How to Take Good Care of Your Dental Implants

People who have certain types of periodontal diseases, and those who have completely lost some of their teeth can benefit from having a dental implant procedure. This is an excellent way to restore the beauty of one’s smile, and restore full function. Nevertheless, there are certain things that people who have implants need to know in properly caring for their new teeth.

In the first few days after the surgery, the area around your implants should be considered a no-brush zone, since your wound isn't fully healed yet during this period. You can ask your dental professional to prescribe a mouth wash for you to use during these critical days.

After a week or so, you can now brush your teeth as you would the rest of your chompers. Remember to use a special brush for sensitive teeth, though. You might want one with a bent or bendable handle so you can reach behind the abutments. Floss thoroughly after every meal.

Keep talking to your dentist after the surgery to tell him how your implants are doing. If you feel any strange pain sensation around the surgery in the first few weeks, notify him immediately. You may need to get routine x-rays for maintenance, too.

Even though your implant is meant to restore your bite to normal more than crowns and bridges ever could, be careful about biting on hard food items, chewing on ice, or eating very sticky food. You should also know that smoking and coffee may easily stain your new implants rather easily. 

It’s Best to Know What to Expect after Oral Surgery

People undergoing oral surgery for the first time often don't know what exactly to expect during the recovery process, and could end up panicking or suffering paranoia due to the unfamiliar experience. However, what you should know is that many of these seemingly-strange effects are in fact normal, and can be alleviated by following some simple steps.

Slight bleeding after a periodontal procedure is normal. In fact you can expect it to persist up to 24 hours following the surgery. Buy a surgical gauze (or you could ask your dental surgeon for some) and bite down on it using firm pressure for about thirty minutes to one hour when profuse bleeding ensues.

Swelling is also pretty common in many oral or gum surgery procedures. Have an ice pack handy in the critical first 24 hours after the surgery so you can have something to help relieve the side of your face where the swelling is most apparent. Ordinarily, the swelling should be gone after 7 to 10 days.

Certain types of periodontal surgery procedures may result in varying levels of pain to course through your face and head in the first few post-operative days. Speak with your dentist beforehand about effective pain medications he can prescribe, making sure that you take it only according to his directions.

Avoid most dental hygiene practices that involve putting pressure on your gums and teeth for the first 24 hours (even vigorous rinsing and spitting is discouraged). In the following days however, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to take care of your chompers; but remain gentle when brushing around the surgery site.

5 Quick Tips to Healthier Teeth

Dentists share the main things you need to put into your oral health care plan for you to get that amazing smile:

1. Develop a daily oral routine. It's important to brush your teeth three times a day or after every meal, to ensure that they remain clean and that bacteria in your mouth is removed so they won't cause tooth decay.
2. Floss. People tend to overlook this, but dentists stress that flossing is essential. This can help remove plaque and other food particles between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush may have missed.
3. Use fluoride. Toothpaste, most mouthwashes, and even tap water contain fluoride, which not only prevents tooth decay but also strengthens enamel. Your dentist should be able to tell you how much fluoride is needed for your teeth, and if it's necessary for you to get supplements.
4. Watch what you eat. Sugary and starchy foods like ice cream and soda can be particularly damaging to your teeth when these foods are left on the surface for extended periods. Bacteria thriving on these foods produce acid in your mouth that damages tooth enamel. A tip: chew sugarless gum after snacking; it produces more saliva that can naturally wash away the acids.
5. Pay regular visits to your dentist. It may sound like a pain, but at least two visits to your dentist in a year can do wonders in keeping your teeth healthy and white.

Things You Have to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that people usually get once they reach their late teens or early twenties. At times, when these teeth are properly aligned and healthy, they become an important asset. Unfortunately, these teeth are often misaligned or impacted and will need removal.

To know if you have a problem with your wisdom tooth, you should schedule an appointment with your trusted dentist. When you go to the dental office, an x-ray will be done to assess the presence and alignment of your wisdom teeth. By doing this, the dentist may recommend whether the wisdom teeth needs to be extracted to prevent potential problems.

Extraction of wisdom teeth may depend on their position and stage of development. If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted through the gum, then it can be removed just like a normal tooth. However, if it is partially covered by the gums or deeply planted on the jawbone, oral surgery may be necessary for complete and convenient removal.

So what happens once a wisdom tooth is removed? In the first 24 hours, the face may swell, particularly in the affected area. Also, slight bleeding may occur several hours after the tooth was extracted. For pain management, patients are prescribed pain relievers that they can take for the first few days.

Your Initial Consultation with an Oral Surgeon

Regular dental checkups are essential. It is important to visit your dentist every three to six months to identify any problems you might not see or feel. If your dentist does see a major problem, he may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for procedures or treatments like dental implants, jaw surgery, or wisdom teeth extraction. When this happens, know that your initial consultation with the surgeon will be critical to the success of your surgical procedure.

The initial consultation is your chance to learn about the details of the procedure so that you'll be informed and in control every step of the way. It will also be an opportunity for the surgeon to evaluate your condition and identify the safest and most effective approach to treatment. To assess risks and complications that may arise from the procedure, expect the surgeon to ask about your current state of health, any medications you are taking, details about your dental condition, and any allergies you may have.

The surgeon may also obtain an X-ray or CT scan of your mouth and teeth. After his evaluation, you will learn how the procedure will be performed, what your anesthesia options are, and what the possible results of the surgery will be. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them. This is the only way you'll feel comfortable and confident about the procedure.

Dental Implants: A Way to Restore Your Smile

Losing a tooth is a big deal. Not only will it affect a person's body image and self-esteem, it could also have an impact on one's speech, ability to chew, and smile. Gone are the days when you can effortlessly bite into an apple, join conversations without being awkward, and pose confidently in front of a camera. Luckily, oral surgeons have a way to restore the smile you once had: dental implants.

Dental implants are tooth replacements that look and function like real teeth. They are usually made of titanium and covered with either a bridge or a porcelain crown. This extremely beneficial dental technology does not decay, and are stain resistant. Aside from that, they are convenient, and very easy to clean and maintain.

Once a dental implant is installed, it can last for a lifetime, especially if you properly and diligently care for it. That said, it is vital that you adhere to good oral hygiene practices after a dental implant surgery. This means you'll need to brush and floss regularly. You may also need to have professional dental cleaning once every six months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist.

If you believe that a dental implant is the ideal solution for your tooth loss problem, talk to a dental implant specialist. He will assess your oral and dental condition to confirm if implants are indeed the best option for you.

Ways to Speed Up Healing After Oral Surgery

Oral surgery might be a dreadful thought for many, but the truth remains that it is often the best way to keep bacteria and disease from threatening your teeth, and to restore them to their former glory. However, if you're scheduled to go under the knife soon, it's only natural for you to feel anxious. Hence, to help ease your fear, take note of these steps that you can take to ensure a speedy recovery:

You could try gargling with saltwater after every meal, once in the morning and once before bedtime, since this serves to minimize the pain that post-surgery gum inflammation can cause. Keep the proportion to approximately ½ tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of warm water.

Don't use your ordinary toothbrush soon after oral surgery. Instead, buy a soft-bristled brush and use this for a few days to weeks, depending on the expected recovery time for your procedure or the orders of your doctor. When brushing, avoid the tooth and gum area where the procedure was done. Too much movement and pressure could dislodge implants, crowns, or fillings.

A great recovery tip would be to stay in touch with your dental surgeon even after the surgery, so as to report any untoward reactions or side effects that might occur and delay the healing process even further. Moreover, never take any painkiller (or any other medication for that matter) that your doctor did not directly prescribe for you.

Is it Time to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Of all the teeth in your mouth, your wisdom teeth (i.e. the last set of molars in both the upper and lower jaw) are among the last to grow. Most people start having them only when they're 16 to 25 years old. Unfortunately, since there may not be that much space left at the back of your teeth, this could mean that your wisdom teeth will grow abnormally.

Not enough space can cause wisdom teeth them to emerge only slightly or even come out horizontally. Thankfully, this doesn't happen to everyone, although some people may think about getting their wisdom teeth removed anyway. To dentists and oral surgeons, these teeth should only be removed if they grew abnormally (as mentioned above) since this increases the chances of bacterial infection in the mouth.

However it is done, wisdom teeth removal should happen early, preferably to people who fall under the aforementioned age range, since teenagers and young adults stand a better chance of recovering fully from such a surgery. In addition, the wisdom teeth of people within this age range are less likely to be firmly rooted, making them easier to extract. If you're interested in having your wisdom teeth removed, it is highly recommended that you consult with your general dentist first.