Category Dental Care

Wisdom teeth are notorious for requiring tooth extraction because of pain or infection. In this article, we discuss the common question: how do you know if your wisdom tooth is infected? We will also share tips on what to do if your wisdom teeth become infected.

How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Tooth Is Infected?

Common symptoms of wisdom teeth infection include:

• Consistent pain in the area of your wisdom tooth or when you touch the tooth or the gums around it
• Swelling of the gum tissue around the tooth
• Redness of the gum tissue
• Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath that persists even after brushing your teeth
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Dark spots or cavities on the tooth
• Pimples or cysts on the gum tissue surrounding the tooth
• Swelling in the jaw on the side of the wisdom tooth in question

Several of these symptoms can occur at once, or you might experience only one of them. Only your dentist will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis after an examination. In fact, some people might not even notice any symptoms of wisdom tooth infection for some time until the infection advances and causes severe pain or tooth loss. That is why it is crucial to have regular checkups at your dental office. Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help stop any issue with your wisdom teeth before it can cause more severe problems and pain. 

What to Do if Your Wisdom Teeth Become Infected?

If you suspect that your wisdom tooth is infected, the first step is to make an appointment with your dentist. If you experience acute pain due to the infection, we recommend going straight to the emergency dental office instead of waiting for a regular appointment. 

In some cases, cavities in wisdom teeth can be treated in the same way they are treated in the other teeth. However, there are instances when your dentist might recommend extracting your wisdom tooth instead of treating it: 

• The position of your wisdom tooth makes it hard to clean on a daily basis and poses the risk of reinfection even after the tooth is treated.
• The infection is extensive and requires root canal therapy. Of course, a wisdom tooth can be treated with root canal therapy. However, it is usually not cost-effective, especially if there is a risk of reinfection. 
• Your wisdom tooth is impacted or partially impacted, meaning that the whole tooth or its part does not erupt to the surface of the gum. Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of discomfort and get infected often. 
• Apart from being infected, your wisdom teeth cause other teeth in your mouth to be crowded due to the lack of space.

Tips for Managing Infection Symptoms

While you are waiting for the appointment with your dentist, try following these tips to ease the pain and swelling if present and keep the infection at bay: 

• If the toothache is severe, take over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can reduce swelling and inflammation. However, you should always take such medication according to the instructions provided by the producer and never exceed the allowed daily dose. Also, it can be harmful for your general health to take such medication for more than a couple of days. That is why you need to see your dentist as soon as possible to eliminate the cause of pain.
• If you experience swelling, apply cold compresses to the outer side of your jaw. Hold the compress for 15 minutes, and then take at least a 30-minute break before applying the cold compress again. You can repeat the application several times a day.
• Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day. Saltwater has antibacterial properties.
• Pay special attention to your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, making sure to remove plaque and food debris in the area of the infected tooth. However, be careful not to harm the gum tissue. Also, floss every evening and rinse your mouth after meals. Meticulous oral hygiene will also help prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth and gums. 

Make an Appointment at Smiles of Arcadia

If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are infected, make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Smiles of Arcadia as soon as possible. Remember that delaying your dental visit can result in the infection spreading to the surrounding teeth and gums. We look forward to your visit.

Root canal therapy is a very effective method for saving a severely decayed tooth from extraction. The procedure is rarely painful or causes any significant discomfort to the patient. On the contrary, it can provide great relief to patients who experience pain due to tooth decay. But can you drive after a root canal procedure? Please read our article to learn what types of sedation and anesthetics during a root canal will allow you to drive right away.

Can You Drive After a Root Canal?

Whether or not you can drive after a root canal therapy depends on the kind of sedation, if any, used during the procedure. Typically, dentists will use a local anesthetic when performing root canal therapy. Most patients do not have any significant side effects from it and feel alert and well enough to drive. However, if you feel nauseous or dizzy after having an injection of a local anesthetic, it is better to decide against driving until the symptoms go away.

Some patients might require sedation dentistry options for their root canal therapy procedure. Sedation might be helpful for those with high local anesthetic tolerance, those who find it challenging to remain in one position for a long time, or those who have acute dental anxiety. Some sedation dentistry options will make you unable to drive right after the procedure. 

Driving After Sedation 

Let us look at sedation dentistry in relation to driving ability in more detail:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, sedation is a mild form of sedation that is administered via inhalation. It helps patients relax and feel less stress and anxiety during the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete, your doctor will give you pure oxygen to inhale through a mask. Oxygen helps cancel out the effect of nitrous oxide almost immediately. Thus, you will likely feel fully alert and able to drive after your root canal procedure. Regardless, if you feel any residual effects of the sedative, such as a slower reaction time or drowsiness, we recommend you wait for these symptoms to go away before driving. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

As the name suggests, patients take oral sedatives by mouth. They typically come in the form of a pill or a liquid solution, especially in pediatric dentistry. In most cases, the dentist will administer the oral sedative an hour before the procedure begins, as it needs some time to absorb before it starts working. 

Oral sedation can make you feel sleepy or groggy, so some patients fall asleep during the procedure. Nevertheless, they wake up easily and can respond to their doctor to do what is required of them. 

Oral sedation will take some time to exit your system, so you might remain sleepy after the procedure is complete. Oral sedation can also mildly affect your motor function and memory. Thus, if you undergo root canal therapy under oral sedation, you will not be able to drive right after the procedure. 

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation (also can be referred to as IV sedation) is the strongest type of conscious sedation. As the name suggests, it is administered directly into the bloodstream via an injection into a patient’s vein. 

Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels while you are under this type of sedation. The dosage you receive can be adjusted during the procedure. Also, the effect of IV sedation can be reversed entirely using special medication, should any concerns arise.

Patients who opt for IV sedation are typically asleep during a procedure and do not have any memories of it afterward. This type of sedation is most suited for patients with severe dental anxiety or those for whom it is impossible to remain in one position during the procedure. 

If you choose IV sedation for your root canal procedure, make arrangements for someone to drive you home afterward, as you will feel sleepy, and your motor function will most likely be slower than usual.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is rarely used for root canal therapy or other routine dental procedures. It is a strong sedation during which a patient is entirely unconscious. Typically, only a professional anesthesiologist can administer this type of sedation after conducting several general health tests. General anesthesia is mainly used in cases of complicated oral surgeries.

Make an Appointment at Smiles of Arcadia

Make an appointment for stress-free root canal therapy with an experienced dentist at the Smiles of Arcadia dental office today. During the initial consultation, you will be able to discuss anesthetics and sedation options, as well as any other questions that concern you. We look forward to your visit.

Today, dental implants are deservedly considered to be the most sophisticated way of restoring missing teeth. They look great in the mouth and provide incredible comfort compared to other methods of dental restorations. But do dental implants feel natural? In this article, we discuss what you might expect to feel if you have one, several, or a full mouth of dental implants. 

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

To better understand how dental implants will feel and function in the mouth, it is helpful to know how they look and work. A dental implant consists of a metal post (also called a screw) that is placed into the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. In a couple of months after the procedure, the implanted post fuses with the bone. Thus, it begins to act in a similar way to the roots of your natural teeth. Once the post is secure in the jawbone, your dentist will attach a dental crown to it. As a result, you get an artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural one. 

However, the main difference between a prosthetic tooth and a natural one is that the former does not have nerves. This means that it will not feel pressure, pain, or changes in temperature in the same way a natural tooth does. Also, a dental implant can not cause cavities or decay. If you have one or a couple of dental implants in your mouth, you will not feel much difference in your day-to-day life, especially once you adjust to the feeling of the dental implant in the mouth.   

When it comes to the appearance of dental implants, they are indistinguishable from your natural teeth, as the shade and color of a dental crown can be closely matched to the rest of your teeth. 

How Does a Full Mouth of Dental Implants Feel?

The way dental implants feel will most likely be different when you have a full mouth of dental implants. Typically,  when you need to replace all of your teeth with implants, only several metal posts are placed in the mouth. For example, you can opt for the all-on-four option, meaning that your dentist will only install four metal posts in total. These several posts will support “bridges” of dental crowns. 

The look of the full mouth of dental implants is similar to that of natural teeth, and other people will most likely not notice any difference. However, since all the teeth are artificial, you will not feel the same way as when you have natural teeth. As we mentioned before, artificial teeth, which do not have nerves, can not respond to external factors in the same way natural teeth do.

Still, a full mouth of dental implants will feel much more comfortable than traditional dentures. The reason for this is that the implants are stable and secure in the mouth and do not move, rub, or slip like dentures might. Also, dental implants provide up to 90 percent of the natural bite force, while dentures can guarantee only up to 20%. As a result, with the full mouth of dental implants, you will be able to enjoy a much wider variety of foods with confidence and comfort.

Other Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

In addition to such advantages as looking natural, having a reliable performance, and providing comfort in daily use, dental implants have several other pros:

• Dental implants can last you a lifetime, with only the crown needing a replacement every 7 to 10 years.
• Dental implants stimulate the jawbone in a similar way to the roots of your natural teeth. Thus, they prevent the process called bone resorption—the shrinking of the bone due to tooth loss. Preventing bone resorption, dental implants also prevent changes in the structure of your face in the jaw area.
• Dental implants do not use healthy surrounding teeth for support, thus not causing any damage to them. Other types of dental restorations, such as dental bridges, do rely on the surrounding teeth for support and might cause the teeth to wear out out over time.
• Dental implants occupy the gap where your natural tooth used to be, thus preventing the remaining teeth from moving into this space, changing the way your smile looks. 

Get Dental Implants at Smiles of Arcadia

Improve the comfort and quality of your daily life by getting dental implants at the Smiles of Arcadia dental office. Do not hesitate to call us today and make an appointment with an experienced dentist who will assess your case and offer you a plan of treatment best suited to your goals and considerations.

Veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that can dramatically change the appearance of your smile in just a couple of dental visits. They can solve issues such as stained, discolored, chipped teeth or teeth that are uneven in size and shape. But how do you take care of your oral health when wearing veneers? Can you floss with veneers? In this article, we answer this question and give other veneer care tips to make your dental restoration last.

Can You Floss With Veneers?

The short answer is yes. You can and should floss with veneers, as it is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding cavities and gum disease. Both of these dental health problems can lead to the removal of your veneers to treat the issues. 

Nevertheless, flossing with veneers can be challenging for some people. Let us look at proper flossing techniques with dental veneers: 

• When flossing with dental veneers, you must be careful and gentle to avoid accidentally dislodging them. Dentists recommend using waxed floss and moving it carefully up and down between your teeth. Do not push hard into the gums or snap the thread against your teeth.
• Additional tools, such as floss threaders and interdental brushes, can help streamline the process of flossing with veneers. Ask your dentist to recommend the right size of an interdental brush.
• It is also helpful to add a water flosser to your hygiene routine when wearing dental veneers. Although a water flosser can not replace traditional flossing or brushing your teeth, it has proven very effective as an additional tool. A water flosser uses a stream of pressurized water to loosen food debris and plaque on and between your teeth, making it easier to remove them with a traditional flossing thread and a toothbrush.

Other Veneer Care Tips

As previously mentioned, flossing is essential when wearing dental veneers, but it is not the only thing you need to do to preserve the health of your teeth and the appearance of your veneers. Below, we discuss our essential tips for wearing veneers.

Brushing with Dental Veneers

Brushing with dental veneers is similar to brushing your natural teeth: you should brush twice a day, making sure to clean your teeth on both sides and along the chewing surface. Do not use abrasive or whitening toothpaste on your veneers, as it can scratch their surface and prompt staining and discoloration. Instead, opt for a fluoride toothpaste that will strengthen your teeth and help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

A Diet with Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and resilient, but they still can get discolored if staining foods and beverages is a big part of your diet. To preserve the appearance of your veneers, we recommend avoiding the following products:

• Soda and other drinks containing dye 
• Artificially colored candies
• Red wine 
• Brightly colored juices (grape, carrot, etc.)
• Berries
• Curry, paprika, and other brightly colored spices
• Black coffee and tea
• Beetroot and carrots

If you consume any staining foods or drinks, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth immediately after the meal, if possible.

Additionally, to avoid cracking or chipping your veneers, abstain from hard foods, foods that require significant biting force (for example, whole apples), or crunchy foods, such as crackers, nuts, etc. 

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Visiting your dentist every six months for a check-up and a professional cleaning will help preserve the appearance of your veneers and ensure that any dental health issues are spotted and treated in time. 

Even if you brush and floss thoroughly, some food debris and plaque are still likely to accumulate on your teeth and veneers over time. These substances can cause cavities and gum disease, but they also can make your veneers appear stained or discolored. If this happens, do not use over-the-counter whitening solutions, but consult your dentist. Often, a professional cleaning can significantly improve the appearance of dental veneers.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are considering getting dental veneers or need any of the veneer service procedures, do not hesitate to call our office and make an appointment with a reliable and experienced dentist. At the Smiles of Arcadia dental office, we will help you choose a cosmetic dental procedure that is suitable for your lifestyle and budget.

Some of us have fewer dental issues than others throughout our lives. But what does it depend on? Is dental health genetic, or does preventative dentistry play a significant role in the condition of your teeth and gums? In this article, we answer this question and give tips on how to improve and preserve your dental health.

Is Dental Health Genetic?

Genetics influences most of our traits, including dental health, to some extent. We might be prone to certain illnesses that we inherit from our parents or, on the contrary, be less susceptible to others.

Some people are born with stronger teeth and more resilient enamel, while others have softer enamel with more grooves. Grooves in the enamel make it easier for bacteria to linger on the teeth and can make it harder to clean the teeth sufficiently. Thus, the risk of cavities for people with soft enamel is higher. 

Another genetic trait that can play a role in your dental health is the chemical makeup of saliva. Saliva plays a significant role in fighting bacteria in the mouth. Thus, people with “thinner” saliva can be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. However, the condition of our general health and dental health largely depends on the amount of care we take for our bodies and our life and diet habits. Below, we give tips on how to preserve or improve your dental health, regardless of the genetics you have.

Dental Health and Oral Hygiene

Even people who are lucky to have strong teeth due to their genetics will soon notice changes for the worse if their oral hygiene is habitually insufficient. Bacteria and food debris that are not removed from the teeth turn to plaque and then to tartar over time. 

Acid and bacteria in plaque and tartar eat away at the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities and gum disease. If not addressed in time, both these issues can eventually lead to tooth loss. Efficient and regular oral hygiene is the most essential preventive dentistry measure, helping to avoid many oral health issues and complicated treatments. 

Effective Oral Hygiene Tips

Here are several tips on how to boost your oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth for two full minutes in the morning and before going to bed. Make sure to remove residue from the front and back of the teeth and the chewing surface. Also, clean thoroughly along the gum line, as plaque tends to accumulate along and under the gums. 
• Choose a brush that is suitable for you and cleans effectively. When brushing along the gumline, do not harm the gums or cause them to bleed.
• Opt for a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is proven to remineralize and strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them more resistant to bacteria. It also helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
• Floss your teeth every evening, removing food residue between the teeth but making sure not to harm the gums with the flossing thread. If flossing is challenging for you, try additional tools such as a floss threader or interdental brushes. 
• Consider using a water flosser as an additional step in your hygiene routine. When used before brushing and flossing, a water flosser can help loosen plaque and food debris and make it easier to remove them with a toothbrush and floss. It can also boost the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste and help fight gum disease.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional deep cleaning and a fluoride treatment, even if you enjoy good oral health. Most of us have areas in the mouth that are hard to reach when brushing and flossing, especially if the teeth are not aligned perfectly. As a result, some plaque and tartar might accumulate in these areas. On top of that, once plaque turns into tartar, it is impossible to remove using just a toothbrush. Your hygienist has special tools and products to effectively remove both plaque and tartar, thus preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Consult an orthodontist if you have a significant midsegment, as this can influence how well your teeth can be cleaned daily. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities and improve the general condition of the teeth and gums.

Make an Appointment Today

Boost your dental health by making an appointment with a reliable dentist at the Smiles of Arcadia dental office today. We will conduct an examination of your teeth and gums to offer you an effective treatment plan. Our specialists look forward to your visit. 

A gummy smile treatment is a procedure that can be life-changing for some people, boosting their confidence and presentation. But is gummy smile correction painful? In our article, we answer this question and discuss the procedure and the recovery.

Is Gummy Smile Correction Painful?

The procedure of gummy smile correction is typically not painful since, in most cases, the surgery site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Modern anesthetics are highly effective and prevent most patients from feeling anything at all. 

Sedation dentistry is available for patients who have a high tolerance to local anesthetics. It can also be helpful to people with acute anxiety about dental procedures. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed and at ease during the procedure. There are several types of sedation dentistry available:

• Oral sedation that is administered by taking a pill by mouth
• Intravenous sedation
• Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) that is inhaled through a mask
• General anesthesia 

Talk to your doctor about the anesthetic and sedation options they can offer. 

What Happens During a Gummy Smile Correction Procedure?

A gummy smile procedure can be done using different methods: gum contouring using a laser or a scalpel or lip repositioning surgery. In some cases, these methods can be combined. An orthodontic treatment can also be beneficial for some patients in combination with gum contouring or lip repositioning. 

Gum Contouring

Before the procedure of gum contouring, you will have a consultation with your dentist and discuss the look you want to achieve with this treatment. Also, you will have an exam on your oral health during this visit. Your dentist will need to make sure that you do not have any cavities, periodontitis, or other issues. If any of these problems are present, you will have to treat them before gum contouring can be done.

At the beginning of the procedure, your dentist will mark the gum tissue to make sure that the gum line looks unified. In addition, factors such as tooth wear and facial structure will be taken into account when deciding how much gum tissue should be removed, as the goal is to achieve a balanced and symmetrical look. 

Additionally, your dentist will check if you have excess bone tissue around your teeth, as it will cause your gums to grow back after the procedure. If there is excess bone tissue, it will be removed during the gum contouring procedure as well.

Before the surgery begins, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the procedure site. Once your gums are numb, your doctor will remove the excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth’ surface. 

Lip Repositioning

In some cases, a gummy smile can be a result of the position of the upper lip or the way it moves when you smile. Therefore, surgical lip repositioning helps change the amount of gum visible when smiling by limiting the movement of the lip. 

This procedure takes approximately an hour and is performed under a local anesthetic that prevents the patient from feeling pain.

The Recovery After a Gummy Smile Correction

Once the anesthetic wears off, you will most likely start feeling some tenderness, soreness, or discomfort in the area of your gums or lip that got altered. You can also experience swelling. However, these symptoms typically go away within several days after the procedure as your gums or lips heal. 

Any excessive pain or discomfort can be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. Recovery typically takes approximately a week. To minimize pain and discomfort during gummy smile correction recovery, follow these tips:

• Abstain from sports or other strenuous physical activities for about seven days after the procedure, as they can increase bleeding and swelling.
• Make sure to clean the surgical area well and to maintain thorough oral hygiene in general to prevent bacterial growth. Follow your dentist’s recommendations on how to brush and floss your teeth after the procedure. You might also be recommended an antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotics. 
• Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods such as crackers, chips, nuts, etc. Such foods can damage your gums. Instead, adhere to a soft diet for several days after the gummy smile correction. Examples of a soft diet include yogurt, smoothies, soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, etc. 

Make an Appointment Today

If you are considering a gummy smile correction procedure, do not hesitate to sign up for a consultation at our dental office today. Our specialists will carry out a detailed examination of your case to offer you the best solution. We look forward to your visit to the Smiles of Arcadia dental office. 

Emergency dental care is aimed at helping patients who require immediate medical attention after having sustained an oral trauma or those who experience acute toothache due to infection. But how do you know when you should visit an emergency dentist or an emergency room? Please read our article to learn the difference.

Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist or an Emergency Room?

Both an emergency dental office and an emergency room provide immediate medical care. Typically, both are available 24 hours a day and do not require a preliminary appointment. However, there are differences in the type of services they provide and the kind of trauma or injury they are able to help you with. 

When to Go to an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist can provide services connected to restoring the health and function of your teeth and gums. The situations in which you should opt for an emergency dentist as opposed to an emergency room include:

Knocked Out Tooth

A tooth that is completely knocked out of its socket due to trauma can be restored and saved if you act quickly. Try to get to the emergency dental office within the first 20 to 60 minutes after the accident, bringing your knocked-out tooth with you. It is essential to properly store your teeth on the way to the dental office so that it survives. 

You must store your tooth in a clean container filled with milk or saliva. You can briefly rinse your tooth with water if it is dirty before putting it into the container. However, do not rub your tooth or remove any tissue particles from it. If your tooth is clean and it is possible to put it back into its socket, keep it in your mouth on your way to the dentist, but be careful not to swallow it.

Dislodged Tooth

If a dislodged tooth is secured in its socket in time, it has a good chance of healing and becoming stable again. Be careful not to disturb it even further on your way to the dental office, and avoid touching or moving it.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth

A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can be restored with dental bonding or other procedures. If possible, bring the pieces of your tooth to the dental office. Your doctor might be able to attach them back to your tooth and restore its function and appearance. The sooner you see the doctor, the better your chances of a successful restoration are.

Acute Toothache

Intense toothache is most likely a sign of infection within the tooth. If not addressed in time and treated with a proper procedure, it can lead to tooth loss. 

Dental Abscess

Dental abscesses are also caused by infection and look like pockets filled with pus. A dental abscess will not go away on its own and, in fact, can spread very quickly. Thus, an abscess in the mouth is always a reason to see an emergency dentist.

When to Go to an Emergency Room

If you go to an emergency room with one of the dental issues we listed above, you will most likely be provided with some pain management. Doctors at an emergency room can also help you with such symptoms as swelling and bruising. However, specialists in an emergency room are not likely to perform any dental procedures, such as root canal therapy, dental bonding, dental surgery, etc. They will be able to help you with facial injuries that do not concern teeth specifically. 

Cases when you need to go to an emergency room instead of an emergency dental office include:

An Emergency Dentist Is Unavailable

In cases when you need any kind of restorative dental procedure but an emergency dentist is unavailable, you can go to an emergency room. There, you will get help managing the symptoms, such as pain and swelling, until an emergency dentist can admit you.

You Have a Dislocated or Broken Jaw

A dislocated or broken jaw can lead to severe swelling and difficulty breathing. That is why you must go to an emergency room right away after receiving the injury.

You Have an Extensive Facial Trauma

Some accidents might lead to lacerations and wounds on the face, as well as broken bones. If you sustain such injuries, you should go to an emergency room.

Call Our Office in Case of a Dental Emergency

Do not hesitate to call our emergency dentistry in Arcadia if you need immediate medical attention. Specialists at Smiles of Arcadia offer a wide range of services aimed at restoring your oral health. We look forward to your visit.

Nowadays, there are a variety of options available for patients who want to straighten their teeth and boost the appearance of their smile. In this article, we discuss different types of orthodontic treatments, concentrating on the most common options.

What are the Different Types of Orthodontic Treatments?

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces typically consist of metal wires, bands, and brackets. The latter are attached to each tooth with a special bonding substance and connected by wires. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth and thus gradually moving them into a desired position. Traditional metal braces are an effective treatment for patients of all ages. In some cases, if a patient does not have enough room in the mouth for the teeth to be aligned properly, some of the back teeth can be removed to create space prior to the orthodontic treatment.

Advantages of traditional metal braces include:

• Traditional braces are a highly efficient and reliable method of treatment. They are made of a highly durable metal and, therefore, can withstand significant pressure and move even severely overcrowded or crooked teeth.
• Traditional braces can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, such as overbites, underbites, gaps between teeth, overcrowded teeth, etc.

Unfortunately, traditional braces can have several disadvantages:

• Treatment with traditional braces requires frequent visits to the dental office for adjustment.
• Some patients find metal braces uncomfortable since they can rub the soft tissue in the mouth.
• It can be challenging to brush and floss your teeth with braces, and some patients might require additional tools, such as a water flosser, a floss threader, or an interdental brush to maintain clean teeth.
• Due to the possibility of insufficient oral hygiene, some patients might develop cavities during an orthodontic treatment with braces.
• In some cases, brackets that are attached to the teeth can leave stains on the teeth after they are taken off.
• Traditional braces are noticeable in the mouth when you talk or smile.
• Wearing braces might come with specific dietary restrictions, as you must avoid certain foods to ensure you do not damage them. For example, dentists recommend people with traditional braces abstain from any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can stick to the braces or warp the metal.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, also known as hidden braces, are attached to the inner side of your teeth. Otherwise, they are very similar in appearance and mechanics to traditional braces.

Advantages of lingual braces include:

• Lingual braces are not noticeable in the mouth, which can be crucial for some patients.
• Lingual braces are generally effective for treating a variety of orthodontic issues.
• Lingual braces do not rub the inner side of your cheeks and lips (however, they still can rub the tongue.)
• Even if lingual braces cause teeth discoloration, it will not be noticeable when you talk or smile.

Disadvantages of lingual braces include:

• Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces because they require more control and precision from your dentist.
• Lingual braces can be hard to adjust to. They might cause a lisp, especially at the beginning of the treatment. 
• Lingual braces might not be as effective as traditional braces in some cases of severe orthodontic issues.
• Lingual braces might pose even more difficulty with brushing and flossing your teeth than traditional braces.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces. The main difference is that the brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic material rather than metal and are less noticeable in the mouth. Consequently, ceramic braces are typically more expensive than traditional metal braces.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, or Invisalign, are becoming more and more popular. Many people opt for the trays made from transparent plastic instead of traditional braces due to several advantages of this treatment method:

• Clear aligners are much less noticeable in the mouth compared to traditional braces, as they are fully transparent and smooth.
• It is much easier to maintain oral hygiene with clear aligners, as you can remove them when brushing and flossing your teeth. As a result, there is less risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease while completing this orthodontic treatment.
• It is easy to clean the aligners.
• Having meals is less challenging and more enjoyable when wearing clear aligners, as you remove them when eating. Thus, you can enjoy a wide range of foods, including hard foods or crunchy foods.

Clear aligners also have several disadvantages:

• Clear aligners work best in more straightforward cases and might not be effective if a patient has severe and complex orthodontic issues.
• Clear aligners require strict discipline and must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to ensure their effectiveness. You can remove them only when eating and brushing your teeth. However, maintaining such rigorous discipline might be challenging for some people, especially when your teeth hurt. So, if you are not sure you can adhere to the recommendations, opt for traditional or non-removable braces.

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a full-service dentist at Smiles of Arcadia. During the consultation, we will help you choose the orthodontic treatment method that is most suitable for your case. 

Losing a tooth can be very frustrating, especially when it leaves an unpleasant gap that can be seen while talking or smiling. A gap may not only cause issues when it comes to biting, chewing, or grinding food, but it can also decrease a person’s self-confidence when it is visible. Fortunately, the advancement of dental technology has allowed dental patients to save their teeth while relieving pain, eliminating bacteria, and preventing reinfection through a root canal performed by an endodontic dentist. While around 15 million root canals are done in the United States every year, many patients still shudder at the thought of having one. This is because of the common misconceptions surrounding root canals. If you are deliberating between a root canal and a tooth extraction, read the 5 myths about root canals below and uncover the truth about this routine procedure.

5 Myths About Root Canals

Myth 1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful.

This is one of the most widely spread misconceptions. Patients usually think of pain when they think of root canals. Although this may have been true in the far past when dental technology and anesthesia were far less advanced, it is now so much farther from the truth. In fact, today’s root canals are no more painful than standard dental fillings. Patients report little to no discomfort during treatment, thanks to modern anesthesia techniques and innovative tools.

When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, this is often accompanied by excruciating and disabling pain. Through a root canal, the endodontist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth and gets rid of the source of pain. You may feel mild discomfort after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers can easily manage it. The pain or discomfort will subside after a few days. In contrast, if you do not undergo a root canal, the infection and pain may worsen, and tooth extraction may be the only way to relieve you of both.

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness

This myth stems from a false claim made by poorly designed and debunked research from nearly a hundred years ago before modern science revealed the real causes of many illnesses and diseases. This research linked root canal to systemic diseases.

The truth is the direct opposite. Leaving a sick tooth without extraction or without root canal therapy can cause bacteria to spread and lead to serious health problems. Today’s endodontists use modern root canal procedures under stringent sanitation and sterilization protocols. This minimizes any potential risks. In fact, according to modern research, patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45% reduced risk of cancer.

Myth 3: Root Canals Take Several Long Appointments

This may have been true in the past, but it is no longer true today. With dental advancements and modern dental techniques, endodontists are now able to perform root canals in a single visit, which only takes 60-90 minutes. During this visit, your tooth can be cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. For more complicated cases, a second visit may be required.

Myth 4: Extraction Is Better than Root Canal

Some patients believe that tooth extraction is the better option because it is simpler and more convenient. While it is a simpler way to get rid of the pain caused by a problematic infected tooth, saving your natural tooth is still the better option.

Tooth extraction leaves a gap, which may cause your remaining teeth to move. Your speech, bite, and your ability to chew will be potentially affected. In addition, missing teeth may also cause bone loss in your jaw, which may change the structure of your face over time. If you have your teeth extracted, you will need an implant, a bridge, or dentures to restore function. This will also cost money and time. On the contrary, a root canal preserves your natural tooth, maintains your smile, and helps you avoid these issues.

Myth 5: Treated Teeth Do Not Last Long

One common false belief is that root canals eventually fail and extraction will be needed in the long run. The reality is that a root-canal-treated tooth can last a long time, just as long as a tooth that has never needed treatment. After performing the root canal procedure, your endodontist will seal your tooth with a filling and cover it with a crown. This will restore its strength and function and will allow you to speak, bite, and chew normally.

Although no dental treatment is guaranteed to last forever, root canals have a high success rate. Most patients have enjoyed the benefits of their restored tooth for decades, with good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to their dentist or endodontist.

Say Goodbye to Excruciating Pain

Now you understand the truth behind the myths about root canals. It is important to understand that many of these beliefs are outdated or inaccurate. Far from being painful or risky, a root canal is an effective way to get permanent pain relief while saving your tooth. If you have been putting off getting a root canal because of these misconceptions, it is time to talk to a licensed and skilled endodontist who can explain the procedure to you. Do not hesitate to voice out any concerns and ask any questions that have not yet been addressed by this post. Consult with us today.

Getting a dental crown can be daunting. Same-day porcelain crowns can be a great alternative to traditional crowns for many patients. In this article, we discuss the difference between same-day and traditional dental crowns to help you make an informed decision on what option is best for you. However, remember that only your dental specialist can provide you with definitive information after a thorough examination of your case.

The Differences Between Same-Day and Traditional Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are often placed after a root canal treatment. Both traditional and same-day dental crowns have the same function: they cover a tooth weakened by decay, reinforce its structure, and protect it from further damage for years to come. Also, both types of restoration require mild preparation of the tooth, which typically means that a small portion of the tooth’s enamel is removed to ensure that there is enough room for the crown to fit comfortably.

Nowadays, dental crowns are usually made of porcelain or similar materials that can be matched to the color and shade of your own teeth and look pretty natural in the mouth. In some cases, traditional crowns can be made of gold or silver, but they are less popular now. Both traditional and same-day dental crowns are pretty durable.

Traditional Dental Crowns

Getting traditional dental crowns typically requires several visits to a dental office: at least two appointments in most cases. During the first appointment, a mold of your tooth is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. A temporary dental crown is needed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Then, it takes several days to custom-make a permanent crown that is placed and adjusted during the second visit. You might require follow-up visits to ensure that the crown fits comfortably. In some cases, you might need multiple impressions taken to create a crown that fits perfectly.

Same-day Dental Crowns

When you opt for a same-day dental crown, after preparing your tooth for receiving a crown, your doctor will use a computer program to generate a 3D impression of your tooth, which is used to create a comfortable-fitting dental crown that can be placed in the same appointment.

The grinding or milling techniques used in creating a same-day dental crown allow your dentist to have precise control over the procedure. Thus, same-day dental crowns typically fit well and are comfortable in the mouth. Some even consider same-day dental crowns to be more comfortable compared to traditional ones because the creation process is more precise.

The disadvantages of same-day dental crowns include several points:

• Not all dental offices provide same-day crowns because this type of crown requires the office to have special equipment, and the doctors should undergo training.
• In some cases, same-day dental crowns might be more expensive than traditional crowns.
• Typically, same-day dental crowns are made of ceramic material (porcelain), which limits your choice of materials. With traditional dental crowns, you can choose porcelain, gold, silver, or resin composite.

Recovery After Getting a Same-day Dental Crown

Recovery after getting a same-day dental crown typically takes several days. During this time, you might experience tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or soreness at the procedure site. However, these symptoms can be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen.

In addition, your dentist will most likely recommend abstaining from hard and crunchy foods for a couple of days and chewing your food carefully on the other side of the mouth. Salt rinses can be helpful in preventing infections, and you can use ice compresses to reduce swelling, if present.

If pain and discomfort do not go away in several days or intensify, contact your dentist and sign up for a follow-up checkup to exclude crown failure and complications.

Who Can Get Same-day Dental Crowns?

In most cases, any patient who is recommended a dental crown can get the same-day crown option. Dental crowns can be effectively used in the following cases:

• To protect the weakened tooth after a root canal treatment
• To restore a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• To restore and support a worn-down tooth
• To support a dental bridge
• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a severely stained or discolored tooth

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist in Arcadia today to get high-quality, same-day porcelain crowns. The methods and equipment used in our office allow us to provide our patients with comfortable and long-lasting solutions. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Smiles of Arcadia and helping you restore and preserve your oral health.