February 2013 - The Dental Place

February 26, 2013

Third molars, more commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are the very back teeth on both sides of the upper and lower arches. In some patients, these teeth never emerge. Others may have more than four wisdom teeth. Many patients can go through life without experiencing any problems with their wisdom teeth allowing them to be left alone.

However, many patients are not so fortunate and are faced with problems such as:

Overcrowding – When the wisdom teeth erupt, quite often the jaw cannot accommodate all permanent teeth. A malocclusion may occur forcing the teeth out of position to try to make room creating an over bite, under bite or cross bite. In an effort to prevent this from happening, the dentist may recommend removing the third molars.

Impacted teeth – Many patients are faced with impacted third molars. This means they are unable to erupt or come in completely or straight. This can present areas that are difficult to reach with a tooth brush or floss creating pockets where bacteria thrive and plaque build-up can occur.

Periodontitis – Also known as gum disease, the area surrounding wisdom teeth can be more susceptible to this problem due to the inability to reach with floss and a tooth brush resulting in improper hygiene.

Orthodontics – Many patients preparing to enter a teeth straightening procedure may be faced with having one or more teeth extracted. Quite often those teeth will be the third molars.

Discomfort – Impacted wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, and when this impacts day to day living, the best solution may be to have them removed.
Impacted wisdom teeth are often extracted by an oral surgeon. Since this is a very common procedure for them, the process is very proficient. Healing time varies from patient to patient with the recommendation that soft foods be the mainstay for at least a few days. Do not drink beverages through a straw or smoke as the sucking action can loosen the clots needed to keep dry sockets from developing.

Wisdom teeth got their name from the fact that they generally erupt in the late teens or early twenties when a level of maturity has been reached. So if removing them is recommended, follow your dentist’s advice and have it done.

Contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 if you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment to discuss the status of the health of your wisdom teeth.

February 17, 2013

The primary purpose of a root canal is to remove the nerve, pulp and blood tissue from the interior canals of a tooth, usually due to infection. Without this procedure, an abscess may develop that could result in spreading infection to other tissues in the body, and ultimately illness and/or tooth loss.

An infection can occur due to a breach in a dental filling or a cracked tooth. Although discomfort often accompanies this type of infection, there can be a problem without obvious symptoms. Sensitivity to hot or cold can be a clue, but sensitivity can also occur due to gum recession and exposed root.

The only way to positively identify the need for a root canal is a visit to the dentist. Dental x-rays and other simple tests can indicate the need for endodontic therapy. Removing the interior of the canal of a tooth’s root does not jeopardize the health of the tooth as once a tooth has erupted through the gum tissue; the nerve no longer serves a necessary purpose.

Clearing out the infection then sealing the tooth can relieve the pressure and discomfort, and at the same time salvage the tooth.

The consequences of inaction can be serious. Allowed to progress, an infection can spread to other parts of the neck, throat and head. Clearing out the infection then sealing the tooth can relieve the pressure and discomfort, and at the same time salvage the tooth. Depending on the tooth treated, the entry point can be sealed with a composite resin filling, but more likely a dental crown will be the final restoration of choice.

The procedure itself involves steps such as a dental x-ray to see positioning and number of roots that must be treated, numbing the area for utmost patient comfort, isolating the tooth to prevent accidental exposure of infectious material from spreading and the patient swallowing debris removed, and the actual process of removing the interior of the tooth’s canals.

The vacated root is flushed, and in some cases treated with additional medication. To provide additional stability for the tooth, it is packed with a rubber like material to fill the cavity left behind.

The process is completed with the final restoration. The tooth has been saved allowing the patient many more years of functionality and comfort. And although the root canal has earned a reputation as a dreaded dental procedure, with modern technology and updated instrumentation, this procedure can be done quickly, safely, and with outstanding results.

If you have questions about an upcoming root canal procedure, contact our skilled team of dentists at The Dental Place to schedule a consultation.

February 5, 2013

When a patient is fitted for dentures, there is an initial adjustment period where it is generally advisable to wear the new denture at night. Everyone is different, however, so that adjustment period is not set in stone.

A denture is an appliance used when one or more teeth have been lost. For replacing one or a couple of teeth, a partial denture is the best option. A removable partial denture is made up of the replacement tooth or teeth attached to a plastic base. The base is gum tissue color for aesthetics and is used to secure the denture with metal framework that is affixed to surrounding natural teeth.

The option of a fixed partial is also available. Permanently attached to healthy natural teeth, this partial denture does away with the question of removing at night.

When trauma, disease or decay results in the loss of all teeth in either the upper or lower arch, a complete denture may be recommended. Since there are no teeth to keep a complete denture in place, a custom fit is critical to the appearance and comfort of the wearer.

You will likely see your dentist for numerous visits over the period of time from the beginning of the denture process until a couple of weeks after you’ve received your final denture.

If you are undergoing the conventional denture process, you will see your dentist for dental impressions, model wax-up and numerous try-in appointments to make sure the appearance and fit are precise. Your dentist will make adjustments so that the final denture will be the correct tooth size and the tooth shade will match your remaining natural teeth.

After your final denture has been fabricated and delivered, small adjustments will likely be needed. You may find yourself returning to the dentist on a daily basis, as aesthetics, comfort and functionality must be the priority no matter how many adjustments are needed.

Wearing your denture 24/7 initially will expedite the adjustment period. Once attained, removing your denture during the night to allow gum tissue a chance to rest is optimum. Keeping the plastic base soft by soaking the denture throughout the night along with keeping the “teeth” clean with the recommended denture soak will enhance your denture’s appearance and comfort. Ultimately following your dentist’s advice offers the greatest chance for the best denture experience possible.

If you are considering dentures as an option to improve your smile, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 and make an appointment today.