What to Expect Before, During and After Dental Implant Surgery?

Everyone enjoys having a beautiful smile that can hide any flaws in your face and make you look gorgeous. To wear a nice smile, you need to have a beautiful set of teeth.

With time, your teeth decay due to several reasons and those look bad. Also, many people are not blessed with a fine set of teeth. So, with age, when you lose any teeth, a dental implant is the way to get back your natural set of teeth without any fuss.

Dental implant surgery is one of the best ways to remove the root area of decayed or missing teeth and fixes an artificial tooth at that place. This entire process has certain stages through which the patient has to go through. The all on 4 dental implants are one of the best processes through which the entire top or bottom row are replaced with artificial teeth.

What You Can Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery?

It is very important to take perfect care of your mouth before going for dental implant surgery. You will be instructed by the dentist to follow certain advice before the surgery. The pre-surgery instructions usually include the following things-

  • You should eat a healthy breakfast on the day of surgery. Often dentists prefer to give a sedative to you and that’s why ask you not to have any food on the evening before the surgery.
  • If your doctor decides you need surgery, he may recommend a specific antibacterial mouthwash for regular use up to surgery.
  • Make sure you have arranged proper transportation to reach the clinic and come back.

Once you follow all these guidelines, it is time to go through an x-ray to check out the area and the condition before implanting it.

If you have decided to go for dental implant surgery, then you need to consult the best dentist around. Your doctor will decide if you need bone grafting before the dental implant. If your jawbone is not thick enough, bone grafting will be done. In this method, the dentist will borrow sturdy bone from another part of your body and go for bone grafting. Usually, bone grafting can take only an hour if you need very little. Else, the dentist will decide how much time it will take.

What to Expect During the Dental Implant Surgery?

After following all the advice of the dentist, finally, the surgery day arrives. The only question that troubles many patients is that ‘Is the surgery painful?’ Now, there will be an incision in your mouth and it will be uncomfortable for you. But, the dentist will use local anesthesia or any kind of sedatives that will make the area numb and you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

After you are anaesthetised, the surgeon will follow the following steps-

  • He will make a small incision inside your mouth to open the bone where the implant to be placed.
  • He will use a drill to create space for implanting the artificial teeth.
  • Usually, dental implants come with titanium screw, crown and abutment. The dentist fixes the screw at the space.
  • It will take time to grow the jawbone and fuse with the metal post the dentist implant there.
  • In the next sitting, when the bone regrowth completes, the dentist will fix the abutment with the titanium screw. It will keep the crown at the place.
  • Again you need to wait for a few weeks as your gum will heal within this period. 
  • In the next appointment, the doctor will check the condition and will take the teeth impression to know if implants can fit well.
  • At the final step, the natural-looking crown is fixed on the abutment.

The entire process will take a few weeks to a month, depending on the number of teeth you want to replace.

How to Recover after Surgery?

You will feel a bit of discomfort after surgery. You can face problems like:

  • Swelling at gum and face
  • A bit of bruising
  • Slight bleeding
  • Pain at the place of the implant

Your dentist may prescribe you medicines, like painkillers to get rid of pain and discomfort. If you suffer from immense pain and it doesn’t heal with painkillers, you should consult your dentist immediately.

To have a faster recovery, you can follow certain instructions, like-

  • Avoid having hard and crunchy foods
  • Go for regular check-ups
  • Brush and floss your teeth every day
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash

You should treat the new teeth like your natural teeth. In the beginning, it will feel a bit weird, but you will soon get used to it. The success rate of dental implants is quite high, but it completely depends on how you care about it well.

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Why Is It Important To Replace Missing Teeth?

Baby teeth are temporary and adult teeth are considered to be permanent. Even though adult teeth are made to last lifelong, some unfortunate conditions can lead to the loss of your permanent teeth. 

Reasons You Can Lose Your Adult Tooth Or Teeth

  1. Poor Eating Habits – A balanced diet is extremely necessary for the good health of your teeth. Eating unhealthy food can increase the chances of tooth decay and tooth loss. On the other hand, a proper, balanced diet can make your teeth healthy and strong.
  2. Lack of Oral Hygiene – Not brushing your teeth twice daily or not flossing them regularly are some habits that can harm your permanent teeth. Poor oral hygiene can cause build up of bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases.
  3. Tabaco – Chewing tabaco or smoking is another reason for adult tooth loss. These habits don’t just lead to tooth decay and extraction, but also to dangerous diseases like cancer. 
  4.  Accidents – Your teeth are at a higher risk of being damaged or broken while playing sports like football. Protecting them with the help of a mouth guard is important. 

What Happens If You Lose Your Permanent tooth or teeth?

Though you may assume that a missing tooth can only hamper the look of your smile and your self-esteem, it’s damage is actually much more than that. Missing teeth are a threat to your overall dental health and well-being.  

A broken tooth creates a huge gap between two teeth. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause the adjacent teeth to shift from their place to fill in the gap. This shift can create gaps between all the other teeth, causing the food to get caught in between. Accumulated food in between teeth is prone to bacteria attack, leading to completed problems like gum disease or bone loss. Moreover, the tooth in the opposite side of the missing tooth may loosen from the socket looking for the former point of contact. Another disadvantage of missing teeth is that they can create pressure on the remaining teeth while chewing, causing them to wear out early. 

Apart from affecting the other teeth in your mouth, missing teeth can result in compromised speech and premature facial aging because of lack of stimulation to the jawbone. Hence, it is wise to say that even one missing tooth can create a plenty of problems for your dental function. 

How Can You Treat Missing Tooth?

No matter what the reason behind your missing tooth is, there are treatments to help you regain your perfect smile.

  • Dental Implants 

Dental implants can be used to replace single or more missing teeth. Your dentist will first conduct a surgery to mount a titanium metal post on the jaw of the missing tooth. A replacement tooth will then be fixed to the implant that allows it to stay still in its position. 

  • Fixed Dental Bridge 

Your dentist will suggest this treatment if you have multiple missing teeth in the same area. As its name suggests, a fixed dental bridge allows to bridge the gap caused by a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is attached to the adjacent teeth and secured by dental cement to fill in the gap permanently. 

  • Dentures

If you need to replace all your teeth, then your dentist may suggest dentures. However, if you have only a few missing teeth, you will be suggested to go for removable partial dentures. These dentures have a natural-looking pink base on which replacement teeth are fixed.

What Precautions To Take To Prevent Adult Tooth Loss?

Avoiding the loss of adult teeth may not be possible always. However, there are certain steps you can take to protect them from damage. 

One of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy is by visiting your dentist regularly. It is important to get a regular dental check-up done every 6 months. These check-ups will help your dentist detect the dental problems in the initial stage, thus preventing your teeth from being damaged further. 

Apart from paying regular visits to the dentist, it is highly essential to maintain oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly at least once in a day. The use of anti-plaque mouthwash is recommended too. Also, avoid food and drinks with excessive sugar like sweetened juices, chocolates, cream biscuits, etc. 

If your lifestyle includes smoking and chewing tabaco, then you must consider quitting them completely. Giving up on such habits will not just ensure you healthy teeth, but also protect you from other life-threatening diseases.      

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5 Ways A Dentist Can Help You Smile More!

Smiles are beautiful. It’s one of the most attractive aspects of one’s personality. It can make anyone look more inviting, warm and friendly.

 However, if you feel less confident while smiling because of discolored or crooked teeth and would rather cover your mouth while smiling or laughing, you are not alone. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health on the impact of dental esthetics on self-confidence, approximately a quarter of the participants felt insecure while smiling and covered their teeth every time they smiled.   

So is there a way to feel more confident about your smile and have a set of pearly whites to show off?

Of course!

This article explains 5 ways through which dentists can help you smile more. Keep reading to find out!

  1. Whitening 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure aimed to reduce stains and discoloration from the teeth to make them appear whiter and healthier. A dentist can conduct this procedure in their clinic or prescribe the patient a take-home kit for an at-home whitening procedure. 

Whitening usually involves treating the surface of the teeth with bleaching agents to get rid of the stains and discoloration. Your dentist will first perform a dental examination to ensure whether whitening is appropriate for you.

  1. Veneers  

Veneers are porcelain or resin shells that serve as restorations for the teeth. They cover the surface of the teeth and help in correcting small gaps, cracks or chips, crooked teeth or discolorations. Your dentist can recommend you veneers as an alternative to teeth whitening and if you want to alter the shape of your teeth as well. Moreover, your dentist will select the material of the veneer according to the color of your natural teeth. 

However, this is for minor cracks or crookedness. For more serious conditions, your dentist may recommend you avail orthodontic treatment. 

  1. Orthodontics 

Orthodontics involve the use of braces or aligners to help in correcting misaligned teeth or jaws. This treatment can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem as it makes the teeth appear straighter. Moreover, people who don’t want to get the very noticeable metal braces can get clear aligners. 

Your dentist will decide the treatment length based on your particular case and the aligners you select. In this regard, treatment may take anywhere from a few months to a few years. 

  1. Crowns 

A crown is a dental cap made out of ceramic or porcelain to completely cap a tooth usually following a root canal treatment or other dental surgery procedures. Crowns are also used for covering severely damaged, discolored or crooked teeth. Your dentist will color match the crown to the rest of your teeth for a more natural-looking finish. Usually, it’ll take you a couple of visits down to your dental clinic to get a crown; however, your dentist can also offer you same-day crowns. 

  1. Bridges 

Bridges are false teeth that are fitted between two crowns and are used for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will first examine and prepare the teeth at either side of the gap to put crowns and cement the bridge between them. 

Like other options, your dentist will examine your mouth and evaluate if you need bridges or not. While these are temporary options for lost tooth, they are suitable if the teeth near the gap already have crowns or fillings. 

Author Bio

Sophie Taylor is an avid reader and writer. She loves to write about different topics – ranging from business development to crafting tips, healthcare and elderly care.

If you want to enhance your pearly whites to have the perfect smile, get in touch with Blackburn Dental Centre for a dentist in Orleans. The dental team at the clinic will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and jaws to determine what kind of treatment will be best for you and begin your treatment plan accordingly. Get in touch today for personalized treatment and compassionate care.  

Teens and Dental Opioids: A Guide for Parents

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Drug abuse is one of the priority concerns among parents in many regions of the world. Over the last few years, the number of teens using various drugs for non-drug purposes has increased tremendously. Although there is adequate drug education in schools, experts believe parents have an essential role to play in helping their children stay away from drugs.

Most doctors associate drug abuse with hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine and crystal meth. While these drugs still result in the worst cases of abuse, addiction, and overdose, other new dimensions continue to emerge. According to studies, prescription drugs are currently the leading cause of drug abuse and overdoses in the US. This is particularly common among high school teenagers with reports indicating that as many as 20% of high school seniors take prescription drugs with no underlying medical condition. 

Prescription drugs and abuse 

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Prescription drugs are a group of FDA-approved medicines. While prescriptions exist in almost all drug doses, most abuse cases stem from pain relievers. Opioids, in particular, are very effective in relieving pain. Opioid prescriptions come in various names including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Popular brand equivalents are oxycontin (oxy), Percocet and Vicodin. There are several other opioid painkillers on the market, some offering instant pain-relief while others promise to reduce the overall distress. 

Unfortunately, prescription drugs offer both desirable and undesirable symptoms. Like cocaine and heroin, opioids can result in feelings of euphoria and temporary “high.” This euphoric feeling is what most drug users chase, and it can quickly develop into a habit or addiction. Due to the habit-forming nature of prescription pain relievers, their use should remain under careful monitoring and control by doctors and parents alike. 

Dental opioids in teenage drug abuse

Dental opioids are popular prescription drugs among teenagers. Although most dentists believe it is unnecessary, teenagers and some adults use dental opioids for pain relief following dental procedures such as root canal. Doctors can prescribe pain relievers following surgery or accident. Whenever this is the case, it is essential to find out about the duration your child will have to take prescriptions. This can help prevent drug abuse and unnecessary use. However, a significant number of teenagers resort to using opioids and other potent pain relievers to deal with oral pain. 

The euphoria one gets from using opioids, and pain prescriptions are short-lived. As such, most teenagers end up using higher doses to achieve the initial “high.” It is common for teenage parties, especially seniors, to feature prescription pills for entertainment. Using drugs for non-medical purposes is the primary cause of overdoses as there is no more control of the dosage one takes. 

Preventing and managing dental opioids in teenagers

It is recommendable to find alternative pain-relief therapies that can avoid over-dependence on the prescriptions. According to the American Dental Association, regular dental procedures like removal of wisdom teeth do not require strong pain relievers. Studies have shown generic NSAIDs like ibuprofen to be sufficient in offering relief for mild pain. Nonetheless, there are rare cases of severe oral pain that may require stronger painkillers and opioids. It is essential to know your options and requirements.

According to experts, parents and teenagers should choose the most reputable doctors and facilities close to their residence. A simple search string like the best dentist near me can begin your quest for a competent dentist in your region. However, drug abuse prevention goes beyond choosing a credible, trustworthy doctor. Two best practices include:

  1. Have an open discussion with the doctor and your child
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Parents must learn to talk openly with their children about drug use and abuse, including the adverse effects of over-indulging in various substances. More importantly, you should talk frankly with the doctor to enable them to determine the best care for your child’s unique needs. Understanding what your kid is going through and communicating any information regarding opioids use is the best way to plan their medication. Teenagers and kids require awareness education to help them understand the importance of proper drug use, avoiding sharing medication, and prospects of using drugs for recreational purposes.

  1. Control the use of painkillers

When your doctor prescribes painkillers or opioids for pain relief, make sure you only purchase the exact dosage. If there are any leftovers, dispose of them properly. Proper control is crucial in preventing abuse and addiction. It is also essential to know all the options available for pain relief and choose the best drugs for your kid. Opioid painkillers can be useful in reducing dental pain. It is possible to use these options safely. However, both the doctor and parent must ensure effective control of choices and dosage.

Conclusion

No parent wishes to see their kid turn into an addict. There are various things that parents can do to help their teenage children understand the prospects of drug use and abuse. By having the right discussions at home, kids can grow up well-aware of the risks and characteristics of opioids and drug abuse, as well as how to find help. It is also essential to choose reputable clinics and medical facilities that are licensed to offer dental services in the area. Before accepting any opioids or prescriptions, make sure you discuss its usage, dosage, prospect side effects, effectiveness, active ingredients, classification, and any other vital information.  

Diabetes and teeth – what’s the link?

Diabetes has become a rapidly growing disease in recent times partly due to our poor lifestyle choices. This disease has many consequences in the body including on oral health. 

Poorly controlled diabetes may cause:

  • Increased oral infections because blood supply to the gums may be reduced if the blood vessels are compromised. High blood sugar levels over time will accelerate any gum disease you may have, and also compromise your immune system. This means that your body will not be able to fight off the infection easily. 

Fungal infections are also more common, in part due to the compromised immune system but also by the dry mouth that is often associated with diabetes. 

  • A dry mouth is a common symptom of diabetes. This lack of saliva production encourages bacterial growth that will increase tartar build-up and encourage gum disease. Over time and without the proper treatment, gum disease can progress to more severe periodontitis. This type of infection takes a long time to treat. In severe cases, it can cause tooth loss.
  • Bad breath (halitosis) may also be a symptom due to the dry mouth and gum infections. 

What can you do?

  • Controlling your blood sugar levels is key to great oral health if you have diabetes. Ensure you’re taking the correct medications and dosages that your doctor has prescribed and make regular doctor’s appointments to ensure the medication dosages don’t need to be adjusted. This will help you prevent all the possible complications of diabetes on your dental health, like gum disease.
  • Develop great daily oral hygiene habits. This includes:
  1. Brushing your teeth at least two times daily. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste to gently brush your teeth in a circular motion. Fluoride will keep the teeth strong and protect against tooth decay. Prevent brushing too hard as this may cause irritated gums. If you have snacked on particularly sticky foods, clean your teeth immediately after, if possible. Some dentists advise using an electric toothbrush which does most of the brushing for you. Remember to change the brush head regularly to ensure your teeth are being cleaned properly.
  2. Use floss to clean food debris from the hard-to-reach areas. There are many commercially available products that can make flossing easy, like the waxed varieties and the various types of flossing devices.
  3.  Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and to clean your teeth professionally. Your dentist will be alerted to any dental problems before they become serious. 
  4. It is very important that your dentist knows you are a diabetic so that they can be on the lookout for any complications. Remind them at every visit of this. Be sure to mention any irregular symptoms that you may be experiencing like xerostomia (dry mouth), a tooth that may feel loose or any oral pain.  Your dentist needs to be aware of your diabetes because he may prescribe some medications that may interfere with your diabetic medications. 
  5. Examine your mouth regularly for signs of inflammation like redness, gums that are bleeding and swelling. Make a dental appointment if you notice any of this. 
  6. Eat a balanced and healthy diet as directed by your doctor or dietician. A good diet will help you to control your blood sugar levels together with your prescribed medicines. Cut out sugary snacks and carbonated drinks which will help control your blood sugar levels and prevent tooth decay. 

Ensure you adopt a healthy lifestyle which includes giving up smoking. Smoking increases the numerous problems of diabetes, like gingivitis. Seek advice on how to stop smoking if required.  

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I Can’t Stop Grinding My Teeth! What Should I Do?

Contrary to what we often see on TV, people don’t just grind their teeth when they’re feeling angry. In fact, regular teeth grinding is incredibly common. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is thought to affect as much as a third of the population. It usually occurs involuntarily and most often during sleep. Without treatment, it can cause ongoing health problems as well as lasting cosmetic damage to your teeth. 

What are the symptoms?

Many people who suffer from bruxism don’t realise it As it usually happens at night, sufferers might simply dismiss their symptoms as something else entirely. The symptoms of bruxism are numerous. Some range from relatively minor short term symptoms, to long term symptoms that can affect your everyday life. Common symptoms include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Gum inflammation
  • Muscle pain
  • Excessive teeth wear
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
  • Tooth fracture
  • Gum recession
  • Earache
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain

These symptoms are often found in other common disorders, making it easy to overlook teeth grinding as the potential root of the problem. Your dentist should be able to spot evidence of bruxism, such as changes in your teeth or excessive wear. During your next dental appointment, tell your dentist if you are having any symptoms and ask them to check whether bruxism could be the cause.  

What causes bruxism?

Bruxism can often be associated with stress or anxiety disorders. In fact, nearly 70 percent of cases are reported to be due to stress or anxiety. A study of shift workers found that those who reported suffering work related stress were more likely to suffer from nighttime teeth grinding. Ignoring stress therefore can have long term effects on your teeth. The National Sleep Foundation recommends regular exercise to help alleviate stress, taking a relaxing bath before sleep or other stress reducing activities. If feelings of stress or anxiety are severe or last longer than a few days, you should seek help from a professional. 

While bruxism can affect your sleep, conversely, sleep disorders can cause bruxism. Sleep disorders, particularly those that include periods of disturbed sleep, can cause teeth grinding or clenching to occur. An example of this is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which involves short periods during sleep where the sufferer stops breathing temporarily. Sleep talking, sleep paralysis and sleep hallucinations also contribute to teeth grinding. Other physical conditions can exacerbate teeth grinding, such as Parkinson’s disease, which causes involuntary tremors. 

Finally, certain lifestyle elements can have an impact on teeth grinding. Smokers, for example, are more likely to suffer from bruxism. People who drink more than six cups of coffee a day or who regularly consume alcohol, too are susceptible. Regular drug users are also likely to suffer, particularly those who take methamphetamines, ecstasy or even certain antidepressant medications. 

What can I do to stop?

If teeth grinding has you concerned, the good news is there are things you can do. First, try actions that will alleviate stress such as exercise, deep breathing, engaging in relaxing hobbies and other self care activities If you think you are suffering from severe stress or anxiety, go to your doctor to discuss your options. 

The next step is to visit your dentist. While unfortunately there is no cure for bruxism, there is a wide variety of treatment options that can help. The most common treatment is occlusal splints. These splints act as mouthguards you can wear at night, keeping your teeth separate and protecting them against grinding. You can have splints made specially for your mouth, so that you don’t experience discomfort when wearing them. Mandibular advancement devices, which are often used to prevent snoring, can also help. 

Some people find hypnosis and other similar treatments such as meditation and psychoanalysis helpful. Studies have shown positive outcomes when bruxism sufferers underwent hypnosis treatments to stop teeth grinding. 

If crooked or misaligned teeth are causing your teeth grinding, your dentist might suggest braces to help correct the alignment of your teeth. Other treatments might include equilibration, which involves reshaping the surface of your teeth, or cosmetic treatments such as dental crowns, bridges or veneers

What can I do to fix teeth damaged by teeth grinding?

For teeth that have been worn down or damaged by incessant clenching or grinding, there are solutions to help restore their look, feel and function. Treatment can also work to prevent any more wear or damage, as well as helping to reduce sensitivity. 

If your teeth are severely damaged or worn down by grinding, you might consider crowns or veneers to help strengthen your teeth and improve their overall look and feel. Alternatively, composite bonding has become more advanced in recent years and is a popular method for restoring teeth. Composite is a tooth coloured material which is bonded to the tooth’s surface, protecting it and giving a natural appearance. These treatments can help patients who suffer from bruxism to regain confidence in their smiles.  

Teeth grinding doesn’t have to cause you pain. Speak to your dentist today about treatment options. 

Is It True That Women Are at More Risk of TMJ Pain Than Men?

More than 10 million people in the US suffer from temporomandibular joint or TMJ pain of varying intensities. 90% of those who see a TMJ specialist to seek treatment for extremely severe symptoms are women in their childbearing years. In this article, we will explore why women are more prone to TMJ pain as compared to men. 

Why Women Are at More Risk?

Men and women have different natural levels of hormones, which essentially function as chemical messengers within the body. They have different hormones or different levels of similar hormones. If there are any hormonal changes or if they fluctuate above or below their normal level, there will be some side effects. 

The hormone variations can be observed in people of different ages. However, the women who usually are at the highest risk of TMJ pain are those of childbearing age. This is because they have more pronounced fluctuations in their levels of estrogen and progesterone. 

Stress is another factor that leads to TMJ pain. Women experience stress more physically than men. They are most likely to clench the jaw or grind the teeth. Moreover, stress negatively impacts the hormones and cause an imbalance. This can lead to TMJ pain or worsen the existing TMJ condition.

Women who suffer from nutritional deficiencies can also be at risk of TMJ disorder. 

Do Hormones Affect TMJ?

The exact link between TMJ and hormones is unknown but there are studies done in this area. Researchers have found that women who take estrogen supplements or use certain forms of birth control are at increased risk of developing TMD disorder. 

However, if the level of natural estrogen is high, it lessens the pain associated with the disorder. 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

These are some of the signs you must look out for:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Pain while chewing food
  • Radiating pain in the face
  • Stiff neck or neck pain
  • Earaches
  • Inability to open the jaw wide 
  • Popping of the jaw
  • Muscle spasms

How to Relieve TMJ Pain?

Perform a simple self-assessment to become aware of your jaw function. You should be able to fit in at least 3 fingers between your front teeth when opening widely, and chew and swallow without difficulty. You should also be able to move your lower jaw side to side, without any pain. If you hear any joint noise or any sudden changes to the bite, it may be a sign of some issue in the joint. These may lead to TMJ disorder if you do not seek any treatment.

If you experience any of the TMJ symptoms, apply moist heat to the jaw, eat a soft diet or take over-the-counter medication. 

TMJ treatment also includes orthodontic treatment which make changes to the jaw and teeth. The dentists may grind the teeth down, use splints that move the jaw to a different position or opt for surgery. 

Passive jaw stretching, yoga or special jaw and TMJ relaxation exercises can also help in relieving some pain. 

Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable to visit your TMJ specialist.  

Author Bio: Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.

Important Things To Know Before Whitening Your Teeth

If you are not awarded natural white teeth or you have ruined them because of bad habits, do not get discouraged. Everything can be fixed. To get a white-tooth smile in real in dentists clinic and at home also become possible. But, do not forget there are some risks associated with whitening that can affect your teeth afterwards. So, check out those factors before undergoing teeth whitening sessions.

Do You Really Prepare for Teeth Whitening?

No matter how simple whiten teeth procedure may seem, you must be prepared in advance. Visiting a qualified dentist clinic is by far the best way to go. As they know exactly what needs to be done. Their professional cleaning eliminates plaque and stains.

During the whitening procedure, the doctor will most likely prescribe hygiene therapy that shows you how to brush your teeth and tell you which products should be avoided.

“Tea, coffee, beets, dark berries, red wine effect enamel colouring” 

A colourless diet is especially important within a week after the procedure. Otherwise, you will get an adverse effect than the expected. For example, if dyes get to penetrate the porous enamel after bleaching. And of course, if you smoke, teeth whitening seems a very dubious undertaking. If you do not give up this habit, the enamel will soon darken again.

Is There Any Contradiction For Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening procedures should not be undertaken for children under 16 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. Increased tooth abrasion, periodontitis, periodontal disease and other gum diseases put bleaching in doubt. In addition, among the contraindications is untreated caries where once the gel gets into the carious cavity, you will experience severe pain and wearing brace also need emergency dentists services.

If you suffer from tooth hypersensitivity then you probably you should not do whitening, as it itself can provoke this problem. But if you are ready to undergo with remineralizing therapy before and fluorination of enamel after – bleaching is possible. But, it is possible only after consultation with a doctor and with his consent.

Is There Any Difference Between Home Whitening And Dentist Whitening?

First of all, bleaching can be divided into professional and non-professional forms. Professional can be either office or at home or it can combine both of these stages. It is important to understand that cabinet whitening is more aggressive where gels contain 30 per cent or more of the active ingredients like urea or hydrogen peroxide. On the other side, home gels work more sparingly as they contain 7–10% hydrogen peroxide and 16–22% carbamide. 

What kind of whitening is recommend to you? The doctor evaluates the condition of the oral cavity and general health. That is why we do not recommend buying whitening systems for home use at the pharmacy on our own. if you have already purchased one, be sure to show it to your dentist to avoid complications like tooth hypersensitivity, gum disease, enamel damage.

Unfortunately, even in the case of dentist whitening, the result is unpredictable. It depends on the individual characteristics of the body and existing chronic diseases.

Is There Any Benefit of Home Whitening?

First of all, it is worth highlighting the price. Its often much lower cost than visiting a dentist. In addition, home whitening is more gentle. But, you must be disciplined. Once or twice a day for several weeks, you should wear a mouthguard and at due time. Otherwise, the desired effect cannot be achieved. If you are not confident in your abilities or want to get a serious result in a short time, consider a dentist option.

Are Traditional Teeth Whitening Remedies Effective?

In order to explain why folk bleaching agents do not work, you need to understand the meaning of the dentist procedure. As it does not affect the enamel of the teeth or on the dentin – a soft layer located under the enamel. Folk remedies for whitening teeth simply can not penetrate so deeply and act on the surface. The enamel itself is transparent, but the plaque that accumulates on its surface can be coloured darker.

Some of the folk remedies are safe such as soda. It can seriously scratch the enamel because these are abrasives that literally strip off the surface of the tooth. Sometimes brighten teeth only as a result of getting rid of plaque nothing more. if you thoroughly brush your teeth with a paste, brush, floss, use rinse aid and regularly visit a dentist for preventive purposes, then you will not even notice the result of such a folk procedure.

Separately, it should be said about hydrogen peroxide. Yes, it is used in both dentists and home for whitening products, but in gel it is not more than 10% in combination with caring, restoring and analgesic components that can reduce tooth sensitivity. Pure peroxide can seriously burn the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

Finally, 

Teeth whitening is a serious procedure that requires a detailed examination of the entire oral cavity, which can only be done by a doctor. Do not self-medicate in any case, especially when it comes to teeth. As many problems associated with digestion or even the spine cause malocclusion, increased tooth abrasion and enamel defects get affected.

Folk remedies and systems for whitening bought uncontrollably in a pharmacy. These can not only not help, but also harm your teeth. And if you do not care about the oral cavity: do not visit the hygienist once every six months, smoke, drink a lot of tea and coffee, brush your teeth poorly, then even salon whitening can bring only frustration.

Author Bio:-

Dr. Omid Allan is a skilled and experienced Dentists in Manly West at Dentaland with special interests in Dental Implants and Aesthetic Dentistry. He has been practicing dentistry since 1996 and been involved in implant dentistry since year 2000. 

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Are Dental implants Right For you & How to Find The Right Dental Implant

If you have a single tooth or several teeth that need to be replaced as a result of a dental condition or injury, then dental implants can be a great choice.

Here are the answers to some questions you might have to decide if a dental implant is right for you….

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small metal rod (usual titanium) that is positioned into the patient’s jawbone underneath the gums.

The metal rod acts as a root and allows the dentist to use it to put the replacement teeth on.

A single implant can be used to replace one tooth or several.

[Read Also: 16 Home Remedies To Reverse Gingivitis Naturally]

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Once the implant is in place, the metal will fuse with the jawbone over several months, and this will create a sturdy and stable support for the new teeth that are placed above it.

Types Of Dental Implants

When having dental implant surgery, there are three types of dental implants available depending on the patient’s jawbone, so let’s take a closer look at each one….

Root Form Implant

This is the most commonly used implant and will be the one used by the dentist if there are no issues with the patient’s jawbone.

The root form implant is shaped in the same way as a tooth root and can be applied when the jawbone is wide enough and has enough depth to it.

Plate Form Dental Implants

If the jawbone is not wide enough for a root form implant, then the next option is a plate form implant.

This type of implant has a long and flat shape, and this makes it a good fit when the patient’s jaw is too narrow.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

These are custom made dental implants that are used when the jawbone is either too narrow or too short for the root form or plate form dental implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If looked after correctly, then dental implants can last a lifetime.

Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants

Pros Of Dental Implants

Because it is implanted into the jaw, the implant will feel just like a real tooth and is a permanent fix to missing teeth compared to dentures which are not secure and can leave the wearer feeling self-conscious.

Cons Of Dental Implants

Dental Implants can be a significant investment costing several thousands of dollars. To find out more about the potential cost, visit our article on the cost of dental implants.

It is also likely to be some swelling and bruising for a few days after the surgery.

How to Find The Right Dental Implant

If you’re looking for a way to do something about teeth that you’re missing, dental implants are as close as possible to a solution without downsides.

Implants are far and away superior to bridges and dentures.

They last a lifetime, and they come with superior mechanical performance characteristics that put them nearly on par with natural teeth.

There is practically nothing going against implants other than the fact that they tend to be pricey.

If your prosthodontist recommends implants, he probably knows what he’s doing. Another consideration is the cost for a long-term solution, one always wants to have the best value treatment which is weighed up of the cost versus advantages. The cheapest long-term solution is often dental implants.

It’s always a good idea to be an educated patient, though.

For instance, learning about the process can help you conduct informed discussions with your doctor about the different kinds of dental implants available.

How important is it to find quality implants?

 As with most endeavors, the skills of an expert on the job are far likelier to affect the outcome than the equipment brought to it.

If you’re looking for the best possible help with bad teeth, the quality of the surgeon’s skills will almost wholly determine the outcome.

Nearly every dental implant manufacturer with products on the market today offers acceptable quality.

No matter what brand you choose, it should not change the quality of the results you get by more than a couple of percentage points.

It’s essential to put all your homework and research into finding the best doctor.

That said, it doesn’t hurt to study your options for right implants.

Look for brand success rates

Some of the top dental implant brands come with a 95% success rate.

Others score somewhat lower down on the scale. It is possible to choose untested, generic implants that come with no success rate studies attached, too.

These tend to be much cheaper, but of reasonable quality.

You could ask your prosthodontist for a generic brand that, in his personal experience, has proven trouble-free.

talk to your doctor

Speak to your prosthodontist about the right implant method

Prosthodontists use different dental implant methods to address different medical needs.

Endosteal implants come in the screw-like form and are placed deep in the jawbone.

These are the most commonly used implant type.

Subperiosteal implants are placed not on the jaw, but in the gum tissue above it. This kind of implant is used in elderly patients with a thin, frail jawbone.

Plate-form and Ramus-form implants are used on patients whose jawbones are too narrow to support implants.

The choice depends on technical considerations. As minimally invasive processes, each one of these choices can offer excellent value.

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All You Need To Know About The Teeth Whitening Procedure

White teeth can be a major boost to your appearance, and with advances in dentistry, there has never been a better time to get a teeth whitening procedure: it’s almost painless, it’s now relatively affordable, and will only take a few hours of your time.

Here, we will discuss all the ins and outs of the teeth whitening procedure, whether there will be risks involved, and your available options.

Let us begin.

Why You Need a Teeth Whitening Procedure

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure to restore the white natural color of the tooth.

The outer layer of a tooth— the enamel—, is semi transparent and so will display the white color of the layer underneath it—the dentin—. The stain on the enamel, which is made by the accumulation of pellicle coating, will affect this transparency, and the ability of the enamel to reflect light. This is the main reason why stained teeth appear yellow, which can be caused by:

  • Natural aging, where the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker
  • Smoking or tobacco consumption
  • Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola
  • Not brushing and flossing regularly, as well as other oral hygiene practices

How Teeth Whitening Is Performed

The teeth whitening procedure is usually performed with two different methods: vital and non-vital. Vital whitening procedure is performed on healthy teeth with their nerves intact, while non-vital whitening is performed on a tooth without any live nerve, commonly a tooth with prior root-canal treatment.

Vital whitening procedure

Although there can be various approaches, the most common method here is to use hydrogen peroxide in gel form. 

Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable chemical substance that can break down the colour molecules staining the teeth, turning them into smaller, non-visible molecules. After this process, the teeth will appear whiter. 

“Vital whitening procedure usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes, and might be divided into up to 3 appointments. This will depend on the severity of your stains, how white you want the results, and the chosen methods.”

Markham Stouffville Smile Centre dentist office

If you want, some dentists might also offer in-home teeth whitening procedure. Here, the dentist will manufacture custom mouthpieces according to the impressions of your upper and lower teeth. It’s important to have these mouthpieces perfectly fitted, as they will be filled with the whitening agent. 

At home, you will fill each mouthpiece with the whitening gel (provided by your dentist), and you will wear these mouthpieces for several hours every day. Normally, you will need to do this for one week or two to get the desirable results. In special cases, this process can last for a full month.

To note, there are also over the counter whitening agents available. They can be effective, but usually it will take longer before you get the results you want. Consult your dentist if you want to use these products to make sure they are safe and effective.

Laser bleaching

A relatively new procedure to assist the vital whitening procedure is to use a light (laser, LED light, or others) to accelerate the bleaching process. Light activation can accelerate the performance of the bleaching gel, and so the process can be significantly faster. With laser bleaching, we can wrap up the whitening process in just one visit.

Another benefit is that due to the light precision, laser bleaching can target individual tooth. However, laser bleaching can be significantly more expensive and can cost above $500 per session.

Non-vital whitening procedure

For a “dead” tooth after a root-canal treatment, the vital whitening procedure is usually not effective. This is because the colored stain comes from within the tooth, so we will need a different method to whiten the tooth from the inside out. 

Usually, the process here involves placing the whitening agent inside the tooth, and put a temporary filling to cover it. (Note, the process might be different if the tooth already has a dental crown or a dental implant implemented). This process can last several days, and might be repeated until you get the desired whiteness.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

In the past, the chemical bleach whitening gel used to have a higher concentration, and so might cause inflammation and allergic reaction for those with sensitive gums. 

Nowadays, however, the bleaching gel is well-buffered and various researches have been conducted to proof that bleaching and other teeth whitening procedures are totally safe and effective. However, make sure your dentist is using clinically proven products and is performing the right procedures.

Sensitivity issues like minor numbness might occur after the whitening procedure, especially when you eat overly cold or hot food/drink. However, this usually disappears after 48 hours, and if not, you might want to contact your dentist. Mild gum irritation or inflammation is also normal for up to a week after the procedure.

To accelerate the recovery process and remedy the sensitivity issues, here are some things you can do:

  • Wear the mouthpiece for a shorter period if you are on an in-home whitening procedure
  • Use toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth to help with the pain/irritation. Look for toothpastes with potassium nitrate for this purpose.
  • Ask your dentist for fluoride supplement or other fluoride products. This will help in remineralizing your teeth to soothe the pain. There are fluoride products designed to use with your whitening mouthpiece
  • If necessary, take a break and stop the in-home whitening process for a day or two. The pain and irritation will usually disappear within 24 hours.

Also, there are cases where teeth whitening is often discouraged. Since it’s a purely cosmetic procedure, you can move it to a later date if:

  • You are currently pregnant or breast-feeding. The effect of bleach substances to babies are still unknown, so it’s better to postpone the procedure
  • If you have teeth cavities, worn enamel, gum diseases, or very sensitive gums and teeth
  • When you have dental crown with natural teeth color or similar procedures implemented on your front teeth, which can’t be bleached. You might need a laser bleaching procedure to whiten the other teeth.

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