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Category Archives: Wisdom Teeth

Most Don’t Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work

Posted 8 years ago Dentistry, Gum Disease, Health & Wellness, Post-Op Treatments, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Tooth Restorations, Wisdom Teeth

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Many patients insist on being written a full 7 to 10 day round of broad-spectrum antibiotics before having a dental procedure performed. Patients hear from their friends, family members, and even some of their doctors that this is a reasonable, necessary precaution to take. From a provider perspective, it is quite understandable why this seems to be a well-reasoned belief. Probably one of the biggest concerns patients tend to express is their fear that bacteria will spread from their mouth or tooth to their bloodstream during a procedure. When bacteria or other foreign matter enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation to heart tissues, it is called infective endocarditis.

The American Heart Association says dentists and dental patients may be overreacting to the fear of infective endocarditis. and that we should reserve antibiotics for cases where infectious disease is more likely. Using antibiotics prophylactic are not only completely unnecessary for most patients, but are often only causing problems for the patient. Antibiotics should typically only be taken where there is a confirmed infection within the body. When patients take antibiotics when they are not sick, they take a risk of developing a condition caused by the medication. Rash and upset stomach are two of the less serious side effects to antibiotics, but there are also serious adverse effects that can result from taking them, as well, such as allergic reactions and life-threatening conditions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a severe skin condition that can be fatal. Another reason to be more selective about when to take antibiotics is because of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacteria that cannot be killed with standard antibiotic treatments. If an antibiotic is used frivolously, the bacteria may develop an immunity to that medication and survive even the most rigorous medications. In cases like these, infections can be more dangerous and will require more serious treatments to be used. Those stronger antibiotics have an even higher risk for causing severe side effects and reactions. Continue reading →

Common Oral Health Problems

Posted 8 years ago Dentistry, Gum Disease, Health & Wellness, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Tooth Restorations, Wisdom Teeth

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A healthy mouth and positive oral health is good for the body and important for a person’s overall health. This includes taking care of the mouth, gums, and teeth and this is a goal that’s worthy in and of itself. Maintaining good oral health can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath. It also is key to in order to help keep teeth in older age. Although no one likes to have dental health problems, many are easily treated and preventable with proper oral hygiene habits, a good diet, and regular visits to the dentist. Some of the most common oral problems are:

Bad Breath

Bad breath in the chronic form is known as halitosis. This is caused many times by oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bacteria.

Tooth Decay

Next to the common cold, in the United States, tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease. Tooth decay can be caused by plaque buildup, which can be treated and even prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.  Continue reading →

More Americans Head To the ER for Dental Emergencies

Posted 8 years ago Dentistry, Gum Disease, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

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When you suffer from unexpected pain and can’t see your regular doctor, your first instinct is likely to visit the emergency room. The Health Policy Institute found that the number of patients visiting the ER for a dental problem increased by 4% between 1997 and 2007. The same organization also found that more than 1% of all ER visits in a single year occurred because of dental pain or dental problems. While you might think that the doctors working in the emergency room can treat your problem and make the pain disappear, there is little that those doctors can actually do.

What Can ER Doctors Do?

If you break your leg in an accident at home, the doctor working in the emergency room will give you something for the pain, set your leg and send you home with some medication. Those doctors have lots of experience with people suffering from various medical conditions, but the doctors on staff do not have experience treating dental conditions. You may receive a prescription painkiller designed to numb some of the pain that you feel, but the hospital may only give you a mild painkiller. If the doctor discovers any inflammation in your mouth, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic and recommend that you see a dentist as soon as possible. Continue reading →

What Are the Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Posted 9 years ago Wisdom Teeth

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What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located in the very back of the mouth, located in both the upper and lower areas. In most cases, the wisdom teeth don’t have ample room to grow or erupt in a normal fashion, which in turn causes the teeth to become impacted. In certain cases, impacted wisdom teeth do not cause any issues and can remain in the mouth for life. However, the awkward positioning of the teeth can make them difficult to brush or floss, which can eventually lead to decay.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Require Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is often recommended when the teeth cause dental issues or uncomfortable symptoms, and the procedure may also be recommended if the dentist or oral surgeon suspects that the impacted teeth may cause problems in the future. Understanding the signs of impacted wisdom teeth and discussing treatment options with a dental professional can help patients determine whether or not wisdom teeth removal is the appropriate procedure to suit their particular oral health care needs.

Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In certain cases, impacted wisdom teeth do not cause any symptoms and are only detected in X-rays during regular dental checkups. However, the condition can also cause symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling in the jaw area, swollen or inflamed gums in the back molar area and gum tenderness. Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth may also experience headaches, bleeding gums and foul breath. While these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, it is always best for individuals to consult with a dental professional to ensure a proper diagnosis, as complications such as oral cysts, gum disease and damage to the surrounding molars can occur if the condition is left untreated.

Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If impacted wisdom teeth that are discovered upon X-ray examinations do not cause discomfort or dental hygiene problems, the condition is referred to as asymptomatic impaction, and patients may be advised to take a “watch and wait” approach. During this period, the dentist will examine the teeth on a regular basis and monitor the impacted areas for symptoms. When the teeth are causing significant pain, dental decay or gum problems, wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

During a wisdom teeth removal procedure, an dentist or oral surgeon creates an incision in the gums in order to access the wisdom teeth. If there are bones blocking the underlying teeth, these will be removed as well. Once the teeth are removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and the gums are stitched together. The tooth sockets are packed with gauze to protect the area and promote proper healing. Patients must follow specific aftercare instructions such as rinsing with salt water and avoiding using straws until the teeth are properly healed, as these practices help to prevent complications and minimize the chance of infection.

 

Root Canal Vs Tooth Extraction

Posted 10 years ago Dentistry, Health & Wellness, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

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When there is a serious tooth infection, dentists will either extract the teeth recommend an endodontic treatment, which is otherwise known as a root canal. Root canals are done by endodontists, or dental health professionals who specialize in the procedure.

Is Root Canal A Better Option?

A root canal is done by removing the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. The endodontist then carefully cleans the area inside of the canal, fills it up, and seals the space. Then, the tooth is restored using a filling or a crown.

A root canal is often recommended because it saves the natural tooth. While having one’s tooth extracted may seem like an easier and quicker option, a root canal has advantages over extraction. It keeps your teeth as is, maintain your natural smile. It also promotes normal sensation and biting and promotes proper chewing. Continue reading →

Impacted Teeth: How Can You Deal With Them?

Posted 10 years ago Health & Wellness, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

impacted-wisdom-teeth-roseville

Our last set of teeth grows on each corner of our mouth when we reach the ages 17 to 26 (which is incidentally know as the Age of Wisdom, hence they are called our wisdom teeth. Since they grow last, there may not be enough room in the mouth for the each of the tooth to break. Thus, it can result in crowding with the other teeth, or it could grow at an angle under the gum causing discomfort, pain, irritation and infection.

When a wisdom tooth partially breaks the gum line, then it is partially impacted, but if the tooth never breaks through, then it is fully impacted. In any case you are unfortunate enough to suffer from either one (or even both), then you have an impacted wisdom tooth which can lead to serious health risks and complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth. You may already have an impacted wisdom tooth and not be aware of it. Here are some symptoms that you should take seriously, pain in the mouth or jaw line or notice tenderness and swelling in the gums with some bleeding; headaches emanating from your temporomandibular joint (which connects your jaw to your skull); bad breath and an  unpleasant breath and taste in the mouth. Continue reading →

What To Expect At Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment

Posted 10 years ago Health & Wellness, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

what-to-expect-at-your-sedation-dentistry-appointment-in-roseville-ca

Some dental procedures are done with local anesthesia, but even without the presence of pain, you may feel anxiety and fear which can complicate the treatment. Today, however, patients can now request to be sedated instead of just getting general anesthesia, in order to keep them calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. If you elect to undergo a sedation dentistry appointment, here are some things you may expect.

Come With A Friend

Before the procedure, your doctor will also ask you to come to the clinic accompanied by a friend or a family member to look after you after the procedure and help you go home.

To help you relax even more, most doctors allow you to bring things, blankets, stuffed toys, music player with headphones as long as they will not interfere with the treatment. Some even allow companions to be in the treatment room if that will help you relax better. Continue reading →

Keep your Wisdom Teeth or Extract Them?

Posted 11 years ago Wisdom Teeth

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The problem is that by the time wisdom teeth grow into place few mouths have room left. When these four late bloomers push up into an already crowded gum, they move the other teeth forward causing a kind of dental traffic jam. Even if they seat properly after eruption, they are so far back that reaching them is difficult, so hygiene becomes an issue. It is a controversial decision, but some teens are opting to remove wisdom teeth proactively to avoid future dental nightmares.  Continue reading →

5 Consequences for Not Calling your Emergency Dentist – Sacramento

Posted 11 years ago Broken Dentures, Root Canal Therapy, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

5-consequences-of-not-calling-your-emergency-dentist-sacramento

Dental emergencies can be just as serious as emerging medical problems. You wouldn’t think twice about going to an urgent care center or emergency room if you needed help. You shouldn’t hesitate to get dental assistance either. The truth is ignoring dental problems has serious consequences. Emergency dental services are there to prevent further damage from occurring. You only have one set of teeth. Proper dental hygiene keeps them healthy, but emergencies still happen. Take a look at five things that you may face if you choose not to get emergency dental care.

Tooth Nerve Damage

Pain in a tooth is actually a good thing. It is the initial pain that tells you to go to the dentist in the first place. When a nerve becomes damaged that natural security system breaks down. This can leave the pulp of the tooth open to infection or decay. Without proper treatment, the tooth loses sensitivity, so when there is a serious issue you won’t know it. This can lead to tooth loss or critical medical problems such as infection in the bone or blood stream.  Continue reading →

Four Common Causes of Toothaches – Citrus Heights, CA

Posted 11 years ago Gum Disease, Health & Wellness, Tooth Pain, Wisdom Teeth

common-causes-for-toothaches-Sacramento-ca

A toothache is one of the most dreaded pains that people will ever experience. Regardless of how many pain relievers people take, the pain from a toothache will still linger. Without going to a dentist to find the problem, the toothache will continue to exist. When it comes to a toothache, there are usually four main causes of it.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one reason why a tooth may be aching. Many people do not realize that they have tooth decay because they cannot see it; however, if a person has a toothache, it is a good possibility that it can be traced to tooth decay. Tooth decay is formed through acids that bacteria in plaque produce. The tooth enamel is then attacked by the bacteria. Most tooth decay will be caused by poor dental hygiene. Many people will know that they may have tooth decay if their teeth become extremely sensitive to hot foods or beverages, cold food or beverages, and sweet food or beverages. Continue reading →

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