Palm Bay Dentist | General Dentistry

Dr. Syed Z. Quadri, DMD has been proudly providing Palm Bay, Florida, and the surrounding areas with superior dental services and excellent customer service. At our Palm Bay General Dentistry are committed in providing personalized quality dental care to our patients as we recognize the importance of dental hygiene and oral care in our overall physical health.

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Comparing Dental Implants and Dentures in Palm Bay

Have you recently lost your teeth? The loss of a teeth may not seem so serious to some, but those who have a better understanding of what is truly at stake, knows that in order for them to enjoy the function and appearance of their smile, they need to replace whatever’s been lost with whatever option is available --- either dentures or dental implants. Palm Bay patients who come to their dentists, will be presented with these options, and based on the information they need to make a sound decision about which way to go.

Should you get dental implants or dentures? Palm Bay dentists will advise patients to study their options closely, in order make a good choice, and you really ought to do so, if you do not want to regret your choice. How different are dental implants from dentures?

- Dentures are more immediate solutions to toothlessness. If you have lost a tooth or a few teeth and you require immediately replacement, you will need to explore removable dentures. Palm Bay dentists can fabricate dentures in just a few days, so you can have your smile and teeth back. Dental Implants require some waiting time for stabilization, and the process is quite lengthy.

- Palm bay dental implants provides better stability. As soon as the implant system is allowed to stabilize within the jaw, it is able to support itself so that you can enjoy its function, as if you have gotten your old teeth back. It is not loose and will not be in danger of dislodging from your mouth during function, saving you from a lot of embarrassing moments.

- Palm bay dentures are definitely more affordable. Dental implants use titanium, a very expensive metal and the equipment and material used are expensive, as well, explaining the cost. This is not going to be an issue with dentures. Palm Bay dentists can enjoy their dentures for a price so much more affordable compared to dental implants, which means they can have a brand new smile for less expense.

- Dental implants preserve much of the bone. When a tooth is lost, the bone remodels to fill the socket and so resorption is to be expected. When dental implants are installed, much of the tooth is preserved because it immediately fills the space so very minimal resorption is experienced. The health of the bone and the health of the patient may be preserved well.

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Valuable Preventive Dental Care Procedures

Healthcare is a very important responsibility you should not ignore. Everyone, young and old, is given this responsibility; and it is one that you should not belittle. In dental health, the maintenance of the beauty and function of your teeth is best guaranteed when one truly makes an effort to see the dentist. You see the dentist, not just to find a solution to your problem, but you see the dentist even in the absence of a dental problem, in order to receive proper preventive dental care.

Preventive Dental Care Performed By Your Dentist

There are many preventive dental care procedures that dentists can perform for the benefit of the patient’s smile. These preventive procedures, if obtained on a regular basis, can help preserve the health of the teeth by avoiding disease to cause big problems. The following are examples of valuable preventive dental care procedures:

- Teeth Cleaning: One of the most basic, yet truly effective preventive dental care procedures is teeth cleaning, which involves the scaling and planning of the teeth to remove adherent plaque that will encourage bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Regular teeth cleaning should be provided, at least twice a year, to maintain the cleanliness and the health of your patient’s smile. 

- Dental Sealants: When bacteria attacks the mouth, it may penetrate into the tissues of the teeth, destroying significant tooth structure, causing a cavity. As the disease progression continues, the bacteria penetrates deeper, so that more healthy tooth structure is lost. Dental sealant applications help to protect the teeth from being affected by bacteria. The resin sealant covers the tooth, preventing bacterial penetration, so that dental caries is prevented from causing big problems.

- Topical Fluoride Applications: Dental Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth. It helps to make the teeth strong and when the tissues of the teeth are rendered strong, they shall become less susceptible to bacteria. Fluoride, if obtained sufficiently with drinking water, helps to make the teeth strong against bacterial attack. If the levels of fluoride is low, it can be increased by a topical fluoride application.

Preventive Dental Care at Home

While the work that the dentist performs in the dental office is important, your own efforts at home should not be belittled. As a matter of fact, your personal preventive dental care efforts will help maintain the health of your smile. The work that your dentist does is merely offer supportive care and you should not rely on it solely if you want to preserve your smile.

Oral hygiene practices at home help to effectively rid the mouth of disease-causing bacteria. Plaque accumulates on a daily basis, and when it is left to collect in the mouth, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. You brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly, to remove plaque and clean the mouth. You floss in between teeth to remove plaque and food particles that you were not able to remove through brushing. You rinse your mouth with a medicated mouthwash to keep the mouth smelling fresh and feeling clean.

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Preparing for the Dental Service You Are Receiving

The dentist offers all kinds of dental services that should address the specific needs of patients. Dental services are categorized into different discipline and each of these procedures is either aimed at the prevention, correction and treatment of a disease condition. When a patient comes to his dentist seeking for a solution for his problem, the dentist makes a close assessment of the given case so that an appropriate treatment may be offered.

The dental services you receive will be based on your necessity. When you are given an appointment to see your dentist, his team prepares the treatment room in order to receive you and it should be your goal to prepare yourself, as well. You have to be physically and mentally prepared for the procedure so that it may proceed as planned and so that success can be guaranteed. Here are some preparatory advises you can use with regards to the type of dental services that you are meant to receive:

Tooth Extraction and Dental Surgery: A tooth extraction may be simple or complicated, depending on the position the tooth assumes in the jaw. A tooth that emerged normally in the mouth may be removed simply, especially when it is rather intact and not brittle. An impacted tooth is going to be a different thing. The tooth is embedded under soft tissue and bone so removing it will be more difficult. When you are seeing your dentist for a tooth extraction, note that a dental anesthetic will be used so any allergies should be declared as well as the presence of medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure. Often a medical clearance should be secured from the physician, for either a tooth extraction or a dental surgery. The patient should be declared fit for the procedure before he undergoes treatment.

Root Canal Procedure: A root canal procedure may be performed on any tooth, as long as the roots are intact and it is stable within the bone. Instead of losing a tooth from extraction, a root canal treatment can be given to save the tooth and this involves the removal of the pulp tissue. It could be quite lengthy and may require multiple visits, depending on the complication of the procedure; and since anesthesia will be used, make sure to declare the presence of allergies, to prevent them from being a problem. 

Teeth Whitening Procedure: A teeth whitening procedure involves the bleaching of the teeth surface to give the patient a whiter and brighter smile. During a teeth whitening procedure, the pores of the teeth are opened rendering the tooth more sensitive. To counter this, make sure to dose yourself of an analgesic, so that you can have a more comfortable time on the chair. Note that the intake of colored food and drinks will be prohibited to make sure to schedule your treatment when you do not have a party or function to attend to, where food choice is going to be a big problem.

Dental Implants: If you are going to get dental implants, antibiotic therapy is going to be crucial especially for patients with an underlying medical condition. Declaring allergies, medical conditions will be important; and securing a medical clearance will also be needed. Note that the success of dental implants relies on its fusion with the bone and osseintegration takes time. This will mean that you may need to endure a long wait, spanning for months up to a year. This will require multiple monitoring visits in monthly or bi-monthly setups.

Dental Radiographs: A dental radiograph is prescribed to provide a definitive diagnosis of a dental condition. If you are pregnant, you will need extra protection for the growing fetus because radiation may affect its development in your womb.

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Dealing with Teeth Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is dental procedure that may be administered by the dentist in his office or by the patient at his own home. It is a bleaching procedure that brings teeth shade to something lighter and brighter, so a patient may enjoy a more attractive smile. Whichever method a patient opts to take, the process that carries out the effect is the same. The teeth whitening procedure relies on the whitening agent. At first the pores of the teeth open, and the whitening agent penetrates into the tissues working its way into the teeth so that teeth shade and color may be made lighter, brighter and definitely attractive.

The pores of the teeth open to allow the whitening agent to penetrate into the tissues. Unfortunately, this also makes the tooth more sensitive. The pores are open so the teeth are more open, thus explaining the pain and discomfort related to teeth whitening procedures. This often discourages patients from going for the procedure but know that there are some effective ways to deal with the experience:

- Take analgesics: The most basic solution for teeth sensitivity is to take a pain killer. Pain killers come in varying strengths and any teeth sensitivity you are experiencing may be resolved by dosing with an appropriate pain killer. Ask your dentist about a good pain killer to take, but mostly the best pain killer is one that you are used to and is effective,  based from your own experience.

- Apply tooth mousse: Tooth mousse is another important topical solution that may be applied to the teeth to help deal with teeth whitening. The mousse is colored white, so it is safe for application and it is flavoured, making its use slightly more favourable for the patient.  

- Apply vitamin e oil. Some teeth whitening kits come with vitamin e oil swabs so that the patient’s teeth and lips may be protected. During the isolation procedure, the lips are applied with vitamin e oil and when some areas of the teeth and gums become sensitive during the procedure, the dentist may use the swabs to alleviate the patient of pain and discomfort. When the patient leaves after the procedure, he is often gives some swabs, either way he can use any oral solution available to deal with teeth sensitivity. Vitamin e oil helps to heal tissues and in the case of teeth sensitivity, the application of vitamin e helps to soothe any sensitivity felt.

- Avoid cold food and drinks: Cold food and drinks will make things worse because with the pores opened, you can expect for the teeth to be more sensitive. Cold food and drinks will cause increased sensitivity. The extremely low temperature will penetrate into the tissues and will bring the patient much pain and discomfort.

- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth: There are different types of toothpastes that are available in the market and they are different based on the components they have. Some toothpastes are meant for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes have components that clog the pores that have been opened, so that a patient will no longer suffer from tooth sensitivity.

Most teeth whitening procedures come with teeth sensitivity. The success of the procedure relies on the pores activating, but understand a few things: any sensitivity felt is temporary, and the degree of discomfort felt will be dependent on the brand of whitening agent, so be wise when making your choice.

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FAQs about Dental Crown Procedures

A dental crown is a prosthetic option that may be indicated for a lot of cases. A dentist prescribes a dental crown to a patient to resolve an aesthetic issue, such as stains, discolorations, fractures, chips, breaks or malformations; or it may be prescribed to restore and reinforce a potentially weakened tooth. When linked together, dental crowns create a bridgework that should replace a lost tooth. Its fabrication requires some tooth reduction; about 1 to 2 millimeters of the tooth will be removed so that this tooth can receive a crown. If you are about to receive a dental crown, it will be fitting for you to have some questions about the procedure. As a patient, you are entitled to ask questions about the treatment you are about to receive, so that you can prepare yourself for what is to happen:

- Is the procedure going to be painful?

The fabrication of dental crowns require some tooth reduction and the drilling can make the tooth a little sensitive. About 1 to 2 millimeters of the tooth will have to be removed and this can make the tooth sensitive so the procedure is performed with anesthesia. The area is anesthetized so that the procedure can proceed comfortably and relatively painless.

- Am I not compromising the vitality of my tooth to be able to receive a dental crown?

At first glance, the required tooth reduction greatly compromises health, especially when the tooth is completely sound, but when you begin to think about the results that you can obtain from the treatment, you can see things in a different light. This is especially true for cases where the tooth is already badly damaged or potentially brittle, after a root canal procedure. Installing a dental crown will reinforce and restore the tooth, so prolonging the life of the tooth.

- What types of materials can dental crowns are fabricated with?

Dental crowns may be made with different materials. The most popular material used is porcelain; it gives truly aesthetic results and it is strong enough to withstand forces of mastication, allowing patients to enjoy complete function. Porcelain may or may not be made with metal reinforcement, for added strength and support. A dental crown may also be made with ceramic. Ceramic crowns offer superb aesthetics, but they are not as strong as porcelain. Plastic is another dental crown option; this offers true affordability but poor aesthetics, function and strength.

- What is the potential lifespan of dental crowns?

Ideally, your dental crowns should last for quite long. A properly designed and fabricated dental crown can survive for 5 to 10 years, but it can even be enjoyed for longer if the patient is lucky. Oral hygiene affects the overall lifespan of dental prosthetics. When a person can be relied on to be religious with his oral hygiene practices, he can ensure the health of his teeth, and the health of his crowns. When one’s hygiene measures cannot be relied on, the teeth will become susceptible to decay, compromising the support it offers to the crowns. 

- How fast can I enjoy my new teeth?

Dental crown fabrication takes a while to finish. It begins with the tooth preparation, after which a temporary crown will be fitted while you wait for the laboratory to finish with the crowns. After a week or two, the finished product will be luted to the teeth and a new smile can be enjoyed.

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How to Tell if Your Dentures Need Replacing

Dentures are prosthetic appliances that are made especially for a patient, in order to replace the teeth that he has lost, with hopes to restore the aesthetics and function of the mouth. You need teeth to be able to smile. You need teeth to be able provide your body with nourishment. You need your teeth to form certain sounds and so need it for speech. You also need your teeth because it holds your bite, the articulation of your upper and lower jaw, to which the muscles and facial tissues rely on. When you lose your teeth, you compromise all the functions mentioned here and if you are not yet ready to let go, you see your dentist about some dentures.

When a patient requires dentures, he comes to the dentist where his case will be assessed, after which an impression will be taken. The dental cast constructed from the impression will then be sent to the laboratory with specific instructions as to design, materials and so forth; after fabrication, the finished dentures are delivered to the patient and the patient leaves with a sweet smile on his face.

Inasmuch as dentists would like to say that dentures are good for life-long use, this is not exactly true for all. Some patients are lucky enough to see their dentures survive for decades, but there are those who will require some replacement or repair. The following are some of the signs that should indicate the need to see your dentist about your existing dentures:

- Loose fit. A loose denture will no longer fit well. It is often dislodged, especially during function. It is often removed from the patient’s mouth when he speaks or while he eats, and it can be quite embarrassing and uncomfortable. The dentures rock and they do not feel good at all. Loose dentures are the result of bone resoprtion, which is normal to aging bone, and it can be resolved by relining or by replacing the dentures.

- Tight fit. If you fail to wear your dentures for a time, changes will occur in your mouth and the registered fit that was followed during denture construction is no longer reliable. The teeth and bone may undergo some changes so that it does not fit well, and it may even hurt when you insert it in your mouth.

- Broken teeth or components. Artificial teeth can chip, whether it is made of porcelain or plastic. The metal and acrylic components of the dentures may also break and when this happens, repair or replacement may be in order, depending on the damage.

- Damaged denture base. A broken denture base calls for an automatic denture replacement. The denture base is the most important part of the dentures and when it is broken, it is no longer functional.

- Dirty or stained. Sometimes, old dentures may be brought to the dentist for some polishing but when the dentures have already endured much, no amount of work can restore it to its beautiful shine, so a replacement is more appropriate.

- A new tooth is lost. Dentures are constructed based on the appearance of the teeth and when one more tooth is lost, a new prosthesis should be constructed to accommodate it.

Sometimes patients come to their dentists for new dentures, just because they feel it is time for them to have a new one. It is common for patients to require new dentures every 5 to 10 years of continued use. Basically, it is your money you are spending and if you want a new set of teeth, you can have new dentures constructed.

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The Magnificence of Denture Implants

Dentures have long been the go to choice for endentulism. To be able to restore and replace tooth or teeth that should maintain function and appearance, a patient will need to order a prosthesis from his dentist. Removable dentures can replace a missing tooth or teeth whether the loss is unilateral or bilateral, or located in the upper or lower jaw.

Removable dentures rely on a lot of things: they rely on the available bone, any available teeth and on the design of the actual prosthesis. As long as all factors are satisfied, you will have a reliable and functional prosthesis. The dentures will replace the lost teeth and the result is an effective smile transformation. Dentures do the work, at least until all things are satisfied; after awhile, the dentures fail and long-time denture wearers begin to sacrifice. When health begins to deteriorate, the dentures begin to be useless to the patient because they become ill-fitting, loose, uncomfortable and almost unwearable. The bone resorbs through time and in the case of complete dentures, the inclusion of dental implants will resolve this issue.

Denture implants are dentures that are designed to be fitted on the arch with implants on the jaw. Instead of wearing the dentures on its own and being complacent about its poor retentive property; and instead of having multiple implants in your mouth to replace all the teeth that have been lost, you install a few units of implants within the jaw, affording some stability on which the dentures can rely on. Denture implants provide great comfort and usability for the patient. This brings so many changes to the whole experience of denture wearing. If in the past complete dentures were always unreliable, they are no longer the case. The implants afford great retention, so even patients with compromised bone health can have teeth that will allow them to smile proudly and eat comfortably.

As already discussed, bone resorption is an expected consequence after a tooth extraction. After a tooth is removed, the void that is left will undergo remodelling so there will be some bone loss which will involve loss of height and width. The forces that the jaw endure with constant jaw function also compromise the bone. In a removable denture, the bone tends to endure all the forces and they suffer --- resorbing as a result. Long time denture wearers almost always come to this end so their old dentures almost lose value unless they are reinforced with dental implants. The installation of dental implants does not only stabilize the prosthesis in the mouth so that the function of the mouth is restored significantly, but the dental implants also preserve the health of the bone. When an implant is inserted into the bone, this decreases inevitable bone loss that is almost expected after every extraction. The timely addition of the implant into the bone shall preserve bone and it will, therefore, favour health in so many ways.

Denture implants have long been a very satisfactory in the restoration lost teeth and it will continue to do so because it has given amazing results to patients, even elderly patients who have been having problems with their dentures.

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Design Principles in the Fabrication of Tooth Bridges

Tooth bridges or dental bridges are prosthetic appliances that are fabricated for the patient’s mouth to replace a tooth or a few teeth that have been lost. As the name implies, the construction of the prosthesis is likened to a common bridge when a particular gap or space is to be filled. Utilizing the stable natural teeth within the jaw, the bridgework composed of artificial teeth will be installed.

It seems fairly easy when you think about it. Tooth bridges are constructed to connect one tooth to another, within the arch, but it is surely more than that. Some patients will insist on a treatment plan they believe is appropriate. It is often common for patients to assume that they know a thing or two about dentistry. Dental professionals are trained to deal with different patients; and when they are faced with patients who think that they “know-it-all”, they maintain their position and they strive to educate the patient.

Like real bridges, the construction of tooth bridges follows a design principle that guarantees success, functionality, stability and true aesthetics. Take note of the following information:

- The designing and designation of abutment support is governed by Ante’s Law which states that the total surface area of the artificial tooth be more than or equal to the total surface area of the abutment or supporting teeth. By following this, you are made certain that the abutment is strong enough to carry the entire prosthesis, well enough to restore the function of the teeth in the patient’s mouth.

- As long as it is possible, it is best to section the tooth bridges per quadrant or area, instead of combining them and having them as a single bridgework. This may only be indicated when the extension is required to strengthen the prosthesis; but if it is not necessary, it is better if you divide them because this design is more ideal for cleansing and repairs. If any portion of the bridgework requires replacement, dislodgement, repair or cleaning, you do not have to deal with the complication of removing a very expansive design; you can merely designate the treatment to the given section and spare the rest of the tooth bridges.

- While tooth bridges seem more simple and the linkage affords it much strength, function and stability, when dental crowns are being fabricated for a patient where there is no missing tooth, single-unit crowns are the best option rather than a bridge (unless otherwise indicated) because it is more aesthetically pleasing, it is highly cleansable and it is more ideal for future repairs and replacements.

- Cantilever tooth bridges are those that have support found only at one end of the bridgework and not on either side. This is designated for distal free end cases where the most posterior teeth have already been lost. To compensate for the insufficiency, more abutment or support is assigned on the “anterior” end of the bridgework to provide proper support. Note that in this case, Ante’s Law should still be satisfied for the bridge to be successful

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Making a Decision to Get Dental Implants

Inasmuch as one would want to hold on to the health of every tooth in the mouth, it is not possible to do that. A person can lose his tooth or teeth for a number of reasons, and when he does, a replacement is in order. The teeth hold very important functions in the mouth and when they are lost, these things are highly compromised. First is aesthetics, a person loses the right to smile that his overlook is majorly altered. Second is speech, because there are certain sounds that are produced with the contact of the upper and lower teeth or the front teeth and the tongue. Third is masticatory function, because the teeth allow a person to cut through and grind food to be able take it into his system. Fourth is facial integrity, because the teeth hold the person’s bite and its absence results to the collapse and the loss of facial integrity.

When a person loses his teeth it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to replace it, and dentists have long resolved edentulism through removable dentures and dental crowns. Nowadays, however, the loss of a tooth or a few teeth can already be resolved through dental implants. An implant, often made of titanium metal, appears as a screw. It is embedded within the jaw bone to replace the roots of a tooth so that they may be installed with a crown. In terms of cost, dental implants are so much more expensive than removable dentures and crowns, but covering such cost proves a good investment because of the following reasons:

- Due to the stability afforded by osseointergration, the prosthesis is more retentive and more functional so replacing lost teeth better than any other type of prosthetic. When the titanium metal has completely fused with the bone, the strength of the implant on the bone is increased, mimicking the functionality and strength of the natural tooth. This increases efficiency of the masticatory function; improving one’s dining experience and capacity to obtain proper nourishment for the body.

- When the implants are embedded in the bone, it replaces the roots of the natural teeth and above it, a crown can be installed. With proper planning and tissue preparation, the emergence profile of the crowns can be properly set so that you achieve superb aesthetic results that best mimics the true appearance of the natural teeth in the mouth.

- Since the dental implants support the crown on its own, there is no need to utilize a healthy tooth to hold the crown or bridge. This properly preserves tooth and the health of the mouth because you replace tooth without compromising health. Also, it is ideal even for distal free end cases, where the space is at the most posterior portion of the jaw.

- In the case of removable dentures that are no longer retained properly in the mouth because of low bone support, the dental implants can offer some retention to improve the functionality of the dentures. Implants can be placed at areas where sufficient bone is left so that it can properly support the loose prosthesis.

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What You Need to Know When You Are Getting a Root Canal

When the tooth decay goes from bad to worse, a normal filling is no longer good enough to resolve the issue. A bacterial infection can spread deeper into the tooth to affect the pulp tissue, so that putting a dental filling will only make matters worst. To relieve the patient of the pain and discomfort either the tooth will have to be extracted or a root canal should be performed. A root canal procedure will remove the pulp tissue from the tooth, this will immediately relieve the patient of the pain because the diseased pulp will be removed, but it will allow the preservation of the tooth in the mouth. You do not have to get a tooth extraction. You do not have to get dentures to replace a lost tooth. You can salvage the tooth and preserve it in the mouth with a root canal procedure.

Root canals are fairly routine procedures performed by the dentist. It may be done by a general practitioner or an endodontic specialist; either way, you deal with the painful toothache.

Preparing for the Root Canal

If you are scheduled to have a root canal anytime soon, it is going to be useful for you to know the following:

Root canal procedures are tedious and can be quite long. A typical procedure can involve multiple appointments. When the canals are not located and completely enlarged, a second or third appointment may be required but at times a single-appointment root canal treatment procedure may be possible.

Expect for your appointment to be lengthy. Often the dentist keeps the patient for as long as three hours so make sure to have a meal before you get in. This will make you more comfortable to not have to worry about an empty stomach while in the middle of the procedure.

Ideally, the anesthetic solution should be able to numb the tooth, but in some cases complete anesthesia may not be possible so you will feel some sensitivity at least until the entire pulp has been removed. After which, you will feel much relief and the pain will be gone.

It will be helpful if you dose with painkillers and to start with your antibiotics, if prescribed before the procedure. The painkillers will help reduce any possible pain symptom during the procedure and the antibiotics will deal with the swelling caused by any abscess located periapically.

Caring for Yourself after the Root Canal

After getting a root canal, there are some things that you have to know as well:

Your tooth may been traumatized by the procedure so you can expect some tenderness or dull pressure pain on the tooth. Be aware that this pain will only be temporary. It will all be well eventually.

Take all the prescribed medications as ordered. The medicines are prescribed to you for a reason so you need to be responsible enough to follow the prescription closely.

Your root canal treated tooth is not longer vital. The nerve and blood supply has been extirpated so it is no longer receiving nourishment from the body. This will make the tooth brittle compared to a healthy tooth so be aware not to subject it to too much force if you so not want it to fracture.

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Minor and Major Dental Surgery Procedure

A dental surgical procedure is a special procedure performed by the dentist or an oral surgeon either to treat diseases, correct oral conditions and improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. When the necessity is high, the procedure is deemed emergency so compromises can be made; but when the surgery can be deferred and is not at all necessary, the procedure is elective.

Emergency and Elective procedures may be minor and major in nature. Minor procedures are more routine and are performed easily; major procedures are more comprehensive and can put the patient at some risk. The following are some of the minor and major dental surgery procedures carried out by dentists in the clinics:

Tooth Extraction: When a tooth is well beyond restoration and can no longer be saved through pulp therapy, it is removed from the socket and out of the mouth by a tooth extraction.

Odontectomy: When a tooth is impacted and trapped under bone and soft tissue, it may no longer erupt in the mouth. An impacted tooth (often a third molar, but may also be a canine or any other tooth) is removed through dental surgery involving the incision of the gum, the removal of bone and the careful sectioning of the tooth.

Crown Lengthening: To enlarge the appearance of the tooth’s crowns or to correct a gummy smile, a crown lengthening procedure is performed and this involves the careful scalloping reduction of the bone around the collars of the teeth, the repositioning of the gum tissue and the fabrication of prosthesis.

Frenectomy: When the frenum is too low or much too high, it is severed from its attachment and strategically reattached.

Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy procedure may be prescribed for different reasons but often they are indicated for the hyperplastic growth of gums caused by the gum disease and infection.

Dental Implant Placement: The installation of dental implants is a dental surgery procedure. It involves the drilling of bone and may or may not involve the reflection of the flap.

Gum Surgery: When the gum condition of the patient is more severe and ordinary scaling and cleaning procedures can no longer address the problem, a more comprehensive gum surgery procedure may be indicated. This will involve the incision of gum tissue so that the roots and the deeper areas of the bone may be accessed, and it can include grafting of bone and soft tissue.

Jaw Surgery: Jaw surgery may be indicated to address a fracture after an accident, to correct an orthodontic anomaly and to remove any pathology within the area. It is a complicated dental surgery procedure that is performed by a highly trained specialist, such as an oromaxillofacial surgeon.

Surgical Removal of Pathology: When pathological growths are present in the mouth and antibiotic treatment and other medications failed to resolve the issue, the surgical removal of the pathology is the last resort. Some dental surgery procedures of this nature may be formed in the dental clinic, but more severe conditions should be done in a hospital setting.

Surgical Treatment of Clefts: When the structures of the mouth did not develop and fuse as it should, clefts are formed. A cleft may be corrected by a series of surgical treatments, and they are performed by highly-skilled oral surgeons.

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Preventing Gum Disease with Proper Nutrition

Gum disease is a common oral problem that develops from the buildup of plaque, where harmful bacteria reside. Bacteria in plaque causes infection of the gums making them swell, easy to bleed when you brush, and appear red and swollen.

This is the first stage of gum disease that is more commonly known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is often painless as it develops, which makes it unnoticeable at its onset. When severe, this gum disease is called periodontitis, an infection in the gums where bacteria corrode or destroys the bone structures that support teeth, giving way to tooth loss.

At this stage, a patient may notice swelling in the gums as well as bleeding, sores and, sometimes, discharge. The patient most likely suffers from bad breath and pain in the gums and teeth. The causes of gum disease may well include poor oral hygiene, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and nutrition deficiency or not eating enough of the good foods that are vital for oral health.

Our body needs adequate amounts of nutrients to fight infection, such as gum diseases. To strengthen our immune system, our diet should include plenty of antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids which are both available found in fruits and vegetables.

One’s diet should also include other essential nutrients that are particularly helpful in fighting gum disease and strengthening teeth and bones, such as calcium. Some types of food affect and support the growth of bacteria and this fact shows how nutrition and gum disease is related. Foods that are rich in sugar and starch and sticky foods are those that contribute to bacteria buildup, and thus help develop gum disease.

Here is a short guide on proper nutrition and gum disease treatment :

• Go for whole foods, unprocessed and unrefined foods that offer many nutrients instead of the processed or refined kind.

• Limit your sugar consumption by limiting snacks that include candies, pastries, cakes, soft drinks and sweetened fruit juices.

• Always include fiber in your diet, such as whole grain bread and cereals, broccoli, peas, and fruits like pears and oranges.

• Get enough supply of vitamin C, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B-complex, Co-enzyme Q10, calcium, potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus.

Remember, to prevent gum disease effectively, proper nutrition should go hand in hand with proper dental care. Brush your teeth at the least two times every day, rinse your mouth fully with water or a good mouthwash every after meals, floss your teeth once a day, and go to regular checkups with your dentist. The combination of proper nutrition and gum disease treatment is important. While proper nutrition does not actually treat gum disease, it has been proven to significantly help in speeding up the process of healing and preventing recurrences, leading to healthy teeth and confident smiles.

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The Importance of Dental Exams and X-rays

At the beginning of every dental appointment, especially when it is the patient’s first visit to the clinic, the dentist devotes ample time with the patient before he begins with any procedure. Dental consultation is a crucial part of the treatment process because it is during this time when the dentist and patient gets to know more about each other and it is during this time that the dentist carries out certain steps, to detect the dental problem and determine the right treatment process. When the dental takes dental exams and x-rays, he is not merely prolonging the time you spend in the clinic or carrying these out unnecessarily in an effort to hike up treatment costs. Dental exams and x-rays contribute to the success of the dental procedure because these two things, as well as all the other diagnostic procedures, make revelations that shall benefit both the dentist and the patient.

The Value of Dental Exams and X-rays

To better appreciate what your dentist is doing before he begins treating you, read the following points:

What you see on your vanity mirror in the vanity mirror when you brush your teeth is never the whole picture of the current state of your oral cavity. Under the dental light and with the aid of his mouth mirror, the dentist is able to apply his expertise in identifying between healthy and diseased conditions.

Dental inspection is a very thorough examination of all structures in the mouth, the teeth, the gums, the tongue, the lips, the cheeks and the floor of the mouth. Apart from visual inspection, he also utilizes palpation and percussion to better assess the condition of the mouth. There are simple signs that may not mean anything to you, but is indicative of serious conditions. Only a trained eye can provide proper identification and address.

The intraoral camera is a helpful equipment that many dentists make use of in the office. It enables him take photographs of specific areas of the mouth for record purposes and also so that it could be presented to the patient on a screen. This gives the patient a better view of the problem; so that he can see and understand what the dentist sees when he opens his mouth.

Dental x-rays give a different kind of picture for disease identification. Dental inspection can only reveal what is seen above gum tissue, but the dental x-ray reflects the tooth and the bone, detects dental caries, bone defects, subgingival calcular deposits and so many others. 

There are different types of x-rays. Each type is designated for a specific purpose. A periapical x-ray taken normally will take a picture of one to three teeth. When a bitewing radiograph takes the picture of a few teeth in occlusion (up to the third of the middle third of the roots). A panoramic x-ray takes a picture of the all the teeth in occlusion, as well as the adjacent structures. A cephalometric x-ray takes a picture of the lateral view of the skull and is used in Orthodontics, to study growth patterns. A transcranial x-ray takes a picture of the TMJ on either side, in three separate views. A hand-and-wrist x-ray takes a picture of the hand and wrist, to determine the dental age of the individual.

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How to Make Your Dental Visit Enjoyable

Not everyone world love going to the dentist. Some of us dread sitting in that chair and having their teeth cleaned or pulled. The dental office doesn’t have to be a dreadful place for you and your family. In fact many offices now specialize in techniques that allow patients to fully relax and feel comfortable all throughout visit. Patients have the option to watch TV, listen to music or enjoy the relaxing smell of incense during their visit. Starting good habits when you are young is the key to having relaxed dental visits. Having a good relationship with your dentist will make it easier for you to keep those regular dental checkups. If you grow up knowing it is a necessary step in your dental health you will be more apt to continue on the road to a healthy dental lifestyle. Whatever the excuse it is time to make that appointment. Dentists can tell so much about your health from the present condition of your mouth. It is as important as a yearly physical since having healthy teeth leads to a stronger confidence in you. Try to follow the tips below and soon you will find going to the dentist will become less of a chore. Instead the dental visits will become something you look forward to. The first tip is fairly easy to do. You will need to find a mouthwash that has the ability to stain the areas on your teeth that have plaque buildup. This is a great tool to begin with since you will know where exactly your problem areas are. After brushing your teeth and flossing you can rinse with the mouthwash and it will show the areas that still need improvement. It is important to keep up a routine of brushing and flossing at least once a day. Twice a day is even more favorable and recommended by most family dentists. Another tip is to have a timer set for two minutes while you are brushing your teeth – the suggested amount of time for brushing. At first this may seem like a long time but it is best to have a way to measure the time so that you don’t skip out on valuable minutes each day. Look at it this way, two minutes of brushing can save you hours in the dentist’s office later. Dentists also recommend avoiding brushing your teeth too hard since this will only lead to gum bleeding. Over brushing can cause serious gum issues like periodontal disease. Remember that consistency is the key to stopping plaque buildup and not hard brushing. Moderately brushing twice a day is sufficient. If you brush too aggressively your gums will eventually recede and become sensitive to brush. Drinking bottled water with fluoride in it and avoiding foods that have too much sugar also help fight against dental problems. Products that contain fluoride will strengthen your teeth and build healthy gums. Also, make it a point to see the dentist every six months and replace your tooth brush every three months to avoid germs for further preventions of dental problems. Lastly, if you find going to the dentist is stressful for you, then bring a friend along for support. Having someone to talk with while waiting for your turn can keep you calm and ease the anxiety. A dentist visit should be an experience that you leave feeling good about. Your family dentist will surely do everything they can to make the experience one that is more enjoyable.

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Tooth Abscess Symptoms, Prevention, and Remedies

A tooth abscess can happen to anyone. Having a tooth abscess can become very painful and frightening since your face can swell as a result of the abscess. This is why it’s very much recommended that you make a dental emergency appointment with an emergency dentist. More complications can also happen like the spreading of an infection. Fortunately, there are many safe, temporary treatments that you can try at home. These methods will not completely solve your problem but they will provide you with some relief for your tooth abscess until you can visit your dentist. What are the symptoms of tooth abscess?

1.Throbbing pain in and around the affected tooth and severe pain on touching, biting and chewing 

2.Red, tender swelling of the gum over the root of the tooth and loosening of the tooth with abscess

3. Release of foul-tasting pus into the mouth

4.If the infection spreads, your face may become swollen and fever can develop Having a damaged tooth, an untreated cavity, or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, the inside of the tooth or pulp can become infected. Bacteria can spread from the tooth to the tissue around it creating an abscess. Gum disease or periodontal disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving open pockets. If food builds up in one of these pockets, bacteria can and will grow, and an abscess can form. Over time an abscess can cause the bone around the tooth to dissolve which causes severe pain. You can easily prevent having an abscessed tooth by preventing bacterial infections in your mouth. The best way to do that is to take good care of your teeth and gums by:

1.Brushing your teeth at least 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, with fluoride toothpaste

2.Using dental floss to clean between your teeth every day and not picking your teeth with other foreign objects

3.Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings

4.Eating a healthy diet and limiting between-meal snacks What are some home remedies for tooth abscess?

1.You can place an ice cube inside your mouth to relieve pain. Placing the ice cube will numb the area, and temporarily mask the pain.

2.Put a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and place it on the affected area.

3.Another tooth abscess home treatment is applying salt to the area since it helps in killing the germs, thus giving tooth pain relief.

4.The simplest tooth abscess home treatment is washing and brushing your teeth with tooth abscess antibiotics available in pharmacies.

5.Place a warm or cold teabag in your mouth. Try to keep this in your mouth for 15 minutes and then gargle with baking soda or peroxide solution.

6.Try applying grape fruit seed extract. It has antibiotic effect and so can also be used for healing tooth abscess.

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How to Find Affordable Dental Services

When a person is asked if he is healthy, many will be quick to answer: “Yes, I am”, but in reality, how confident are you that you truly are? Health is a very tricky thing and many of those who think they are healthy, often do not know of any underlying condition that they may be suffering from. This is common when it comes to dental health. Many people think that since there are no symptoms that state otherwise, their mouths are disease-free, but that is not often true. Many dental conditions do not present with any pain or discomfort, so it does not pose a threat to them. Under the scrutiny of an expert dental professional, however, the need to seek for affordable dental services becomes very essential.

In other words, it is not uncommon for many people to defer from dental treatments because they feel nothing and it is not uncommon for patients to delay their dental visits because they cannot pay for treatment. What you have to understand, though, is that preventive care is often far cheaper than procedures that is meant to treat diseases, so the best way that you can avoid escalated cost of treatments will be to be more diligent with your efforts to maintain health. Moreover, it is important for you to know that there are affordable dental services that you can find you just have to be more particular when you make your search.

Affordable Dental Services

Some offices offer their dental treatment procedures at very high prices. Pricing is usually dependent on a lot of things, but understand that pricing is under the prerogative of the professional and it is up to you to decide if you are willing to pay for his fee or make a decision to look around.

Fortunately, there are some dentists that are able to offer their professional expertise for a lower price. In an effort to reach more people, they strive to make their services more available to more people by:

Offering dental financing: This is a dental payment scheme that allows patients to pay for their treatments in a more bearable instalment basis, so that they can receive the treatment they need, now, and cover the total amount of the procedure in a given period.

Accepting dental insurance: Dental insurances are very helpful to patients because they make treatments available for them to have.

Treatment packages: In an effort to make paying so much more favourable for patients, they offer treatment packages that include freebie services that come inclusive with the total fee.

Affordable vs. Cheap

There is a very big difference between the two, a difference that you have to truly understand. Most of the time, people equate cheap to poor quality, low grade and even insufficient. This may be acceptable some consumer goods but it is inappropriate for anything that concerns your health. Affordability is a different thing altogether. When you talk of affordable dental services, you do not exactly mean low grade, poor quality and insufficient care. What you mean, instead, is service that is just right and appropriate for the specific budget that you have. It is treatment provided in exemplary standards, without being ridiculously expensive. It is getting dental care often only fitting of a celebrity, for the price that you can surely afford. In other words, when you are speaking in terms of your budget for dental Care, you should not look for “cheap” but do look for “affordable dental services” because what is true is that there are dental practitioners out there whose main goal is still to uplift the level of dental health of the majority of the people; and this cannot be achieved if they are reach a very limited group of patients.