Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Healing, & Complications

Below is an excerpt from an article found on crest.com

A tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure performed by a dentist. In some cases pulling teeth (removing a tooth completely from its spot in the jaw bone), may be necessary to preserve or improve your dental health.

Some of the reasons for tooth extraction include:

• Pulling teeth for braces: Preparation for orthodontia (braces and retainers) often involves pulling one tooth or a few teeth.
• Pulling teeth to save space: Wisdom teeth are often removed if there is no space for them in the mouth, or if they become impacted or infected.
• Pulling teeth due to damage or decay: Tooth extraction may be the only option if a tooth is too decayed or damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown.
• Pulling teeth in radiation or chemotherapy patients: If radiation or chemotherapy to the head and neck causes teeth to become infected, pulling teeth may be necessary.

Tooth Extraction Procedure: Getting a Tooth Pulled

When you undergo a tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. You may also receive an anti-anxiety medication or an intravenous sedative. If the dental extraction involves an impacted tooth, the tooth may be broken into pieces before it is removed.

Pulling teeth falls into two basic categories: simple and surgical. Here’s what to expect from each:

• Simple: A simple tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth that is visible in the mouth. This could mean removing a badly damaged or decayed tooth, or removing teeth prior to getting braces. General dentists can do simple tooth extractions. When you undergo simple tooth extraction, you will receive local anesthesia. In addition, some dental professionals administer anti-anxiety medication or use conscious sedation for simple cases of pulling teeth. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient for pain management after these procedures.
• Surgical: Surgical tooth extraction is an operation by an oral surgeon involving removal of teeth that are not visible in the mouth, because they have not come in or because the tooth has broken off. Individuals with special medical conditions may receive general anesthesia when pulling teeth involving surgery. You may also receive prescription pain medication for use immediately after surgical teeth-pulling procedures.

Tooth Extraction Healing and Recovery

After any type of tooth extraction, be sure to follow your dental professional’s instructions for oral care, including the following tips:

• Eat Soft Foods: Stick primarily to liquids until any anesthesia wears off, and then limit your diet to soft foods for the first few days after a tooth extraction.
• Take care of your teeth: Don’t brush the teeth immediately next to the area of tooth extraction on the first day after the procedure, but do brush the rest of your teeth. Two days after a tooth extraction, get back to a good oral care routine.

Tooth Extraction Complications

“Dry socket” occurs in approximately 3-4% of teeth pulling cases. If a blood clot fails to form in the hole after pulling teeth, or if the blood clot breaks off too soon, the underlying bone is exposed, creating a dry socket. This condition can be painful and should be treated as soon as possible with a medicated bandage to promote healing.

Other potential problems associated with pulling teeth include:

• Sore Jaw: Your jaw may be sore due to anesthesia or to the strain of keeping your mouth open during the procedure.
• Numb Lips and Chin: If the reason for pulling teeth was removal of lower wisdom teeth, your lower lip or chin may be numb for several months if a nerve in that area (the inferior alveolar nerve) was traumatized.
• Infection: Infection is always a possibility after pulling teeth, but it is unlikely in individuals who have healthy immune systems.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

What Can You Do About Missing Teeth?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on colgate.com

If you don't quite have a full set of permanent teeth, you might be surprised to learn that you're in good company. In fact, the average adult who is between the ages of 20 and 64 has at least three decayed or missing teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Whether you lost your teeth in an accident or you had them pulled, replacement teeth not only have the potential to enhance your appearance, but they may also improve your chewing and speaking. Take a look at some of the tooth replacement options your dental health care professional might recommend for you.

Dental Implants

Because it is surgically implanted, a dental implant can offer a sturdy, long-term solution for a tooth replacement. The process of getting an implant involves three stages that can take place over several months. Despite this lengthy time frame, many people choose dental implants because they're the most similar to natural teeth and they can last for many years, or even decades.

Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, which are devices that bridge the gap where your missing tooth or teeth used to be. Unlike dental implants, which typically don't affect your surrounding teeth, bridges are often attached to your adjacent teeth for support.

Dentures

If you have more than just a few missing teeth, your dental health care professional may recommend dentures, which are removable appliances that consist of numerous artificial teeth. Full dentures mimic the look and function of a full set of teeth, while overdentures will fit over a few remaining teeth. It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures, but after an adjustment period they should begin to feel comfortable and natural.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

Temporomandibular Joints Pain (TMJ)

Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.

Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. 

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

• arthritis 
• dislocation 
• injury 
• tooth and jaw alignment 
• stress and teeth grinding 

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.

There are several treatments for TMJ disorders. This step-by-step plan from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. The NIDCR also recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders, which includes: 

• eating softer foods 
• avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails 
• modifying the pain with heat packs 
• practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback. 

If necessary for your symptoms, the following treatments may be advised: 

• exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles 
• medications prescribed by your dentist; for example, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications 
• a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth. 

In some cases, your dentist may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended. Your dentist can suggest the most appropriate therapy based on the suspected cause.

To read the entire article visit mouthhealthy.org

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

Dental Fluorosis: Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Below is an excerpt from an article found on crest.com

Dental flourosis (pronounced “floo-roh-sis”) is a common condition that can affect the appearance of children’s teeth due to the hypocalcification of tooth enamel. What is hypocalcification? It’s merely the scientific term for having less than normal amounts of calcification in the teeth, leading to spots of softer enamel and discoloration.

Most cases of fluorosis are mild and do not affect tooth function or cause pain, though in rare severe cases the enamel itself is affected with pitting and brown spots that aren’t as easily treated. Adults aren’t affected by fluorosis, but if you suspect that your child may have a severe form of fluorosis, see a dentist as soon as possible.

What causes Dental Fluorosis?

Sometimes called mottled enamel or enamel fluorosis, dental fluorosis occurs due to the sustained overconsumption of fluoride when the enamel layers of permanent teeth are being formed, even before they’re visible. This can happen before the age of 8 when permanent teeth come in, or around the ages of 1-2 when baby teeth come in.

Is fluoride bad? No, the CDC supports the use of fluoride as an important way to prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Fluoride is safe, but should only be consumed in proper amounts. That’s why it’s beneficial for parents to monitor their children’s brushing habits during the stages of tooth formation, to assure they aren’t accidentally ingesting large amounts of toothpaste or mouthwash.

Dental Fluorosis Symptoms

Mild forms of dental fluorosis can result in discoloration of teeth, usually appearing as white lace-like marks on the surface of teeth. More severe forms of dental fluorosis have larger areas of discoloration and, in rare severe cases, rough pits or pock-like marks on the enamel surface.

How to Prevent Dental Fluorosis

Infants can contract dental fluorosis due to the fluoride that is found in water (usually ingested when mixed with infant formula) or due to ingesting fluoride toothpaste. For kids under 2, breast feeding is a great alternative to formula and brushing can be done with a small, soft-bristled brush and plain water to limit fluoride intake.

For older children, remember to only apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and monitor their brushing to help them remember to spit toothpaste out after use.

Most cases of fluorosis are cosmetic and need no form of treatment. If the appearance of the teeth is seen as a problem, teeth whitening treatments can help to resolve visibly white spots. For more severe cases, consult your child’s dentist for the best treatment options.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

Water Flossing

Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org

Water flossing is a way to clean between and around your teeth. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, removes food from between teeth. 

Water flossers that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been tested to be safe and effective at removing a sticky film called plaque, which puts you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Water flossers with the ADA Seal can also help reduce gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, throughout your mouth and between your teeth. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted water flossers. 

Water flossers can be an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. People who have had dental work that makes flossing difficult—like braces, or permanent or fixed bridges—also might try water flossers. 

Cleaning between your teeth once a day is an important part of your dental hygiene routine. You should also brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and see your dentist regularly.

To read the entire article visit mouthhealthy.org

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

Dental Anesthesia Side Effects And Causes For Treatment

Below is an excerpt from an article found on colgate.com

Medical procedures are sometimes necessary to maintain your health, including oral health. Anesthesia is inherent to more involved procedures, whether it's knee surgery or filling an advanced cavity, and when properly administered, it isn't a point of concern. But some people do suffer from dental anesthesia side effects. Here's a look into anesthesia and why some patients don't respond as well to it.

Anesthesia Types

There are two types of anesthesia: local and general. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) defines local anesthesia as "the temporary loss of sensation including pain in one part of the body produced by a topically-applied or injected agent without depressing the level of consciousness." In effect, your dentist simply desensitizes a portion of your mouth by injecting medicine into the gum or inner cheek; you can stay awake for this process. General anesthesia, according to Aetna, sedates you for an extended period of time, and an air tube allows you to breathe while you're asleep.

Although the term can be misleading, general anesthesia has a much more specific role to your comfort during a procedure, and is administered by a trained professional such as an oral-maxillofacial surgeon or medical anesthesiologist. Local (or regional) anesthesia is used for much simpler types of treatment, wherein your needs are minor enough that your bodily state can remain the same.

Procedures Requiring Anesthesia

Unfortunately, not all trips to the dentist are as easy as a routine cleaning so check before booking your next appointment. Tooth extraction is one of the most common processes necessitating anesthesia. When a tooth that has become decayed needs to be removed, the doctor anesthetizes the area of your mouth surrounding that tooth. Wisdom teeth are another common cause for anesthezed removal, usually due to impaction or simply not having enough room to erupt.

Although root canals have become much easier over the years, they are another example of when an anesthesia is necessary. When a tooth's pulp becomes damaged or diseased, the part of the tooth that houses the pulp needs to be removed and sealed, thereby saving the tooth from extraction. Probably the most common need for anesthesia, however, is in the filling of a cavity. A filling is required when a small section of your tooth succumbs to decay, creating a small area that the dentist will remove the decay and fill the cavity.

Dental Anesthesia Side Effects

Side effects from a local anesthesia are few and far between, but they do occasionally arise. Numbness felt beyond the affected part of the mouth is a very common one. Following a local injection to your gums, for example, the medicine can cause your eyelid or cheek muscles to droop. After the anesthesia wears off, this numbness dissipates. Here are a few more:

• Unable to blink – If you can't blink one of your eyes, your dentist can tape it shut until the numbness ceases so that it doesn't dry out.
• Hematoma – Described as a blood-filled swelling, this can happen if the needle strikes a blood vessel upon injection.
• Racing heart beat – The vasoconstrictor drug in the anesthesia can increase your heart beat for a minute or two. Be sure to mention this to your doctor if you notice it.
• Nerve damage – If the needle directly hits a nerve, the result can be numbness and pain that lasts for weeks or months. Nerve damage is very rare in a regional injection, according to the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA).

The best way to avoid any dental anesthesia side effects is to lower your risk of issues that warrant a desensitizing solution. A good way to achieve that goal is by using a toothpaste such as Colgate TotalSF Advanced Deep Clean. Brushing, flossing and a healthy diet are all keys to keeping a healthy mouth. Of course, make sure you schedule your regular dental checkup, too.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com

New Year, Healthier Mouth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org

What does ringing in the new year have to do with being mouth healthy? 

More than you may think. Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? Bristles that become frayed and worn are less effective at cleaning your teeth. That means, celebrating the new year with a brand new toothbrush is actually smart dental hygiene.

Here are MouthHealthy resolutions:

• Start brushing 2min2x. Always brush twice a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems. 
• Floss daily. Flossing is part of being mouth healthy.
• Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Drink fluoridated water. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.
• See your dentist. Regular dental visits will help you be Mouth Healthy for Life.  

To read the entire article visit mouthhealthy.org

Advanced Dentistry of Spring   
Stephen D. Glass, DDS  
Joel C. Edgar, DDS
7000 Louetta Road, Suite A
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-1214 
WhiterSmiles.com