August 31, 2010

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Action taken in the first few minutes after a dental emergency occurs can make the difference between a serious problem and a situation that a dentist can easily repair.

Different types of dental emergencies require different action. Some common dental emergencies and appropriate actions to take include:

  • Tooth is partially or completely dislodged. If a tooth is completely knocked out, rinse it without scrubbing and attempt to set it gently back in the socket. If it will not go back in easily, place it in salt water or milk and immediately visit a dental office to have the tooth properly restored. For a partially dislodged tooth, use cold compresses and over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen to reduce discomfort and visit the dentist immediately.
  • Lost crown or filling. A crown can be held in place temporarily with denture adhesive or even toothpaste. The opening in a tooth left behind by a lost filling can be covered with over-the-counter dental adhesive or sugar-free gum until a dentist can help replace the crown.
  • Abscesses. An abscess is an infection in the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. These infections can be serious, affecting not only the mouth but spreading to other areas of the body. Toothaches or any signs of infection or other discomfort in the mouth should be brought to a dentist’s attention immediately.

Our Fort Worth dental office is well equipped to help deal with any dental emergencies. Always consult with a dentist as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome of these often traumatic events.

August 4, 2010

What to do after dental surgery

Dental surgery can be a traumatic experience for someone who hasn’t undergone one before. Dental surgery in Fort Worth can include routine dental extractions and implant surgeries to more complex maxillofacial surgeries and impacted tooth surgery. The steps to take to reduce the post-surgical complications are almost the same for most routine dental surgeries. Dental operating procedures have progressed to an extent that most surgical procedures are quick and relatively painless.

Steps to take after oral surgery:

  • Swelling and discomfort: Swelling and discomfort can be expected after any surgery for a few days and the amount of swelling will depend on the area of surgery and the complexity of the surgery. Antibiotics and NSAIDS will be prescribed to reduce discomfort and swelling. Consume them as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Avoid aspirin, as this can prolong bleeding time.

Immediately after surgery place ice packs on the face intermittently (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for 1-2 hours. Moist heat application after 4-5 hours can increase circulation and aid in healing. After 24 hours, gargle with warm saline water 3-4 times daily, to aid in healing. If the swelling and pain does not reduce after 3-4 days even after taking medications, visit your dentist immediately. Keep you head elevated while sleeping.

  • Bleeding: Slight bleeding after tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal is normal and can be expected for at least 24 hours. Bite down on the gauze packs you receive at the dentist’s office for at least 30-45 minutes. If the gauze piece becomes moist, replace with another one. Do not spit out the blood as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause the formation of a dry-socket. Do not brush the area of the surgery for at least 2-3 days. Gently wash your mouth and take care not to spit forcefully as this can also dislodge the healing blood clot. Avoid drinking with a straw or sucking on the wound for a few days as this can cause the formation of negative pressure within the mouth. Avoid irritating the wound with your tongue or finger.

If biting down on clean cotton gauze piece does not help stop the bleeding, moisten a tea bag with water and fold it in half and bite down on it for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in black tea helps stop bleeding.

  • Rest and recovery: Take complete rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Bring along someone to drive you home after the surgery. Avoid bending down and heavy physical labor or strenuous sports activity for 3-4 days. Do minor stretching exercises with your mouth 1-2 days after the surgery to keep your jaw flexible.
  • Diet and habits: Consume cold and soft food for 3-4 days. Avoid hard foods like chips and nuts. Having an ice-cream after the surgery is a good idea. Gently wash your mouth after each meal to remove the food debris. Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can help promote healing. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for 3-4 days after the surgery.
  • Go back to your dentist to get the stitches removed after 1 week.

June 29, 2010

Dental Care for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. It is also a time when a woman’s body undergoes numerous physiological and hormonal changes that impact all aspects of the expecting mother and child’s health. Good oral care is very important during this period, as oral health affects overall well being.

“Pregnancy gingivitis” is common among expecting mothers, causing bleeding, sensitive and puffy gums with varying degrees of swelling that develop over the first trimester of pregnancy. The rapid surge in hormone levels of estrogens and progesterone causes an exaggerated response to small amounts of plaque and tartar, resulting in this severe form of gum inflammation. This may occur even if there weren’t any symptoms of gum disease before.

Sarah, a new mother, said, “ I was alarmed as my gums swelled up rapidly during my fourth month, and bled every time I brushed even though I never had gum trouble before. My dentist at Smile Fort Worth explained how being pregnancy affects gums and instructed me in oral hygiene, which really helped.” An oral prophylaxis, in which any existing tartar deposits will be removed by scaling, and taking extra care of oral hygiene measures during this time, can effectively prevent pregnancy gingivitis.

Cavities can also worsen with changes in salivary patterns occurring during this time, especially in those with high dental decay rates. Many women have gastric reflux, which causes acidity. That acid may cause erosion of tooth enamel and sensitive teeth. An expecting mother’s body is very vulnerable to the spread of any infection and dental infections like an abscess arising from a decayed tooth are common. While getting early preventive treatments like fluoride applications and fillings for small decays can a go a long way in avoiding dental problems in pregnancy, any acute dental infection should be cared for promptly.

Periodontal or gum disease in pregnant women is linked with the risk of having pre-term and low birth weight babies. Basically, a periodontal infection can cause a slow release of bacterial toxins into the mother’s blood stream, which increases the chances of these complications. Dentists strongly recommend a screening and treatment of periodontal disease in women planning pregnancy.

Most routine dental treatment can be safely performed during a healthy pregnancy. The second trimester is generally the preferred time to schedule planned dental procedures. Dental x-rays, also can be done safely with adequate protective shields. Concerns regarding the safety of drugs that can be used in pregnancy are important issues that need to be addressed by every dentist treating an expecting mother. Every woman expecting a baby should ensure to get a dental consult early on in or while planning for a pregnancy.

June 22, 2010

How frequently should you have your teeth cleaned?

teeth cleaning fort worthWhen was the last time you got a teeth cleaning in Fort Worth? Busy lifestyles often cause us to put health concerns aside—until a problem crops up! Regular professionally performed teeth cleaning, or “oral prophylaxis,” is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth, and is a basic oral health care procedure that everyone needs. Nonetheless, many people have to think hard to remember the last time they got their teeth cleaned. A cleaning performed by your dentist or a hygienist is a part of preventive dentistry and you’ll need it at different times, depending on your personal circumstances.

Your dentist will suggest an cleaning regime based on your individual dental condition. Those with healthy mouths,no gum or periodontal disease, no extensive restorations, no general health issues like diabetes, and generally good oral hygiene will need a teeth cleaning at least once to twice a year.

People often say; “ I have no dental problems and brush well, why should I need a dentist to clean my teeth?” Brushing and flossing regularly helps in removing dental plaque, but in spite of this some plaque will accumulate in hard-to-reach areas even in healthy mouths and will harden to form tartar. The tartar will lodge more plaque, ultimately leading to gum disease and cavities. Once tartar forms, it can be removed only by professional cleaning, usually performed with an ultrasonic device. Dentists advise regular cleaning to prevent cavities or gum disease.

Some people form tartar at a faster rate than others, because of reasons such as inherent differences in saliva or mouth pH, a less effective brushing technique or having braces that make brushing difficult. Such people benefit from more frequent cleaning appointments, three to four times a year. Similarly, those who’ve had gum disease that has caused considerable loss of bone support of teeth or have had extensive crown and bridgework, need more stringent preventive measures and that requires more frequent cleaning. Periodontal disease, even after treatment, usually leaves teeth with reduced bone support and it becomes crucial to prevent recurrences of the gum infection. Such individuals will also often have exposed tooth roots that are difficult to brush very effectively. This means that, in the long run, keeping the maintenance-cleaning schedule is the key to successful periodontal therapy.

People with underlying medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, severe gum disease or multiple dental implants have more complex periodontal needs and may require up to four to six visits a year to maintain good oral health. Your dentist in Fort Worth is the best person to assess your current oral health and design an appropriate maintenance schedule.