Request an AppointmentOur bodies truly are amazing. We came across this video and it was just a great reminder of how powerful we can be. We hope you enjoy it! We think it’s missing some dental statistics though, don’t you?
January 28, 2014
January 26, 2014
Canker sores create such severe discomfort, eating and speaking can be an inconvenienced for up to two weeks waiting for the sores to heal. If canker sores occur frequently, your dentist can provide valuable tips that might help to minimize their presence as well as offer medications that might ease the discomfort that accompanies these small, but life disrupting lesions.
Canker sores afflict mostly adolescents between the ages of ten and twenty. Although their origin cannot be attributed to one particular thing, it is thought that diet, hormones, stress or oral abrasions can play a role in their occurrence. These little ulcers can appear on the tongue, cheeks, gums, throat … anywhere where oral tissue exists, you can develop a canker sore.
These little ulcers can appear on the tongue, cheeks, gums, throat … anywhere where oral tissue exists, you can develop a canker sore.
Children and young adults that are undergoing orthodontic care may experience abrasions from the metal bands, brackets, or wires that can result in canker sores.
Foods high in acidic value may contribute to these sores as well … citrus fruits like oranges and vegetables such as tomatoes eaten often might trigger an outbreak. Patients who chew gum frequently might develop canker sores more often.
Females are thought to develop canker sores more often than males which might be due to hormones.
Stress can also trigger the sores … pressures from school, classmates, problems at home … youngsters experience stress just like adults and canker sores may result.
People can experience simple canker sores with occurrence a few times per year. If canker sores develop more often, the patient is likely suffering from complex canker sores. The basis for this type of disturbance may be more involved than diet. Certain illnesses or vitamin deficiencies are thought to be possible culprits.
Prevention is difficult as their occurrence is inconsistent. But when dental discomfort due to canker sores erupts, there are a couple of options.
You can wait them out – the most severe of the discomfort is often abated within a few days. A visit to the dentist may result in being given an antimicrobial rinse. Or you can visit your drug store for one of the many products available over the counter to provide relief.
If you experience canker sores often, a diary of foods and beverages consumed might provide clues to our dentists at The Dental Place, of what you can avoid to prevent or limit future outbreaks.
January 15, 2014
The two words most dreaded when sitting in the dental chair are “root canal.” A dental procedure that has earned a bad rap, the root canal is very beneficial in saving a tooth from being lost. Its reputation is more fable than reality in that this procedure is easy, pain free, and will result in keeping a permanent tooth that otherwise could be lost to infection or decay.
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the dentist will create an opening in the exterior of the tooth. Once opened up, the dentist will use dental hand pieces and files to remove the contents of the canal of the roots of the tooth.
The contents being removed are made up of nerve, pulp, and blood tissues … once the tooth has successfully erupted, these contents no longer serve a useful purpose so their removal does not impact the health of the tooth.
However, failure to remove these tissues can result in infection if the tooth has been breached by dental decay, a fracture, or other trauma to the tooth. If infection does occur, if not treated an abscess can occur. This abscess can allow infection to spread to other parts of the body as well.
When it has been determined that a root canal is needed, an x-ray will be performed so the number of canals involved, as well as their direction, are identified so the dentist will be sure all canals are treated. This is an imperative step because if any canals are missed, retreatment will be needed.
Once the contents of the canals have been removed, there are different options that may be followed to complete the procedure. If no infection is present, the dentist may elect to seal the tooth immediately. However, if infection is present, treatment with antibiotics and packing the tooth with a rubbery substance called gutta percha will provide stability for the tooth while waiting to be sealed.
Depending on the tooth treated, the tooth may be sealed with composite resin. Often treatment will be completed with a dental crown.
The “dreaded” root canal has now saved a valuable commodity … your tooth. You are free to eat as you please without any concerns, and you have avoided very costly and time consuming treatment that would have been necessary had this tooth been lost.
Determine the best option for your dental situation by calling 972-264-5795 and scheduling an appointment with any of our skilled dentists.
January 7, 2014
The majority of the human species are born with a designated number of teeth for their lifetime. As infants and toddlers, the primary teeth arrive … twenty in all. As those teeth fall out, they make way for the permanent teeth that are to carry us through life. There are 32 permanent teeth with the wisdom teeth being the last to come in.
Our heredity often dictates how much jaw space we will have, as well as the size of our permanent teeth. When jaw space is limited or teeth are a little large, having enough room for all the teeth to erupt without overcrowding can be challenging.
If jaw space is at a premium, these teeth may not have the room needed to erupt. This can result in discomfort, and even infection.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can create many problems. If jaw space is at a premium, these teeth may not have the room needed to erupt. This can result in discomfort, and even infection. The wisdom teeth may be impacted or partially impacted, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start pushing teeth closer together creating a malocclusion. This occurs when the upper teeth no longer correspond with the bottom teeth.
When teeth are overcrowded, they can protrude or be forced inward. This not only creates appearance difficulties, but when teeth are crooked there are pockets between teeth that are difficult to keep clean. Plaque builds up in these areas more readily which can lead to dental decay and the potential for gum disease.
Many individuals will not be faced with these third molar issues … but for those who are, your dentist will provide an assessment of what is needed to correct the problem. It may be that only the upper or lower wisdom teeth should be extracted. But in all likelihood, all wisdom teeth would be removed in one appointment.
If wisdom teeth are impacted (not through the gum tissue), oral surgery will be required. For erupted teeth, normal extraction is usually all that is required. These are issues that can be addressed with your dentist in late teens or early twenties. For some patients, if orthodontic treatment is required, third molars may be removed at a much younger age to provide the space needed for teeth to be shifted to their correct position.
Removing third molars before overcrowding occurs is optimum. This will help keep remaining teeth straight, easier to clean, and smiling with confidence.
Contact our experienced dental team for more information about wisdom teeth removal today.