The removal of wisdom teeth is a highly debatable topic in the dentistry world with everyone having their own opinion on if they actually need to be extracted. Societal norm says yes, once your wisdom teeth come in then you need to immediately get in touch with a dental surgeon and get them removed ASAP. But is it really necessary? Let’s find out.

What is a Wisdom Tooth?

Before we begin to cover whether they should be kept in your mouth or not, you need to know what a wisdom tooth actually is. Your wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars that start to make an appearance after the majority of your adult teeth have come in, but some people don’t develop them at all. For those that do, the actual timeframe varies, but the most common age when wisdom teeth begin to be noticeable is around the late teen to early adult age. They are usually found on x-rays during your bi-annual cleaning. Individuals will begin to feel pain and discomfort at the very back of their gums, similar to an intense toothache. This is the wisdom tooth attempting to break through the surface of the gum, but the pain will be more severe if the wisdom tooth becomes impacted or is growing in crooked.

Why do we have Wisdom Teeth?

Anthropologists hypothesize that wisdom teeth aided our ancestors when they needed to break down much more tough and raw food, but nowadays they don’t seem to serve much of a purpose with the invention of stoves, ovens, and various other cooking machinery. Modern food is much easier to chew and process and thus, wisdom teeth have outgrown their purpose, much like our appendixes.

Can I Keep my Wisdom Teeth Intact?

Honestly, at the end of the day, it is your call. You have personal autonomy over your body which means that you can make the decision that is best for you. If your wisdom teeth are growing in just fine with minimal pain and don’t cause problems for the surrounding teeth, then there should be no reason why you wouldn’t be allowed to keep them. It just means that you have to take care of them as you do with the rest of your teeth, keeping them free of bacteria and providing daily cleaning. However, wisdom teeth that are unable to break through the gumline and become impacted are a major health risk and definitely should be removed. Wisdom teeth that grow in crooked and cause crowding, risking the health of the surrounding teeth, should also be considered for immediate extraction.

What is the Extraction Process?

Extraction takes very little of your time and is a relatively simple procedure, granted that there are no complications with the way that your tooth is growing. A local anesthetic is applied, but for more squeamish patients, a temporary sedative can also be an option to keep them more comfortable. Your dental surgeon will go over all the details and make the procedure as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

What About the Healing Process?

Time will vary from patient to patient, but full healing could take anywhere from a couple weeks to a month, depending on the circumstances surrounding the extraction. During this time, it is best to eat foods that are not to difficult to chew and avoid using straws as that causes suction and could tear the stitches or increase bleeding. Once again, your dental surgeon will provide you with complete post-op care instructions to ensure that your healing goes smoothly. If non-dissolvable stitches were used, they will be removed a week later when your dentist checks on the status of your teeth.

Conclusion

Work with your dentist to find out the best option for you. Your comfort and oral health should always be the priority during this time and it’s important to know all the facts. If you have any questions about your oral health, the state of your wisdom teeth, or other dental related questions, navigate to the ‘Contact’ section of our website and schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Earlier this week, we talked about flossing and how important it is in your daily routine in order to maintain optimal oral and physical health. Today, we’re going to expand on that and go over proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that it is being done correctly and effectively.

Let’s start with flossing, since that should come first.

1. Start by taking a piece of floss that is equal to the length of your forearm. Some flosses come pre-cut which is useful.
   
2. Wrap the floss around your index and middle fingers, leaving around two inches of space to use on your teeth.
   
3. Wiggle the floss between your teeth, wrapping it into a “C” shape around the bottom of a tooth and gently under the base on the gumline. Repeat this 2-3 times per tooth, making sure not to forget the back of your teeth as well. Move down the line of floss as it begins to weaken or fray.

After flossing, brush your teeth to remove the particles that you have uprooted from between them. Preferably, you should brush after every meal, but as long as you’re doing it at least once a day before bed, you should be safe. Like flossing, there is a proper way to brush your teeth to ensure maximum efficacy.

1. Start by angling your brush at a 45 degree angle, focusing on the area where the teeth and gums meet.

2. Use a gentle, circular motion, moving your brush up and down the surface of the tooth. Be careful and don’t scrub, as it damages the gums and results in premature gum recession.

3. DO NOT RUSH. Brushing your teeth should take at least 2-3 minutes for a thorough cleaning. Try timing yourself, or play your current favorite song and brush until it is over.

4. Finish by swishing a mouthwash around your mouth to remove any remaining bacteria and food particles. DO NOT SWALLOW.

Other helpful tips:

1. Flossing can be a hard routine to get into, especially since it is a time-consuming repetitive task. We recommend flossing while you watch TV at night.

2. Your gums will bleed when you first start flossing as they’re not used to it. The bleeding should stop after 2-3 days of continuous flossing.

3. Those with braces may have a harder time with these tasks. Specialized toothbrushes and flossing methods are available for you, providing by your dentist.

4. Choose a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles, and replace it every 3 months.

This is a general guide and results will vary with each individual. For more information, contact your family dentist for all questions and concerns.

So, you’ve gotten into an accident and now you’re missing a few teeth, or maybe age has caught up with you and some of your teeth just aren’t quite what they used to be. Luckily, you have some options when it comes to restoring your smile. Let’s take a brief look at a couple of procedures: implants and bridges.

Let’s start with implants.

What is an Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made typically out of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone where the real tooth was previously located. Over a lengthy process of about six months, the artificial root fuses with the surrounding tissue to create a solid foundation for the temporary crown that is placed on top. After that, the gums continue to form and morph themselves around the structure, finalizing in a way that looks completely natural. Once this process is complete, a permanent crown will take the place of the temporary one.

What is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like. Unlike implants which replace the whole tooth root, a bridge ‘bridges’ the space between teeth, connecting to the adjacent teeth. The surrounding teeth provide support for the new crown that is placed. In order to do that, however, the supporting teeth may have to be permanently altered and filed down to achieve optimum results.

Am I a Candidate?

Well, that depends. A consultation with your dentist will confirm which is best, but there are a number of factors standing in the way of your candidacy for each procedure.

For implants, the candidate must have fully matured, meaning that there will be no more developmental bone growth for them to go through. X-Rays and CT Scans will determine whether or not there is enough bone structure in order for an implant to be inserted. Bone density and quality are both major contributing factors to being accepted for this procedure. Patients who smoke will need to quit in order to be considered as smoking results in a higher rate of implant failure. Those who also suffer from cancer, periodontal disease, or diabetes may need to go through extra steps before they qualify as candidates.

In terms of candidacy, dental bridges are a little more lenient because of their less invasive nature. However, those who are missing multiple teeth will not be able to have this done as dental bridges rely on the surrounding teeth for support. Teeth which have chips, cracks, are in a state of decay, or are not stable will have to go through additional steps and treatments before a dental bridge can be considered.

Cost Considerations

Especially with elective cosmetic procedures which are not covered under insurance, the cost of treatments can greatly sway a patient’s opinion on which treatment to opt in for.

Implants are the more costly of the two, ranging in price from $900 to $3,000 per implant, while bridges are far less expensive, ranging from $700 to $1,500. These costs only cover the implant itself, and do not include any additional appointments that may be required either before or after the treatment itself. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more clear and concise breakdown of costs during a consultation.

In the case of implants and bridges, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Yes, bridges do cost less, are much less invasive, and the procedure is far shorter, but the main reason that patients choose implants is durability. Dental bridges, if cared for properly, can have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced, whereas implants will typically last well over 40 years. It is important to evaluate your unique circumstances and weigh your options carefully as replacing bridges throughout your lifetime could go well over the cost of an implant.

Speak with your dentist about your options, find out if they offer a payment plan, and ask questions for a complete and thorough evaluation.

No one is a stranger to mouth pain, especially to those who do not keep up with regular brushing and flossing and exit the dentist’s office with sore, puffy gums after a routine cleaning. But while that pain goes away within the hour, some pain is longer lasting and may be present as a dull ache for days after an in-depth procedure. This can disrupt one’s day and make even the simplest of tasks that much harder to do. Here are a few tips and tricks to reduce your dental pain:

• Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen: These are the most common type of pain relievers, often a go-to for headaches and general body pains, which includes tooth pain as well. You can get them over-the-counter (OTC) at most grocery stores in the pharmacy section. Always read and follow the label to be sure these products are right for you as those under a certain age and those with certain health conditions are not able to take them. Patients that have undergone a wisdom tooth extraction or something similar in which bleeding was involved are advised to stay away from Asprin as a relief as it is a blood thinner and complicates the healing process.
• Ora-Jel: For something more targeted and topical, trust Ora-jel to get the job done. Available in a wide variety of application methods, Ora-jel contains benzocaine for fast-acting temporary relief of toothaches. Again, read and follow the label for proper application and to ensure that this product is suitable for your needs.
• General Avoidance: This one may seem like common sense, but it deserves to be mentioned. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your procedure was performed to reduce the risk of pain. Steering clear of hot drinks such as coffee and tea, and laying off the ice cream for the first little while after your dental treatment is beneficial as well. Stick to room temperature, softer foods such a soft cheeses, yogurt, and jello, and you shouldn’t experience any discomfort.
• Saltwater Rinse: After 24 hours has passed following your dental procedure, you may start saltwater rinses. Mixing 1 tablespoon with a glass of water (about 8oz), swish the water gently around your mouth and then deposit it in the sink. Be sure not to swallow the mixture. Rinses are recommended to be done 2-3 times a day, especially after eating.
• Bed Rest: Especially after an extensive procedure like a root canal, implant, or tooth extraction, limiting your activities for the first few days is recommended. Strenuous activity may cause increased bleeding, swelling, and general discomfort. Because your caloric intake has been decreased from the lack of solid foods, muscle weakness and light-headed feelings may occur when rising from a laying down or sitting position. Take it easy and let your body recover.

This is list is certainly not exhaustive. There are many other home remedies out there, but your dentist should provide you with a post-procedure care guide to take home before you leave the office. If your pain persists and is accompanied by uncontrollable bleeding and extensive swelling, please contact your dental professional as soon as possible.

If “do I need a Root Canal?” is a question you have been asking yourself these days, you should know a little bit more about what exactly Root Canal Therapy is, what are the causes, what are the symptoms, and how can you be sure if you need it. For the majority of tooth issues, you may guess you need a filing, which can be true. However, when the cavity reaches your nerve and your tooth becomes inflamed and/or infected, that’s when you need Root Canal Therapy. Root Canal Therapy is also called endodontic therapy in which your dentist uses a drill to remove the cavity and empty the root.

Let’s talk about a few of the symptoms. The primary symptom is the tooth pain which will have a different nature than the tooth pain you may have for a normal cavity. It usually feels intense and more painful when you bite something. You may also feel a very intense pain when your tooth touches something hot like your morning coffee, or something cold like an afternoon ice cream treat. If there is infection involved with it, you gums also may feel painful and appear red and swollen. Seeing these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you need root canal therapy, and the absence of any of these does not guarantee that you don’t need it.  The final diagnosis and decision will always be up to your dental professional.

There is no benefit of doing Root Canal Therapy for a cavity which can be treated and cured with a simple filling.

Contact your dentist sooner rather than later!

If your cavity is not severe enough to reach the nerve and need Root Canal Therapy, you will be able to have it fixed without the expensive procedure and save yourself hundred of dollars. However, if you wait too long, your condition will worsen and a simple filling will no longer be an option.

Even if you are sure that you need Root Canal Therapy, doing it as soon as possible will help prevent infection. Infections can cause complications and require some additional steps in the treatment including follow-ups and possibly medication depending the severity.

At Newbury Smiles, we do a detailed diagnosis, take X-Rays, and make you sure if you need Root Canal Therapy. Since root canals are a difficult process and require your dentist to drill the tooth all the way to the bone, it is always recommended to have this treatment done by an experienced dentist who knows all the ins and outs of Root Canal Therapy. Dr. Sam Saadat at Newbury Smiles is experienced in Root Canal Therapy, and if you have a feeling that you may need this treatment, a consultation is strongly recommended.