4 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH

Extraction Procedure

An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket within the jawbone. Extractions range from a routine removal of a tooth that is too damaged to repair, to the removal of wisdom teeth. WHAT IS AN EXTRACTION? An extraction is the removal of a tooth from your mouth. There are several reasons why a dentist would recommend that you have an extraction performed, including the presence of a broken or impacted tooth that cannot be repaired, loss of teeth due to extreme tooth decay and gum disease, or to make space for orthodontic treatment. More advanced cases of gum disease may require further treatment beyond a simple tooth extraction. In these cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized periodontal therapy. Your dentist may recommend this treatment option if your gums are severely inflamed or infected and cannot heal on their own. You may experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, swollen gums that are pulling away from your teeth, increased sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures, and even loose teeth. If the disease has progressed this far and the tissue around your teeth is so damaged that it cannot be treated, it may need to be completely removed through surgery. The periodontist performs this procedure under local anesthesia. If you are having several teeth extracted at once, you will be given general anesthesia. After the tooth has been extracted from its socket, you may experience some mild pain and swelling for a few days. There may also be minor bruising around the site of the extraction. These symptoms should go away within a matter of days and you should continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. It is important to refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for several weeks after having an extraction so you do not risk experiencing dry socket. This condition occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the hole where the tooth was removed and bone is exposed to air and food particles. This can cause intense pain at the extraction site and delay the healing process by several days or even weeks. By following the post-operative instructions given by your dentist, you will help to ensure a quick and uneventful healing process. If you suffer from severe periodontal disease and experience these symptoms on a regular basis WHEN IS AN EXTRACTION NEEDED? A tooth extraction may be needed for a number of reasons, including tooth decay or injury. Your dentist will discuss your options with you prior to performing an extraction at your appointment. Our team is committed to providing you with a comfortable and safe experience. We will provide you with medication to manage pain following your procedure. You can use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and discomfort and should eat soft foods after your procedure. It is also recommended to relax for the rest of the day and avoid physical activity until your mouth has healed completely. You may feel some pressure and sensitivity for a few days after the surgery. However, you should be able to resume your normal diet and activities within one to two days of the extraction. In some cases, we will prescribe additional pain medication that should be taken as instructed. We believe in educating our patients about procedures before they take place so that they can be prepared and have a successful outcome. If you have any questions about the extraction process, please contact our office today! Dental advice provided by Drs. Ali & Shery Mansouri of Serene Oaks Dental located in Elk Grove Village, IL serving Chicago, Schaumburg, and the surrounding communities. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM AN EXTRACTION? After your procedure, your mouth may feel sore for a few days afterward. However, this discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you’re still experiencing pain after the first few days following an extraction, call your dentist’s office to schedule an appointment.

TMJ Disorders and Treatment

If you suffer from constant and severe pain in your head, face, or neck, it may be due to a disorder in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of your jaw. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint that allows the opening and closure of the lower jaw.  Most of our oral functions involve the TMJ, and its improper functioning can cause pain or trouble while talking, yawning, biting, and chewing. In addition, when trauma or strain causes inflammation to the TMJ, it can lead to pain and trouble while moving the lower jaw. This results in a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).  SYMPTOMS OF TMJ Here are the major symptoms of TMJ: * Pain in the jaw joint, chewing muscles, and nearby areas * Painful clicking in the jaw joint while opening or closing the mouth * Radiating pain in the neck and shoulders * Difficulty sleeping * Jaw dysfunction * Stiffness in the jaw muscles resulting in limited jaw movement * Migraine and chronic headaches. * Irregular bite. * Dizziness and vision problems. * Enhanced tooth sensitivity  TMJ TREATMENT Our experienced TMJ specialist knows how interfering these symptoms can be in your daily life. With their comprehensive education and expertise in their field, they treat the patients with the most advanced technology and procedures. With the TMJ treatments, we aim to restore the connection between the bite and the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, thus easing troubling signs and pain. The treatment for TMJ disorders depends on the cause of the condition as well as its symptoms:  * Pain Relievers: We may prescribe a painkiller such as ibuprofen to relieve TMJ pain as the initial step. * Muscle Relaxants: Our dentists prescribe muscle relaxants to help get relief from TMJ disorders created by muscle spasms.  * Oral Splints or Mouth Guards: Oral splints or mouth guards treat bruxism, the condition that leads to the grinding of teeth while sleeping. An improper bite can cause TMJ pain, and this problem can be addressed using oral devices.  * Physical Therapy: Our dentists may suggest some exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles and maintain a good posture. Besides, physical therapy procedures such as moist hot and cold compresses and ultrasound can help to relieve the pain.  * Injections: Corticosteroid injections or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) administered into the joint may ease the discomfort linked with TMJ disorders. * Counseling: Our counseling sessions can help you deal with harmful habits like biting fingernails or grinding of teeth that may worsen the TMJ pain.  TMJ DISORDER DIAGNOSIS  It is crucial to treat the condition in its initial stage to prevent it from hindering the jaw's movement. To diagnose TMJ, your doctor will note your symptoms and will check the problem areas - your neck, head, and face. They may also recommend X - rays or TMJ arthroscopy if needed to identify TMJ disorders. Want to know more about the treatments for TMJ disorders? Book your consultation with us today.

The Importance of Consulting Your Dentist During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes take place in your body, elevating the risk of developing oral health problems. Dentists and obstetricians recommend booking an appointment before conceiving. This prevents dental diseases in advance. It is important to consult your dentist during pregnancy to avoid complications during childbirth.  HOW DOES DENTAL HEALTH AFFECT PREGNANCY? Dental health, also called oral health, is the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. When pregnant, dental health becomes an important part of your prenatal care.  Oral health is directly linked to the general health of your body. Dentists claim that there is a link between dental health and childbirth. Studies show that gum diseases trigger increased levels of biological compounds that induce labor.  HOW CAN YOU ENSURE A SAFE AND HEALTHY PREGNANCY? Dental health is of prime importance during pregnancy. Brush teeth regularly, twice a day. Floss once a day to help get rid of any remains of food particles left after brushing. And more importantly, eat a balanced and nutritious diet and regularly visit your dentist to prevent major oral health problems. Here are other tips: * Use good toothpaste, preferably one that has fluoride  * Use antacids if brushing is impossible due to nausea and vomiting * Avoid smoking  ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY  Some dental health problems may lead to complications in childbirth like:  * Pregnancy gingivitis: The buildup of plaque on the teeth irritates the gum. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include red, inflamed, and bleeding gums.  * Tooth decay: There are high chances of developing tooth decay due to the unhealthy food cravings that occur during pregnancy. Also, nausea and vomiting conditions make some women do less brushing and flossing.  * Pregnancy tumor (pyogenic granuloma): The gum tissue swells, making it look raw. It usually disappears after pregnancy. If not, consult your dentist immediately. * Loose tooth: It is an uncommon complication that occurs during pregnancy. Due to the increase of certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone, tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place loosen.  VISITING A DENTIST DURING PREGNANCY Visit your dentist during weeks 14 through 20 or the second trimester or early third trimester of your pregnancy. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant. This is so they will know to avoid the use of X-rays, pain medications, antibiotics, and dental anesthetics. Discuss your medical history, past miscarriages if any, and medications with your dentist.  To receive the best dental care, contact us today.

How is Extraction Performed

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and some people are not even born with wisdom teeth. If you do have wisdom teeth, they can cause problems if they grow in crooked or misaligned. WHAT IS A TOOTH EXTRACTION? Teeth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures we perform at our clinic. Tooth extractions are common for children and adults with damaged or decaying teeth, and may also be performed for orthodontic purposes. There are several reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. These include severe tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling, extreme tooth damage due to trauma or disease, impacted wisdom teeth that are damaging other healthy teeth and need to be removed, or an overcrowded mouth that could benefit from the removal of a few permanent teeth. Our dentists can provide a professional consultation to determine whether an extraction is necessary. Depending on the location of the affected tooth, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. Most patients report little to no pain and feel much more comfortable during the procedure when a local numbing agent is used. The treatment area will be completely numbed so the patient does not experience any pain throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia is very safe and produces long-lasting results. Once the procedure is over, the patient should be able to return to their normal routine almost immediately. Some patients may experience swelling and minor discomfort in the gums near the extraction site, but these issues should be temporary and resolve within a few days of the procedure. Patients should schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentist to ensure the area heals properly. If a patient is in need of more than one extraction, additional sedation methods may be used to ensure the patient is comfortable and relaxed during the longer procedures. With the proper dental care and professional cleanings, the treated teeth can be improved with regular brushing and flossing practices. Patients who have too much damage to their teeth may want to consider replacing their missing tooth with an implant to prevent future oral health complications. Resource Box At Dental Care of Frisco, we offer comprehensive dental services to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. Our services include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry WHY IS A TOOTH EXTRACTION PERFORMED? A tooth may need to be extracted if it has become severely decayed and cannot be repaired with a filling or other treatment. Other reasons for a tooth’s extraction include advanced gum disease, crowding, and impaction due to misalignment of the teeth. Tooth extractions are a routine procedure with a very high rate of success. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Honig will discuss your options for restoring your smile following an extraction. Your treatment plan may include dental implants or a bridge to replace missing teeth. We may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment and improve function. If you are considering extraction, be sure to call our dental office today to schedule your consultation with our experienced dentist. We look forward to caring for your oral health! WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY TOOTH EXTRACTION APPOINTMENT? Your dentist will numb the area surrounding your tooth to prevent pain, and then he or she will begin to remove the tooth by loosening it and wiggling it back and forth until it’s loose enough to come out. Once removed, your dentist will cover the extracted area with gauze to help stop the bleeding. In some cases, if the bone surrounding the tooth is very soft or brittle, your dentist may break the tooth into several pieces in order to remove it. If you experience any pain during the procedure, let your dentist know immediately so that he or she can take any necessary measures to relieve your pain. After your extraction is complete, you’ll need to bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes to limit any bleeding that may occur. You should also avoid eating for at least an hour after your procedure and avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours in order to help keep the blood clot that forms in your socket strong and healthy. If your bleeding won’t stop after the 30-minute mark, call your dentist for a follow-up appointment, as prolonged bleeding can cause complications in the healing process. While your mouth will be sore after your procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain medications as needed to manage discomfort. Discomfort should improve after about a day; however, if you’re still experiencing pain after a few days, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to discuss additional treatment options. For more information about tooth extraction and other dental procedures, contact the office of Dr. Tom Meyer today. Our friendly team of professionals can help you schedule a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. Call our office today at (815) 653-5666 to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist in Rockford! After my extraction, what happens? After a tooth extraction, you will likely be experiencing a significant amount of pain or discomfort. When your dentist suggests that you have a tooth extracted, it means the loose or broken tooth needs to be removed from your mouth as soon as possible to prevent infection or disease from spreading. Your dentist will start the procedure by applying a local anesthesia to the treatment site to numb your teeth and gums. Next, they will create a small hole in your gum line to access the affected tooth and prepare it for the extraction. Once your tooth is exposed, your dentist will use a special instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth from the socket and gently remove the tooth. Finally, the dentist will gently pack gauze into the socket to control the bleeding and help your gums heal faster. You should be able to eat soft foods after a tooth extraction although you should avoid anything too chewy or crunchy that could irritate the treatment area and cause more pain. You should avoid smoking or drinking from a straw for the first few days after your procedure as this can cause additional trauma to your healing gums. Drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce your pain and swelling. If you are experiencing pain that makes it difficult to chew, speak, or drink properly, you should call your dentist right away to schedule a follow-up appointment. They will be able to determine whether you need an extraction or whether another procedure such as a root canal would be a better option. Another dental visit should be scheduled within a few weeks of your tooth extraction so your dentist can keep an eye on the healing process and make sure that everything is progressing as expected. - Wisdom Dental ( TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION - Eat a soft diet for the first few days after extraction to avoid irritating the gums. Yogurt, mashed potatoes and applesauce are good foods to eat following an extraction. - Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for at least three days after the procedure. Tobacco products can delay the healing process and create complications like dry socket. - Use an ice pack to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling for the first few hours after your procedure. Running cold water over the area or applying a cold compress can also help with swelling and pain.