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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Post-Care for a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth, or more specifically from its socket in the bone. There are many different reasons for needing a tooth removal but the post-operative care is basically the same. Directly after the appointment you will not want to get up right away. The reason for this is because a blood clot needs to have formed. If you get up too soon after the procedure and walk around this will provoke bleeding so it is important to sit still for a few minutes directly after the procedure is performed to make sure a blood cot has formed. Keeping pressure on the site by biting down on a piece of gauze will help stop the bleeding.

After leaving the dentist office you will want to make sure you keep calm and do not perform any strenuous activity for the next couple of hours. More activity can be resumed the following day, but you will still want to be cautious and not do anything too physically straining for the next few days. Some persistent bleeding is normal, but if the site continues to bleed even after about 45-minutes of direct pressure on the abrasion your dentist should be called.

There will be some pain after the procedure as well. If it is a simple tooth extraction an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol. If the extraction was more difficult your dentist may prescribe a more serious pain medication. Usually the pain dissipates after a couple of days. If your face becomes swollen, ice packs can be beneficial in reducing the swelling. Try to also stick to eating cool and soft foods as to not irritate the site. Stick to these tips and you should have minimal recovery time and be able to get back to your normal activities without any complications.

Reasons to Get Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction, which is the removal of the tooth from the mouth, can be useful in many situations. Whenever a patient hears they need to get a tooth removed many of them become fearful of this procedure, but in many cases it is necessary for the health of your mouth.

One reason a patient might need a tooth extracted is if they have extra teeth that can crowd and misalign teeth as well as block other teeth from coming in. Some people when getting braces on need this procedure done to produce more room for the teeth that are being moved and straightened. Another reason dental services may be necessary is when a tooth becomes infected. This can sometimes happen to people who are taking cancer drugs which weaken the immune system enabling teeth to become infected.

There is also the very common wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth are usually extracted during the late teen years or early 20s. Many times wisdom teeth do not even come in because they are either impacted, blocked by other teeth, or there is not enough room in the mouth for them to descend. If they become decayed or cause a patient pain immediate removal is necessary. Remember to find a qualified dentist before selecting a dental practice to perform any of these procedures.

Repair Tooth Discoloration

Having perfectly white teeth is the ideal look most people want for their smile, but over time teeth begin to lose this bright white color. Discoloration can be caused by many different forces over time. Some discoloration is harmless and can be caused by drinking too much coffee or eating too much blueberry pie. Sometimes discoloration can be harmful to your health because it is a sign of tooth decay. Regular visits to a dental practice can reduce your risk of finding out too late that an odd colored tooth is actual the start of tooth decay.

Some people believe that brushing their teeth more will result in whiter teeth, but this is untrue. Brushing is a very important part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy but this will not remove stubborn stains. Also, brushing the teeth too aggressively can cause more damage by eroding the white enamel covering the teeth and revealing the darker dentin beneath this top layer. As we get older our teeth become discolored because the dentin naturally yellows over time. How can we prevent stains from occurring and get the beautiful white teeth we’ve always wanted?

For more surface stains caused by drinks and foods like coffee dentists recommend that you continue healthy habits like brushing you teeth after every meal. It is also important to get regular cleanings by a general dentist. If you really want a beautifully luminous and white smile the best solution is dental whitening Pennsylvania. By going to a professional cosmetic dentist you can reform your mouth into a brilliant white smile by getting laser whitening or teeth bleaching. These tools will help get rid of the any discoloring your teeth may have acquired over the years, even if you do take great care of them.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Dental Implants Vs Dentures

The two most commonly used solutions when replacing missing teeth is dental implants and dentures. There are many ways one could possibly encounter tooth loss, including; tooth decay, gum disease, trauma of the mouth, root canal failure, and excess wear and tear. With all these problems that cause tooth loss there are numerous possible corrections to make your smile brilliant again but they vary in how much they cost, their comfort, and durability.

It is common for people with missing teeth to wear upper and lower dentures. Some may even have partial dentures. The problem with dentures is that they never really feel like they belong in your mouth. When gum tissue shrinks they can start to shift and not fit appropriately in your mouth which will cause discomfort. This constant irritation can lead to sores and pain. Dentures do not feel like natural teeth so they may also cause a diminishing effect in your speech and eating habits. However, there is one solution to their uncomfortable fit and that is a dental adhesive you can get from a general dentist. Upper dentures may not need this adhesive since the upper roof of a mouth has better suction to keep the denture in place, but the lower dentures are more difficult to keep in place and probably will benefit from this adhesive.

While the benefit of dentures is that they are less expensive, dental implants are a better solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are extremely durable and long-lasting which is imperative today with increasing length of our life span. Not only are they more pleasing cosmetically because they have a natural look, but they are also very functional feeling more native to your mouth than dentures. Dental implants give a comfortable bite that is just as powerful as real teeth so you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat the same foods as usual.

While both dental implants and dentures provide a replacement for lost teeth, implants are more beneficial for long-term comfort and wear. When looking into getting a solid replacement for your missing teeth make sure to research well for an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are natural-looking replacements used to counter tooth loss. There are numerous reasons why a patient might have tooth loss. Teeth can be lost due to gum disease, tooth decay, some type of trauma to the mouth, root canal failure, and excess wear and tear. There are many different solutions and restorative options for tooth loss, but dental implants are usually the most effective.

The reason they are more effective than any other solutions is because dental implants are dependable and durable. This cosmetic dentistry procedure lasts a long time, especially when compared with dentures and bridges. Many times dentures and bridges can be unpredictable becoming unfastened and temperamental as time goes on and must be replaced. Dental veneers Scarsdale provides a durable solution that looks natural and is functional.

The other great benefit of dental implants is they can work together with various restorative procedures to provide more support and effectiveness. Implants can be used in conjunction with dental crowns and dental bridges to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. This helps strengthen the other procedure and gives it more longevity. Find a qualified cosmetic dentist in Scarsdale today and find out how truly beneficial dental implants will be for your smile.

Go Beyond Taking Care of Your Teeth

Most people today know how to properly take care of their teeth to prevent decay or gum disease. Whether they learned this at school, from a parent, or a general dentist taking care of their teeth was probably learned as a young child and has become a life-long habit.

We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day, flossing, and getting regular check-ups at the dentist’s office helps prevent cavities. Sometimes doing all this still is not enough to get that perfect smile you want. This will definitely keep your mouth healthy but sometimes teeth will still begin to yellow as time goes on.

Some methods of getting whiter teeth include getting a powerful mouthwash. There are plenty of mouthwash brands out there that also provide the power of whitening your teeth and protect your enamel. Different types of home teeth whitening kits can also be purchased to help increase the white color of your smile. These include whitening strips that you lay across your teeth for a certain period of time, or whitening trays that can be molded to fit your mouth and are also held for a certain period of time.

Even when practicing all of these healthy habits professional dental services may still be required to get that perfectly luminous smile. There are different methods an experienced dentist can use to keep your teeth looking beautiful and healthy. Many dentist offer laser teeth whitening and teeth bleaching if your teeth begin to yellow or just are not at the brilliant color of white you want. There are also other methods that dentist can use that will make your mouth look cosmetically pleasing as well as keep it healthy. These include dental veneers, teeth bonding, teeth crowns, and much more. Look into getting a quality dentist today to get the luminous smile you have always wanted.