10 Best Practices To Avoid Wisdom Tooth Extraction Complications

Your dentist does not recommend tooth extraction procedure unless it’s the last option there is. One of the rare occasions that he performs this is when you have an impacted wisdom tooth.  This condition means that your mouth does not have enough space for the third molar to fully erupt. In some patients, their molars grow under the gums or only a portion of the tooth shows on the surface. Impacted wisdom teeth not only cause pain, yet they also attract bacteria to hide in between. With these reasons, you need to immediately book an appointment with your dentist for a wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure

The dentist will scan the tooth to check the position of the molar and its roots which is necessary for treatment planning. There’s nothing to worry about dental pain or discomfort because the dentist will numb the surrounding gums before the wisdom tooth extraction. Next, he will make an incision on your gums so he can see the molar that needs extraction. Using his dental tools, he grips on the tooth and uses a rocking motion to remove it. If it’s difficult to remove it in one piece, he breaks the tooth first and removes the pieces one by one. Wisdom tooth removal is completed by closing up the gums through stitches. Sometimes this step is no longer required. 

Best practices to prevent wisdom tooth extraction complications

1. Eat more cold foods to contract blood vessels and encourage blood clot formation. 

2. Don’t rub the extraction site with your bare hands or tongue. 

3. Manage the bleeding by putting gauze pad or tea bag on the tooth extraction area. 

4. Don’t brush the extraction site or forcefully rinse your mouth so as not to disrupt blood clot. 

5. Gargle with salt water rinse after every meal to prevent bacterial growth in the mouth. 

6. Have a good rest and limit physical activities within 72 hours. 

7. Take only the prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers to speed up your recovery. 

8. See your dentist three days after the wisdom tooth removal for a follow-up checkup. 

9. Inform your dentist right away if you experience excessive bleeding or pain even after medication. 

10. Seek advice from your dentist before going back to doing strenuous activities. 

Caring for yourself after a wisdom tooth extraction in Markham, Ontario is vital to prevent complications. Follow your dentist’s orders and you will be away from any kind of infection after the extraction. 

 

Dental Implants: Know What To Expect After The Surgery

Many patients now opt for a fixed restoration such as dental implants to replace their missing teeth. These are dental screws placed into the patient’s jaw bone to act as the tooth’s artificial roots. After several months from the surgery, the implant fuses with the natural jawbone and makes a stable base for the artificial tooth. 

The dental implant procedure is done via surgery and so patients are given stern post-care instructions to avoid complications. Furthermore, it’s vital to know what you can expect after the implant surgery. 

What to expect after placement of dental implants?

Bleeding

After the surgical procedure of placing dental implants, bleeding is expected especially within 24 hours. However, you need to manage it by placing a gauze pad and apply pressure on the area. Blood clot starts to form when you’re able to control the bleeding. 

Swelling

Another thing you can expect after the dental implant procedure is having swollen gums or cheek near the surgical site. Apply an ice pack on the swelling area to help you manage the pain while minimizing it. 

Take medication

While you’re doing a good job at controlling the bleeding and swelling, taking medication will also speed up your recovery. Antibiotics and painkillers come in handy to help you get by, especially after the local anesthesia wears off. 

Switch to a soft diet

Be easy on your teeth and gums by chewing on soft food within a week. Porridge, mashed potato, pasta, yogurt, and pancakes can be part of your meal plan while you’re still recovering from the tooth implant surgery. 

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Caring for dental implants is like caring for your natural teeth. Hence, you still need to maintain great oral care regimen to avoid bacterial infection and complications. Also, never miss your regular dental check-up with your dentist every year so he can help you keep a healthy mouth. 

Minimal physical activity only

Please make sure to limit your physical activity and movement within the week after the dental implant procedure. As you know, more physical activity leads to increased blood circulation. This may disrupt blood clot formation and may lead to excessive bleeding which delays the healing process. Give yourself a good amount of rest so you can completely recover from the surgery. Lastly, remember to ask for approval from your dentist first before you go back to the gym or participate in active sports.  

Are you still worried about going for a dental implant procedure in Markham, Ontario? Talk to your dentist about it. He will assure that everything will be fine when you abide by his stern post-care instructions. 

Invisalign: A Unique And Satisfying Dental Experience

Invisalign is slowly becoming a household name because of the consistently positive results it provides to its users. This teeth-straightening device only started as an idea from someone with no dental background. Now, it continues to live up to its name and is also keeping the competition healthy with the conventional braces. If you’re wondering how traditional Invisalign made it this far, here are some uncommon facts you should know.

Amazing facts about Invisalign

What you know is what you’ll get

The clear aligners treatment plan uses a software program in creating the 3D model images of the teeth aligner trays. It also predicts the duration of the therapy and the final formation of the smile. With the treatment preview, it lets you set expectations of the journey and the outcome. According to most users, the predetermined Invisalign results are almost always accurate especially if you follow your dentist’s orders. Achieving that goal is what satisfies the patients the most.  

It’s not a regular plastic

Although this transparent plastic material looks just like any regular plastic, it is in fact special. Clear aligners are made from a high-quality thermoplastic material that is patented only for medical and dental use. Aside from its comfort, it’s also firm enough to control teeth shifting. Moreover, the traditional Invisalign is FDA-approved so it is very safe to use for any patient type.  

Lose some inches

Clear aligners are not slimming devices, however, it may just help you lose some weight. While they are removable, you must wear teeth aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. It means that you only have 2 hours to take it off your mouth. You need to allocate your time carefully to be able to eat and clean your teeth without it. With that slight limitation, Invisalign helps decrease your appetite for unnecessary snacks or munchings. 

Pressure with comfort

As mentioned, this special plastic material has the firmness required to control teeth alignment. Like braces, there will be times that you will feel the pressure especially on the area where stubborn teeth are. Luckily, traditional Invisalign is gentle on its function by taking measured movements.  

A better alternative

Braces are still very functional and effective, however, the disappointment comes from its appearance. Especially with the invention of plastic aligners, more patients now find braces distracting and conspicuous. Today, patients don’t have to worry about teeth correction because they can have Invisalign treatment in Markham Ontario. 

It’s never too late to enhance yourself and achieve confidence in following your dreams. Let your dental specialists help you improve your smile with the invisible aligners. 

 

4 Alarming Signals That You Need A Root Canal Treatment

The tooth is made of different layers called enamel, dentine, cementum, and pulp. The pulp, being the center of the tooth that houses the nerves, needs to be protected from bacteria. However, when decay starts to damage the tooth’s enamel down to the cementum, bacteria can already access and contaminate the pulp. Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that aims to remove the infection from the tooth pulp.

Skipping on your dental appointments would soon take its toll on your oral health. Furthermore, your dentist wouldn’t be able to detect that one of your teeth needs an endodontic treatment. Soon, you might be experiencing one of these indicators that would make you set an appointment with a root canal dentist

Four indicators that you need a root canal treatment

Chewing is associated with pain 

Once you bite and start to chew, food particles tend to get stuck in between your teeth. This leaves bacteria and causes irritation on the affected tooth. As a result, you occasionally feel pain yet, it always comes back after some time. You need to undergo root canal treatment in order to completely eliminate this problem. 

Sensitive tooth 

On most occasions, you pass on drinking hot or cold drinks and eating sweets because you would feel sudden sharp tooth pain. This means your tooth is sensitive because it could be due to gum disease problem or root canal infection. Either way, you need to have this checked with your root canal dentist for treatment. 

Swollen gums surrounding the tooth 

One of the alarming signs that your tooth’s pulp might be infected is the development of swollen gums around the tooth. The infection could be severe and it spreads to the gum tissues. Worse, pus or abscess might have already developed too. In this case, an emergency root canal treatment is necessary to stop the spread of infection to the neighboring teeth. 

Tooth becoming darker

When a tooth or part of it becomes darker, this is not an issue of tooth discoloration. It might be that the roots inside the tooth pulp already died, and so it permeates through the enamel. Your root canal dentist needs to remove the dead roots in order to save your tooth from being extracted too. 

You don’t have to endure any of these symptoms because the infection might spread into your root canal system. Act now and have a root canal procedure in Markham, Ontario

Preventing Dry Socket: Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Dry socket is a dental condition that may happen if a patient does not do the required tooth extraction aftercare. Usually, if the blood clot is removed off the healing gums, complications start to arise. There are plenty of signs that will tell you if you have a tooth extraction infection. Notable symptoms include the following: 

Symptoms of dry socket

  • Severe pain. Although discomfort just a few days after the tooth removal is normal, it should not be severe. Furthermore, it should not radiate to the rest of your face and neck. Typically, it is bearable and may be alleviated with home remedies or a minimal dosage of medication. When these initial tooth extraction aftercare do not work, immediately inform your dentist. 
  • Loss of blood clot. Just like any wound, the socket will form a blood clot after the procedure. This is a natural process of the body to protect the underlying bone and nerves in the hole. If the clot dislodges before the gum completely heals, there’s a risk of tooth extraction infection.
  • Bone exposure. If you could notice the bone appearing from the socket, that’s a bad sign for you. This means that the protective blood clot is missing and it’s exposing your gums to disease. If this is the case, you need to see your dentist for urgent treatment. 
  • Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. These indications are common and are easily dealt with tooth extraction aftercare. Especially if the affected site continues to bleed, the blood will contribute to the unpleasant odor and taste. However, if after doing proper oral hygiene the foul taste and odor persists, beware. You might need your dentist to check on it, especially if the other dry socket signs are present as well.

Tooth extraction aftercare

Patients having their tooth extraction in Markham Ontario will get a discourse for proper post-operation aftercare. This helps them ensure that when they go home, their healing gums are free from risks of complications. Here are a few yet significant tips to remember in keeping the extraction site clean and safe from tooth extraction infection:  

  • Once you regain your appetite for food, consider starting on soft diet first. You could go for porridge, soup or smoothies for the meantime while your gums are still on recovery.
  • Stop smoking as it will surely harm your healing gums and it is a primary cause of dry socket. 
  • Keep yourself hydrated with water and clean the site properly with gentle oral hygiene practices
  • Take ample rest and allow your gums to heal faster in just a few days.

5 Steps You Need To Go Through Before Having Dental Implants

When you have missing teeth, dental implants are your best permanent replacement options. These are dental posts that resemble screws placed on your jawbone to act as roots of the restoration. Unlike other replacements, they stimulate bone growth and they fuse with the tissues surrounding your missing teeth. Placing implants through surgery prevents bone degeneration even after you lost some of your teeth. 

Titanium dental implants are best used as implants when your body doesn’t react negatively to metal. Otherwise, your dentist will recommend zirconia, a ceramic type of implant. Read on to learn the different steps you need to go through before implants are placed on your jawbone. 

5 steps prior to placing dental implants

Comprehensive dental checkup

The procedure of placing dental implants starts with a comprehensive dental examination. Your dentist will take digital X-ray images of your teeth to check the status of your bones. He uses advanced equipment to take accurate 3D images of your teeth that’s necessary for treatment planning. 

Review overall medical history

You must be physically healthy and have excellent oral health to be a good candidate for titanium dental implants. Hence, your dentist will need to review your overall medical history. He needs to consider the current medications and supplements you may be taking, including your previous treatments, if any. He will also ask if you smoke or if you have certain conditions that may reduce the success rate of the procedure.

Treatment planning 

At this point, he provides you with the best options to replace your teeth, which includes bridgework, dentures, or dental implants. Once you choose to have implants, he discusses with you the details of his treatment plan. He informs you of what you can expect during and after the treatment. Also, he lets you know what food and activity to avoid to speed up your healing process and not delay the restorative treatment

Removal of a damaged tooth

Your damaged teeth may still have remaining parts of the roots that have not totally come off. These need to be completely removed to make room for the titanium dental implants. The dentist will numb the extraction site so you won’t have to feel any discomfort at all. 

Once the dentist sees that you have healthy tissues, he may place the implants right after the removal of the damaged teeth. Then, you will have to let the gums heal and the implants fuse with your tissues in the next six months.  

Having dental implants in Markham, Ontario require time before the restorative treatment is completed. However, you can be assured that implants will give you a smile that lasts a lifetime. 

Keeping Your Ceramic Dental Braces Clean

Once you start wearing ceramic dental braces, having an excellent oral care regime is not an option yet a necessity. Doing your part religiously will not cause any delay in your orthodontic treatment. Your constant enemy are cavities that continue to damage your teeth day in and out. Surely, you don’t want these to ruin your dentist’s treatment plan and develop an infection while treatment is ongoing.

Moreover, you choose ceramic braces because you want a discreet way of aligning your teeth. In order to keep it that way, your ceramic braces have to look clean always. According to ceramic braces reviews, the materials could easily stain when the patient does not observe proper oral care. Hence, follow these tips in order to maintain cleanliness in your ceramic braces.

Tips on keeping your ceramic dental braces clean

Avoid foods that stain

Ceramic dental braces are prone to stain over time, which will result in an unlikely sight for your orthodontic appliance. Avoid eating highly pigmented foods to save you the extra effort of having to brush right after consuming them.

Brush thrice a day

Daily brushing is necessary so that food debris doesn’t linger in your teeth, ligatures, and clear brackets. Yet, don’t settle for brushing in the morning and evening only because your dental appliance traps more food particles. Also, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to help you fight cavities. Ceramic braces reviews indicate that this habit prevents plaque formation and having bad breath. Use a special brush in removing tiny food particles that get stuck in your brackets and orthodontic bands.

Don’t skip flossing

Another integral part of keeping your dental braces clean is to floss daily. Without this step, half of the battle against harmful bacteria is already lost. Remember that your ceramic dental braces have crannies and nooks where plaque can easily hide. Your orthodontist recommends floss that’s clinically-designed to help you clean your braces without damaging the material. He will also show you how to floss properly with your braces on. It can be challenging yet, you will get the hang of it.

Meet your dentist regularly

Part of your orthodontist’s treatment plan is to meet you regularly so he can monitor the progress of your treatment. He replaces the orthodontic bands or changes the archwires to ensure that your teeth are moving after a certain period. More importantly, he helps you keep up with your oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth thoroughly. Based on ceramic braces reviews, there’s nothing like professional teeth cleaning.

Your Markham dentist seeks your cooperation to ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. After all, he just wants you to have better teeth alignment and oral health.

Replace Lost Tooth With Same-Day Dental Bridge Restoration

If you accidentally lost a tooth, there’s nothing to worry about having a broken smile even for a day. Your dentist easily completes and replaces your missing tooth with a same-day dental bridge restoration. It’s one of the fixed dental restorations available aside from dental implants or teeth crowns.

A tooth bridge is a unit that includes a false or pontic tooth in the middle that’s supported by the abutment teeth. The supporting teeth are encased with dental crowns or caps and they hold the false tooth in place. In recent years, the most in-demand material for a tooth bridge is porcelain. Patients prefer a porcelain dental bridge so that their smile would look natural even with the restoration. Depending on the number of missing teeth, your dentist may design three-unit, four-unit and six-unit teeth bridges.

With the aid of modern dental equipment, your dentist completes the tooth bridge restorative treatment in a single visit.

Same-day dental bridge restoration

Initial consultation

Your dentist performs a thorough examination to determine the appropriate type of dental bridge restoration to be used. His decision would be based on how many teeth need replacement and their location. The digital scanner automatically designs the 3D model of the restoration so the patient knows what to expect. Once the patient agrees to the treatment plan, the dentist proceeds to prepare the teeth.

Reshaping of teeth

The dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the gum area that’s adjacent to the abutment teeth. Next, he reshapes the abutment teeth so the dental caps fit like a glove so they secure the porcelain dental bridge in place.

Taking an impression and milling

Once the desired shape of teeth is achieved, the dentist scans the teeth again to capture a digital impression. This time, the information gathered is directly sent to the machine that will fabricate the full unit of the dental bridge restoration.

Cementation

The dentist places the teeth bridge to the patient’s mouth once the fabrication of the unit is completed. He makes the final adjustment to make sure the patient feels comfortable wearing the porcelain dental bridge. Finally, he cements the restoration to complete the procedure. The dentist checks the patient’s bite, making sure that he would feel comfortable chewing again.

There’s no need to despair when you lost a tooth. There are numerous ways for you to have a replacement such as a dental bridge in Markham, Ontario. See your dentist today and never go home with a missing tooth.

Dental Bonding: Cosmetic Treatment That’s Easy On Your Budget

Dental bonding is the process of applying a tooth-colored resin material to a patient’s damaged tooth. It’s a cost-effective method of addressing issues such as teeth spacing, chipped, fractured, or stained teeth. Moreover, it’s a cosmetic treatment to enhance the teeth’s alignment, shape, and length. This is one of the most popular dental treatments due to its low dental bonding cost. Yet, there are quite a number of benefits that patients can enjoy with this treatment.

Why should you opt for dental bonding treatment?

It’s a non-invasive treatment.

When you undergo a bonding treatment, anesthesia is not necessary because the procedure is painless. No portion of your tooth enamel is removed unlike other restorations such as dental crowns and veneers.

The dentist starts the dental bonding process by choosing the right shade to be blended with the material. It should closely match the surrounding teeth to create a natural look. Next, he roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid so the bonding material adheres to the tooth. He speeds up the bonding process using a curing light. Lastly, he shapes and polishes the tooth for a natural finish. This procedure is done in about 30 minutes per tooth.

Inexpensive cosmetic procedure.

dental bonding cost

As you may notice, the treatment is easily accomplished with simple steps as compared to other complex restorations. Hence, the dental bonding cost is lower than most cosmetic procedures. However, it delivers the same results of an improved appearance of the teeth and functions are restored.

Improves the shade of your teeth.

Patients who dream of having whiter teeth could opt for dental bonding so they don’t need to break the bank. They don’t have to experience having sensitive teeth that’s possible after laser teeth whitening treatment. Also, the bonding material such as porcelain is nonporous, so the treated tooth resist stains. Yet, patients still need to minimize food intake that cause teeth stains such as coffee, tea, and wine.

It’s highly recommended that you seek advice from your dentist in Markham, Ontario for the best cosmetic treatment for you. Talk to him about the dental bonding cost in your area and learn more about his treatment plan for you.

Know The Different Functions Of A Dental Crown

Your dentist does not easily remove your tooth every time it’s damaged by decay or you accidentally fractured it. He completely restores your compromised tooth with a dental crown. A crown is a dental cap that’s bonded to the tooth to fully cover and preserve its aesthetics and structure. This restorative procedure is cost effective and can be done the same day.  

You might never know when you will need a tooth crown unless you understand how it works. Hence, it’s important for you to know the different functions of a dental crown procedure.

Functions of a dental crown

Saves the tooth from reinfection.

When your tooth is damaged by cavities and the infection has reached the pulp, you will need a root canal treatment. The pulp is the part where the roots and nerves of the tooth are. When these are infected, you will be referred to an endodontist who will perform the root canal procedure. He will access the tooth to reach the pulp so he can remove and disinfect the tooth roots. This leaves a hole in your tooth that needs to be covered by a dental filling. Then, he needs to cover it with a dental crown to prevent reinfection while restoring your tooth’s functions.

Shapes the damaged tooth.

A patient who experiences maxillofacial trauma may have one of his teeth break or chip. A fractured or chipped tooth causes pain and discomfort to the patient, so it needs immediate treatment. His damaged tooth is easily restored and reshaped with a crown. Thanks to the advanced dental technology, most dentists perform a dental crown procedure in one appointment. This means the patient doesn’t have to endure the discomfort and doesn’t go home with a broken smile. When the crown is bonded to the tooth, the dentist shapes it in a way that it complements with the remaining natural teeth.

 

dental crown procedure

Strengthens the tooth’s structure.

A dental crown also strengthens the structure of the tooth after most of it has been damaged by cavities. Oral cavities usually attack the tooth enamel, causing the structure to weaken. If not restored, the tooth may brittle and may need to be extracted altogether. To save it from complete removal, the dentist removes the tooth’s damaged tissues first. Then, he uses filling materials to build the tooth structure again. Lastly, he performs a dental crown procedure in order to strengthen the tooth and complete the restoration.