Category: Blog

Teeth are removed for many reasons including decay that has reached deep root levels, infections that have destroyed the tooth and surrounding bone, and there not being enough room for all the teeth in one’s mouth. Many dentists will also recommend extracting teeth that are only partially erupted as bacteria can enter around a partially erupted tooth and can cause infections which can extend into the surrounding bone and compromise other teeth. This is often done to save removing more teeth later and having pain in the future.

How Are Teeth Removed?

The dentist will remove your entire medical and oral history before removing a tooth and will take any appropriate X-Rays needed to complete the job properly. X-Rays will reveal the length, shape, and exact placement of the tooth so the dentist can remove it more accurately and so they know what they are dealing with before they go into the job.

Before removal, you will receive anesthesia for the tooth so you do not experience any pain. The anesthesia will be local in the mouth where the tooth is being removed from.

What Can I Expect After an Extraction?

It is critical to keep the area clean and ensure you prevent infection after the extraction. You will need to bite down on a piece of gauze to help keep the area dry and allow clotting following the procedure. This will probably last about 30-45 minutes until bleeding completely stops. You shouldn’t smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or clean next to the extraction site for 24 hours following the procedure as the area heals.

A certain amount of pain/discomfort can be expected in the area when the anesthesia wears off and at the same time, the dentist may prescribe a painkiller to help with the pain if it is expected to be more severe, or you had more or more one teeth extracted at a time. You should also limit strenuous activity long as your dentist recommends, and also not drink hot liquids or drink through a straw for long as he tells you not to do so.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”

impacted tooth, Vector illustration
Toothache, Tooth medical
anatomy

If you hear your dentist tell you that your wisdom teeth will need to come out it is not the time to go fully into panic mode. These third molars can definitely affect your oral health if they are growing in wrong, so having them removed can often be the smartest decision your dentist can help you make.

Why Aftercare is Vital:

Dentists have been removing wisdom teeth for millions of Americans every year for decades according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Besides some temporary bleeding, discomfort, and swelling/bruising after surgery, most people will recover seamlessly without hardly any issues. Nonetheless, dry socket is the most common issue after having these teeth removed.

A dry socket can develop when there are newly-formed blood clots within the socket and it is unintentionally dislodged or removed exposing bone and causing bleeding. In addition to serious pain, your symptoms will include visible bone within the socket, swollen lymph nodes in the neck area, and low-grade fevers.

To prevent potential problems after your wisdom teeth are removed be sure to follow the following tips:

Swelling: put ice on the outside of the mouth intermittently for 20 minutes on and 20 off for the two days after your surgery (during hours you are awake) to help minimalize any bruising and swelling that may occur.

Bleeding: ensure that you keep the gauze pads in place at least 30 minutes after the procedure and do expect some bleeding this is completely normal. If gauze is uncomfortable try moistened tea bags for the same amount of time. This allows the blood clot to set.

Diet: After the bleeding stops then it’s time to drink a lot of lukewarm or cold fluids to help keep yourself hydrated. Some soft foods are ok too like eggs, pudding, Jello, and mashed potatoes. Stay on the soft diet for 2-3 days till clots have solidified and there is no risk of pulling them out to induce dry-socket.

Medications: take prescribed medications or antibiotics from the oral surgeon exactly as directed. If you are taking narcotic-level painkilling medications then you will be asked not to operate machinery or drink alcohol while on the medication.

When May I Need to Call My Dentist?

If your pain is not improving a little bit each day for the first week then call the dentist as something may be wrong. Also, if you experience increased swelling, excessive bleeding that can’t be controlled with pressure, severe/throbbing pain for 3-4 days following surgery, or an elevated temperature that persists. No matter how many wisdom teeth you have removed listen to the dentist’s advice to ensure you recover smoothly.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”

As you have different conditions and needs for dental conditions there are many different types of dental crowns that have been designed to meet your various needs. Root canals and dental extractions often call for dental crowns and dental crowns now come in many forms

Dental Crowns are also known as a cap these serve as a fixed prosthetic object that is cemented over top of an otherwise compromised tooth — only a dentist will be able to remove this cap for you if it ever needs to be taken off. This covers the damaged tooth and also provides a strengthening mechanism and can provide a more pleasing physical look to the tooth as well when completed.

Dentists may have to use a temporary crown to put on the tooth to help cover the damaged piece while the real crown is being made. The dentist may also have to reduce your tooth’s size so the crown fits appropriately over the tooth to help size it up to the rest of the teeth in your mouth.

Types of Crowns Available:

Ceramic: the ceramic crown is used to restore a damaged or compromised front tooth and it will blend in with the color of the rest of your natural teeth surrounding it. This is a porcelain-based material.

Porcelain Fused to Metal: this will provide the crown a stronger bond than the regular porcelain crown would as it is connected to a metal structure — making it extremely durable.

Gold Alloys: this crown is a mix of gold, copper, and other metals and this crown also provides a strong bond to the tooth but also does not fracture or wear at the tooth itself.

Base Metal Alloys: this crown is made up of non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion and it makes a very strong crown it also requires the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed prior to being put on the tooth.

Differences Among Crown Types:

The sealing ability of all porcelain crowns depends on the material that they are filled with and the underlying quality of the tooth beneath. This is according to the American Dental Association (ADA) whereas the other three provide good seals against leakages.

The durability factor is the best in the gold and metal alloy crowns whereas the all-porcelain crown tends to be less strong and more susceptible if put under enough pressure (such as grinding teeth at night). By contrast, a crown made of porcelain fused to metal offers the sturdiest option of all and can endure the most wear without breaking. However, they can quickly be aggravated if the surfaces of surrounding teeth rough up and become a problem. The gold and the alloy crowns are resistant to wear and gentle on opposing teeth at the same time.

Though they sometimes may become loose or fall out the average crown can last a lifetime when it’s properly maintained and cared for. Proper oral health such as brushing and flossing is the best way to help ensure that the crown is kept in good shape for a lifetime. Use a toothbrush such as the Colgate Plus Bi-Level Bristles ® to keep teeth spotless down to the back molars. Scheduling regular checkups with the dentist is also vital to ensure that your oral health and the crowns are healthy and in good shape.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”