Getting braces is an extremely exciting time but adjusting to the changes associated with wearing your appliance can be difficult. Braces are only effective when you care for them properly, which means some types of food should be avoided throughout the duration of your treatment. This will help you achieve the best results in the shortest time possible.
What happens if you eat the wrong foods?
Eating the wrong foods can cause some discomfort and put you at risk of breaking your brackets or wires which will require unscheduled trips to your orthodontist and may increase your treatment time.
Additionally, if you frequently eat foods that can get stuck in your braces or are high in sugar content you will create an environment that encourages plaque and bacteria to thrive which may cause lasting damage to your teeth.
Foods to eat with braces
The best foods to eat with braces are low in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. This includes…
Bread
Mashed potatoes
Soup
Cheese
Pancakes
Puddings
Rice
Pasta
Foods for first week of braces
It’s normal to feel some discomfort during the first week of getting braces as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. During this time, you should eat soft foods such as yoghurt, boiled vegetables, stewed fruit and thin soups to avoid putting additional pressure on your brackets.
Foods to avoid with braces
Anyone who wears fixed braces should avoid excessive snacking and should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Foods to avoid with braces include…
Chewy foods such as hard rolls and liquorice
Crunchy foods such as chips and popcorn
Sticky foods such as caramel, bubble gum and snickers
Hard food such as nuts and pretzels
Sugary foods such as lollies
Foods that you need to bite into forcefully such as apples, raw carrots and corn
Can you eat chocolate?
Yes, you can eat chocolate with braces. However, this must be done in moderation, due to the high sugar content of chocolate. When you can, try to reach for dark chocolate, instead of milk chocolate varieties.
Can you eat pizza?
Pizza lovers can still enjoy their favourite food. But they should be careful when eating the crust because it requires a lot of chewing which is not good for your braces.
Can you eat chips?
Whether you like hot potato chips or thin crisps from the packet, you don’t have to give up chips when you get braces.
Can you eat with wax on your braces?
Orthodontic wax is non-toxic and safe for consumption. It’s made for you to put in your mouth so you can definitely eat while it is applied.
Considerations for eating with braces
Regardless of what types of foods you eat with braces, it is important to keep the crevices between the teeth and around the braces very clean. That means brushing and flossing after meals to prevent the build-up of plaque and decay. Not only can failing to do so damage the teeth and gums, but it can also cause discolouration which can last a lifetime.
If you’re wanting to ensure the best results
from your orthodontic treatment it is very important that you follow the advice
about safe foods for braces that is set out above and ask your orthodontist if
you have any questions about your specific treatment.
Whether you wear metal braces, ceramic braces or lingual braces, you need to know how to look after them. If you take care of your braces properly, it’ll make them much more comfortable and effective, meaning you’re a step closer to the perfect smile each day!
So what can you be doing to make sure you’re
keeping your oral health in check while you’re wearing braces?
Perfect your brushing technique
Brushing is important whether or not you wear braces, but it becomes especially important when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. When you wear braces, it’s much easier for pesky pieces of food and plaque to get trapped in the brackets and cause problems, so you should use a toothbrush with a soft head to access those hard-to-reach areas. If you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, that’s fine too.
Start off by brushing at the gum line of your teeth, holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards your gums. Once you’ve cleaned your gum line, hold your toothbrush at a downward angle on the top of your brackets, and then at an upward angle to clean the bottom of your brackets.
Although generally people only need to brush twice a day, if you wear braces then we’d always recommend brushing after every meal. Keeping a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste handy in your bag is an easy way to make sure your mouth is clean and sparkling!
Floss, floss, floss!
Flossing while wearing braces can be a bit of a feat, but it’s a step in your oral hygiene routine that shouldn’t be ignored. Flossing helps to remove any plaque build-up, as well as any smaller food particles that are stuck in your braces or between your teeth. If you find it tricky to floss with flossing tape, try using floss threaders for braces or interdental brushes.
You can buy these in the supermarket or pharmacy, and they can help you manoeuvre around your brackets.
Remember to be gentle when you’re flossing. Try not
to apply too much pressure or go too quickly as you could damage your braces,
which would mean a trip back to see the orthodontist!
Avoid certain foods
Very few foods are actually off-limits when you wear braces, but your orthodontist will give you a list of foods you should avoid while undergoing treatment. A heads up – anything chewy, sticky, crunchy or hard is likely to be on the list.
Plus, if you’re the sort of person who’s always nibbling on your nails or chewing pen lids, you’ll need to curb that habit pretty quickly too! These types of habits and foods can break or bend the braces which is never a good thing.
You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks as these can cause staining and decay around your brackets. These stains can be permanent, and will become more obvious later when the braces are removed, which will not help you to achieve the perfect smile.
If you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to do everything in your power to make sure you’re going to get the best result. Keeping your teeth clean, taking the time to floss, and thinking about the food you eat are simple but effective steps to make sure you’ll have a perfect smile when the braces come off!
When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all
about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget
about your gums! Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest chompers in
town, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually
painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and
along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with
bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum
disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage
of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:
inflamed
tender
red
swollen
prone
to bleeding
Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the
teeth in place aren’t impacted, this damage is Reversible
You can also develop periodontitis, an advanced
form of gum disease. Periodontitis impacts the bones that hold your teeth in
place. Left untreated, it can ruin the gums, bones, and tissues connected to
your teeth.
The final stage of gum disease is advanced
periodontitis. This is when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are
destroyed. It can impact your bite, and teeth may need to be removed.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA),
signs that you might have gum disease include:
consistently
bad taste or breath
separating
or loose permanent teeth
gums
that easily bleed
gums
that are swollen, red, or tender
gums
that have pulled away from your teeth
Gum disease is preventable. Here are a few ways you
can help keep your gums healthy.
Floss at least once a day. This helps remove the
plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach, according to the ADA. It
doesn’t matter when you floss. Do it at night, do it in the morning, or do it
after lunch… just do it!
Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms
if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before
they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove
tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing.
If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can
help reverse it.
Yet another reason for smokers to quit: Smoking is
strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your
immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection, say the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Plus, smoking makes it
more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.
Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps
remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your
tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft
bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably.
Consider a battery-powered or electric toothbrush.
These can help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Swap
toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or sooner if the
bristles start to fray.
As for toothpaste, store shelves are lined with
brands that claim to reduce gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. How
do you know which one is best for healthy gums? Make sure to choose toothpaste
that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. After that, the
flavor and color is up to you!
You can purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride
online.
Usually available over the counter, therapeutic
mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the
speed that tarter develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to
the ADA. Plus: A rinse helps remove food
particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing
or brushing. Look for the ADA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and
safe.
It doesn’t matter whether your brush, floss, or
rinse first. Just do a good job and use the right products.
Brushing with toothpaste is important for several
reasons.
First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct
brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria
that grows on your teeth that cause cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth
loss if not controlled.
Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which
makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes
remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage
can even be seen.
Third, special ingredients in toothpaste help
to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpaste
help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling.
What type of
toothpaste should I use?
As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride,
the brand you buy really does not matter, neither does whether or not it is in
the paste, gel or even powder form or containing a certain flavor. All fluoride
toothpaste work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth
enamel. Your toothpaste brand should bear the ADA (American Dental
Association) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate
evidence of safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical
trials.
If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold,
consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These
“desensitizing” toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or
potassium nitrate, protect exposed dentin by blocking the tubes in the teeth
that are connected to nerves. Desensitizing pastes must be used for at least
one month before any therapeutic effects are felt.
Toothpaste containing baking soda and/or hydrogen
peroxide (which are both good cleansing agents) give the teeth and mouth a
clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but
fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Some
prefer a tartar-control toothpaste containing pyrophosphates to prevent the
build-up of soft calculus (tartar) deposits on their teeth. New pastes offer
advanced whitening formulas aimed at safely removing stains to make teeth
brighter and shinier, although they can’t nearly match the effectiveness of a
professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist.
How much should I
use?
Contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the
amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not
have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top
half of your brush. If you brush correctly, holding the toothbrush at a
45-degree angle and brush inside, outside and between your teeth, the paste should
foam enough to cover all of your teeth. Children under age 6, however, should
be given a very small, baby pea-sized dab of toothpaste on their brush.
Is brushing with
toothpaste enough to fight cavities and gum disease?
No. Although brushing thoroughly after each meal
helps, flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque and food particles
between teeth and at the gumline is just as important. Studies show that plaque
will regrow on teeth that are completely clean within three to four hours of
brushing.
A healthy mouth absolutely provides us nutrition
for the physical body, but more importantly, it also improves our
social interaction and encourages self-esteem.
Our mouth serves as a “window” to the rest
of the body, providing signals of general health diseases. For example, pale or
bleeding gums can be a sign of blood disorders or low bone level in the lower
jaw might be an early sign of osteoporosis. Poor oral health is significantly
associated with major chronic diseases.
Evidence from population-based studies significantly
concludes a robust connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, kidney disease, oral cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes,
stomach ulcers, obesity and many more health diseases.
Two main diseases which affect our Oral Health are Dental
Caries (bacterial invasion of the tooth which demineralizes its
surface and results in holes) and Gum Disease(bacterial
invasion along the gum line causing an inflammatory response damaging the
tissues and bones that support the teeth.)
8 Tips to prevent tooth decay and gum disease:
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Don’t underestimate its importance. This is a simple step
that should never be overlooked. Brushing your teeth in the morning and more
importantly again at night is important to remove plaque build-up and bacteria
that lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The Modifies Bass
technique where you should hold the brush head at 45 degrees angle,
partly on the gums, and gently move the brush in tiny circular motions or small
horizontal strokes 20 times on each tooth shall improve your oral hygiene
significantly. Note: Do not brush too vigorously as it can
damage your gums and teeth.
2. Floss daily.
Your brushing is not complete without flossing. Floss can
reach the crevices too small for your brush bristles, so it’s a necessary step
for a clean mouth.
3. Oral Irrigators.
These are newer cleaning aids which pump water in a steady
or pulsating manner and flushing out food and bacterial byproducts.
4. Skip the sugar.
Sugary and starchy foods cause are action in your mouth
that leads to tooth decay. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva to
form an acid that erodes your tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your
teeth.
5. Swish with mouthwash.
For an added boost to your oral hygiene routine, rinse with
an anti-bacterial mouthwash which is prescribed by your dentist.
6. Use fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel to combat tooth
decay.
7. Brush your tongue.
Don’t neglect your tongue! Your tongue harbour’s bacteria
too, so use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to give it a cleaning.
8. Pay attention to your mouth and gums.
This is the image description
Note when your gums
look inflamed or if you spot blood while brushing. Don’t ignore aches and
pains. Consult your dentist to make sure it’s not a symptom of something
serious.
Parents play a very important role in making sure that oral hygiene practices are taught early in
childhood. Restrict bottle feeding to meal times. Avoid putting your baby to
sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice that pools in the mouth will bathe teeth
in the sugars on which bacteria feed. Before their teeth grow in, get your baby
accustomed to regular oral care by wiping their gums twice per day with a
clean, soft, thin cloth, such as a handkerchief.
After your baby’s teeth erupt, switch to a baby toothbrush moistened with water. Don’t use
toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out. Swallowing toothpaste
while their teeth are developing can cause a condition called fluorosis, which
occurs from absorbing too much fluoride and causes their teeth to look mottled
or grainy. Your
smile is one of the first things people notice. Good Oral Health changes far more than your
outward appearance. It renews your confidence. It changes the way you view
yourself. What’s more? it changes the way others see you.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through the gums. They
grow at the very back of a person’s mouth. There are normally four wisdom teeth
in total, with one in each of the furthest corners of the top and bottom gums.
Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection
Red
or swollen gums
Tender
or bleeding gums
Jaw
pain
Swelling
around the jaw
Bad
breath
An
unpleasant taste in your mouth
Difficulty
opening your mouth
Prevention
You can’t
keep an impaction from occurring, but keeping regular six-month dental
appointments for cleaning and checkups enables your dentist to monitor the
growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may
indicate impacted wisdom teeth
before any symptoms develop.
Treatment for wisdom teeth infection
Infections
caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:
by
improving oral hygiene
in the area
by
having the area cleaned by a dentist
sometimes,
by the prescription of antibiotics
However, the infection may keep coming back if
problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems,
especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these
infections.
Brushing
your teeth is one of the most important daily routines that you perform. But
most of the time, we do not know how to brush properly. We often neglect the
importance of proper brushing.
The
duration, frequency, and technique of brushing determine your overall oral
health, and hence it is crucial that you get it right. Brushing techniques like
Sulcular, Charter, and Stillman are advised. It is also vital to know what kind
of toothpaste and toothbrush are good for our teeth. Here are some of the
brushing techniques, the type of toothbrush and toothpaste you must use, and
how long you should brush for. Brushing Techniques More than the toothbrush and
toothpaste you use, the technique you use for brushing has a more significant
impact on your oral health. There are different brushing techniques, some for
regular users and special ones for kids, or those with a recession. Regardless
of what method you use, brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.
1. Sulcular Technique: This is a commonly advised
technique. It is considered useful as it removes the debris from your teeth
before it hardens to tartar. Hold the brush at an angle of 45° to the
teeth, with the bristles at the neck of the tooth below the gums. Direct the
bristles towards the gums. Apply gentle force, without exerting too much
pressure on the tooth and use back and forth strokes to brush two-three teeth
at a time. Before you move to the next set of teeth, you should have made at
least 10-15 strokes. Alternatively, you can also use a circular motion. Repeat
this same process for all the teeth. As much attention you give to the front
portion of your teeth, it is equally essential to brush the inner surfaces,
called the lingual side. Hold the brush vertically while cleaning the lingual
side. It is difficult to reach the posterior teeth, especially if you are using
a larger sized toothbrush. But since maximum chewing happens with your molars,
it is essential to focus on cleaning them. This technique, also called the bass
technique can be modified by guiding the bristles towards the incisal or
occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
2. Charter Technique: The Charter technique of brushing is a technique
meant for patients with gum problems. If your gums are receded, exposing the
root surfaces, this technique is ideal. People with a prosthesis or braces also
benefit from this technique. Unlike the Sulcular method, place the bristles in
the direction of the occlusal surface, at an angle of 45 degrees. The rest of
the technique is almost similar to the Charter technique where you can use
circular or back and forth strokes to brush.Cover all the surfaces of all the
teeth and do not miss the inner surfaces of all teeth.
3. Stillman Technique: For interdental plaque removal, the Stillman
technique is effective. This can be considered an extension of the Bass
technique. After you clean the area around the gums with back and forth
strokes, move your brush towards the occlusal or incisal surface and repeat the
back and forth strokes.
TOOTHBRUSH
Most
dentists recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush. This is because a
toothbrush will hard bristles will be abrasive for the tooth enamel, and also
for your gums. Strictly do not share your toothbrush with anyone, even your
spouse or a close family member. Your mouth has millions of bacteria which will
travel through your toothbrush. After every cycle of brushing, clean and rinse
your brush correctly. Keep your toothbrush in an upright position and allow
air-drying. Microbes are more likely to grow and flourish in a moist
environment.So, if you store a toothbrush without drying, it is expected to be
more contaminated.Just like most other objects, the efficacy of a toothbrush
reduces as with usage. Change your toothbrush every three months, or even
earlier if the bristles begin to show fraying.There are ways to keep the
toothbrush bacteria free or at least reduce the microbial population in your
toothbrush. One such method is soaking the brush in Listerine or Hydrogen
Peroxide solution (2.5%- 3%).You should never put your brush in a microwave or
any other heating device to kill the microbes. Such high temperatures will
damage the bristles. FDA approved toothbrush sanitizers are also available.
Toothpaste
Any
fluoridated toothpaste is okay for you as long as you use it in the right
quantity and with the proper brushing technique. The amount that is just enough
for you is the size of a pea. For children, the amount equivalent to a rice
grain is enough. People have toothpaste preferences of a specific flavor, brand
or price range.If you have some specific issues like sensitivity, gingivitis or
exposed root surfaces, your dentist will prescribe a special toothpaste for
you.
Other supplements to brushing In addition to brushing, there are other aids that you can use to
enhance your oral hygiene
status. You must also clean your tongue with a brush or a tongue cleaning aid
to keep it bacteria and odor free. Dental floss, mouthwash, interdental
cleaning aids, plaque disclosing agents – these are all examples of additional
cleaning aids.
1. DISIMPACTION is
initiated by administration of local or general anesthetic as decided by
dentist with patient’s consent.
2. Once
anesthetized, In second step, the gums are incised and underlying bone is
partially removed by surgical instruments to gain access to the impacted tooth.
3. In
third step, it is decided by dental surgeon whether to remove the tooth as
single structure or whether to split in multiple sections.
4.Now after ensuring the complete removal of all the pieces of wisdom tooth, the gum is approximated and sutures (stitches) are placed. The number of suture is decided by the dentist and depends on the size of incision. 5.Once the removal is completed, the dentist gives particular set of instructions to the patient so that the patient can recover quickly along with the help of antibiotics and pain killers.
Generally the instructions are
1. Instructions
for 1st 24 hours
(a) Patient
is advised not to
Spit
Gargle
Brush
(b)Patient
should be on liquid or semisolid diet preferably ice-creams, curds, lassi etc.
2. Instructions
for remaining 3-5 days
Usually
the patient is asked,
Not
to have hot, hard and spicy
Not
to use straw
Must
clean the mouth specially the extraction area using warm water with salt
Not
to miss any dosage of medication / prescription
Not
to open the mouth very wide
To
come back for follow up after medication are over.
Usually
in 3-5 days the primary healing may be completed, but for completion of healing
of jaw bone it may take up to 4 weeks.However the patient will be able to
continue his/ her daily activities without any trouble within third day of the
surgery.As the surgical procedure is painless and while recovery the pain is
controlled by medicines. However, patients cooperation to keep the
surgical site clean after having food is of utmost importance.
General dentists are great for those times when you need to have your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled. In some cases though, you’re better off consulting a specialist. Orthodontists, for example, specialize in straightening and aligning the teeth, periodontists focus on the gums and bone, and endodontists focus on endodontics, or issues concerning the roots of the teeth. While general dentists can perform the procedures and treatments offered by specialists, dental specialists have received additional years of training and have decided to focus their practice on treating specific dental conditions.
Here’s a crash course on endodontists and when you may have to visit this specialist.
Understanding Endodontics
As the American Dental Association points out, the term “endodontics” derives from the Greek words “endo,” which means “inside,” and “odont,” which means tooth. So the job of an endodontist is to treat the inside of the teeth.
Often, the goal in endodontics is to save the tooth. Instead of simply pulling a diseased or damaged tooth, an endodontist clears the infection and decay to protect the interior of the tooth from further damage. Root canals are the treatment endodontists are most well-known for performing on a patient’s tooth.
During a root canal, the endodontist performs local anesthesia on the gum tissue around the tooth and then removes the infected tissue and pulp from inside the tooth. He or she then deep cleans the chamber that held the pulp and the roots, removing any lingering bacteria. Once all traces of infection are gone and the interior of the tooth is fully dry, the endodontist fills the chamber and roots with a special material called gutta-percha. Depending on how the exterior of the tooth looks, the endodontist will work with the dentist who will finish the treatment by placing a crown or other type of dental restoration on the tooth to protect it.
An endodontist can also perform surgery to correct a tooth that didn’t fully heal after a root canal or can perform an apicoectomy, a surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s roots. Although the work endodontists do is often associated with infection and severe decay, they can also work to save teeth that have been damaged by injury.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
If you have pain in a tooth or teeth or a history of injury to the teeth that can affect the roots and pulp, your general dentist is likely to refer you to an endodontist. Why see an endodontist when a general dentist is usually capable of and allowed to perform root canals and other treatments?
For one thing, endodontists have more training in root canals than general dentists. They not only have an extra two years of education beyond dental school, as the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) points out, they are also better trained in and experienced with using advanced technology to improve your comfort during the treatment and to improve the results of the treatment. The average endodontist performs about 25 root canals each week, while a general dentist usually performs two per week.
It’s very likely that your general dentist will advise you to see an endodontist if he or she thinks you need to be seen by this dental specialist for further evaluation. As the AAE notes, about half of all general dentists refer patients in need of a root canal to an endodontist. You can also choose to schedule an appointment with an endodontic specialist if you have pain in your teeth, notice that a tooth is cracked or if a tooth has been knocked out or shifted out of position.
Your general dentist can help keep your teeth and gums
clean and healthy and can be a great resource when you have problems with your
teeth. You also have the power to keep your teeth healthy at home with a great
oral hygiene routine, which may include brushing with a toothpaste like Colgate TotalSF Advanced Deep Clean, which helps prevent plaque, gingivities, tartar build-up and
cavities. But if you need a specific treatment, such as a root canal, you’re
usually better off calling in the help of a specialist.
Attributes of an Endodontist
Having advanced training in this specialty involves at least two extra years of study and clinical hours beyond the conventional four years of dental school. After completion, this specialist is uniquely qualified to best treat an infected tooth and alleviate pain. A practicing endodontist will, on average, do 25 or more root canals or other procedures related to a tooth infection per week. This schedule makes them efficient and flexible since they do not perform other routine dental procedures. Additionally, most will see patients on the same or next day, and many have Saturday and evening hours.
This expert care is why you may be referred to an endodontist. They regularly attend continuing education classes and seminars to stay abreast of the latest technology for diagnosis and treatment. This includes the use of microscopes, lasers, ultrasonic instruments and imaging tools that are digital, 3D and fiber optic. Using these advanced technologies helps ensure that the tooth or teeth can be saved and function successfully in the future.
Endodontic Treatments and Procedures
The most common referral to an endodontist is for a root canal: a procedure that cleans the infected pulp area, relieving pain and saving the tooth. Most infections in the pulp of the tooth are caused by advanced decay or a deep cavity that was prepped and treated in proximity to the pulp. Endodontics also involves re-treatment of a root canal that didn’t clear up the initial infection, or a surgical procedure at the tip of the root. Traumatic injury to teeth can also cause tooth pulp to become necrotic and require a root canal to retain the tooth or teeth.
Endodontists are great at saving teeth, however occasionally a tooth or teeth may have complications beyond their abilities. The good news is that these specialists possess the skills and advanced diagnostic tools to determine the best treatment for you. This could mean a referral for an extraction and tooth replacement to restore your smile, but only after all treatment options are explored. Doing everything to save your tooth is an endodontist’s first priority because the general belief is your natural tooth is best! Keep your mouth healthy by practicing optimal home care, like brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. However, even with proper oral hygiene, problems and infections can still occur. During treatment, brushing with a toothpaste for sensitivity can be helpful. Relieving your pain and maintaining your smile is your dentist’s first priority, and he or she will not hesitate to refer you to the champion of tooth saving: the endodontist!
What is laser dentistry? If you’ve never heard of this innovative type of dental care, now is the time to learn. Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option when you’re facing gum surgery, cavity treatment, or other oral issues. Discuss your laser surgery options with one of our dentists today.
Laser Dentistry: An Overview
Medical professionals use lasers, which are extremely focused light beams, to alter or remove tissue in small amounts. Laser surgery is not limited to dentistry, but many people have never heard of laser dentistry before having it done. Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, be it to remove overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or to whiten teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is ideal for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.
What Laser Dentistry Can Treat
Most issues laser dentistry treats are related to the gums. Some of these include:
Canker
sore and cold sore pain treatments.
Treating
root canal infections.
Treating
gum disease.
Removing
gum inflammation.
Gum reshaping.
Biopsies.
Exposing
wisdom teeth.
Removing
throat tissue that causes sleep apnea.
Regenerating
damaged nerves.
Removing
benign oral tumours.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.
Patients
are less likely to require sutures
Anesthesia
may not be necessary
The
laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
Less
damage to gums shortens the healing time
Patients
lose less blood than traditional surgery
What Happens During Laser Gum Surgery or Other
Dentistry?
When you come for your laser dentistry appointment, you might be surprised to discover that the process is very similar to other dentistry appointments, like tooth fillings. You receive anesthesia, though it might not be as much as you’re used to receiving. Some patients who experience anxiety might receive a sedative, too.
During
the procedure, you won’t feel any vibrations or discomfort from the laser like
you do from the drill. Any bleeding that occurs gets wiped away, just like
before. Your mouth will be propped open as the dentist works with the laser to
treat your issues.
Post-Operative Expectations
If you’ve
ever had gum surgery done without a laser, you can expect that your
post-operative experience after laser dentistry will likely be smoother. Because
a laser causes far less bleeding than a scalpel, don’t expect the site of your
surgery to bleed very much when you get home. You won’t have an open, bleeding
wound the way you would with a scalpel procedure.
While you
should still follow cleaning and care instructions to the letter, you’re less
likely to get an infection. You also won’t typically experience the pain and
discomfort associated with scalpel surgery because your post-op irritation is
likely to be minor.
The Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
The two main types of lasers dentists use during laser procedures are hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it appropriate for cutting into that specific type of tissue. This works because each kind of tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the light’s wavelength (and sometimes pulse) scientists have figured out how to craft lasers with light wavelengths compatible with the tissues in your mouth.
Hard Tissue Lasers
A hard
tissue laser is used primarily for your teeth. The wavelength of one of these
lasers cuts through both water and bone, specifically the calcium phosphate
that’s in your bones and your teeth. These lasers can very accurately cut into
your teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for
procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used for:
Detecting
cavities.
Dealing
with tooth sensitivity.
Preparing teeth for dental fillings.
Soft Tissue Lasers
The soft
tissue lasers use a light wavelength that hemoglobin and water absorb easily.
Hemoglobin is the molecule found in blood, which makes soft tissue lasers ideal
for gum work. Some soft tissue lasers are diode lasers, which is a type of continuous-wave laser.
These lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. This is the reason you don’t bleed very much during laser dentistry and why healing is quicker after laser dentistry. Soft tissue lasers are great for cosmetic procedures because you can begin to see results right away. Soft tissue lasers are used for:
Lengthening
crowns.
Dealing
with restricted tongue movement.
Reshaping
the gums to create a more pleasing smile.
Removing
folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures.
Whether you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, expect an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry is a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether serious in nature or simply cosmetic. Ask your dentist about laser dentistry the next time you need dental work completed.
