dry mouth:
• Medications (antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants)
• Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer treatment
• Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome
• Diabetes or hormonal changes
• Mouth breathing or sleep apnea
• Dehydration or excessive caffeine use

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your dentist can recommend saliva substitutes, sugar-free lozenges or gum to stimulate natural saliva flow, prescription mouth rinses, or adjustments to medications if appropriate. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and to***co, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are also essential.

If you've noticed persistent dry mouth, don't ignore it. We can evaluate what's causing it and develop a plan to protect your teeth and restore comfort. Schedule your appointment to discuss dry mouth solutions that work for your situation.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177

07/27/2026

🦷 Bad Breath: What's Causing It and How to Fix It

Bad breath (halitosis) isn't always about what you ate for lunch. While garlic and onions are temporary culprits, persistent bad breath often signals an underlying issue that deserves attention.

💡 Common causes of bad breath:
• Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and gums
• Gum disease — bacteria below the gumline release odorous compounds
• Dry mouth — saliva naturally cleanses your mouth; without it, odor-causing bacteria thrive
• Food particles trapped between teeth or under the gumline
• Oral thrush or other fungal infections
• Poor brushing or flossing habits
• Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
• Underlying health conditions — diabetes, acid reflux, respiratory infections

The fix starts with understanding the root cause. A professional dental exam can identify whether bad breath stems from decay, gum disease, dry mouth, or something else entirely. From there, treatment might include a professional cleaning, improved home care habits, addressing gum disease, or recommending a saliva substitute if dry mouth is the issue.

If you've noticed persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing and flossing, schedule an evaluation. We can pinpoint what's happening and get you back to fresh, confident breath.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177

07/23/2026

🔍 Say Goodbye to Messy Impressions

Digital scanners have transformed how we capture the precise details of your teeth and gums. Instead of biting into trays filled with putty that can trigger your gag reflex, we use an intraoral scanner—a small, wand-like device that takes thousands of detailed images in seconds. The result is a complete 3D digital model of your mouth.

✨ Why digital scanning makes a difference:
• No gagging or discomfort during the process
• Fast and accurate—captures every detail in minutes
• Digital records stored securely and accessible anytime
• Better treatment planning for crowns, implants, and aligners
• Easy to show you exactly what we see and what we recommend
• Reduces the need for retakes and wasted impression material

The technology is more comfortable for you and gives us better information to work with. Whether you need a crown, considering clear aligners, or getting an annual exam, digital scanning makes the experience smoother and the results more predictable.

Ready for a more comfortable dental experience? We'd love to show you how digital scanning works at your next visit.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177

07/21/2026

🦷 Tired of Dentures That Slip or Move?

If your dentures shift when you eat, talk, or laugh, you're not alone. Many people struggle with loose dentures that make everyday life frustrating.

Implant-retained dentures offer a more secure solution. Instead of relying on suction or adhesive, your dentures attach to dental implants, providing a stable, comfortable fit.

✨ Benefits of implant-retained dentures:
• Greater stability and confidence
• Eat more of the foods you love
• Speak more clearly and comfortably
• Less slipping and fewer worries
• Helps preserve your jawbone over time
• More affordable than replacing every tooth with an implant

Every smile is unique, so we'll evaluate your oral health and determine whether implant-retained dentures are the right option for you.

📞 If you're ready to enjoy a more comfortable, secure smile, schedule a consultation with Futch Dental today.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste. 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177

07/20/2026

🦷 Why Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Be Removed

Wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars, typically emerging in your late teens or early twenties. While some people's wisdom teeth come in perfectly aligned and healthy, most need extraction due to space constraints, misalignment, or damage risk.

✨ Common reasons we recommend wisdom tooth removal:
• Insufficient jaw space — your mouth may be too small to accommodate four additional molars
• Impaction — teeth grow at angles or remain partially trapped beneath the gum line
• Decay and gum disease — wisdom teeth are harder to clean, making them prone to cavities and infection
• Crowding — emerging wisdom teeth can shift your existing teeth out of alignment
• Cysts or bone damage — impacted teeth can cause damage to surrounding bone and nerves
• Orthodontic complications — removal may be necessary before or after straightening treatment

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted. Some people have enough space and their teeth grow in healthy and functional. The only way to know what's right for your mouth is through a professional evaluation and digital imaging.

If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or jaw stiffness around your back molars, or if you're simply curious whether your wisdom teeth need attention, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options.

Futch Dental
Dr. Scott Futch
6120 Mae Anne Avenue, Ste 3
Reno, NV 89523
(775) 746-1177