Blogs

Recent years has shown an influx in obsessions of our appearance, this may be due to the rise of social media where we are now saturated with images of our friends, enemies and celebrities 24/7.  We can now compare ourselves not just to others in the street but from the privacy of our own homes too.

This selfie-obsessed culture combined with the fact that only 35% of adults have well aligned lead has led to a rise of 177% in clear braces with invisible aligners allowing for the teeth to be straightened without notice. Invisalign can straighten teeth by correcting a number of bite problems:

• Crowding
• Spacing
• Over bite
• Under bite
• Deep Bite

Cosmetic Dentistry Boosts Confidence

Cosmetic dentistry is the art of improving a patient’s teeth or bite. With an improved smile, comes confidence. In an independent study by the AACD it was noted that:

• 74% of adults felt that an attractive smile helps their chances of career success.
• 96% of people in the survey believe an attractive smile is important when looking to attract a romantic partner.
•  99.7% of the people interviewed stated that a smile is a vital asset for social skills.

Thankfully, we don’t have to suffer with misaligned teeth and though celebrity culture may be making us more conscious of our appearance, it’s also opening the public up to dental solutions that can be undertaken to restore our smiles.

Celebrities who have had adult braces

• Zac Efron
• Tom Cruise
• Gisele Bundchen

Traditional “train tracks” were a two year commitment, with associations of high school and those awful teenage years we would probably love to forget, but for those who missed out on straightening their misaligned teeth in their youth may feel embarrassed to regress back to traditional orthodontics. Luckily, technology is allowing for teeth to be straightened in new and improved ways, with less disruption than was once a given.

Considering teeth straightening is a big decision, and fixed braces seem daunting. This is due to the committing to having a mouth full of metal that are fixed 24/7. Traditional braces can leave the teeth stained and come with the associated pain and mouth irritation. Invisalign is the solution to these common problems;

Invisalign

Source: Invisalign Scotland

Invisalign allows for removable, clear mouth guards that can straighten your teeth in just 6-9 months. These are a great alternative to train tracks which many professionals might feel would hinder their careers.

• Removable to suit your lifestyle – aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day.
• Easier cleaning than traditional fixed braces
• Clear alternative to braces which may embarrass some adults
• No metal wires or fixed brackets which could become damaged
• Convenient and short term compared to traditional fixed methods

How does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign trays are a unique plastic material made only for the use of Invisalign. They are similar in look to teeth whitening trays and are a bespoke creation made for your mouth only. Over the course of the Invisalign treatment you will be presented with a series of aligners, each with an incremental change, that develops into a straight set of teeth mapped out by your dentist.

The aligners cause the teeth to gradually move from their current position, and so on until you finish the series of aligners. Throughout the process, only certain teeth move at one time, it’s this controlled movement that makes the brace so successful.

Invisalign for Nervous Patients

Those who suffer from dental anxiety may prefer Invisalign treatment as the associated pain and anxiety that come with traditional metal braces is less pronounced. There may be some temporary discomfort when the new aligner is worn but this if often described as “pressure” and is evidence of the brace working.

The British Orthodontic Society has revealed that adults make up half of all the UK’s orthodontic patients and due to Invisalign’s clear and removable properties it’s no wonder this solution is growing in popularity.

Endodontists are dentists who have an additional 2-3 years of formal education after dental school in the treatment and management of disorders relating to the roots and nerves of teeth. Endodontics is one of the several fields recognized as a dental specialty. One of the most common endodontic procedures people are familiar with is a root canal.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, an “[endodontist’s] additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth.”

Why See an Endodontist Instead of a Family Dentist?

If you have a tooth that is more difficult to treat because of its anatomy or location, your general/family dentist may not be up for the challenge. General dentists usually refer complex cases and root canal re-treatments as they require an extensive amount of time or additional equipment to complete. In many cases it is convenient and more comfortable for to just have a specialist complete your root canal.

Being that an endodontist is a highly trained specialist, he or she will have the necessary education, experience and equipment (such as microscopes) to make the procedure more efficient than it would be somewhere else.

What to Expect from a Root Canal Treatment by a Specialist

Unfortunately, root canals have a bad reputation. Many people feel that it’s one of the “worst” procedures they can have done in a dentist office…but it doesn’t have to be. Having an endodontist perform your root canal means the process will go as quickly and smoothly as possible. After all, they’re the experts!

First, the area will be numbed so you don’t feel any discomfort or pain. The endodontist will then create an access point to remove the diseased nerve tissue inside the tooth. Next, the nerve chamber is thoroughly cleaned and medicated before being sealed off to prevent reinfection.

You may have an endodontically infected tooth if you are experiencing symptoms of:

•  Severe tooth pain
•  Swelling or an abscess along the gumlines
•  Tooth discoloration
•  Pain when chewing
•  Past trauma to the tooth
•  Large areas of decay

What About the Price Tag?

Depending on who your dentist is, he or she may have an endodontist that they work with to refer you to for your procedure. This may mean going to another office, or your dentist bringing a specialist into their own private practice for their patients.

The location of your treatment can have a significant impact on the cost of your procedure. Some family dental practices have their own endodontic specialist on staff, and patients don’t have to be referred elsewhere for their root canals. Not only does this make it more convenient, but it significantly decreases the cost of the root canal treatment; especially if you’re relying on your insurance coverage or financing options to cover the procedure.

Perhaps most importantly, if you need a root canal, don’t delay the procedure. Schedule an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible to avoid complications and ongoing pain.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists there are 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth. 35 million of those adults are missing all of their teeth. Having all of your teeth missing used to mean that you had to wear dentures, but not anymore. Now more people than ever are using dental implants for missing teeth because of how reliable, safe and effective the procedure is.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Implants use artificial tooth roots that are anchored into the jaw just like natural teeth. They are made out of titanium, which is often used for procedures like joint replacements because of how well the body accepts the material. In fact, your jaw will usually begin to form new bone around an implant once it is placed - fixing it permanently into your mouth.

When you take care of your implants, they can last for the rest of your life. Most have a success rate greater than 97%, making the procedure the most reliable type of restoration used in modern dentistry!

Not only do implants improve your bone quality, they’re beneficial to your smile because they are:

• Easy to care for. Just brush and floss them like real teeth
• The most “natural” type of tooth replacement available
• Beneficial to your facial profile, preventing sunken lips and cheeks
• Non-invasive to neighboring teeth

How Many Teeth Can You Replace?

You can use dental implants for missing teeth regardless of how many need to be replaced. Single implants can support porcelain crowns, or you can use two implants to support a multi-tooth dental bridge. If you need to replace all of your teeth at one time, implant-supported dentures offer increased comfort and reliability compared to their larger, removable counterparts.

Choosing an Implant Dentist

Most dentists restore dental implants (that is, provide the crown or bridge that goes on top of them), but not all dentists actually place them. If you want all your treatment to be completed in one place, you will need to find a dental practice that provides both the surgical implant placement as well as the restorative phases.

The best implant dentist will use advanced techniques and technology to place your implant in a way so that it heals faster and can be restored as soon as possible. Depending on the healing time involved, it may take up to six months between the actual placement of the implant and when the permanent restoration can be installed.

When to Call Your Dentist

If you’re considering getting dental implants for missing teeth, your first step should be to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for the procedure. Plan enough time for a brief exam, x-rays, and possibly a series of dental impressions so your dentist can fully determine whether or not implants are right for your unique needs. Your insurance may even cover a portion of your treatment.

Call your dentist today to find out if implants are the best tooth replacement option for your smile!

Bruxism refers to grinding, gnashing, gritting, or clenching teeth. As many as one in three people suffer from bruxism. In most instances, people grind their teeth without realizing it, often in their sleep. It's important to understand the condition and its effects so you can lessen the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. 

For as many as 70% of people who suffer from bruxism, the condition stems from stress or anxiety. People who have a hyperactive personality are also prone to bruxism. Hyperactivity and teeth grinding are closely linked because teeth grinding may be a way to release nervous energy. When you grind your teeth at night, the condition may be linked to sleep apnea, mouth breathing at night, dental occlusions, or psychological issues.

Bruxism has a number of negative effects on oral health including aching jaws, receding gums, recurring headaches, the onset of jaw joint disorders, wearing away of teeth and enamel, losing or fracturing of teeth, and general tooth pain. The average human's tooth enamel erodes about 0.3 millimeters every 10 years. Bruxism suffers may wear away 0.2 millimeters in just two years.

Read more here: What You Can Do to Stop Teeth Grinding

We all dream of having a whiter, nicer and more attractive smile. It’s one of the Hollywood staples and comparing to the celebrities that shine those perfect pearly whites for just about every photograph is inevitable.

One option that could help you boost your self-esteem and feel happier with your teeth is smile designing. Experienced dentists in Mt Claremont, Claremont dentists can make your dreams come true and correct some of the imperfections that you feel particularly conscious about.

What is Smile Designing?

Smile designing or a smile makeover is a treatment available at Mount Claremont Dental Clinic, Claremont dental clinic and Nedlands dental centre, suburbs in Perth, Australia. An experienced professional will take a close look at the hard and the soft tissues of the mouth. Based on this personalised analysis, a dentist will recommend a couple of adjustments that will lead to serious aesthetical improvement.

Once the facial analysis has been completed by your dental professional, procedures will be recommended and the most common ones include teeth whitening, Porcelain Veneers, gum work and teeth straightening.

In essence, you’ll be getting a comprehensive solution that takes in consideration the specifics of your face and bases the improvements on the outcome that you’d like to get. If necessary, your dentist may suggest a few additional procedures like laser dentistry and gum disease treatment. The two of you will work as a team to make sure that the results you get improve the appearance of your smile and they boost your oral health.

The Advantages of Smile Designing

The approach towards dealing with a problem is individualised. Your dentist will be paying attention to your particular issue rather than giving you a generic solution. Because of this personalisation, you can expect stellar results.

Depending on the procedures that have been included in your smile design plan, the results can be almost instantaneous. You can have your teeth whitened during the very same session. If you choose a more complex approach to smile designing, you’ll need to visit the clinic a few times. Still, you’re going to get results within a very short period of time.

Finally, during the initial analysis appointment, you’ll be informed about the procedures, the eventual risks, the cost of each treatment and the results that you can expect. Having all of this information will simplify the task of making a decision and being 100 per cent confident in the course of action you’ve chosen.

Who can benefit from the Treatment?

A smile design treatment is suitable for just about everyone.

Are you dealing with teeth staining or discoloration that’s preventing you from smiling? Do you have crooked, chipped or overlapping teeth? Maybe you’re experiencing problems stemming from the condition of your gums? Maybe your teeth have major gaps between them?

If you’re dealing with any of the mentioned problems, you’re an ideal candidate for a smile makeover. Don’t worry about the scope of the treatment – very often a few basic changes will be sufficient to give you results. Dentists in Mount Claremont, Claremont dentists; all have one goal –Giving you a beautiful smile you have dreamed of.

No matter what your age is there is a constant need to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen. Consistent oral health habits and routine checkups can avoid or minimize many problems, as you get older.When people age, their gums begin to recede. The roots of the tooth are exposed and it is very easy for cavities to develop in this area. Cavities can lead to infection and teeth breaking off. A yearly visit to the dentist is a good preventive measure. 

Dental bridges got their name since they cross over any gap between teeth when one or a few are missing. Dental bridges have developed an awesome arrangement, similar to all dentistry today. The innovation of bridgework offers a few approaches to bolster an extension and give teeth where they are absent. Here are three strategies an experienced dental specialist will use to restore your smile.

1. Crown bridge attachment

If the teeth on every side of the space to be bridged are healthy, they can be crowned and the bridge supports attached to them. Parts of the teeth should be removed and crowns set, generally the connection of the extension will wear away the characteristic lacquer in time. 

Setting this up sort of bridge by an accomplished dental practitioner takes no less than two visits. In the principal visit, the adjoining teeth are readied and brief crowns are appended. Impressions are made and changeless crowns are created. Upon the following visit to one of the dentists in Ames IO, WA will follow the perpetual crowns and append the new bridge. This sort of extension will last from five to seven years. The most compelling motivation for extension disappointment is that pits show up on the supporting teeth. Poor oral cleanliness is a noteworthy reason for the disappointment. The teeth under the extension must be brushed and flossed consistently.

2. Flexible denture bridges

Flexible bridges are an energizing new advancement for the individuals who are worried about expense. A flexible extension will cost not as much as a large portion of the cost of the past, customary bridge. The gadget comprises of an Flexible, plastic material giving the missing teeth, which is formed to individual sense of taste specifications. This fascinating bridgework/fractional slides into the mouth and looks precisely like the encompassing normal teeth. It is effectively expelled and cleaned. The gadget can last up to 15 years as it is not effortlessly broken. Flexible dentures are a critical expansion to remedial dentistry.

3. Dental Implants

Many individuals today are thinking about implants to bridge dental gaps and create the feel and strength of natural teeth. Embedded teeth require a dental practitioner prepared in this forte and a group of collaborators to propel the venture. It is imperative to be healthy for the procedure.

A layout of the range to be bridged is created first. A surgical procedure is done by an experienced dentistry in Somerset to put the titanium insert screws underneath the gum and against the bone. Following two to six months, the implants will be solidly joined through common bone development. By then changeless projections are joined to the implants, which can bolster one or numerous teeth. If you are thinking about extension work for missing teeth, please contact our dental specialist today. 

Dental health is associated with more than just the condition of your teeth and gums. Problems like gum disease can cause complications with your heart and other major organs. In addition, poor dental health can be a symptom of disorders such as diabetes. Read more here: Good Oral Hygiene

Residents of Las Vegas can find the best dentist that suits their needs by doing a little research. Every person and family is different when it comes to choosing the right dentist or doctor. It is important to find one that “fits”. Not only do they have to be professional and knowledgeable, they must also be personable. A few tips for finding the right dentist in Las Vegas includes the following

• Ask Friends and Family
• Ask About the Qualifications of the Dentist
• Check the Website for Information

For more information click here: Tips to Choose the Best Dentist in Las Vegas

During the winter months, tooth pain can become unbearable. Freezing temperatures and cold air can affect the teeth causing them to become increasingly sensitive. Don’t Over Brush – Brushing teeth too often can wear away the enamel and actually damage the surface of the tooth. It is a good idea to use sensitivity toothpastes for brushing your teeth during the winter.

Dental health during childhood offers a great set of challenges. According to recent studies, teenagers are at the highest risk of dental disease. During these formative years, a number of changes strike them. They become more independent in eating and drinking choices and this can harm their oral health significantly.

Some of the cosmetic treatments that can work great for them are:

• Bleaching: It brightens the color of the teeth that are stained or discolored. Bleaching changes the teeth color without removing any tooth structure.

One method is to go with in-office bleaching, in which concentrated bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and then activated with light or heat.

Another choice is to have a bleaching kit; which one can get from the dental office and use at home. It requires two dental visits. In first visit, dentist takes the model of child’s teeth and in second visit, child picks-up the custom-made bleaching tray with the bleaching gel. Child wears this tray filled with bleaching gel for several nights to get sparkling teeth.

Bleaching is a worthy choice and has very few side effects. This approach is best for those children whose front permanent teeth are fully erupted.

• Microabrasion: It is good for those who desire to change the color of certain areas on the teeth. With abrasion and mild acid, dentists targets microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel. It removes little tooth structure and requires one single visit to get it done.

• Bonding and veneers: These treatments restore the shape of chipped, pitted or broken teeth. Bonding involves cementing of tooth-colored plastic or veneers to the teeth. The treatments require very little loss of tooth structure and helps in restoring the natural appearance of the teeth. In this, the bonding material is applied to the tooth; the material is then properly shaped and hardened with light or chemical process.

Veneers are thin tooth colored shells made of plastic or porcelain. These are custom-made in dental laboratory.

Dr. Shahin Safarian is one of the best Chula Vista dentists and suggests avoiding having hard foods, nail biting etc. after having bonding and veneers.

• Porcelain crowns: It’s a restorative and cosmetic treatment for discolored, broken, damaged or chipped teeth. Parents can consider this treatment for their children as it is stronger than other choices and also lasts for many years.

Porcelain crowns should be considered for fully erupted permanent teeth at its adult position. 

In this, the tooth is shaped by removing a part of the outside structure and fitting of custom made crowns over the tooth.

• Orthodontic treatment: The crooked and crowded teeth can be corrected with this treatment. For this, braces and other orthodontic appliances are used. They guide the teeth into proper position and correct bite problems. It can even prevent the need for tooth extractions.

Orthodontic treatment takes years to correct the smile but it improves the look of child’s smile and help in easy cleaning of the teeth.

Monitoring your child’s oral health and helping in making his smile better can provide him the best dental care. It’s never too late to get your child on track towards a lifetime of good oral health.

Dental treatments that are commonly performed in dental clinics are given under:

Bonding:

It is a restorative procedure that uses a special tooth-colored resin (plastic) to repair decayed, cracked, chipped and discolored teeth. It also helps in closing tooth gaps. In this, resin is applied to the tooth which is then bonded and hardened with a special light. It can be done in a dental office without requiring laboratory work.

Braces:

Dental braces correct the misalignment of teeth and bite related problems. Braces exert a steady pressure on teeth which leads to teeth straightening or alignment.

Bridges and implants

These are the procedures to replace a missing tooth or many teeth.

There are many types of dental bridges but the most common one is fixed bridge. It is done to replace one or more of the missing teeth.

Implants are frames or metal posts that are surgically positioned into jawbones under gums to act as an anchor for replacement teeth.

Fillings and repair

Repairing and filling helps in restoring the teeth with cavities. Several dental fillings materials like silver amalgam (mercury mixed with zinc, silver, tin and copper) and resins are used in the procedure.

Veneers

These are strong and thin pieces of resin or ceramic that is bonded to teeth to repair decayed, chipped and stained teeth. It also helps in closing gaps between the teeth.

Teeth whitening

Teeth darken naturally with age. Food consuming habits like excess of tea and coffee also stain the teeth. Teeth whitening is a process that involves whitening of teeth using peroxide based material to check and whiten the teeth.

Crowning and capping

Dental crowns (caps) protect damaged and cracked teeth. These crowns are made from porcelain, metals or from of materials. To improve appearance and add strength, they are placed over the visible tooth part above gum line.

Sealant

A thin plastic coating is applied to the chewing surface of teeth to acts as a barrier against tooth decaying bacteria. Sealants immediately bonds to the teeth and forms a shield over enamel. It is usually applied to molars and premolars only.

Root canals

Root canal procedure is performed to treat diseased and abscessed teeth. In this the damaged teeth is opened and cleaned to remove the infected tissue in the center.

Extraction

Severely damaged tooth needs to be extracted for permanent relief. It consists of removing teeth from its socket in the bone. Most common tooth extraction cases are associated with wisdom tooth because these generally do not get enough space for development in jaw and remain impacted.

These are the general procedures that are commonly practiced in dental clinics. These treatments are only performed by dentists after examining patient’s oral health.

Here are 25 extremely interesting dental facts that you need to know. Some of these shall make you smile, a few will come across as too surprising, a couple of them might make you flinch, but none of these will make you yawn!

Spread of infections in dental offices can be prevented by following infection prevention practices. These standard practices are so designed so as to protect patients and dental personnel from potentially harmful infections. Contamination by air-route and contact (Transmission-Based) are considered at secondary level because a patient do not seek for a treatment in dental office when acutely ill.

Training and education is the principle element of standard precaution practice as they are helpful in complying with the recommended practices and making appropriate decisions.

Some standard precautions include following:

1. Maintaining hand hygiene
2. Using personal protective equipment
3. Prevention of cough etiquette infection
4. Sharps safety
5. Intending safe injection practices
6. Sterilizing instruments and devices
7. Cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces
8. Maintaining water quality

Maintaining hand hygiene: It is the primary concern of every dentist to maintain good hand hygiene. It is the most important measure to prevent infection among patients and dental personnel.

• For routine dental examinations and nonsurgical procedures: Water and plain soap can be used for hand washing. Other options may also be preferred like using hand antisepsis soap, using alcohol-based hand rub.

• For surgical procedures: Performing surgical hand scrub before wearing sterile surgeon’s gloves is must.

Using personal protective equipment: These are referred to as equipment that are wearable and are specially designed to protect patients and dental personnel from potential infections. They are appropriate to use as they effectively covers skin and personal clothing that is likely to be soiled with saliva, blood and organic contaminants. Some of personal protective equipment includes:

• Gloves (when situation includes probable contact with mucous membranes, body fluids and non-intact skin)

• Protective clothing (laboratory coat, jacket, disposable and reusable gown protects personal clothing in procedures involving contact with body fluids and blood)

• Protective eye wear, face masks and face shields (to protect from splashes of body fluids and blood)

Personal protective equipment should be removed before leaving work areas.

Prevention of cough etiquette infection: These measures are designed to prevent transmission of respiratory pathogens by airborne routes. Signs of such illnesses includes cough, running nose, increased respiratory secretions and cough.

Respiratory hygiene should be maintained in such cases like: covering their mouth when coughing, use of disposable tissues for running nose, maintaining hand after coming in contact with respiratory secretions.

Sharps safety: Scalpels, blades, needles and other sharp instruments contaminated with patient’s saliva and blood are potentially infectious. One-handed scoop technique or a mechanical device should be used to hold the needle cap while recapping needles.

Disposable scalpel blades, syringes and needles should be placed in an appropriate puncture resistant container. This container should be placed near the area where they are used.

Intending safe injection practices: Intending safe injection practice means performing injections in the best possible safe manner to protect the patients from infections. Injection should be prepared in a clean area with aseptic technique and should not be used for more than one patient.

Single-use medication vials and ampules should not be reused for other patient.

Sterilizing instruments and devices: Reusable dental tools and equipment should be properly sterilized and disinfected before using it for patients. It should be done according to manufacturer instructions. If there is no manufacturer instruction for sterilization them the instrument may not be reused.

Effectiveness of sterilization can be checked by using chemical, mechanical and biological indicators.

Cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces: Dental office should be well cleaned to prevent the pathogenic effects of microorganisms. Cleaning helps in removing microorganisms from the surface and disinfection eliminated pathogenic microorganisms (except some microbial forms like bacterial spores). Emphasis should be placed on some areas which are frequently touched like: switches, computer equipment, light handles, bracket trays etc.

Use of surface barriers protects contact surface from getting infected. Disinfected or detergents used should be EPA-registered.

Maintaining water quality: In a dental office, water should be properly treated to prevent health risks to patients and dental personnel. Inconsistent flow rate, long narrow bore tubing can develop biofilm and promote bacterial growth. Sterile water or sterile saline water should be used as a coolant while performing surgical procedures.

These basic infection prevention practices make a dental office completely free from potential infections. Our Chula Vista dental office is practicing safe quality control guidelines to provide best treatment to patients.

The misinformation that you only need a root canal if you are experiencing tooth pain. Though sometimes teeth that have died no longer cause pain and need to have a root canal in order to avoid becoming infected. We have several tests, including temperature testing and percussion testing, that allow us to know when a tooth has died and needs to receive a root canal.

TMJ disorders can be extremely painful if ignored. Click here to know about the treatment of unpleasant symptoms of TMJ Disorder.

Traditional vs Next Generation Implant, Both dental procedures used to restore your lost tooth but which one is the best for you it depends upon your dental condition. 

Are you facing sinus problem and its effect like toothache, bad breath and headache, if yes then click here to learn more about treatment of sinus problem. See your dentist quickly to get relief from dental problem.

Oral conditions and dental problems can be hard to spot. You may be facing these problems even without noticing the symptoms in your mouth. If a dental condition worsens beyond repair, then you may be advised to get your tooth extracted.

Most people believe that tooth decay is the only reason for extraction. While decay is a major cause of tooth damage leading to extraction, there are other circumstances where it can become necessary. These conditions include chronic periodontal disease, severely broken teeth, injuries, and problems with wisdom teeth.

After a tooth is removed, there are still problems to contend with. In the long term, tooth extraction can lead to weaker jaw bones. As a result, the adjacent teeth may lose their strength. Also, gaps formed by extractions can disturb the overall alignment of your teeth. For these reasons, it’s important to discuss plans for after the extraction with your dentist.

Here are a few points that can familiarize you with the tooth extraction procedure:

1. Extensive Medical History

Before opting for tooth extraction, it is important to share all details regarding your medical condition with your dentist. Along with your medical records, you need to inform him/her about all prescribed and over-the-counter drugs that you take. It is best to add the names of vitamin tablets and health supplements to the list as well, just to be on the safe side. Interactions between drugs, or your body’s own atypical reaction to specific drugs, can interfere with the treatment. Knowing these details will help your dentist plan the extraction.

2. Pre-Treatment Exam

After you are prescribed a tooth extraction, an X-ray of the area will be taken to understand the alignment of your teeth. This will help the surgeon to plan the best way to remove the tooth. In case of wisdom teeth, a panoramic X-ray helps to understand the connectivity of the wisdom teeth with the rest of your mouth. Your dentist will plan the extraction in such a way that it doesn’t harm other important structures in your mouth.

3. Selecting the Type of Extraction Procedure

Depending on the exact position and condition of the tooth to be extracted, you may need a simple or a surgical extraction. Most simple tooth extractions can be performed under local anesthesia by general dentists. The dentist may loosen the tooth using an elevator, and will then remove the tooth with forceps by gently rocking it back and forth to loosen the connective tissues.

For surgical extractions, your dentist may use general anesthesia along with local anesthesia on the impacted region. The surgeon will make a small incision into your gum to loosen the tooth and remove it without damaging the nerves and bone around it. It is best to choose an experienced oral surgeon for surgical extractions. Some of the leading oral surgeons in the country are a part of this Boston dental practice. They can help you understand the risks involved in undergoing this procedure.

4. Wrapping Up the Procedure

Your dental care does not end at tooth extraction. Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will ask you to bite into gauze piece for about half an hour. This is because the cut in the gum bleeds profusely, and does not form a scab easily. The pressure created by the gauze will allow the blood to clot faster.

You may experience bleeding for the next 24 hours. Remember not to poke the clot with finger or any other object, as this will delay the healing process. Avoid rising your mouth or using a straw to consume fluids, as this may dislodge the clot.

5. Care after Tooth Extraction

After the extraction procedure is completed, your dentist will provide a diet chart to follow for the next couple of days. He/she may also guide you with teeth cleaning techniques that you will need to practice.

It is important to keep your mouth clean at all times to avoid infection. You should be able to continue brushing your teeth normally after the impacted area has healed entirely. If you had stitches during the extraction procedure, then you may need a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have them removed.

Oral health cannot be ignored. If dental problems remain untreated, they may lead to chronic diseases in the body. Tooth extraction is generally a last resort, but if you need one, don’t put it off. With proper care during and after the procedure, a tooth extraction can be a step in the process of returning your mouth to full health.

(Image Source)

Root canal treatment also called ‘endodontic'  is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (called the ‘pulp') is infected through decay or injury. You may not suffer any ache in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.