Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Pros and Cons

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants and dentures are two of the most common solutions. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget. Understanding these factors can help you make the best decision for your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as artificial roots for replacement teeth. A crown is then attached to the implant post, offering a permanent and natural-looking solution that functions like real teeth.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth, either full or partial, that rest on the gums. They can replace an entire row of teeth or just a few missing ones. Dentures are generally more affordable and less invasive but require different maintenance.

Pros of Dental Implants

Durability and Longevity: Implants can last 15-25 years or even a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term solution.
Natural Look and Feel: Because implants fuse with the jawbone, they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss, maintaining your facial structure.
Comfort and Stability: Implants are fixed, so they do not slip or move when eating or speaking.
Low Maintenance: Caring for implants is like caring for natural teeth—regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

Cons of Dental Implants

Higher Initial Cost: They tend to be more expensive upfront compared to dentures.
Surgical Procedure: The process requires surgery and sufficient bone density for implant placement.
Healing Time: The full process can take several months for the implant to integrate with the bone.

Pros of Dentures

Cost-Effective: Dentures are generally more affordable initially.
Non-Invasive: Fitting dentures does not require surgery, which is ideal for patients unable to undergo surgical procedures.
Customizable: Dentures can be made to fit even when there is significant bone loss.
Quick Solution: Dentures can be fabricated and fitted in a shorter time.

Cons of Dentures

Less Stability: Dentures can slip or move, which may cause discomfort or difficulties in speaking and eating.
Bone Loss: Dentures do not prevent jawbone deterioration, which may change the shape of your face over time.
Maintenance: Dentures require daily cleaning and must be removed at night. They may also require adhesives.
Replacement and Adjustment: Dentures typically need replacement or refitting every 5-10 years as the bone changes.

Summary Comparison

Feature	Dental Implants	Dentures
Durability	Long-lasting (15+ years or lifetime)	Needs replacement every 5-10 years
Stability	Fixed, very stable	Can slip or move
Appearance	Natural look and feel	Natural-looking but may be less durable fit
Bone Health	Prevents bone loss	Does not prevent bone loss
Cost	Higher initial cost but potentially more cost-effective long-term	Lower initial cost but ongoing maintenance costs
Maintenance	Similar to natural teeth	Requires daily cleaning and adhesives
Procedure	Surgical, longer healing time	Non-surgical, quicker fitting

Conclusion

Dental implants offer a more permanent, comfortable, and natural-feeling solution for tooth replacement, with benefits like bone preservation and low maintenance. However, they come with a higher upfront cost and require surgery.

Dentures provide a less expensive and non-invasive option, suitable for those who may not qualify for implants due to bone loss or health concerns. They require more upkeep and periodic replacement.

Consulting with your dentist can help you evaluate your oral health, lifestyle, and budget to decide which option best suits your needs.

What is Invisalign Treatment?

1. What is Invisalign? (The Basics)

Clear and Simple Explanation: Start by defining Invisalign as a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Emphasize that they are a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
How it Works: Briefly explain the process: a consultation with an orthodontist, 3D digital scans of the teeth, the creation of a personalized treatment plan, and the fabrication of a series of aligners. Mention that each set of aligners is worn for a specific period (usually 1-2 weeks) before moving to the next set in the series.
Key Advantages Highlighted: Immediately point out the main benefits that attract people to Invisalign, such as their near invisibility, removability, and often more comfortable treatment experience compared to traditional braces.

2. Why Choose Invisalign? (The Benefits in Detail)

Aesthetics: Elaborate on the “invisible” aspect. Discuss how they are less noticeable than metal braces, boosting confidence during treatment, especially for adults and teenagers concerned about their appearance.
Comfort: Explain that Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, which minimizes irritation to the cheeks and gums, unlike the wires and brackets of traditional braces.
Removability: Emphasize the convenience of being able to remove the aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing. This allows for a normal diet without restrictions and makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease during treatment.
Predictable Treatment: Mention the use of 3D digital imaging technology, which allows orthodontists to create a precise treatment plan and even show patients a virtual representation of their expected results before starting.
Fewer Orthodontist Visits: While regular check-ups are still necessary, Invisalign often requires fewer emergency appointments compared to traditional braces, as there are no wires to break or brackets to come loose.

3. The Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect

Initial Consultation: Describe what happens during the first visit, including an examination of the teeth, discussion of treatment goals, and potentially initial scans or X-rays.
Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan: Explain how the 3D digital scans are used to create a detailed treatment plan, mapping out the precise movements of your teeth over time.
Receiving Your Aligners: Describe the delivery of the series of custom-made aligners and the instructions on how to wear and care for them.
Wearing Your Aligners: Detail the recommended wear time (usually 20-22 hours per day) and the importance of consistency for successful treatment.
Progress Checks: Explain the schedule of follow-up appointments with the orthodontist to monitor progress and receive the next sets of aligners.
The Refinement Process (if needed): Mention that sometimes, after the initial series of aligners, a refinement stage with additional aligners may be necessary to achieve the desired final alignment.
Retention: Emphasize the importance of wearing retainers after completing Invisalign treatment to maintain the new alignment of the teeth.

4. Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Addressing Different Malocclusions: Explain that Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Age Considerations: Discuss that while often popular with adults and teens, Invisalign can also be an option for some younger patients, depending on their specific needs and dental development.
Importance of Consultation: Stress that the best way to determine if Invisalign is right for an individual is through a consultation with a qualified orthodontist.

5. Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners and Teeth

Cleaning Your Aligners: Provide instructions on how to properly clean the aligners (e.g., rinsing, using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or specialized cleaning solutions).
Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Remind readers of the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth regularly, especially before reinserting the aligners after eating.
Eating and Drinking: Advise on removing the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage.
Storing Your Aligners: Suggest using the provided case to protect the aligners when they are not being worn.
Avoiding Harmful Habits: Discourage chewing on the aligners or exposing them to excessive heat.

6. Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: A Brief Comparison

Create a concise table or bulleted list highlighting the key differences between Invisalign and traditional metal braces in terms of:
- Appearance
- Comfort
- Removability
- Oral Hygiene
- Dietary Restrictions
- Treatment Duration (can vary for both)
- Cost (can be comparable)
- Complexity of Cases (Invisalign can now treat many complex cases)

7. The Cost of Invisalign Treatment

Acknowledge that the cost of Invisalign can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the location of the orthodontist.
Mention that many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, which may include Invisalign.
Suggest discussing payment options and financing plans with the orthodontist’s office.

8. Getting Started with Invisalign

Encourage readers to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist to learn more about Invisalign and determine if it’s the right treatment option for them.
Suggest looking for orthodontists who are certified Invisalign providers.

How Invisible Braces Work: The Science Behind the Smile

Invisible braces, or clear aligners, have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a discreet and comfortable way to achieve a straighter smile. But how exactly do these transparent trays move teeth? Let’s delve into the science behind the smile transformation.

The Foundation: Customization and Digital Planning

The magic of invisible braces lies in their precise customization. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires, invisible aligners are created using advanced 3D imaging technology. This technology allows orthodontists to create a detailed digital model of your teeth, mapping out every stage of your treatment.

Digital Impressions: Instead of traditional putty impressions, digital scanners capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth and gums.
Treatment Planning Software: Specialized software then analyzes these images, allowing your orthodontist to create a virtual treatment plan. This plan breaks down your tooth movement into a series of incremental steps.
Custom Aligner Fabrication: Based on this digital plan, a series of custom-made aligners are manufactured from smooth, medical-grade plastic. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth slightly, typically 0.25mm to 0.3mm per aligner.

The Mechanics of Tooth Movement

The aligners exert gentle, controlled pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions. This process relies on the body’s natural response to force:

Periodontal Ligament: The periodontal ligament is a network of fibers that connects your teeth to the jawbone. When pressure is applied, the ligament stretches on one side and compresses on the other.
Bone Remodeling: This stretching and compression triggers bone remodeling. On the side where the ligament is compressed, bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone. On the side where the ligament is stretched, bone cells called osteoblasts build new bone.
Gradual Movement: This bone remodeling process allows your teeth to move slowly and steadily. Each aligner is designed to maintain this gentle pressure, guiding your teeth through the planned movements.

The Role of Attachments (If Needed)

In some cases, small, tooth-colored attachments may be bonded to your teeth. These attachments act as “handles,” providing additional leverage and control for complex tooth movements.

Enhanced Grip: Attachments help the aligners grip your teeth more effectively, allowing for more precise and predictable movement.
Complex Movements: They are particularly useful for rotating teeth, extruding or intruding teeth, and closing large gaps.

The Importance of Compliance

The success of invisible braces treatment depends heavily on patient compliance. Aligners must be worn for the prescribed amount of time, typically 20-22 hours per day, to ensure consistent pressure and effective tooth movement.

Consistent Wear: Consistent wear is crucial for predictable outcomes.
Regular Aligner Changes: Adhering to the prescribed aligner change schedule is essential for maintaining the planned treatment progression.

The Result: A Straighter, Healthier Smile

Through the combination of advanced technology, precise customization, and the body’s natural response to force, invisible braces gradually transform your smile. The result is a straighter, healthier, and more confident you.

Unlocking Your Perfect Smile: Everything You Need to Know About Invisible Braces

Dreaming of a straighter smile but dreading the traditional metal braces? You’re not alone! Many adults and teens are turning to invisible braces, a discreet and comfortable alternative for achieving orthodontic goals. This blog post dives into the world of invisible braces, answering your burning questions and helping you decide if they’re right for you.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces use clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. These aligners are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn. Popular brands include Invisalign, Clear Correct, and others.

The Benefits of Invisible Braces:

Discreet Appearance: The most significant advantage is their near-invisibility. You can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.
Comfort: The smooth plastic aligners are generally more comfortable than metal¹ brackets and wires.
Removable: You can remove them for eating, brushing, flossing, and special occasions.
Convenience: Fewer in-office appointments are typically needed compared to traditional braces.
Improved Oral Hygiene: Easy removal allows for thorough cleaning, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Predictable Results: Advanced 3D imaging technology allows for precise treatment planning and predictable outcomes.

The Invisible Braces Process:

Consultation: Your orthodontist will assess your teeth and discuss your treatment goals.
3D Imaging: Digital scans or impressions are taken to create a 3D model of your teeth.
Custom Aligners: A series of custom-made aligners are created based on the 3D model.
Wearing Aligners: You’ll wear each set of aligners for a specified period (usually 1-2 weeks), gradually shifting your teeth.
Regular Check-ups: You’ll have periodic check-ups with your orthodontist to monitor your progress.
Retainers: After treatment, you’ll wear retainers to maintain your new smile.

Are Invisible Braces Right for You?

Invisible braces can treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:

Crooked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite

However, they may not be suitable for complex cases. A consultation with an orthodontist is essential to determine if they’re the right option for you.

Cost and Duration:

The cost of invisible braces varies depending on the complexity of your case and the duration of treatment. Treatment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Maintaining Your Invisible Braces:

Clean your aligners regularly with mild soap and water.
Brush and floss your teeth before wearing your aligners.
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Store your aligners in their case when not in use.

Conclusion:

Invisible braces offer a discreet and comfortable way to achieve a straighter smile. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, talk to your orthodontist about whether invisible braces are right for you. With proper care and commitment, you can unlock the confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Dental Implant Restoration Options

Dental implants offer a remarkable foundation for replacing missing teeth. But the implant itself is just the beginning. The final piece of the puzzle is the restoration, which creates the visible tooth structure that blends seamlessly with your smile. Here’s a breakdown of the common implant restoration options:

Fixed Dentures: Four to eight implants are strategically positioned in the jawbone to support a permanently fixed denture. This provides exceptional stability and function, mimicking natural teeth.

Removable Dentures: Implant-retained dentures offer improved stability compared to traditional dentures. Fewer implants (typically 2-4) are used, and the denture “clicks” onto the implants for a secure fit.

Consulting a qualified dentist is essential for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. They will assess your specific needs, discuss the available restoration options, and recommend the most suitable solution for achieving your desired outcome.

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Dental Implant Surgery Recovery

While dental implant surgery offers a long-term solution for missing teeth, a smooth recovery process is crucial for optimal results. Here’s a guide to what you can expect and how to promote proper healing:

Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain is expected. Your dentist will prescribe medication to manage this effectively.

Swelling: Facial swelling around the implant site is common and typically subsides within 2-3 days. Apply ice packs to the area for short intervals (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) to reduce swelling.

Bleeding: Minor bleeding at the implant site might occur for the first 1-2 days. Gauze packs can be used to control minor bleeding.

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All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants

Both All-on-4 and traditional dental implants aim to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they differ significantly in their approach. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:

Traditional Implants: Each missing tooth typically requires a single implant. Depending on the number of teeth missing, this could involve multiple implants (up to 10 or more for a full arch).

All-on-4: This technique utilizes only four implants per jaw (upper or lower) to support a fixed denture. Strategic placement, including strategically angled implants in the back, allows for this efficient approach.

Traditional Implants: A multi-step process. Initial surgery inserts the implants, followed by a healing period (several months) for osseointegration (fusion with jawbone). After healing, another procedure attaches the replacement teeth.

All-on-4: Often completed in one surgery. The implants are placed, and a temporary fixed denture is attached on the same day. After healing and osseointegration, a permanent denture is secured.

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History-dental-implants

The history of dental implants is a long and fascinating journey, stretching back thousands of years and showcasing humanity’s constant strive for improved dental health and aesthetics. Here’s a glimpse into this timeline

Ancient Civilizations (4000 BC – 600 AD): Evidence suggests early attempts at replacing missing teeth. Excavations in China revealed carved bamboo pegs used around 2000 BC. The Egyptians used gold and precious metals for similar purposes around 1000 BC. The Mayans were known to utilize seashells as implants roughly around 600 AD.

Medieval Era (600 AD – 1800s): While the concept persisted, materials and techniques remained primitive. Animal teeth and even human teeth (often from the underprivileged) were used. Gold wires found use in stabilizing loose teeth.

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A Pocket Of Pus In Tooth

A pocket of pus in a tooth is known as a tooth abscess. Tooth abscesses are caused by bacterial infections, and can occur at different areas near the tooth for different reasons. There are two main types of tooth abscesses: periapical abscesses, which occur at the tip of the root, and periodontal abscesses, which occur in the gums at the side of a tooth root.1 An abscessed tooth requires treatment and won’t get better on its own. Treatment often includes draining the abscess and treating the infection with antibiotics if necessary.23

What causes a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is usually caused by an infection in the teeth or gums. Bacteria can enter your mouth through tiny cuts or gaps in your teeth, which may be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth while asleep. Other causes include: – Injuries to the mouth, such as a cracked tooth or bite.

– Gum disease, which causes inflammation and swelling in your gums.

– Root canal treatment on an infected tooth.

– A deep cavity that goes all the way through your tooth. – A tooth that has been knocked out of its socket. – A broken or cracked tooth. – A tooth that has been badly damaged by decay or trauma. – Tooth abscesses can also be caused by: – A tooth abscess that started as a dental cavity, which may have gone untreated for too long or was filled with an incorrect material. – Gum disease, which causes inflammation and swelling in your gums.

How To Cure Tooth Decay?

To cure tooth decay, it is important to understand the stages of tooth decay and its causes. According to Dr. Steven Lin, a dentist, the first step to curing tooth decay is understanding how bacteria cause it. The second step is preparation to reverse and cure tooth decay, and the third step is following a protocol to cure tooth decay. The protocol includes eating a nutrient-dense diet, remineralizing teeth with specific supplements, and providing proper oral hygiene to promote a healthy oral microbiome.

It is important to note that the treatment for tooth decay depends on the stage it’s in. Some examples of potential treatments include fluoride treatments, fillings, and root canals. Fluoride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam, or varnish that’s brushed onto your teeth or placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth. Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage.

In addition to professional treatments, there are steps that you can take to prevent tooth decay, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least twice a day, limiting sugary and starchy foods, and avoiding snacking or drinking between meals. Drinking fluorinated water and using a fluoride mouth rinse can also help prevent tooth decay.

It is important to note that home remedies, such as oil pulling, licorice lollipops, and chewing gum, have not been proven to cure existing cavities, and may not be effective in preventing tooth decay.

How Crucial Replacing Teeth?

Replacing missing teeth is crucial not only for aesthetic purposes but also for maintaining good oral health and overall health. When teeth are missing, it can become difficult to chew food and speak clearly, and the area around the mouth may sag. Missing teeth can also cause other teeth to tilt or move out of place, and can lead to bone loss and changes in chewing patterns. Furthermore, missing teeth can lead to other health conditions if left untreated. Therefore, it is critical to replace missing teeth to maintain good oral health and overall health. When you lose a tooth, it can be tempting to leave the space empty. This is called a “tooth vacancy” and it can lead to other problems in your mouth. For example, when teeth are missing, it becomes difficult to chew food and speak clearly. The area around the mouth may sag as well.

To replace missing teeth, you may need to undergo several procedures. The first step is an evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon. This will help determine the extent of damage and whether additional treatments are necessary before replacing the missing tooth.

Replacement options include dentures, bridges and implants. Dentures are removable appliances that fit over the gums and other teeth. They can be made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin or metal alloys. include dentures, bridges and implants. Dentures are removable appliances that fit over the gums and other teeth. They can be made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin or metal alloys. To replace missing teeth, you may need to undergo several procedures. The first step is an evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon. This will help determine the extent of damage and whether additional treatments are necessary before replacing the missing tooth

When you lose a tooth, the first thing to do is visit your dentist. A missing tooth can cause other teeth in the mouth to shift out of place and may lead to bone loss around the jaw. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the more difficult it will be for your dentist to restore their original position.

Are Laser Dental Procedures Better Than Traditional Treatments?

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to treat a number of different dental conditions. It became commercially used in clinical dental practice for procedures involving tooth tissue in 1989.

Laser dentistry potentially offers a more comfortable treatment option for a number of dental procedures involving hard or soft tissue compared to drills and other non-laser tools.

LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” The instrument creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam. This laser light produces a reaction when it hits tissue, allowing it to remove or shape the tissue.

Laser dentistry is used in a variety of procedures, including:

treating hypersensitivity
treating tooth decay
treating gum disease
whitening teeth

Lasers can make dental treatments more efficient, cost effective, and comfortable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for several dental conditions.

It’s worth noting that the American Dental Association (ADA) currently has yet to do so, though they are hopeful about the potential of the field.

How are laser treatments performed?

The two main types of procedures used for laser dentistry are hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue refers to the teeth, and soft tissue refers to the gums.

Common hard tissue procedures include:

Cavity detection. Lasers can detect cavities early by finding evidence of tooth decay.
Tooth preparations and dental fillings. Local anesthesia and traditional drills are often not needed with laser treatments. Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity, which can aid in the long-term health of a tooth.
Treating tooth sensitivity. Teeth that have sensitivity to hot and cold can be treated with dental lasers that seal tubules on the tooth’s root.

Common soft tissue procedures include:

Treating a “gummy smile.” Lasers are used to reshape gum tissue associated with “gummy smile,” in which the gums’ length covers much of the tooth.
Crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure, which helps with placing restorations on the teeth.
Treating tongue frenulum attachment. Those with a thick or tight frenulum (the fold of skin under the front part of tongue that anchors to the mouth floor) may benefit from a laser frenectomy. This treatment helps children whose restricted frenulum causes them to be tongue-tied, have difficulty breastfeeding, or have a speech impediment.
Removing soft tissue folds. Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.

Other laser procedures include:

Viewing tissues. Optical coherence tomography allows a doctor to safely see inside a tooth or gum tissue.
Removing benign tumors. Lasers can remove tumors from the palate, gums, and sides of the lips and cheeks through a pain- and suture-free method.
Treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lasers can reshape the throat and relieve associated breathing problems when sleep apnea is caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment. Lasers can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.
Nerve regeneration. Lasers can help regenerate damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.
Treating cold sores. Lasers can minimize healing time and reduce pain from cold sores.
Teeth whitening. Lasers speed up the bleaching process during teeth-whitening sessions.

Laser treatments such as these can vary in price, depending on the procedure being done and the laser equipment used. Compared to non-laser treatment, they may be less expensive because the laser treatment is usually completed in fewer sessions. Additionally, dental insurance usually determines reimbursement costs based on the treatment itself and not on what method is used.

Therefore, your compensation is likely to be the same as it would with drilling and other procedures. However, it’s always important to ask about your specific policy beforehand to get the most accurate information.

What types of lasers are used?

Dental professionals use either hard tissue or soft tissue lasers, depending on the treatment. Some will use both types if the treatment allows.

Hard tissue lasers can cut through tooth structure. Their wavelengths are absorbed through the combination of water and a specific mineral found in teeth. These lasers are most often used to prep or shape teeth for composite bonding, to repair dental fillings that have worn down, and to remove some tooth structure.

Benefits of using laser dentistry over other methods

There is potentially a decreased need for sutures with soft tissue lasers.
Bleeding is minimized in treated soft tissues, as the laser promotes blood clotting.
With some procedures, anesthesia is unnecessary.
The chance for bacterial infections is lower because the laser sterilizes the area.
Wounds can heal faster, and it’s possible for tissue to regenerate.
The procedures may involve less damage to the surrounding tissues.

Soft tissue lasers can be absorbed through water and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells.

These lasers are used to treat periodontitis, including killing bacteria and activating tissue regrowth.

Soft tissue lasers seal nerve endings and blood vessels while they penetrate the tissue. For this reason, many experience almost no pain after laser treatment. The lasers also promote faster healing of the tissue.

Disadvantages of laser dentistry

Lasers can’t be used on teeth that already have certain types of filling, such as metal amalgam.
Hard lasers can sometimes injure tooth pulp.
Some laser procedures still require anesthesia.
Drills are still sometimes needed to complete fillings, including shaping, adjusting the bite, and polishing the filling.
Certain procedures can’t be done with laser treatment, depending on the preexisting surrounding tissue or components involving the tooth or gums.
There is a risk of gum injury.

What risks are associated with laser dentistry?

The risks of laser dentistry are relatively small. It’s important to find a qualified dental professional, as using the wrong wavelength or power level could damage tissue. Additionally, some providers worry that advertisers are pushing the use of laser treatment beyond what people actually need. Your dentist will have you use special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser.

Best Toothbrush: Here Are Some Tips On How To Choose A Good Toothbrush

Best toothbrush in India: Here are some general tips to choose a good toothbrush. People cannot ignore the importance of oral healthcare and dental hygiene.

There are several shapes, styles and sizes of toothbrushes in the market. Different types of toothbrushes such as manual and electric are available in the market. It is difficult to decide which kind of toothbrush to be purchased. One cannot ignore the importance of oral hygiene, not only for dental-health but also for overall well-being. Here are some general tips on choosing a good toothbrush.

Tips on choosing a good toothbrush for better oral health

Size and Style

The size of the toothbrush should give you easy access to all surfaces of teeth. A toothbrush head that is half-inch wide and one-inch tall is most suitable and effective in cleaning all the areas of one’s mouth. Larger toothbrushes are also available in the market but, it becomes difficult to manage cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The brush should help you clean the sides and backside of your molars. The handle of the brush should be long enough so that you can easily hold it in your hand. It should be of non-slip grip and a flexible neck.

Bristle Variety

This is an important tip to follow if one is concerned about the protection of teeth. For a majority of people, soft-bristled toothbrushes are the safest choice for their teeth. When visiting a medical store to buy a manual or an electric toothbrush, one would prefer a toothbrush with soft-bristles or a medium nylon bristle. It also depends on the strength of the teeth and the way you brush them. Be sure while purchasing a hard-bristled toothbrush because it may cause damage to gums, root surface and also affect the strength of the teeth.

Experts Say

Take recommendation from a dentist to ensure that your toothbrush has undergone the quality control test. The rigorous quality control test includes cleanliness of the toothbrush, effectiveness and safety for your oral health. One can opt for manual or powered toothbrushes that have received the (ADA) American Dental Association seal of approval. Also, take a bit of advice on which type of bristled toothbrush is suitable for the teeth.

Cost

Some people prefer using powered toothbrushes as a good alternative, but while selecting special features, keep the cost in mind. One should change your toothbrush every three to four months. Try and replace your toothbrush after having suffered from a cold, as the bristles can collect germs. It is convenient to buy a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner if it is double the price of a regular toothbrush. One could instead opt for floss or an interdental brush if you wish to spend a few more bucks on your dental hygiene.

The above tips on choosing a good toothbrush are intended to explain general dental health. It is not a substitute for any professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is always better to seek advice on oral health issues from a dentist or a qualified oral healthcare provider.

The Medical Benefits of Braces

Braces have become a common treatment for both teenagers and adults who want a straighter, more beautiful looking smile. A pretty smile is nice, but there are also medical benefits of braces, some of which may surprise you.

Medical Benefits of Braces

Improved bite

While one of the goals of getting braces is to correct crooked teeth, they are also used to correct poorly aligned bites. A “bite” is the dental term that explains how your upper and lower teeth fit together. When you have gaps in your bite from missing teeth or poorly aligned teeth, it can impact your ability to break food down, a critical part of healthy digestion. A poorly aligned bite can impact one’s ability to chew properly and even to eat.

If left untreated, a misaligned bite can become painful as your jaw has to work harder to chew; which can result in lock jaw, TMJ disorder, and jaw pain related headaches, all of which may require complicated dental and medical treatment.

Improved Alignment of the Jaw

Overcrowded teeth or jaw misalignment can cause some speech impediments. The good news is orthodontic treatment can address both jaw and palate alignment that cause the speech impediments. As a part of the orthodontic treatment, an expander may need to be used to widen the palate before braces are applied

An expansion in your palate can also result in better breathing, less snoring, and potentially improved ear and sinus issues that are a result of jaw misalignment as well. In fact, proper jaw alignment can change the way you look by bringing your face into proper proportions.

Better Oral Care Habits

When you have crowded and misaligned teeth, they are harder to clean. Parts of the tooth may be hiding behind another tooth, making proper brushing and flossing almost impossible. When teeth can’t be properly cleaned, bacteria can build up, and this bacteria leads to gum disease and cavities. By straightening crowded teeth, brushing and flossing should be naturally improved.

Good oral care habits include brushing twice a day, using mouthwash and flossing daily. For those with braces, the need for good oral care becomes even more important to prevent bad breath, gum disease, and staining of teeth. With braces, extra care needs to be taken to properly brush and floss between and around the brackets and wires. This can create new habits that, along with more regular visits to the dentist, will result in better habits that will last a lifetime.

More Confidence

Confidence is shown to lead to more overall success in life. When people hide their smile due to embarrassment, they are less likely to take the risks required to go after a top job or to ask for a promotion. When a person is no longer embarrassed by their smile, they naturally feel more confidence which is reported to lead to leads to more happiness, greater productivity, less social anxiety and ultimately better health.

How to saty free from corona

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

Follow the guidance outlined above.
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

If you pass on hot or cold drinks because you know they’ll make your teeth hurt, it may be time to talk to your dentist about the possibility that you have sensitive teeth.

Sometimes other things can aggravate them, too, like sweet and sour foods or even cold air.

To be able to treat these tooth twinges, it helps to know what might be behind them. Once you’ve nailed down the cause, you can find a solution.

Take Care of Your Tooth Enamel

That’s a hard, protective layer that helps your teeth deal with everything you put them through. When it’s gone, nerve endings that cause pain are exposed.

If you have sensitive teeth, it’s possible some of your enamel has worn away.

To prevent or put the brakes on that damage:

Don’t brush too hard. Do you clean your teeth with a heavy hand? You might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and strong.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Soda, sticky candy, high-sugar carbs — all of these treats attack enamel. Instead, snack on:

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Cheese
Milk
Plain yogurt

These will moisten your mouth and help fight acid and bacteria that can eat away at your teeth. Saliva is one way your mouth deals with them.

You can also drink green or black tea or chew sugarless gum. If you do eat something acidic, don’t rush to brush. Wait an hour or so to strengthen before you scrub.

Unclench your teeth. Over time, teeth grinding wears away your enamel. Sometimes, addressing your stress can stop the problem. If that doesn’t work, your dentist can fit you for a splint or a mouth guard.

If the problem is severe, you may need dental work to change your teeth’s position, or a muscle relaxant.

Take a break from bleaching. The quest for pearly whites may cause your pain. Thankfully, sensitivity from bleaching is usually temporary. Talk to your dentist about how the treatment might be affecting you, and whether you should continue it.

Get to the Root of the Problem

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of other issues, like:

Naturally shrinking gums. If you’re over 40, it could be that your gums are showing signs of wear and tear by pulling away from your teeth and uncovering your tooth roots. Those roots don’t have enamel to protect them, so they’re much more sensitive than the rest of your tooth.

Tell your dentist if your gums look like they’re receding. It can be a sign of other problems, like gum disease. Serious cases may need a gum graft. That moves tissue from somewhere else to cover the bare area.

Gum disease. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can make your gums pull back. Sometimes, disease can set in. It can destroy the bony support of your tooth. Don’t smoke. It can lead to gum disease. To treat it, your dentist may do a deep clean of your teeth, called planing or scaling, that scrapes tartar and plaque below the gum line. You could also need medication or surgery to fix the problem.

A cracked tooth or filling: When you break a tooth, the crack can go all the way down to your root. You’ll notice pain when your tooth is cold. How your dentist fixes the crack depends on how deep it goes. If it’s a small crack that ends before your gums start, your dentist can fill it. If it’s below your gum line, your tooth will have to be pulled.

Treatment

Once you’ve found the problem, there are things your dentist can use to help ease your pain, including:

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Fluoride gel
Fillings that cover exposed roots
Sealants
Desensitizing pastes (not used with a toothbrush) you can get from your dentist
Mouthguard to protect teeth if you grind

If your case is serious, your dentist might suggest a root canal.

It’s also important not to shy away from dental care because of tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can make things worse. Brush and floss twice a day to help keep your smile bright and pain-free. And see your dentist for a checkup twice a year.

Smoking Effect On Teeth

How Does Smoking Lead to Gum Disease?

Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums – which may affect wound healing.

Do Pipe and Cigar Smoking Cause Dental Problems?

Yes, like cigarettes, pipes and cigars do lead to oral health problems. According to results of a 23-year long study published in the Journalof the American Dental Association, cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss (bone loss within the jawbone that anchors teeth) at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers also have a similar risk of tooth loss as cigarette smokers. Beyond these risks, pipe and cigar smokers are still at risk for oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers — even if they don’t inhale — and other oral consequences — bad breath, stained teeth, and increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

Are Smokeless Tobacco Products Safer?

No. Like cigars and cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products (for example, snuff and chewing tobacco) contain at least 28 chemicals that have been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer and cancer of the throat and esophagus. In fact, chewing tobacco contains higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, making it harder to quit than cigarettes. And one can of snuff delivers more nicotine than over 60 cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing it to recede or pull away from your teeth. Once the gum tissue recedes, your teeth roots become exposed, creating an increased risk of tooth decay. Exposed roots are also more sensitive to hot and cold or other irritants, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.

In addition, sugars, which are often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, can increase your risk for tooth decay. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that chewing tobacco users were four times more likely than nonusers to develop tooth decay.

Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.

Kick the Tobacco Habit

Regardless of how long you have used tobacco products, quitting now can greatly reduce serious risks to your health. Eleven years after quitting, former smokers’ likelihood of having periodontal (gum) disease was not significantly different from people who never smoked.

Even reducing the amount you smoke appears to help. One study found that smokers who reduced their smoking habit to less than half a pack a day had only three times the risk of developing gum disease compared with nonsmokers, which was significantly lower than the six times higher risk seen in those who smoked more than a pack and a half per day. Another study published in the Journal of the AmericanDental Association found that the mouth lesion leukoplakia completely resolved within 6 weeks of quitting in 97.5% of patients who used smokeless tobacco products.

Some statistics from the American Cancer Society present some other sobering reasons to quit smoking. They state that:

About 90% of people with cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat use tobacco, and the risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount smoked or chewed and the duration of the habit. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.
About 37% of patients who persist in smoking after apparent cure of their cancer will develop second cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, compared with only 6% of those who stop smoking.

How Can I Quit Tobacco?

To stop using tobacco, your dentist or doctor may be able to help you calm nicotine cravings with medications, such as nicotine gum and patches. Some of these products can be purchased over the counter; others require a prescription. Other medications require a prescription.

Smoking cessation classes and support groups are often used in tandem with drug therapy. These programs are offered through local hospitals in your community and sometimes through your employer or health insurance company. Ask your doctor or dentist for information on similar programs they may be familiar with.

Herbal remedies, as well as hypnosis and acupuncture, are other treatments that may help you kick the habit.

11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

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Take care of your teeth

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth

It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

Shop for toothbrushes online.

2. Brush properly

The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Un removed plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).

3. Don’t neglect your tongue

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavours. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defence against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

Purchase fluoride toothpaste here.

5. Treat flossing as important as brushing

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. “Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”

Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.

Here’s a selection of dental floss to try.

6. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you

Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

7. Consider mouthwash

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.”

Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.

Purchase mouthwash online.

8. Drink more water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”

10. Limit sugary and acidic foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

11. See your dentist at least twice a year

Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flosses need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions. Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

Types of Dentists: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

When you visit the dentist you might have noticed those three little letters listed after their name, DDS or DMD. That same dentist might have referred you to a dental specialist. What’s the deal with all of these different types of dentists? How do you know what it all means and who you should visit? Not to worry, we’re here to help make sense of the different types of dentists what it means for you as a patient.

General Dentistry – DDS vs DMD

Most often when you go to the dentist, you are seeing your general dentist who is either a DDS or a DMD. A dentist with a DDS has earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery degree; one with a DMD earned their Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Both a DDS and a DMD has three or more years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of dental school to earn those credentials.

And yes, they sound the same. The truth is, they are. Both a DDS and a DMD are types of dentists who have the same degrees – the difference in title is due to the university they attended and how that university recognizes the profession. Both must complete the same course studies, a written exam, and a licensing exam to practice dentistry.

Both of theses types of dentists are considered general dentists and are your primary provider who treats your overall oral health care needs. This includes diagnosing and treating problems such as gum disease, cavities, root canals, crowns, and bridges as well as preventative care, hopefully allowing you to avoid the need for our next types of dentists – the dental specialists.

Dental Specialists

Sometimes your oral health needs may require your general dentist to refer you to a dental specialist. Dental specialists have completed an additional two to four years of training that is focused on a specific side of dentistry. Here are the most common types of dental specialists.

Orthodontist – A patient is referred to an orthodontist when a general dentist notices misalignments with the jaw and/or teeth of both children and adults. If there are extra teeth, missing teeth, or teeth are crowded, an orthodontist will treat the patient with solutions like braces, Invisalign, and/or retainers. Don’t be surprised if your child is referred to an orthodontist as early as the age of seven.

Pediatric Dentist – The types of dentists who work exclusively with children are called pediatric dentists or pedodontists. Much of their additional training focuses on building a positive association between children and their dentist and is based in child psychology. They work with children to build a base line for good oral health care and many work with patients who have special needs.

Oral Surgeon – an oral surgeon specializes in the surgical treatment of disease, injuries and esthetic or functional areas of the mouth. They are the ones who remove wisdom teeth, handle dental implants, and biopsy suspicious spots in the mouth. They also have additional training in anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the patient when surgery is required.

Endodontist – these dental specialists have received training to help patients address tooth pain while saving their natural teeth by performing root canal treatment – a procedure that treats the infected tissues within a tooth. In fact, the word “endodontic” comes from the Greek word “endo” meaning “inside” and “odont” meaning tooth!

Periodontist – a periodontist is a dental specialist that focuses on caring for your gums and the supporting tissues and structure around your teeth. In most cases, a referral to a periodontist is made to help patients treat advanced periodontal (gum) disease. They also are trained to place dental implants.

Prosthodontist – this dental specialist focuses on helping patients restore and/or replace lost or damaged teeth. Their goal is to look at all of the elements related to helping a patient achieve a functional, natural looking smile. Some of the treatment they perform can include dental implants, bridges & dentures.

While it may seem like an inconvenience to visit a dental specialist, it is in your best interest to to do so when referred. Just like you wouldn’t visit your primary care physician for knee replacement surgery, a specialist has the additional training and experience to provide you with specialized treatment to help you achieve optimal oral health.

So there you have it, the types of dentists explained. Remember, your general dentist will always be your primary point of contact to help you with your oral health care needs. Do you need a new general dentist? Think you need a referral to a dental specialist? Find a PERFECT TEETH dental office near you online for more information.

What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health

White Coating on Tongue
Your tongue is supposed to be a lovely shade of pink. If parts of your tongue appear to be coated with a white substance, this could be oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. Of course, it could just be whitish from not brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You do that, don’t you? If the white brushes away, you’re good to go.

White Patches on Tongue
Leukoplakia is a condition that can happen if the tongue has been irritated, such as with smoking or tobacco use. Every medical professional will advise you to quit that tobacco habit, but it’s ultimately up to you. If you see white patches, though, book a dentist appointment to be on the safe side and to rule out oral cancer.

Overly Red Tongue
While an overly red tongue can be a symptom of a Kawasaki disease, it’s much more commonly associated with a vitamin deficiency, such as folic acid or B-12. The solution could be simply adding a vitamin supplement to your morning smoothie. That’s not so bad, right?

Irregular Red Bumpy Patches
If your tongue looks like a roughly drawn map of irregular red and bumpy patches, this isn’t a fortune-teller sign that you’ll be going on a trip soon. You might be suffering from a high fever, in which case, taking a long journey overseas is the last thing you should be doing!

Tender, Sore Tongue
If your tongue is overly sensitive in one spot or all over, you could have a food allergy or a developing canker sore. Don’t worry about it, unless it doesn’t go away for a time. After that, time to call in the dentist for a professional opinion!

Hairy Tongue
Yep, sounds strange, but sometimes a protein build-up can cause small bumps to become elongated trapping food resulting in what looks like strands of hair on your tongue. Usually a good brushing or tongue scraping will take care of it, but if it doesn’t, a trip to the dentist is in order.

Your dentist is the first line of defense against both serious and benign health concerns. So, stick out your tongue at the dentist and be ready for a comprehensive oral checkup. You never know what your tongue might be telling you about your health!

6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Gum disease
Floss
Get regular cleanings
Quit smoking
Brush twice a day
Use fluoride toothpaste
Use mouthwash

What’s so great about gums?

When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget about your gums! Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest chompers in town, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:

inflamed
tender
red
swollen
prone to bleeding

Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place aren’t impacted, this damage is Reversible

You can also develop periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis impacts the bones that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, it can ruin the gums, bones, and tissues connected to your teeth.

The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. This is when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. It can impact your bite, and teeth may need to be removed.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you might have gum disease include:

consistently bad taste or breath
separating or loose permanent teeth
gums that easily bleed
gums that are swollen, red, or tender
gums that have pulled away from your teeth

Gum disease is preventable. Here are a few ways you can help keep your gums healthy.

1. Floss

Floss at least once a day. This helps remove the plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach, according to the ADA. It doesn’t matter when you floss. Do it at night, do it in the morning, or do it after lunch… just do it!

2. Get regular dental cleanings

Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.

3. Quit smoking

Yet another reason for smokers to quit: Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Plus, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.

4. Brush twice a day

Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably.

Consider a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. These can help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Swap toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste

As for toothpaste, store shelves are lined with brands that claim to reduce gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. How do you know which one is best for healthy gums? Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. After that, the flavor and color is up to you!

You can purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride online.

6. Use a therapeutic mouthwash

Usually available over the counter, therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed that tarter develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to the ADA. Plus: A rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing or brushing. Look for the ADA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and safe.

It doesn’t matter whether your brush, floss, or rinse first. Just do a good job and use the right products.

Importance of Brushing With Tooth Paste

Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons.

First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that cause cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled.
Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen.
Third, special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpaste help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.

What type of toothpaste should I use?

As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand you buy really does not matter, neither does whether or not it is in the paste, gel or even powder form or containing a certain flavor. All fluoride toothpaste work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth enamel. Your toothpaste brand should bear the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials.

If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold, consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These “desensitizing” toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, protect exposed dentin by blocking the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves. Desensitizing pastes must be used for at least one month before any therapeutic effects are felt.

Toothpaste containing baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide (which are both good cleansing agents) give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Some prefer a tartar-control toothpaste containing pyrophosphates to prevent the build-up of soft calculus (tartar) deposits on their teeth. New pastes offer advanced whitening formulas aimed at safely removing stains to make teeth brighter and shinier, although they can’t nearly match the effectiveness of a professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist.

How much should I use?

Contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush. If you brush correctly, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside and between your teeth, the paste should foam enough to cover all of your teeth. Children under age 6, however, should be given a very small, baby pea-sized dab of toothpaste on their brush.

Is brushing with toothpaste enough to fight cavities and gum disease?

No. Although brushing thoroughly after each meal helps, flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and at the gumline is just as important. Studies show that plaque will regrow on teeth that are completely clean within three to four hours of brushing.

8 Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene

A healthy mouth absolutely provides us nutrition for the physical body, but more importantly, it also improves our social interaction and encourages self-esteem.

Our mouth serves as a “window” to the rest of the body, providing signals of general health diseases. For example, pale or bleeding gums can be a sign of blood disorders or low bone level in the lower jaw might be an early sign of osteoporosis. Poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic diseases.

Evidence from population-based studies significantly concludes a robust connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, oral cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stomach ulcers, obesity and many more health diseases.

Two main diseases which affect our Oral Health are Dental Caries (bacterial invasion of the tooth which demineralizes its surface and results in holes) and Gum Disease(bacterial invasion along the gum line causing an inflammatory response damaging the tissues and bones that support the teeth.)

8 Tips to prevent tooth decay and gum disease:

Brush your teeth twice a day.

Don’t underestimate its importance. This is a simple step that should never be overlooked. Brushing your teeth in the morning and more importantly again at night is important to remove plaque build-up and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The Modifies Bass technique where you should hold the brush head at 45 degrees angle, partly on the gums, and gently move the brush in tiny circular motions or small horizontal strokes 20 times on each tooth shall improve your oral hygiene significantly. Note: Do not brush too vigorously as it can damage your gums and teeth.

2. Floss daily.

Your brushing is not complete without flossing. Floss can reach the crevices too small for your brush bristles, so it’s a necessary step for a clean mouth.

3. Oral Irrigators.

These are newer cleaning aids which pump water in a steady or pulsating manner and flushing out food and bacterial byproducts.

4. Skip the sugar.

Sugary and starchy foods cause are action in your mouth that leads to tooth decay. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva to form an acid that erodes your tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth.

5. Swish with mouthwash.

For an added boost to your oral hygiene routine, rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash which is prescribed by your dentist.

6. Use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel to combat tooth decay.

7. Brush your tongue.

Don’t neglect your tongue! Your tongue harbour’s bacteria too, so use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to give it a cleaning.

8. Pay attention to your mouth and gums.

Note when your gums look inflamed or if you spot blood while brushing. Don’t ignore aches and pains. Consult your dentist to make sure it’s not a symptom of something serious.

Parents play a very important role in making sure that oral hygiene practices are taught early in childhood. Restrict bottle feeding to meal times. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice that pools in the mouth will bathe teeth in the sugars on which bacteria feed. Before their teeth grow in, get your baby accustomed to regular oral care by wiping their gums twice per day with a clean, soft, thin cloth, such as a handkerchief.

After your baby’s teeth erupt, switch to a baby toothbrush moistened with water. Don’t use toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out. Swallowing toothpaste while their teeth are developing can cause a condition called fluorosis, which occurs from absorbing too much fluoride and causes their teeth to look mottled or grainy. Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Good Oral Health changes far more than your outward appearance. It renews your confidence. It changes the way you view yourself. What’s more? it changes the way others see you.

Symptoms of Infected Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through the gums. They grow at the very back of a person’s mouth. There are normally four wisdom teeth in total, with one in each of the furthest corners of the top and bottom gums.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Jaw pain
Swelling around the jaw
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth

Prevention

You can’t keep an impaction from occurring, but keeping regular six-month dental appointments for cleaning and checkups enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may indicate impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

Treatment for wisdom teeth infection

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:

by improving oral hygiene in the area
by having the area cleaned by a dentist
sometimes, by the prescription of antibiotics

However, the infection may keep coming back if problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems, especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these infections.

Some Facts About Proper Tooth Brushing

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important daily routines that you perform. But most of the time, we do not know how to brush properly. We often neglect the importance of proper brushing.

The duration, frequency, and technique of brushing determine your overall oral health, and hence it is crucial that you get it right. Brushing techniques like Sulcular, Charter, and Stillman are advised. It is also vital to know what kind of toothpaste and toothbrush are good for our teeth. Here are some of the brushing techniques, the type of toothbrush and toothpaste you must use, and how long you should brush for. Brushing Techniques More than the toothbrush and toothpaste you use, the technique you use for brushing has a more significant impact on your oral health. There are different brushing techniques, some for regular users and special ones for kids, or those with a recession. Regardless of what method you use, brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.

1. Sulcular Technique: This is a commonly advised technique. It is considered useful as it removes the debris from your teeth before it hardens to tartar. Hold the brush at an angle of 45° to the teeth, with the bristles at the neck of the tooth below the gums. Direct the bristles towards the gums. Apply gentle force, without exerting too much pressure on the tooth and use back and forth strokes to brush two-three teeth at a time. Before you move to the next set of teeth, you should have made at least 10-15 strokes. Alternatively, you can also use a circular motion. Repeat this same process for all the teeth. As much attention you give to the front portion of your teeth, it is equally essential to brush the inner surfaces, called the lingual side. Hold the brush vertically while cleaning the lingual side. It is difficult to reach the posterior teeth, especially if you are using a larger sized toothbrush. But since maximum chewing happens with your molars, it is essential to focus on cleaning them. This technique, also called the bass technique can be modified by guiding the bristles towards the incisal or occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

2. Charter Technique: The Charter technique of brushing is a technique meant for patients with gum problems. If your gums are receded, exposing the root surfaces, this technique is ideal. People with a prosthesis or braces also benefit from this technique. Unlike the Sulcular method, place the bristles in the direction of the occlusal surface, at an angle of 45 degrees. The rest of the technique is almost similar to the Charter technique where you can use circular or back and forth strokes to brush.Cover all the surfaces of all the teeth and do not miss the inner surfaces of all teeth.

3. Stillman Technique: For interdental plaque removal, the Stillman technique is effective. This can be considered an extension of the Bass technique. After you clean the area around the gums with back and forth strokes, move your brush towards the occlusal or incisal surface and repeat the back and forth strokes.

TOOTHBRUSH

Most dentists recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush. This is because a toothbrush will hard bristles will be abrasive for the tooth enamel, and also for your gums. Strictly do not share your toothbrush with anyone, even your spouse or a close family member. Your mouth has millions of bacteria which will travel through your toothbrush. After every cycle of brushing, clean and rinse your brush correctly. Keep your toothbrush in an upright position and allow air-drying. Microbes are more likely to grow and flourish in a moist environment.So, if you store a toothbrush without drying, it is expected to be more contaminated.Just like most other objects, the efficacy of a toothbrush reduces as with usage. Change your toothbrush every three months, or even earlier if the bristles begin to show fraying.There are ways to keep the toothbrush bacteria free or at least reduce the microbial population in your toothbrush. One such method is soaking the brush in Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide solution (2.5%- 3%).You should never put your brush in a microwave or any other heating device to kill the microbes. Such high temperatures will damage the bristles. FDA approved toothbrush sanitizers are also available.

Toothpaste

Any fluoridated toothpaste is okay for you as long as you use it in the right quantity and with the proper brushing technique. The amount that is just enough for you is the size of a pea. For children, the amount equivalent to a rice grain is enough. People have toothpaste preferences of a specific flavor, brand or price range.If you have some specific issues like sensitivity, gingivitis or exposed root surfaces, your dentist will prescribe a special toothpaste for you. Other supplements to brushing In addition to brushing, there are other aids that you can use to enhance your oral hygiene status. You must also clean your tongue with a brush or a tongue cleaning aid to keep it bacteria and odor free. Dental floss, mouthwash, interdental cleaning aids, plaque disclosing agents – these are all examples of additional cleaning aids.

GENERAL PROCEDURE OF DISIMPACTION

1. DISIMPACTION is initiated by administration of local or general anesthetic as decided by dentist with patient’s consent.

2. Once anesthetized, In second step, the gums are incised and underlying bone is partially removed by surgical instruments to gain access to the impacted tooth.

3. In third step, it is decided by dental surgeon whether to remove the tooth as single structure or whether to split in multiple sections.

4.Now after ensuring the complete removal of all the pieces of wisdom tooth, the gum is approximated and sutures (stitches) are placed. The number of suture is decided by the dentist and depends on the size of incision. 5.Once the removal is completed, the dentist gives particular set of instructions to the patient so that the patient can recover quickly along with the help of antibiotics and pain killers.

Generally the instructions are

1. Instructions for 1st 24 hours

(a) Patient is advised not to

Spit
Gargle
Brush

(b)Patient should be on liquid or semisolid diet preferably ice-creams, curds, lassi etc.

2. Instructions for remaining 3-5 days

Usually the patient is asked,
Not to have hot, hard and spicy
Not to use straw
Must clean the mouth specially the extraction area using warm water with salt
Not to miss any dosage of medication / prescription
Not to open the mouth very wide
To come back for follow up after medication are over.

Usually in 3-5 days the primary healing may be completed, but for completion of healing of jaw bone it may take up to 4 weeks.However the patient will be able to continue his/ her daily activities without any trouble within third day of the surgery.As the surgical procedure is painless and while recovery the pain is controlled by medicines. However, patients cooperation to keep the surgical site clean after having food is of utmost importance.

RCT / Endodontics

Endodontics

General dentists are great for those times when you need to have your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled. In some cases though, you’re better off consulting a specialist. Orthodontists, for example, specialize in straightening and aligning the teeth, periodontists focus on the gums and bone, and endodontists focus on endodontics, or issues concerning the roots of the teeth. While general dentists can perform the procedures and treatments offered by specialists, dental specialists have received additional years of training and have decided to focus their practice on treating specific dental conditions.

Here’s a crash course on endodontists and when you may have to visit this specialist.

Understanding Endodontics

As the American Dental Association points out, the term “endodontics” derives from the Greek words “endo,” which means “inside,” and “odont,” which means tooth. So the job of an endodontist is to treat the inside of the teeth.

Often, the goal in endodontics is to save the tooth. Instead of simply pulling a diseased or damaged tooth, an endodontist clears the infection and decay to protect the interior of the tooth from further damage. Root canals are the treatment endodontists are most well-known for performing on a patient’s tooth.

During a root canal, the endodontist performs local anesthesia on the gum tissue around the tooth and then removes the infected tissue and pulp from inside the tooth. He or she then deep cleans the chamber that held the pulp and the roots, removing any lingering bacteria. Once all traces of infection are gone and the interior of the tooth is fully dry, the endodontist fills the chamber and roots with a special material called gutta-percha. Depending on how the exterior of the tooth looks, the endodontist will work with the dentist who will finish the treatment by placing a crown or other type of dental restoration on the tooth to protect it.

An endodontist can also perform surgery to correct a tooth that didn’t fully heal after a root canal or can perform an apicoectomy, a surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s roots. Although the work endodontists do is often associated with infection and severe decay, they can also work to save teeth that have been damaged by injury.

When Should You See an Endodontist?

If you have pain in a tooth or teeth or a history of injury to the teeth that can affect the roots and pulp, your general dentist is likely to refer you to an endodontist. Why see an endodontist when a general dentist is usually capable of and allowed to perform root canals and other treatments?

For one thing, endodontists have more training in root canals than general dentists. They not only have an extra two years of education beyond dental school, as the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) points out, they are also better trained in and experienced with using advanced technology to improve your comfort during the treatment and to improve the results of the treatment. The average endodontist performs about 25 root canals each week, while a general dentist usually performs two per week.

It’s very likely that your general dentist will advise you to see an endodontist if he or she thinks you need to be seen by this dental specialist for further evaluation. As the AAE notes, about half of all general dentists refer patients in need of a root canal to an endodontist. You can also choose to schedule an appointment with an endodontic specialist if you have pain in your teeth, notice that a tooth is cracked or if a tooth has been knocked out or shifted out of position.

Your general dentist can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy and can be a great resource when you have problems with your teeth. You also have the power to keep your teeth healthy at home with a great oral hygiene routine, which may include brushing with a toothpaste like Colgate Total^SF Advanced Deep Clean, which helps prevent plaque, gingivities, tartar build-up and cavities. But if you need a specific treatment, such as a root canal, you’re usually better off calling in the help of a specialist.

Attributes of an Endodontist

Having advanced training in this specialty involves at least two extra years of study and clinical hours beyond the conventional four years of dental school. After completion, this specialist is uniquely qualified to best treat an infected tooth and alleviate pain. A practicing endodontist will, on average, do 25 or more root canals or other procedures related to a tooth infection per week. This schedule makes them efficient and flexible since they do not perform other routine dental procedures. Additionally, most will see patients on the same or next day, and many have Saturday and evening hours.

This expert care is why you may be referred to an endodontist. They regularly attend continuing education classes and seminars to stay abreast of the latest technology for diagnosis and treatment. This includes the use of microscopes, lasers, ultrasonic instruments and imaging tools that are digital, 3D and fiber optic. Using these advanced technologies helps ensure that the tooth or teeth can be saved and function successfully in the future.

Endodontic Treatments and Procedures

The most common referral to an endodontist is for a root canal: a procedure that cleans the infected pulp area, relieving pain and saving the tooth. Most infections in the pulp of the tooth are caused by advanced decay or a deep cavity that was prepped and treated in proximity to the pulp. Endodontics also involves re-treatment of a root canal that didn’t clear up the initial infection, or a surgical procedure at the tip of the root. Traumatic injury to teeth can also cause tooth pulp to become necrotic and require a root canal to retain the tooth or teeth.

Endodontists are great at saving teeth, however occasionally a tooth or teeth may have complications beyond their abilities. The good news is that these specialists possess the skills and advanced diagnostic tools to determine the best treatment for you. This could mean a referral for an extraction and tooth replacement to restore your smile, but only after all treatment options are explored. Doing everything to save your tooth is an endodontist’s first priority because the general belief is your natural tooth is best! Keep your mouth healthy by practicing optimal home care, like brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. However, even with proper oral hygiene, problems and infections can still occur. During treatment, brushing with a toothpaste for sensitivity can be helpful. Relieving your pain and maintaining your smile is your dentist’s first priority, and he or she will not hesitate to refer you to the champion of tooth saving: the endodontist!

Laser Dentistry: What is Laser Dentistry?

What is laser dentistry? If you’ve never heard of this innovative type of dental care, now is the time to learn. Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option when you’re facing gum surgery, cavity treatment, or other oral issues. Discuss your laser surgery options with one of our dentists today.

Laser Dentistry: An Overview

Medical professionals use lasers, which are extremely focused light beams, to alter or remove tissue in small amounts. Laser surgery is not limited to dentistry, but many people have never heard of laser dentistry before having it done. Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, be it to remove overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or to whiten teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is ideal for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.

What Laser Dentistry Can Treat

Most issues laser dentistry treats are related to the gums. Some of these include:

Canker sore and cold sore pain treatments.
Treating root canal infections.
Treating gum disease.
Removing gum inflammation.
Gum reshaping.
Biopsies.
Exposing wisdom teeth.
Removing throat tissue that causes sleep apnea.
Regenerating damaged nerves.
Removing benign oral tumours.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.

Patients are less likely to require sutures
Anesthesia may not be necessary
The laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
Less damage to gums shortens the healing time
Patients lose less blood than traditional surgery

What Happens During Laser Gum Surgery or Other Dentistry?

When you come for your laser dentistry appointment, you might be surprised to discover that the process is very similar to other dentistry appointments, like tooth fillings. You receive anesthesia, though it might not be as much as you’re used to receiving. Some patients who experience anxiety might receive a sedative, too.

During the procedure, you won’t feel any vibrations or discomfort from the laser like you do from the drill. Any bleeding that occurs gets wiped away, just like before. Your mouth will be propped open as the dentist works with the laser to treat your issues.

Post-Operative Expectations

If you’ve ever had gum surgery done without a laser, you can expect that your post-operative experience after laser dentistry will likely be smoother. Because a laser causes far less bleeding than a scalpel, don’t expect the site of your surgery to bleed very much when you get home. You won’t have an open, bleeding wound the way you would with a scalpel procedure.

While you should still follow cleaning and care instructions to the letter, you’re less likely to get an infection. You also won’t typically experience the pain and discomfort associated with scalpel surgery because your post-op irritation is likely to be minor.

The Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry

The two main types of lasers dentists use during laser procedures are hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it appropriate for cutting into that specific type of tissue. This works because each kind of tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the light’s wavelength (and sometimes pulse) scientists have figured out how to craft lasers with light wavelengths compatible with the tissues in your mouth.

Hard Tissue Lasers

A hard tissue laser is used primarily for your teeth. The wavelength of one of these lasers cuts through both water and bone, specifically the calcium phosphate that’s in your bones and your teeth. These lasers can very accurately cut into your teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used for:

Detecting cavities.
Dealing with tooth sensitivity.
Preparing teeth for dental fillings.

Soft Tissue Lasers

The soft tissue lasers use a light wavelength that hemoglobin and water absorb easily. Hemoglobin is the molecule found in blood, which makes soft tissue lasers ideal for gum work. Some soft tissue lasers are diode lasers, which is a type of continuous-wave laser.

These lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. This is the reason you don’t bleed very much during laser dentistry and why healing is quicker after laser dentistry. Soft tissue lasers are great for cosmetic procedures because you can begin to see results right away. Soft tissue lasers are used for:

Lengthening crowns.
Dealing with restricted tongue movement.
Reshaping the gums to create a more pleasing smile.
Removing folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures.

Whether you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, expect an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry is a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether serious in nature or simply cosmetic. Ask your dentist about laser dentistry the next time you need dental work completed.

Root Canal Treatment

If your dentist prescribes a root canal, then you’re probably wondering what a root canal is — or if you do know, maybe you’re nervous about the procedure. No need to worry, though, because root canals are a safe and common procedure performed millions of times every year. According to the American Association of Endodontics , root canals are as routine as getting a filling, relatively painless, and extremely effective as treatment for a damaged or infected tooth. So what exactly is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure, typically performed by an endodontist , to repair a damaged or infected tooth while still preserving the remaining healthy parts of the tooth. To perform the procedure, the damaged or infected tooth is left in place within the gum line while an endodontist thoroughly cleans the canal surrounding the tooth’s roots.

Why You May Need a Root Canal

You may need a root canal if you have a damaged or infected tooth that affects the dental pulp of the tooth. Dental pulp is the soft core at the center of a tooth that extends from the crown of the tooth (the visible top part) down to the tip of the roots deep within the gumline and extending to the jawbone. This dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, so when a tooth becomes damaged (by cracking or by cavity), bacteria can enter and damage the tooth’s health.

If this bacteria or decaying material is left untreated within the tooth, you run the risk of getting an infection or having a tooth abscess manifest. These symptoms can lead to pulp death, bone loss and a full loss of the tooth itself. Other symptoms that may indicate a need for a root canal are swelling around the face and neck, holes in the tooth (which cause toothaches, tooth pain and temperature sensitivity) or even gum swelling.

Getting Started on Root Canal Treatment

A dentist or endodontist (“endo” being the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” meaning “tooth”) typically performs root canals. Once they take dental X-rays to assess the damage to the tooth, they will administer a local anesthetic to the affected area to help suppress any feeling. To keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure, dental specialists use a small, rubberlike sheet called a dental dam in the mouth.

During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist will remove decay from the outer areas and then make an opening through the crown of the tooth. This is done so that the dentist or endodontist can access the dental pulp inside. Once the hole is made, the infected or diseased pulp is removed from the tooth.

Clearing the Root Canal of Infection

Once the dental professional removes the diseased or infected pulp, they flush and clean the pulp chamber and root canals. If necessary, they may reshape or enlarge the root canals to allow for better access for the filling process that comes later.

After a thorough cleaning, your dentist or endodontist may apply medication to the pulp chamber or the root canal to help clear any lingering infection they may have missed. If the original infection has spread to other areas of the mouth, you may get a prescription for antibiotics or have another procedure scheduled, depending on your dentist’s recommendation.

If your root canal procedure requires more than one visit, your dental provider may give you a temporary filling for the crown on top of the affected tooth. This temporary crown helps protect the tooth from food debris and saliva while you wait for your next procedure. While this crown remains in place, avoid biting or chewing with it until the full tooth has been both treated and restored to your dentist’s satisfaction.

Filling the Root Canals

Once the tooth has been properly cleaned and treated, it’s time to refill the tooth to restore its structural integrity. It’s possible that more anesthesia might not be needed for this part of the process. If you had a temporary crown and filling placed on the tooth, your dentist or endodontist will remove and replace with a compound of rubber and sealer paste that will fill the remaining area inside the tooth. Once the dental pulp area is refilled with this paste, they will add an adhesive filling to the root canals to make sure they’re protected from saliva or food debris.

Final Stage of Root Canal

By now, your dentist or endodontist has drilled into your tooth, hollowed it out, thoroughly cleaned it, and then refilled it with sealant and adhesive paste. Now the dentist must restore the tooth’s strength to protect it from future damage and allow it to be used normally again.

This starts by placing a crown on top. Crowns are made of several different kinds of material, most notably gold or porcelain fused to metal, but they can also be made of porcelain alone and can be tinted or colored to match the exact color of your other teeth so they don’t stand out.

Your dentist or endodontist may also recommend inserting a metal post into the tooth for added structural integrity before the crown is applied.

After Your Root Canal

Your tooth, and the surrounding area, may be a little sensitive for a few days after the procedure. This is completely normal, and over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate any lingering pain or pressure you may experience. If the pain continues for longer than a day or two, you should contact your dentist or endodontist immediately for further recommendations.

Otherwise, your restored tooth and crown should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Practicing good and constant oral hygiene will ensure that your restored tooth will continue to work well for a lifetime.

Ask your dentist or endodontist if you may need a root canal in the near future or if there’s anything you can do to help prevent it.

What Is Periodontics?

Periodontics is an oral specialty focusing on inflammatory diseases that affect the gums and oral structures supporting the teeth. Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. They also specialize in the placement of dental implants.

With extensive training beyond traditional dental school, periodontists often treat especially problematic periodontal cases, involving severe gum disease and patients with complex medical histories. Among the specialized services periodontists provide include:

Scaling and root planing, during which the infected surface of a tooth’s root is cleaned
Root surface debridement, involving the removal of damaged tissue
Crown lengthening services, soft tissue grafting and removal or re-contouring

Periodontists are also able to treat severe gum problems using an array of surgical procedures. They are also specially trained in the maintenance, placement and repair of dental implants.

Who Needs a Periodontist?

If you have significant gum disease or require dental implants, you should consider seeing a periodontist. Since gum disease can lead to other serious medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your general dentist if you have any symptoms of gum disease, including bleeding, swelling or tenderness.

If you are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of your gums, a periodontist may also be able to recommend effective cosmetic treatments.

How do I get a Referral for Periodontics Care?

If your family dentist has identified potential periodontal issues during an examination, you should ask if a visit to a periodontist is in order.

From there, the professional staff at Gentle Dental can help you schedule an appointment with one of our expert neighborhood periodontists.

What Can I Expect at a Periodontal Appointment?

Once you arrive for your appointment, the periodontist will carefully review your patient history and thoroughly examine your mouth.

During the exam, the periodontist will check for gumline recession, jaw alignment issues and loose teeth. He or she will also use a small measuring instrument to measure the depth of the spaces – known as periodontal pockets – between the teeth and gums. X-rays may also be needed to assess the health of the bone below the gumline.

Once he or she has identified the problem, the periodontist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan to correct the issue.

How Much Will it Cost?

Overall costs will vary depending on the extent of the problem and required treatment. Since periodontal treatments are considered necessary, dental insurance typically covers all or most of the associated costs. If affordability is an issue, we are pleased to offer flexible financing plans, along with discounts for patients without insurance.

Five Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth and smile. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, rather than essential, some cases of treatment also provide restorative benefits.

The most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are fairly simple, whereas others are more complex and require specialized care.

Inlays and Onlays

These are also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory, and they are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling. Provided there is no damage to the tooth cusps, according to Choice One Dental Care, the inlay is placed directly onto the tooth surface. When the cusp or a greater portion of the tooth is damaged, however, an onlay is used instead to cover the tooth’s entire surface.

Inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory from composite resin material and attached to the teeth with adhesive dental cement. They provide support to strengthen teeth, restore their shape and avoid any further decay or deterioration.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged or discolored teeth using material that resembles the color of tooth enamel. Your dentist drills out the tooth decay and applies the composite onto the tooth’s surface, then “sculpts” it into the right shape before curing it with a high-intensity light. Also referred to as simply “bonding,” per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this effectively covers the damage to the tooth and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available to patients with tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth and worn-down edges.

Dental Veneers

Typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are made individually for each patient to resemble one’s natural teeth, according to Bruce Wilderman, DDS. They look exceptionally realistic and can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth, to cracked or damaged enamel to noticeable gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most basic cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening or teeth bleaching can be performed at your dentist’s office. Whitening should occur after plaque, tartar and other debris are cleaned from the surface of each tooth, restoring their natural appearance. Teeth can also be bleached to achieve an even lighter shade than this original color, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site.

Over the years, teeth become stained and worn from food, drinks, medication and personal habits such as smoking. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be done in the dental office or at home.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Patients need to practice diligent oral hygiene during the implant placement period to clean plaque and food debris from the area. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry procedures, it’s vital to find a cosmetic dentist who specifically offers the option you’re interested in. Talk with family and friends to find out if they can refer to you a dental professional, or check with the AACD for listings of dentists in your area.

Dental Implant

What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.

How do Dental Implants Work?
Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.

For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Implants are usually more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, and most insurance carriers typically cover less than 10 percent of the fees.

The American Dental Association considers two types of implants to be safe. They are:

+

Endosteal implants — these are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
Subperiosteal implants — these consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.

Post are surgically placed below the gums

Artificial teeth grouped on a bridge, are mounted to the posts .

Implants offer a very stable and secure fit.

Implants serve as a base for single replacement teeth.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

How to Brush Your Teeth and Floss With Braces

Dealing with Plaque Around Your Braces
Take Care of Your Gums
Brushing With Braces
Flossing With Braces
Plan Regular Checkups
How to Take Care of Your Child’s Braces

If you or someone in your family wears braces, take heart. Before you know it, you’ll be flashing a confident smile if you keep these few things in mind.

Dealing with Plaque Around Your Braces

Once teeth are straightened by braces, it is easier to reach plaque on and between your teeth. But while wearing braces, plaque and food particles have additional places to accumulate and become trapped.
Be prepared to spend three times as long on your oral care while you have braces on your teeth. Don’t worry, it’s worth the time. If you don’t pay attention to oral hygiene while your teeth are being realigned, you increase your risk of gum disease. Plus, it can help your teeth look that much better when it’s finally time to get your braces removed.

Take Care of Your Gums After Braces with Electric Toothbrushes

While wearing braces, you might consider using the sensitive mode of your Electric Toothbrush. The sensitive mode oscillates at a lower speed for extra care and comfort along the gum line—and around the brackets and orthodontic wires.

Brushing with Braces

Using an Electric Toothbrush makes this routine easy.

Get started: Remove elastics, bands, or removable parts of orthodontic appliances.
Clean your braces: Carefully clean around wires and pins.
Brush each wire: Move top to bottom, and all the way around upper and lower teeth.
Brush your teeth: Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily. That means each quadrant of your mouth gets 30 seconds. Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes have a built-in timer that pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when to switch areas of the mouth. As you’re brushing, make sure to clean all areas of the tooth. Some people find they get the best clean going tooth by tooth.
Rinse, and then check your teeth: Rinse thoroughly. Examine teeth and braces in the mirror, and remember to look for any remaining food particles.

Flossing With Braces

Although flossing with braces is tricky, you can get the hang of it with practice if you follow these steps:

Floss once a day:Use waxed floss (unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces), dental tape or a product specifically designed to clean around your braces. Use waxed floss and thread it carefully under the main wire before passing between two teeth. Don’t snap it—simply move up and down gently, remove, and move on to the next pair of teeth, which is self-threading or regular floss with a floss threader to place above and below the orthodontic wire.
Use enough:About 18 inches of floss should suffice
Thread it carefully: Take the floss and carefully thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth
Be sure not to snap the floss– simply move it up and down gently against the side of each tooth

Parents: Do the flossing for younger children who lack the coordination to thread the floss under the main wire of their braces.

Plan Regular Checkups

Seeing your orthodontist for checkups and adjustments is essential. He or she can repair broken pieces, answer general questions, and address any irregularities such as cavities or every meal or snack if you wear braces. And some dentists recommend a fluoride mouthwash to help control plaque buildup in the places that are tough to reach with a toothbrush.

How to Take Care of Your Child’s Braces

Do you have a child with braces? The following points will help make your child’s daily brushing routine effective:

Before brushing – Your child should take off elastics and any other removable parts of their orthodontic appliance. For removable appliances, take them out after every meal for cleaning.
Brush teeth – They should clean each tooth individually. First, they should place their brush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line, then apply gentle pressure whilst moving in a circular motion. They should do this for about 10 seconds, using the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, and tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

Clean the braces – Your child should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and brackets of their braces. They need to brush from the top of each wire down to the bottom. They should take the time to ensure that all plaque and debris is removed, and that they work all the way around upper and lower teeth. For removable braces, clean them over a sink filled with water. This helps to prevent damage to the brace if you accidentally drop it. Brush the brace with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove all food and debris. Be careful not to damage the wires. Once it’s clean, put the brace back in the mouth.
Interdental brushes once a day – Have their dental professional show them the best way to clean between the teeth and braces. Also, they should follow the instructions on the product package. They may also want to use an interdental product designed for braces and orthodontic work, like a single-tufted toothbrush or floss.
Protecting your child’s teeth – Braces put their teeth at greater risk of developing decay, therefore they need to keep their teeth strong by using fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should be undertaken twice a day at a minimum and preferably after every meal.
Fluoride concentration – If their dentist or orthodontist feels they are at greater risk of tooth decay, they may increase the fluoride concentration by (i) prescribing a stronger toothpaste, (ii) applying fluoride varnish to their teeth two to four times a year when they visit them or (iii) asking them to use a fluoride mouthwash at a different time than tooth brushing.
Spit, but do not rinse after brushing – Rinsing after brushing will wash away the fluoride toothpaste which is needed to strengthen their teeth. This dilution effect is why even a mouthwash straight after brushing is bad news as it dilutes the fluoride around their teeth.
Keep up regular visits with their dentist and orthodontist.

Taking Care of Your Braces

Braces Do More Than Improve Your Smile
The Basics: Brushing and Flossing
Visit the Orthodontist Regularly

You should be prepared for the fact that taking care of your teeth will be more difficult once you get braces. Braces have countless tiny spaces to trap food, and this trapped food causes plaque, which can lead to many other dental problems. Because of this, it’s very important to brush your teeth after every meal (snacks count, too), to rinse with mouthwash, and to floss at least once a day. This may seem tedious or excessive, but neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to serious oral health problems, force you to spend additional time in braces, or cause unsightly staining on your teeth. The extra responsibility needed to care for braces properly is something that both you and your child should be prepared for.

Braces Do More Than Improve Your Smile

They also play an active role in correcting overcrowded and misaligned teeth. This is important because an abnormal bite (also known as “malocclusion”) may cause other problems, such as impaired plaque removal around misaligned teeth, which can lead to gum inflammation and cavities.

Taking good care of braces can help prevent damage to the braces themselves and the teeth underneath as well as make the braces more comfortable to wear. Learning the basics of orthodontic care will help you follow your dental professional’s recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy during the time you’re wearing braces.

The Basics: Brushing And Flossing

Careful cleaning is required with braces, because plaque bacteria are easily trapped inside and around them. The following procedure will make daily brushing and flossing both simple and effective.

Prepare to brush. Take off elastics and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.
Clean your braces. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire down to the bottom. Take your time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed, and that you work all the way around upper and lower teeth.
Brush your teeth. Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle the gum line, then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
Floss once a day. Have your dental professional show you the best way to floss, or follow the instructions on the product package. You may also want to use a flossing product designed for braces and orthodontic work, like a floss threader.
Rinse and check your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouth rinse, and examine your teeth and braces in the mirror.
Professional Care: Dentist And Orthodontist Visits

Visit the Orthodontist Regularly

During the time that you have braces on your teeth, you will need to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments to your appliance. After a routine orthodontic adjustment, you may experience some tightness or even a slight amount of pain. If this discomfort or pain does not quickly dissipate, or becomes extreme, you should consult your orthodontist. Concerns about your appliances, and any problems with broken parts, should also be brought to your orthodontist’s attention immediately.

It’s also important that you continue with regular visits to your general dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Routine checkups are necessary to spot cavities and signs of gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist may also perform frequent fluoride treatments to provide additional protection to tooth surfaces from decay while you’re wearing braces.

Your home oral care techniques will be monitored by your dental professional and changes will be recommended as necessary. As always, be sure to follow their instructions.

Types of Braces

Today’s orthodontics offer more kinds of braces than ever before. Check out your options

Metal braces/Traditional braces
Ceramic Braces
Lingual Braces
Invisalign

Metal braces/Traditional braces

These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces.” However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.

Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves
Cons:Most noticeable type of braces

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.

Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners (Invisalign)
Cons:More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth.

Pros:Invisible from outside
Cons:Difficult to clean; more expensive; not appropriate for severe cases; can be more uncomfortable at first; regular adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.

Pros: Almost invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want

Cons: Will not work for serious dental problems; only available for adults and teens, not children; more expensive option; can be easily lost and costly to replace; treatment may potentially take longer.