For a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, it’s crucially important to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist every six months. Your Silver Spring dentist can assess the condition of your teeth and gums, and also recommend treatments for tooth decay or gingivitis if necessary. This will help you avoid potential future problems, like losing a tooth or having a mouthful of painful cavities. The dentists in Silver Spring MD keep records of all past treatments, so it’s important to find a good dentist and stick with that one for as many years as possible. This is why it’s so important to pick the right dentist in the beginning. This article provides some useful tips for seeking out and finding the right dentist for you and your family. Make a List If you are moving to a new community, finding the right dentist can be a daunting task - especially if you don’t know many people who you could ask for a personal referral. It can also be challenging to find the right dentist if you are switching to a new dentist from a previous one. Here are some things to consider. Is the location of the dental office itself an important factor for you? Are you seeking the convenience of finding a dentist whose office is near your home or workplace? Or are you willing to drive out of your way to get to the right dentist? If you are moving to a new community, you might ask your current dentist if he or she has colleagues in the community where you are moving to that he/she might be able to refer you to. If you have friends or family members living in the community where you are moving, ask them what dentist they use. Conduct online searches using google, ask Facebook friends, and read the reviews of dentists in your community on Yelp.com. This can be a useful starting point. Make a list of two or three different dental offices to go to and check out. Narrow Your Search After making your list of potential Silver Spring dentists, visit the locations if possible and take note of what you see and experience. Is the location convenient to an area of town where you frequent? What are the hours and availability of the dentist? What is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff? What services are offered and what insurances do they accept? Is the dental office easily accessible by car or public transit? Does the dental office offer emergency dental services? Will the dentist office be able to accommodate your whole family? Do you have special requirements, such as the need for dental implants or cosmetic dentistry? Compare your needs with respect to the answers to these questions. Book a Consultation Next, determine which dentists on your list meet all or most of your criteria, and find out if he or she is currently accepting new patients. For those who are seeking new patients, find out when their next availability is. Make an appointment and go to “interview” the dentist and find out if you are compatible. Make the Choice After meeting with a few different dentists, reflect on your experiences at each office. Which office made you feel most comfortable? Which dentists seemed more compatible with your personality? Which office offers the widest variety of services or the particular specialty services you are seeking? Hopefully by now, you will have a lot of clarity about which dental office is right for you and your family.
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This article explains what dental implants are and how they can restore your smile and your confidence.Restore Your Confidence One cannot underestimate the importance of a confident smile in both social and business situations. Tooth discoloration, missing teeth, or disfigured teeth can significantly detract from your appearance, and block you from achieving success. Decades ago, the only options to unsightly missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Besides the fact that these appliances are difficult to maintain and must be replaced every few years, they can lead to gum disease, bone loss, or embarrassing social situations in which they click, move, or fall out. They can also be uncomfortable to wear. Dental implants in Maryland, on the other hand, have been around since the 1950’s. Restorative dentistry has grown increasingly more sophisticated in just the past twenty or thirty years, and dental implants are almost always chosen by patients instead of dentures or bridges. One of the many advantages of choosing dental implants over other alternatives is that they preserve the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone tissue, preventing further dental complications. Implants can make a huge difference in the appearance of your smile, whether you only have one tooth to replace, are missing several teeth, or are currently wearing dentures. Improve Your Lifestyle Knowing that your teeth are secure can greatly improve your lifestyle in ways you may not have ever imagined would be possible again. Bite into a caramel apple at the fair, play toss with the grandchildren in the swimming pool, smile in family photos again, and never feel the need to hold back a smile or a laugh when spending precious time with family and friends. Restorative dentistry with dental implants in Maryland can restore your confidence in yourself. Dental Implant 101 Even if you do have some bone loss or gum disease, the dental implantation procedure can still be performed with a high rate of success. You may require a bone graft to address the bone loss and help anchor the titanium implants into your jawbone. If you have been wearing dentures, you may have some bone loss as a natural result of losing your teeth. When you receive implants, you will be protected from further bone loss by going to discuss Silver Spring dental issues. There are three parts to a dental implant: the titanium peg that is inserted into the jawbone, the abutment which protrudes from the gum-line, and the crown that covers the abutment and is shaped and fitted by a restorative or cosmetic dentist. The titanium implant will promote healthy bone growth and become more secure over time. It will look and feel like a natural tooth. This is such a dramatic improvement over the bridges and dentures of the old days, which don’t look or feel natural. Fitting for an implant is a technical process that requires a dentist with expertise in restorative dentistry. Your treatment may involve the services of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Most everyone qualifies as a candidate for a successful implant procedure. If it is safe for you to have a routine dental treatment, it is safe for you to receive an implant. You will also require some X-rays and an impression of your mouth. The insertion of the dental implant itself happens in one visit. Afterwards, you will be able to return to work or go about your usual daily activities the next day. Maintenance of your dental implants in Maryland only requires regular visits to your dentist every four months, as well as daily brushing and flossing (which you should be doing anyway). There is a 98% probability of a successful implant, and these simple measures help make your implant a success. If you have an osteoporotic jawbone or history of serious illness causing jawbone loss, you would have a greater likelihood of some complication. While dental implants are usually not covered by dental insurance, most patients agree that the investment is well worth it. This article explains the difference between bridges, dentures, and dental implants to help you make the best decision for your smile. Your Appearance: In this image-focused world we live in, our appearance has a major influence not only on attracting a romantic partner, but also on achieving a successful career, influencing others, and being seen in a positive light by the people around you. We all want to have flawless skin, a toned physique, a flattering hairstyle, and stylish clothes, but the most important physical feature of all is perhaps one's smile. It's one of the first things people notice about someone when they first meet them, and stained or missing teeth can ruin a good first impression. It can also destroy your self-confidence. Let's take a closer look at obtaining dental implants in Maryland. Do you feel like your smile may be holding you back in your career, your ability to smile and laugh in social situations, or your willingness to smile in family photos? One of the most common physical features people feel unhappy with is their smile. It's a fact that our teeth can become discolored as well age - especially among coffee and tea drinkers. They can also become discolored because of genetic predispositions, accidents, certain medications, or simply poor brushing and flossing technique. Likewise, adult teeth can loosen and come out with advanced age, injury, chronic illness, or bad hygiene. A great smile can draw other people in and make them want to get to know you, while a bad smile can be off-putting and cause you to lose a potential client or fail to get that promotion on the job. Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants: Many decades ago, before modern dental technology advancements, when people lost their teeth the only options they had were dentures and bridges. These prostheses can temporarily solve a problem, but maintenance is difficult because you cannot floss properly with bridges. They also increase your chance of having a serious periodontal disease later on. Since bridges aren't permanent, they don't protect the gum tissue and bone from become increasingly unhealthier. These are just a couple of reasons why dental implants in Maryland are much more preferable to bridges. There are very few cases in which dentures or bridges would be preferable to implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, and they end up being a more economical choice because they do not need to be replaced as often as bridges. Even better, they're made from inert materials that won't cause physical harm over time. They will also simply look like your real teeth, so others won't notice it's an implant. You won't have to worry about the appearance of your teeth when speaking, smiling, or laughing, and there will be no clicking when chewing your food. In general, Dental Implants in Maryland don't decay, and they tend to also be stain-resistant. Your surrounding teeth won't require crowns to support them. On the other hand, bridges need to be replaced when adjacent teeth show signs of decay; the crowns and bridges both will need to be replaced. There is none of this hassle with implants. Cost: When considering cost, you may think that dental implants are more costly than bridges or dentures. They are often not covered by dental insurance plans, and the initial costs can be more. Bridges have a lower upfront cost, but they will only last ten years maximum. You're making an investment in your appearance, which will lead to opportunities in your life that you perhaps never imagined possible before. Your Silver Spring dentist will be able to explain cost in more detail. Your dental implants will look like your actual teeth and will not need to be replaced. Most people decide that dental implants are the better choice, even financially. This article series provides an FAQ guide to dental implants: surgically placed prosthetic teeth to restore your smile. Q. How long have dental implants been used in dentistry? A. You might be surprised to learn that dental implants actually have been utilized for a couple thousand years. Archaeologists have uncovered Egyptian mummies with gold wired-like implants in their jawbones. Also, pre Columbian skeleton remains have been found with dental implants made of stones that were semi-precious. In Europe, the body of a Roman soldier was found with an iron dental implant in the jaw. Implants made of ivory were revealed in the Middle East unearthed from archaeological sites. In the United States, modern dentistry began the practice of utilizing dental implants at the start of the 20th century. Many people opted for dentures or bridges until the 1980’s when titanium cylinders started being used in making the implant. Since the invention of the titanium shape, several name brand implants have gained popularity among implant dentists in Maryland. Q. What aspects contribute to the success of the dental implant? A. Multiple factors influence the success of the implant after it is inserted into your jaw. Perhaps the most important factor is the health and density of the jawbone itself. A healthy jawbone with good bone density will increase the occurrence of long term victory with the implant. An infected or osteoporotic bone will increase the risk of there being a complication. The second most important factor is, of course, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon. Because the insertion of a dental implant is a surgical procedure, it requires a highly skilled dental surgeon. The third most important factor is the quality of the restoration that is placed on top of the implant. A poorly constructed implant crown or overdenture, or an unbalanced biting force, can ruin any implant even if you have good bone and a good surgeon. Make sure the highest quality materials are used on top of the implant! Q. What kind of dentist can do implants? A. There are three types of dentists who can place an implant: periodontists, oral surgeons, and implantologists. Oftentimes, a periodontist and an oral surgeon will form a team with a restorative or cosmetic dentist. The periodontist or the oral surgeon will do the implant surgical procedure, and then send the patient to the restorative or cosmetic dentist for the placement of crowns or an overlying appliance. The course of treatment would then involve two different dentists. An implantologist has training in both dental implant surgery and restorative dentistry in the placement of a dental prosthesis (crown or appliance). In the case of using an implantologist, the course of treatment would only involve one dentist. Q. What kind of dentist places a crown or overdenture on top of the implant? A. There are three types of dentists who can reinstate an implant through the placement of a prosthetic crown or an overdenture: a general dentist trained in restorative dentistry, an oral implantologist, or a prosthodontist. If you would rather work with one doctor throughout the entire process, you should choose to work with an implantologist. However, many dental offices may have several types of dentists working together in the same office so using two different doctors can be just as convenient as using only one. Q. What age person can receive dental implants in Maryland? A. Senior citizens aren't the only people who get dental implants. Patients of all ages often require dental implants, whether they have lost a tooth to decay, injury, sports accidents, or other reasons that can happen to anybody. There is no age limit for implants. Q. What factors might make someone a bad candidate for dental implant surgery? A. There are a few different medical reasons why a person may not be a good candidate for a dental implant procedure. Anyone undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, anyone with uncontrolled diabetes, those with parathyroid disorders, those with blood disorders such as hemophilia, or individuals with rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer would not be good candidates for dental implants. Also, if the jawbone is extremely unhealthy or osteoporotic, or if a person has low sinuses or nerve bundles, the patient may have greater success choosing a bridge or denture instead of an implant. Q. How often do I need to do for check-ups after I get an implant? A. It is important to properly care for and maintain your implant for long-term success. An implant will require professional cleaning by a hygienist every 3 to 4 months, as well as an examination by your implant dentist. The hygienist should be specifically trained in maintaining dental implants. You will also need to brush and floss daily. Q. Is the dental implant surgery painful? A. Absolutely not. Your dentist will utilize a local anesthetic during the surgery, so you should not be able to feel anything during the procedure. After surgery, there may be some minor discomfort for 24 hours which can be controlled with pain medications. Q. When will I be able to return to work after getting dental implants in Maryland? A. You will be able to return to work the following work day, unless there is a particular surgical complication. All post-operative instructions will be discussed with you by your dentist. This article explains the many benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment at an appropriate age. These benefits aren't only corrective in nature; they're also preventative. Orthodontists are dental specialists who are skilled in the full suite of procedures and treatments designed to correct badly aligned jaws and bites, as well as the resultant problems. So, wherever there is a problem, ailment or defect concerning the oral cavity and maxillofacial skeleton, an orthodontist is the Silver Spring dentist to see! Here are some of the benefits of undergoing orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic Treatment for Silver Spring Residents Can Improve Bite Function By aligning the top and bottom jaws and by straightening crooked, overlapping and/or overcrowded teeth, orthodontic treatment improves the ease and comfort with which patients can eat. This not only has functional benefits, but it improves the distribution of pressure on the teeth, and therefore the amount of wear they have to sustain. Bad bites often result in the accelerated wear of teeth in a certain portion of the mouth, which can actually lead to their early decay and loss. Orthodontic Treatment for Silver Spring Residents Can Improve Oral Comfort A better and more comfortable bite also relieves pressure on the muscles, tendons and joints controlling the movement of the lower jaw. "It's not uncommon for patients with malocclusions to experience temporomandibular joint disorders, chronic neck and headaches and general fatigue as a result of the selective strain on certain muscles in the face, jaw and neck," explain dentists in Silver Spring MD. "Treatment eases, if not eliminates these problems entirely." Orthodontic Treatment Can Give Silver Spring Residents a Healthier Mouth By straightening crooked and overlapping teeth and by aligning the upper and lower jaws correctly, orthodontic treatment can eliminate potentially serious resulting problems, such as the uneven distribution of wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth. This is, according to Silver Spring dentists, something that can, without intervention, lead to fracturing, decay and the early loss of teeth that are forced to endure greater strain and wear than others. A well-occluding bite is a healthy bite and a healthy bite makes for a healthier mouth! Orthodontic Treatment Can Make it Easier for Silver Spring Residents to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Teeth that are crooked and overlap each other provide excellent refuge for bacteria and are more likely to trap food. They're also far more difficult to brush and floss, since the natural creases and gaps between them are so complex. According to dentists in Silver Spring MD, this is why orthodontic braces, which straighten the teeth, can actually help to lower one's risk of tooth decay resulting from poor oral hygiene. Crooked teeth are simply more difficult to keep clean, which highlights just one of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic Treatment for Silver Spring Patients Can Greatly Improve Smile Aesthetics Nothing can ruin a smile quite like a bad bite - overbite, underbite, cross-bite and open-bite - or crooked, overlapping teeth. A beautiful smile is one that has good symmetry and evenness. Orthodontic treatment can address all of the problems above, not only restoring a healthy bite, but also greatly improving the appearance of your smile. Orthodontic Treatment for Silver Spring Patients Can Improve Self-esteem and Confidence As a result of the previous benefit discussed, patients can experience a tremendous increase in self-esteem and social confidence. This is especially true and important for younger patients who, should they receive earlier treatment, can enter into their teens with beautiful, symmetric teeth and well-aligned jaws. Having a comfortable well-occluded bite also helps confidence as it removes the distraction of sore, fatigued and strained facial, neck and jaw muscles. Elimination of Speech Problems and Difficulty Swallowing Malocclusions can also be linked with speech impediments - such as lisps - and, in certain extreme cases, difficulty in swallowing. Orthodontic treatment can eliminate these problems, thus greatly improving a patient's overall quality of life. Orthodontic Treatment Can "Cure" Snoring and Sleep Disorders Malocclusions or defects in the sinuses, nasal passages and maxillofacial skeleton can cause patients to sore or have sleep disorders like sleep apnea. It may sound surprising that the solutions to these problems lie in the hands of an orthodontist, but they frequently do! A Final Note on Orthodontic Treatment The prospect of orthodontic treatment can seem quite daunting for many patients. This is because the nature of treatment is either a waiting game, as is the case with braces, which require an average treatment time of one to two years and sometimes even longer. OR because treatment comes in the form of surgery, which is scary no matter how big or small the procedure is. What's important in either case is that you focus on the immense benefits of treatment as have been discussed here. This three-part article series provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to orthodontics: the field of dentistry concerned with the correction of teeth orientation and jaw alignment. Welcome back to this three-part article series on your frequently asked questions about orthodontics. Let’s jump straight back into answering those pressing questions, shall we? FAQ: Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment? Or is it reserved for younger people whose jawbones are still developing? An Orthodontist in Silver Spring MD Answers: Orthodontic treatment can be done to benefit patients of just about any age. Approximately a quarter of all the patients treated for various orthodontic problems are adults, so a beautiful and healthy smile is within easy reach! FAQ: How does orthodontic treatment work? Answer: It really depends on what condition you’re having treated and just how severe that condition is. Many Silver Spring residents’ dental problems can be successfully treated with braces, in which case, it really is a waiting game. Braces consist of brackets, which are cemented to the outer surface of each tooth. An archwire is then threaded through the brackets, connecting each tooth to the next one. These wires are tightened, which applies a pressure, via the bracket, to each tooth and this gently and slowly guides the teeth into better and more favorable positions. Orthognathic surgery can be done to address the more extreme cases of malocclusion - such as overbites, underbite, crossbites and open bites - or to correct damage done to the oral and maxillofacial area as a result of a bad accident. FAQ: If I need braces, how long will I have to wear them for? A Silver Spring Orthodontist Answers: Treatment time varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of malocclusion and tooth orientation. On average, orthodontic patients wear braces for between one and two years, sometimes longer. The amount of time it takes for treatment to be considered successful also depends on how well a patient complies. It’s crucial that you keep regular scheduled appointments with your orthodontist and maintain a high standard of oral hygiene to avoid decay and infection. FAQ: Does it hurt to have braces? Answer: The actual procedure involved in placing braces does not hurt the patient, according to Silver Spring dental professionals. You will probably feel a pressure applied to the teeth at the time, which, over the next few days, can leave the teeth and gums feeling quite sore and tender. This typically disappears within one to four days. You will also need to grow accustomed to the feeling of the braces against your lips and cheeks. Orthodontists will send Silver Spring residents home with soft wax, which can be pressed into the brackets to improve comfort and help prevent ulceration from occurring. Every few weeks or so, you will need to return to your orthodontist to have your braces tightened so that a continual pressure can be applied to your teeth. Every time this is done, you will experience the same degree of transient tenderness. This can quite easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medications; however, most patients don’t even need that. FAQ: Can having orthodontic braces interfere with me playing sports? A Dentist in Silver Spring Answers: Your braces should not get in the way of you playing sports - and winning. It is, however, recommend that patients wear a mouth guard to prevent damage to the teeth should they get whacked in the mouth with a ball, flailing fist, etc. You can have a mouth guard custom made for you at your local Silver Spring dental healthcare professional. Alternatively, you can just buy a standard one over-the-counter at your local sports store. They aren’t expensive and come in a wide range of colors, so you can choose one to match your favorite sports team! This three-part article series provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to orthodontics: the field of dentistry concerned with the correction of teeth orientation and jaw alignment. Welcome back to this three-part article series on your frequently asked questions about orthodontics. In Part 1, a Silver Spring dentist helped us better understand what this field of dentistry focused on - the correction of badly orientated/aligned teeth and jaws - and what the benefits of this kind of treatment might offer patients: better bite function, comfort, smile aesthetics, long term oral health, etc. So, without further ado, let’s continue looking at those FAQ! FAQ: What signs might indicate that I, or my child may need orthodontic braces? The Orthodontist in Silver Spring MD Answers: Braces are used to guide poorly aligned and/or overcrowded teeth into better and more favorable positions. Therefore, some of the signs that indicate braces may be necessary include: • You have a deep bite: Your upper front teeth cover your lower teeth when biting down. • You have an overbite or “bucked teeth”: Your upper front teeth protrude notably over your lower teeth. • You have an underbite: Your lower front teeth sit in front or on the outside of your upper front teeth when biting down. • The central point of your lower set of teeth does not align with the central point of your upper set of teeth. • You experience difficult chewing and frequently suffer jaw and headaches and stiffness. • You have an open bite: Your lower front teeth and upper front teeth don’t come together when you bite down. • Your teeth are overlapped and/or over-crowded. • Your child continues to thumb-suck past six or seven years of age. • You or your dentist has noticed an uneven and excessive pattern of wear across the biting surfaces of your teeth – this may indicate a maloccluded bite. • You have large spaces between your teeth. • Your lower jaw shifts to the left or right when you bite down. Any of these problems could necessitate treatment from a Silver Spring orthodontist. FAQ: At what age should I go for or bring my child for orthodontic treatment? A Silver Spring Dentist Answers: Jaws and teeth that are still in the developmental state respond quicker and more easily to orthodontic treatment, which is why it is generally recommended that people take their child to an orthodontist for a check-up around the age of 7 years. This is especially the case if he or she is still sucking his or her thumb, which can cause serious orthodontic problems. Early treatment is also preferable because it avoids the many potentially more serious problems associated with a maloccluded bite, for example uneven and accelerated wear. If, however, you have reached adulthood and suspect that you have orthodontic problems, you can still be treated! Many people in their 30’s and 40’s and even older have come to see the orthodontist for braces or other procedures to correct bad bites and poor jawbone alignment. FAQ: What does it mean when an orthodontist talks about Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment? A Silver Spring Orthodontist Answers: Phase 1 treatment is essentially early treatment and is typically done on patients who are between the ages of six and 10 and so haven’t received all of their adult teeth yet. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment would therefore typically involve partial braces or expanders, which can be used to create more space in the dental arch for emerging teeth as well as to address underbite, crossbites and overbites. Phase 2 treatment is typically recommended by Silver Spring dentists to patients who have developed all of their adult teeth. This applies to the age bracket between 11 and 13 and generally involves the placement of full orthodontic braces. Stay Tuned for Part 3 To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series on orthodontic dentistry in Silver Spring MD. This three-part article series provides a comprehensive FAQ guide to orthodontics: the field of dentistry concerned with the correction of teeth orientation and jaw alignment. Orthodontics is an extremely important branch of dentistry, not only because the treatment it provides can improve bite function and long term oral health, but also because it’s able to provide patients with much better, more comfortable and beautiful smiles! In this three-part article series, we spoke to a dentist in Silver Spring about orthodontics so that we can all benefit from a valuable insight into this field of corrective oral healthcare. FAQ: What is Orthodontics? The Silver Spring Orthodontist Answers: “Orthodontics is a field of dentistry dedicated to the treatment (and diagnosis and prevention) of facial and dental irregularities, such as skew teeth and a poorly aligned jaw or bite. These can either be a result of congenital or birth defects or accidental trauma. In the case of teeth replacement, many orthodontists also offer experience in the treatment of the diseases that cause tooth loss and in the placement of dental implants.” FAQ: What is an orthodontist? The Dentist in Silver Spring Answers: “An orthodontist is a dentist who has the additional training and qualification necessary to guide facial development, manage tooth movement and correct defects/trauma and disease affecting the oral and maxillofacial skeleton. Orthodontics is a recognized dental specialty, according to the American Dental Association.” FAQ: What are some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment? The Orthodontist in Silver Spring MD Answers: “In most cases, if not all, the goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve overall oral health by correcting a maloccluded bite, which can either be the result of poorly aligned teeth and/or jawbones. While the goal is correctional in nature, the results are almost always aesthetically beneficial for Silver Spring MD patients and those from elsewhere, as well.” Here are some of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment: • Teeth that fit better and therefore function better. • A more comfortable bite, which eliminates problems such as muscle strain and inflammation around and of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This in turn can solve the many problems caused by TMJ disorders, including chronic headaches, muscle fatigue, neck pain, jaw stiffness and even nausea caused by migraines. • A more aesthetically pleasing and attractive smile. • Increased self-confidence, which is especially important for young patients in their developmental years (teenagers). • Improved ability to maintain oral hygiene, since teeth that are straight and even are easier to brush and floss. • Orthodontic treatment guides the teeth into newer and more favorable positions in the mouth. • Better and healthier long-term wear pattern across the biting surfaces of the teeth, which translates into better long-term oral health for Silver Spring residents. • Orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of trauma to any teeth that may protrude from the mouth as a result of malocclusion. • Orthodontic treatment generally improves and optimizes the success of other dental treatment. • It can also treat problems that include snoring, sleep apnea and difficulty swallowing and articulating in speech. Stay Tuned for Part 2 To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series on orthodontic dentistry in Silver Spring MD. This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal. Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on wisdom teeth. Throughout the course of this series, Silver Spring dentists have addressed the following frequently asked questions: 1. What are wisdom teeth? 2. Why are they necessary? 3. How do I know if I have them? 4. What are some of the problems commonly associated with the emergence of wisdom teeth? 5. What is the procedure followed to extract wisdom teeth? 6. What is the post-operative healing experience like? Now we shall look at some final issues surrounding the recovery process (after the 24 hour mark) and some additional bits of advice, courtesy of an experienced dentist in Silver Spring MD. The Recovery Experience: After 24 Hours 1.You should stick to a diet of very soft foods for the first few days after you’ve had oral surgery. This will give your wisdom teeth sockets a chance to heal. 2. Avoid alcohol as it thins the blood and can encourage bleeding. It also interacts badly with narcotic pain medication. 3.“You should absolutely continue to brush your teeth. After 24 hours you can gently brush the area immediately around the site of your wisdom teeth, although it will probably still be quite tender,” says the Silver Spring dentist. 4. Avoid commercial mouthwash, as they can be too harsh on your healing gums. Instead, mix some salt and warm water and rinse your mouth with it after meals and before you go to bed at night. Salt water is excellent for cleaning wounds and preventing infection. 5. “After the first 24 hours, you should apply a heat pack to the cheek outside the site of your former wisdom teeth,” says the dentist in Silver Spring MD. “As with the cold packs, you should apply the heat in a cycle of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.” 6. Many Silver Spring dentists make use of self-dissolving stitches, so you may not need to return for their removal a week later. Your dentist will advise you accordingly. 7. If you notice any problems that persist for longer than a week, such as moderate to sever pain and swelling and/or terrible bad breath, do not hesitate to contact your dental healthcare provider. Are There Any Potential Complications I Need to Be Aware Of? With the right post-operative care, you should be able to avoid infection and heal successfully from wisdom teeth extraction. Having said this, there are two complications that can arise after having this procedure done, so you should be aware and seek prompt treatment should you notice their symptoms... Dry Socket “Dry socket occurs when the blood fails to clot or else the clot has been dislodged,” explains the Silver Spring dentist. “When this happens, the empty tooth socket is left wide open for bacteria and food debris to become trapped. Healing is delayed and patients can notice persistent pain (that can be mild to severe) and terrible halitosis, or bad breath. Dry socket can be treated by placing anti-bacterial and blood clotting medications in the tooth socket.” Part - 3 This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal. Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on wisdom teeth. In Part 2, we spoke to some experienced dentists in Silver Spring MD, who explained the various problems and complications that can be caused by the emergence of misaligned and impacted wisdom teeth. Because these problems are not uncommon, many people end up having their wisdom teeth extracted, either as a solution or a preventative measure. In this article, we shall take an in-depth look at the procedure involved in the extraction of wisdom teeth, as well as what Silver Spring patients can expect from their post-operative recovery experience. The Procedure Involved in Wisdom Teeth Removal It’s totally normal for people to be terrified at the prospect of oral surgery, but according to dentists in Silver Spring MD, the removal of wisdom teeth is typically quick and completely painless. How is this possible? In cases involving a straightforward tooth extraction, the gums immediately surrounding the tooth will be completely numbed and, if required, you will be gently sedated so that your experience isn’t traumatic at all. Silver Spring dentists commonly make use of oral sedatives (such as Valium or Xanax), “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. In more complex cases of wisdom teeth removal, a general anesthesia may be administered, in which case you’ll wake up with the procedure already complete. The Recovery Experience: The First 24 Hours “Every patient has a different recovery experience,” say dentists in Silver Spring MD. “Additionally, the speed of recovery depends on a host of factors, including the nature of the extraction procedure required. Obviously, a straightforward treatment typically comes with a quicker and easier recovery period, while wisdom teeth requiring surgery may see a patient spending a few days out of action.” In either case, here’s the typical prognosis for recovery in the first 24 hours: 1. Bleeding Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted and you have recovered from the effects of anesthetic, you will be allowed to return home to rest. Although the sites of your wisdom teeth will be sutured, they may continue to bleed lightly for a few hours. “Placing some clean gauze over the tooth socket and applying gentle pressure to it by biting down should control and stop the bleeding,” advises a Silver Spring dentist. “You can also use a moist tea bag because the tannic acid effectively encourages the formation of blood clots, which hastens the cessation of bleeding.” What should I do if I continue to bleed heavily? Call your dentist immediately. Also, to allow the sites of your wisdom teeth to heal, try not to spit or rinse in the first 24 post-operative hours. “Patients should avoid drinking out of a straw or any other activity that requires sucking action, such as smoking, as this may disrupt clotting and cause bleeding again, or worse, a condition known as dry socket.” 2. Swelling It’s not uncommon for the face to become quite swollen around the site of tooth extraction. Pressing an ice pack against the cheek helps to reduce swelling. “Do this for 10 minutes and then take a 20 minute break,” advise dentists in Silver Spring MD.“Repeat this process for the first 24 hours as much as possible.” 3. Medications You will be sent home with analgesics, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), which should help to control any post-operative pain and discomfort you may experience. If you have undergone more invasive surgery to have wisdom teeth removed, your Silver Spring dentist may prescribe you a stronger course of pain medications. If you were previously given antibiotics to address infection of the gums surrounding an emerging wisdom tooth, you should complete the course. Stay Tuned for Part 4 To read more about the recovery experience Silver Spring patients can expect, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series. |
AuthorOur multi-dentist approach means we can provide you with the best options in a single comprehensive plan, and then implement them without you having to leave your comfortable dental chair. When you're finished, you'll get one consolidated statement for each family member and one representative who can answer any questions you may have. Archives
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