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- Rootless Fears: Root Canal Therapy Gets a Bad Rap
May 11, 2022
Root Canal Therapy
“Worse Than a Root Canal”
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely heard someone compare the pain they’ve felt to the pain of a root canal. Before many people are likely old enough to even need a root canal, they’ve already formed an opinion about this treatment as something excruciating and to be avoided at all costs. While we do recommend avoiding the need for root canal therapy altogether, we can attest that this treatment in no way deserves its bad reputation, and we’d like to take a moment on this National Root Canal Appreciation Day to dispel those misconceptions.
Just What Is a Root Canal?
What most people refer to as a root canal is an endodontic treatment in which the infected pulp and nerve in the root of a tooth are removed, the root canal is cleaned out, the space is filled, and the tooth is sealed and crowned to restore the tooth to healthy function. Because this treatment preserves your natural tooth structure and bite, it’s much preferred to extraction whenever possible. Despite the bad publicity around the treatment, it functions to immediately alleviate tooth pain caused by rampant infection and often abscess at the tooth’s root. This helpful graphic shows the series of steps the dentist or an endodontist will take in preserving a tooth using root canal therapy.
What Causes a Patient to Need Root Canal Therapy?
There are numerous factors that can play into the kind of deep infection of a tooth that requires endodontic treatment. Oftentimes it is highly preventable tooth decay that makes its way to the pulp and roots of a tooth. In other cases, a patient has had multiple procedures done on a tooth that over time have led to the susceptibility of that tooth’s core to infection. Sometimes a chip, crack, or other injury to a tooth can lead to deep infection. There are even cases when a tooth has no visible signs of damage or decay, but a trauma has lead to pulp damage that necessitates root canal therapy.
What Are the Signs I Need Root Canal Therapy?
With regular dental visits, your hygienists and dentist will often be able to head off instances of deep infection and hopefully address the issue before root canal therapy is needed. But there are times when an infection flares up quite suddenly, and it’s good to know the warning signs so you can alert our office right away. Here are some of the most common conditions associated with infection of a tooth’s pulp and roots:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Sharp, severe pain when chewing or biting down
- Tender and/or swollen gums
- Abnormal bulging or formation of pimples on the gums
- Darkening or decay of the gums
- Keen tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
While none of these conditions is a certain indication that root canal therapy is needed, you should always alert us to them right away: Acting quickly can help to avoid further damage, infection, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) endodontic treatment.
Seriously, Will It Hurt?
If you had root canal treatment before modern techniques and anesthetics, it might’ve lived up to its reputation as a painful procedure. Today, however, most patients who undergo the treatment describe it as being relatively painless. We take great care to ensure our patients are fully numb and remain fully numb when a root canal (or any procedure) is performed. Progressing deliberately and skillfully and seeking constant feedback, your provider will keep you as free from pain as any other dental treatment. Many patients claim that root canal therapy was much more comfortable for them than fillings.
How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment will vary a good deal depending on the level of infection, the complexity of the case, and the tooth in need of repair. For example, molars are generally more difficult to treat, and the cost therefore tends to more. Broadly speaking, root canal is a much more cost-effective treatment than tooth extraction and replacement, since a bridge or implant will be called for to replace an infected tooth that’s extracted. Everyone’s situation is different, but our office will always be completely transparent and up-front when it comes to costs. For a little perspective, though: As of 2021, the average cost for root canal therapy for a front tooth was around $900, the average cost for a bicuspid was around $1,000, and the average cost for a molar was about $1,600.
References
http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx
http://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
- Rootless Fears: Root Canal Therapy Gets a Bad Rap
May 11, 2022
Root Canal Therapy
“Worse Than a Root Canal”
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely heard someone compare the pain they’ve felt to the pain of a root canal. Before many people are likely old enough to even need a root canal, they’ve already formed an opinion about this treatment as something excruciating and to be avoided at all costs. While we do recommend avoiding the need for root canal therapy altogether, we can attest that this treatment in no way deserves its bad reputation, and we’d like to take a moment on this National Root Canal Appreciation Day to dispel those misconceptions.
Just What Is a Root Canal?
What most people refer to as a root canal is an endodontic treatment in which the infected pulp and nerve in the root of a tooth are removed, the root canal is cleaned out, the space is filled, and the tooth is sealed and crowned to restore the tooth to healthy function. Because this treatment preserves your natural tooth structure and bite, it’s much preferred to extraction whenever possible. Despite the bad publicity around the treatment, it functions to immediately alleviate tooth pain caused by rampant infection and often abscess at the tooth’s root. This helpful graphic shows the series of steps the dentist or an endodontist will take in preserving a tooth using root canal therapy.
What Causes a Patient to Need Root Canal Therapy?
There are numerous factors that can play into the kind of deep infection of a tooth that requires endodontic treatment. Oftentimes it is highly preventable tooth decay that makes its way to the pulp and roots of a tooth. In other cases, a patient has had multiple procedures done on a tooth that over time have led to the susceptibility of that tooth’s core to infection. Sometimes a chip, crack, or other injury to a tooth can lead to deep infection. There are even cases when a tooth has no visible signs of damage or decay, but a trauma has lead to pulp damage that necessitates root canal therapy.
What Are the Signs I Need Root Canal Therapy?
With regular dental visits, your hygienists and dentist will often be able to head off instances of deep infection and hopefully address the issue before root canal therapy is needed. But there are times when an infection flares up quite suddenly, and it’s good to know the warning signs so you can alert our office right away. Here are some of the most common conditions associated with infection of a tooth’s pulp and roots:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Sharp, severe pain when chewing or biting down
- Tender and/or swollen gums
- Abnormal bulging or formation of pimples on the gums
- Darkening or decay of the gums
- Keen tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
While none of these conditions is a certain indication that root canal therapy is needed, you should always alert us to them right away: Acting quickly can help to avoid further damage, infection, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) endodontic treatment.
Seriously, Will It Hurt?
If you had root canal treatment before modern techniques and anesthetics, it might’ve lived up to its reputation as a painful procedure. Today, however, most patients who undergo the treatment describe it as being relatively painless. We take great care to ensure our patients are fully numb and remain fully numb when a root canal (or any procedure) is performed. Progressing deliberately and skillfully and seeking constant feedback, your provider will keep you as free from pain as any other dental treatment. Many patients claim that root canal therapy was much more comfortable for them than fillings.
How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment will vary a good deal depending on the level of infection, the complexity of the case, and the tooth in need of repair. For example, molars are generally more difficult to treat, and the cost therefore tends to more. Broadly speaking, root canal is a much more cost-effective treatment than tooth extraction and replacement, since a bridge or implant will be called for to replace an infected tooth that’s extracted. Everyone’s situation is different, but our office will always be completely transparent and up-front when it comes to costs. For a little perspective, though: As of 2021, the average cost for root canal therapy for a front tooth was around $900, the average cost for a bicuspid was around $1,000, and the average cost for a molar was about $1,600.
References
http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx
http://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
- Restoring Your Smile to Health
February 2, 2022
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
There comes a time for many people when traditional methods of tooth restoration are no longer viable. The impairment of the natural teeth has crossed a threshold where fillings are impossible or imprudent. In these cases, many people choose dentures, usually due to their comparatively low cost. For others, a welcome alternative to dentures is full-mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called full-mouth restoration or full-mouth reconstruction), which in the broadest sense is using multiple advanced restorative techniques to rebuild your natural, healthy smile. Onalaska Smiles is proud to offer this service to our Onalaska and greater Coulee Region communities.
Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
Our office stands by its commitment to never try to “upsell” or strong-arm patients into treatments. We never want anyone to feel that they’re being railroaded when it comes to any procedure, especially one that involves a significant investment of time and money. That’s part of the reason why we created this blog article: We want our patients to be informed of every option and to have a clear understanding of the treatments we might recommend for them. Transparency and clear communication are central to how we do dentistry, and candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation can rest assured that from your first consultation to the very last appointment, you will know what’s going on with your treatment plan in terms of services provided and the costs they entail. In the end, whether our patients choose dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation (or some other treatment option), we will always provide them with the same personalized care and everything they need to make the best decision for themselves.
That said, there are several reasons why people seek out full-mouth rehabilitation. Here are the most common:
- Decay of teeth – Many candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation have experienced extensive tooth decay, sometimes through poor dental hygiene habits and diet, but sometimes as a result of things like medications or genetic/hereditary factors.
- Wearing down of teeth – Many of our full-mouth candidates have suffered from an erosion of their tooth enamel because of persistent grinding, acid reflux, or simply years of use.
- Damage or trauma to the teeth – Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the teeth will often bring about the need for an overhaul of the bite and smile.
- Persistent problems with the jaw and/or tooth alignment – Often full-mouth rehabilitation is sought out when there’s a misalignment of the jaw and/or teeth, which can lead to tooth damage, ongoing headaches, and muscle pain.
While there are other reasons for seeking out full-mouth rehabilitation, candidates most commonly have one of these four issues.
What’s the Process for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
No two patients will ever have exactly the same experience with full-mouth rehabilitation. At our office, a central guiding principle is providing personalized care, whatever the service being provided. We want to know you and your thoughts well before we begin on any treatment plan. But every patient who decides to embark on full-mouth rehabilitation can expect similar things from the overall experience.
- Consultation with the dentist – You’ll start off by being scheduled for an appointment to meet with the providing doctor to discuss your situation, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and oral health, answer any questions you might have, and begin the steps for a treatment plan going forward. There are situations where you might meet with the dentist only to discuss the full-mouth treatment and then return for the thorough examination at a second appointment.
- X-rays and impressions of your teeth – To carry out any full-mouth rehabilitation treatment plan, you will need to have current X-rays, along with a 3D scan and/or impressions taken of your bite.
- Initial photographs – We’ll also take photos of your teeth at this time — not only do we love to be able to show you the wonderful before-and-after imagery at the end of the treatment, the photos will help guide things like alignment of the teeth and coloring of any crowns.
- Finalized treatment plan – Once our dentist has all the information needed on the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums and bone structure, the alignment of your jaw, and the appearance of your smile from an aesthetic standpoint, a step-by-step treatment plan will be created to guide the rest of the process. As alluded to above, no two treatment plans will ever be the same, and they will factor in your specific needs and desires for the final outcome. Costs and time commitments will be made clear, and any further questions will be answered.
- Rehabilitative procedures – These procedures will obviously vary from patient to patient, depending on their specific needs. Some patients undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation might only need two or three from the following list, where others will require many or all of the services. All of these procedures will have been discussed with the patient ahead of time and integrated into the unique treatment plan.
- Teeth cleaning/periodontal care – The first procedure most full-mouth patients will undergo ensures that natural teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before moving forward.
- Crown lengthening – In order for crowns (or possibly bridges) to be placed on those teeth that need them, healthy tooth structure may have to be exposed.
- Gum contouring – In addition to crown lengthening, patients’ gums may need to be shaped to present their most symmetrical and healthiest looking smile.
- Orthodontics – Our dentist may recommend Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments to help address bite issues and move the patient’s teeth into the optimal position for restoration.
- Bone grafting – If patients opt for dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth, bone grafts are sometimes required to provide enough stability and structure for the implant to be anchored properly.
- Dental implant placement – Using 3D imagery of the patient’s mouth and jaw, our dentist will create a guide and anchor into the bone a titanium implant that will later receive a ceramic crown or potentially anchor a bridge restoration.
- Crown preparation – In order for any crowns to be placed on a patient’s natural teeth, existing tooth structure will have to be reduced and shaped to receive the crowns.
- Temporary crown placement – Once the natural teeth needing crowns have been prepared, temporary crowns will be placed to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. These temporary restorations will give the patient time to grow accustomed to their new teeth and will be worn until our lab finishes crafting the permanent ceramic crowns.
- Placement of permanent crowns or other restorations – Once we have back from the lab the patient’s final crowns (or potentially their bridges, veneers, inlays, or overlays), the dentist will remove any temporaries and permanently cement the final restorations to the existing teeth.
- Final photographs – Once patients have completed the entire full-mouth treatment plan, we take photos of the final result. We use these for our own documentation and education purposes, and we may also — with patients’ permission — share them publicly on our website. The before-and-after imagery (like the photos included in this blog) are an excellent way to educate and help prospective full-mouth patients make decisions about moving forward with the treatment.
How Long Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Take?
The duration of the entire process of full-mouth rehabilitation will vary a great deal from person to person based on dental needs, desired outcomes, and other factors like age and budget. There are some patients who complete the entire rehabilitation within two months. Other patients may choose to address different needs over the course of a year or more. Some of the procedures in the process require built-in waiting time. For example, if a bone graft is needed, the healing time can be up to four months before an implant can safely be placed. If orthodontic treatment is needed to move the teeth into proper position, the waiting time could be six months to a year. Whatever your particular dental needs, you can rest assured that you will know how long the process will take when you go over your individualized treatment plan with the dentist.
How Much Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cost?
This question is at the front of most patients’ minds when they schedule their initial consultation. And, as you can guess from what you’ve already read, the answer is dependent upon each individual’s dental needs and desired outcomes. Cost is also determined by what types of treatment are chosen: A patient who chooses dental bridges to replace missing or damaged teeth will pay less than a patient who chooses dental implants for the same replacement. A patient may choose veneers or inlays/overlays over crowns. One thing is certain and consistent: At Onalaska Smiles, you will never be surprised by costs. We will talk you through every step of the process in your treatment plan, alerting you to the various prices of different procedures, explaining how much of the treatment may be picked up by insurance, and helping you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances. Because of the variety factors and potential services involved, it’s difficult to give an average cost for full-mouth rehabilitation. On the lowest end, a patient is looking at a cost of about $15,000. For more extensive work, the cost can run in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. That is, without question, a great deal of money to spend on one’s teeth; but for those who have chosen to go through the process, having their natural smile restored to health is well worth the investment.
Where Can I Learn More About Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
The best resource we can provide is our team, which has a great deal of experience working with patients on their full-mouth treatment plans. For more information on how the process works or questions related to your specific situation, please give our office a call at (608) 783-6384. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you on your way to a fully restored smile! Below are a few more before-and-after photos of full-mouth rehabilitation patients, along with additional web resources on this subject.
Resources
https://artofdentistryinstitute.com/blog/benefits-full-mouth-rehabilitation/
https://www.bostonprosthodontics.com/full-mouth-reconstruction
https://cardinaldentalgroup.com/five-signs-you-need-full-mouth-rehabilitation.html
https://www.gotoapro.org/full-mouth-reconstruction/
- Restoring Your Smile to Health
February 1, 2022
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
There comes a time for many people when traditional methods of tooth restoration are no longer viable. The impairment of the natural teeth has crossed a threshold where fillings are impossible or imprudent. In these cases, many people choose dentures, usually due to their comparatively low cost. For others, a welcome alternative to dentures is full-mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called full-mouth restoration or full-mouth reconstruction), which in the broadest sense is using multiple advanced restorative techniques to rebuild your natural, healthy smile. Bluffside Smiles is proud to offer this service to our La Crosse and Greater Coulee communities.
Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
Our office stands by its commitment to never try to “upsell” or strong-arm patients into treatments. We never want anyone to feel that they’re being railroaded when it comes to any procedure, especially one that involves a significant investment of time and money. That’s part of the reason why we created this blog article: We want our patients to be informed of every option and to have a clear understanding of the treatments we might recommend for them. Transparency and clear communication are central to how we do dentistry, and candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation can rest assured that from your first consultation to the very last appointment, you will know what’s going on with your treatment plan in terms of services provided and the costs they entail. In the end, whether our patients choose dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation (or some other treatment option), we will always provide them with the same personalized care and everything they need to make the best decision for themselves.
That said, there are several reasons why people seek out full-mouth rehabilitation. Here are the most common:
- Decay of teeth – Many candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation have experienced extensive tooth decay, sometimes through poor dental hygiene habits and diet, but sometimes as a result of things like medications or genetic/hereditary factors.
- Wearing down of teeth – Many of our full-mouth candidates have suffered from an erosion of their tooth enamel because of persistent grinding, acid reflux, or simply years of use.
- Damage or trauma to the teeth – Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the teeth will often bring about the need for an overhaul of the bite and smile.
- Persistent problems with the jaw and/or tooth alignment – Often full-mouth rehabilitation is sought out when there’s a misalignment of the jaw and/or teeth, which can lead to tooth damage, ongoing headaches, and muscle pain.
While there are other reasons for seeking out full-mouth rehabilitation, candidates most commonly have one of these four issues.
What’s the Process for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
No two patients will ever have exactly the same experience with full-mouth rehabilitation. At our office, a central guiding principle is providing personalized care, whatever the service being provided. We want to know you and your thoughts well before we begin on any treatment plan. But every patient who decides to embark on full-mouth rehabilitation can expect similar things from the overall experience.
- Consultation with the dentist – You’ll start off by being scheduled for an appointment to meet with the providing doctor to discuss your situation, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and oral health, answer any questions you might have, and begin the steps for a treatment plan going forward. There are situations where you might meet with the dentist only to discuss the full-mouth treatment and then return for the thorough examination at a second appointment.
- X-rays and impressions of your teeth – To carry out any full-mouth rehabilitation treatment plan, you will need to have current X-rays, along with a 3D scan and/or impressions taken of your bite.
- Initial photographs – We’ll also take photos of your teeth at this time — not only do we love to be able to show you the wonderful before-and-after imagery at the end of the treatment, the photos will help guide things like alignment of the teeth and coloring of any crowns.
- Finalized treatment plan – Once our dentist has all the information needed on the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums and bone structure, the alignment of your jaw, and the appearance of your smile from an aesthetic standpoint, a step-by-step treatment plan will be created to guide the rest of the process. As alluded to above, no two treatment plans will ever be the same, and they will factor in your specific needs and desires for the final outcome. Costs and time commitments will be made clear, and any further questions will be answered.
- Rehabilitative procedures – These procedures will obviously vary from patient to patient, depending on their specific needs. Some patients undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation might only need two or three from the following list, where others will require many or all of the services. All of these procedures will have been discussed with the patient ahead of time and integrated into the unique treatment plan.
- Teeth cleaning/periodontal care – The first procedure most full-mouth patients will undergo ensures that natural teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before moving forward.
- Crown lengthening – In order for crowns (or possibly bridges) to be placed on those teeth that need them, healthy tooth structure may have to be exposed.
- Gum contouring – In addition to crown lengthening, patients’ gums may need to be shaped to present their most symmetrical and healthiest looking smile.
- Orthodontics – Our dentist may recommend Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments to help address bite issues and move the patient’s teeth into the optimal position for restoration.
- Bone grafting – If patients opt for dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth, bone grafts are sometimes required to provide enough stability and structure for the implant to be anchored properly.
- Dental implant placement – Using 3D imagery of the patient’s mouth and jaw, our dentist will create a guide and anchor into the bone a titanium implant that will later receive a ceramic crown or potentially anchor a bridge restoration.
- Crown preparation – In order for any crowns to be placed on a patient’s natural teeth, existing tooth structure will have to be reduced and shaped to receive the crowns.
- Temporary crown placement – Once the natural teeth needing crowns have been prepared, temporary crowns will be placed to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. These temporary restorations will give the patient time to grow accustomed to their new teeth and will be worn until our lab finishes crafting the permanent ceramic crowns.
- Placement of permanent crowns or other restorations – Once we have back from the lab the patient’s final crowns (or potentially their bridges, veneers, inlays, or overlays), the dentist will remove any temporaries and permanently cement the final restorations to the existing teeth.
- Final photographs – Once patients have completed the entire full-mouth treatment plan, we take photos of the final result. We use these for our own documentation and education purposes, and we may also — with patients’ permission — share them publicly on our website. The before-and-after imagery (like the photos included in this blog) are an excellent way to educate and help prospective full-mouth patients make decisions about moving forward with the treatment.
How Long Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Take?
The duration of the entire process of full-mouth rehabilitation will vary a great deal from person to person based on dental needs, desired outcomes, and other factors like age and budget. There are some patients who complete the entire rehabilitation within two months. Other patients may choose to address different needs over the course of a year or more. Some of the procedures in the process require built-in waiting time. For example, if a bone graft is needed, the healing time can be up to four months before an implant can safely be placed. If orthodontic treatment is needed to move the teeth into proper position, the waiting time could be six months to a year. Whatever your particular dental needs, you can rest assured that you will know how long the process will take when you go over your individualized treatment plan with the dentist.
How Much Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cost?
This question is at the front of most patients’ minds when they schedule their initial consultation. And, as you can guess from what you’ve already read, the answer is dependent upon each individual’s dental needs and desired outcomes. Cost is also determined by what types of treatment are chosen: A patient who chooses dental bridges to replace missing or damaged teeth will pay less than a patient who chooses dental implants for the same replacement. A patient may choose veneers or inlays/overlays over crowns. One thing is certain and consistent: At Bluffside Smiles, you will never be surprised by costs. We will talk you through every step of the process in your treatment plan, alerting you to the various prices of different procedures, explaining how much of the treatment may be picked up by insurance, and helping you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances. Because of the variety factors and potential services involved, it’s difficult to give an average cost for full-mouth rehabilitation. On the lowest end, a patient is looking at a cost of about $15,000. For more extensive work, the cost can run in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. That is, without question, a great deal of money to spend on one’s teeth; but for those who have chosen to go through the process, having their natural smile restored to health is well worth the investment.
Where Can I Learn More About Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
The best resource we can provide is our team, which has a great deal of experience working with patients on their full-mouth treatment plans. For more information on how the process works or questions related to your specific situation, please give our office a call at (608) 788-6939. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you on your way to a fully restored smile! Below are a few more before-and-after photos of full-mouth rehabilitation patients, along with additional web resources on this subject.
Resources
https://artofdentistryinstitute.com/blog/benefits-full-mouth-rehabilitation/
https://www.bostonprosthodontics.com/full-mouth-reconstruction
https://cardinaldentalgroup.com/five-signs-you-need-full-mouth-rehabilitation.html
https://www.gotoapro.org/full-mouth-reconstruction/
- Avoid a Dental Nightmare This Halloween
October 28, 2021
Tricks for Enjoying Your Halloween Treats
The Halloween season provides more opportunities for candy consumption than any other. As dental professionals, we consider ourselves candy experts (both because we know the effects it has on oral health but also because we’re secretly some of the biggest sweet tooths around). While we can’t in good conscience tell you to never eat candy (especially around Halloween), we would like to share some important information that will help you to keep your teeth in the best health possible while enjoying some of the season’s delicious treats. The best way to keep your mouth healthy and still get your candy fix is to eat the right kind of candy in moderation and maintain a great oral hygiene routine. Here’s how.
Not All Candies Are Created Equal
Every different brand of sweet deliciousness has plenty of faithful followers. Whether it be Snickers™, M&M’s™, Skittles™, Starburst™, Laffy Taffy™, or any of the others, we all have a special candy that’s too good to share. Unfortunately, the candies that make your teeth happy might not be the same ones your stomach craves. Ultimately, soft and/or sugar free candy does the least harm to your teeth.
Why Candy Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard all your life that candy is bad for your teeth, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes it so bad? Our dental professionals break it down for you:
- Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. Bacteria are the root cause of nearly every dental problem, and they thrive on the abundance of sugar that candy provides. All food causes some buildup on your teeth. After eating and drinking, little bits of food are left behind in your mouth. Out of all the food we eat, sugar does the worst damage to your teeth. Even healthy foods like milk, bread, and produce contain some natural sugar, but these foods also contain necessary vitamins and nutrients. Eaten in healthy amounts, your body has no problem breaking down the natural sugars with the other food bits on your teeth. The problems begin when you eat food that has more sugar than nutritional value. Without proper nutrition, your body may be unable to fight the bacteria and decay excessive sugar consumption causes in your mouth. The American Heart Association recommends you have no more than 9.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. However, in the U.S. the average adult consumes 22 teaspoons, and the average child consumes 32 teaspoons…every single day! You can imagine how much higher those numbers are when a stockpile of Halloween candy is around.
- Consistency. Candy comes in all shapes and sizes, but because of the common ingredients, candy sticks to your teeth, allowing more plaque to form in more vulnerable areas. Plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating. It is this plaque that damages your tooth enamel: bacteria in your mouth changes the food you eat into acid, eating away at the tooth and forming a cavity. Sticky candies provide the ideal opportunities for these harmful bacteria to thrive, and they make it harder to you to remove them through regular hygiene methods like rinsing and brushing.
- Addictiveness. Candy is designed to override our better judgment and be so irresistible that we eat way too much of it. And it works! Our brains are predisposed to give positive feedback to sugar intake, which can make many sweets as addictive as any other chemical. There have been a number of published studies in recent years that address the addictiveness of sugar. These studies have purported that sugar is just as addictive as drugs like cocaine and heroin. The authors of these studies cite experiments showing that lab rats are just as – and sometimes more – prone to choose sugary treats like Oreos over injections of drugs like morphine when given the choice. This is a direct result of the connection between sugar and dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical produced by our brains. Might not be a pleasant thought, but good to keep in mind when you’re reaching for that fifth candy bar from your kid’s trick-or-treat bag!
The American Dental Association gives us a good summary of the harm that candy poses: When bacteria are left unchecked, they form the sticky, filmy substance we know as plaque. As the plaque sits on your teeth it produces a harmful acid that eats away at them, destroying tooth mineral. Once enough damage has been done, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and a cavity forms. Eating too much candy speeds this process up and paves the way for more damage.
How Can I Enjoy Candy and Still Maintain Good Oral Health?
Candy that is easily chewed and swallowed is best for your teeth. Hard, sticky candies stay on the teeth longer, do more harm, and can disrupt your dental work. It’s not uncommon at all for us to hear from patients who have lost a crown to a sticky treat. This Halloween, your best bet is to pick soft candies or chocolates that can be easily washed away with water (and on that note, don’t compound the problem by drinking sugary soft drinks). And above all, make sure to keep up at least twice-daily brushing and daily flossing throughout this candy-centric season. As mentioned, plaque begins to form in about 20 minutes after eating sugary food, so your best bet is the brush and floss your teeth within that window of time. At the very least, try to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after eating candy.
If you have any questions related to diet and oral health, please give us a call today or ask us at your next visit. And have a very safe and happy Halloween!
References
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/preliminary-report-on-dietary-guidelines-emphasizes-need-for-healthy-eating-habits-including-reduced-added-sugar-consumption
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-candy-survival-guide
https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/sugar-and-dopamine-link-sweets-addiction/ - Avoid a Dental Nightmare This Halloween
October 28, 2021
Tricks for Enjoying Your Halloween Treats
The Halloween season provides more opportunities for candy consumption than any other. As dental professionals, we consider ourselves candy experts (both because we know the effects it has on oral health but also because we’re secretly some of the biggest sweet tooths around). While we can’t in good conscience tell you to never eat candy (especially around Halloween), we would like to share some important information that will help you to keep your teeth in the best health possible while enjoying some of the season’s delicious treats. The best way to keep your mouth healthy and still get your candy fix is to eat the right kind of candy in moderation and maintain a great oral hygiene routine. Here’s how.
Not All Candies Are Created Equal
Every different brand of sweet deliciousness has plenty of faithful followers. Whether it be Snickers™, M&M’s™, Skittles™, Starburst™, Laffy Taffy™, or any of the others, we all have a special candy that’s too good to share. Unfortunately, the candies that make your teeth happy might not be the same ones your stomach craves. Ultimately, soft and/or sugar free candy does the least harm to your teeth.
Why Candy Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard all your life that candy is bad for your teeth, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes it so bad? Our dental professionals break it down for you:
- Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. Bacteria are the root cause of nearly every dental problem, and they thrive on the abundance of sugar that candy provides. All food causes some buildup on your teeth. After eating and drinking, little bits of food are left behind in your mouth. Out of all the food we eat, sugar does the worst damage to your teeth. Even healthy foods like milk, bread, and produce contain some natural sugar, but these foods also contain necessary vitamins and nutrients. Eaten in healthy amounts, your body has no problem breaking down the natural sugars with the other food bits on your teeth. The problems begin when you eat food that has more sugar than nutritional value. Without proper nutrition, your body may be unable to fight the bacteria and decay excessive sugar consumption causes in your mouth. The American Heart Association recommends you have no more than 9.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. However, in the U.S. the average adult consumes 22 teaspoons, and the average child consumes 32 teaspoons…every single day! You can imagine how much higher those numbers are when a stockpile of Halloween candy is around.
- Consistency. Candy comes in all shapes and sizes, but because of the common ingredients, candy sticks to your teeth, allowing more plaque to form in more vulnerable areas. Plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating. It is this plaque that damages your tooth enamel: bacteria in your mouth changes the food you eat into acid, eating away at the tooth and forming a cavity. Sticky candies provide the ideal opportunities for these harmful bacteria to thrive, and they make it harder to you to remove them through regular hygiene methods like rinsing and brushing.
- Addictiveness. Candy is designed to override our better judgment and be so irresistible that we eat way too much of it. And it works! Our brains are predisposed to give positive feedback to sugar intake, which can make many sweets as addictive as any other chemical. There have been a number of published studies in recent years that address the addictiveness of sugar. These studies have purported that sugar is just as addictive as drugs like cocaine and heroin. The authors of these studies cite experiments showing that lab rats are just as – and sometimes more – prone to choose sugary treats like Oreos over injections of drugs like morphine when given the choice. This is a direct result of the connection between sugar and dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical produced by our brains. Might not be a pleasant thought, but good to keep in mind when you’re reaching for that fifth candy bar from your kid’s trick-or-treat bag!
The American Dental Association gives us a good summary of the harm that candy poses: When bacteria are left unchecked, they form the sticky, filmy substance we know as plaque. As the plaque sits on your teeth it produces a harmful acid that eats away at them, destroying tooth mineral. Once enough damage has been done, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and a cavity forms. Eating too much candy speeds up this process and paves the way for more damage.
How Can I Enjoy Candy and Still Maintain Good Oral Health?
Candy that is easily chewed and swallowed is best for your teeth. Hard, sticky candies stay on the teeth longer, do more harm, and can disrupt your dental work. It’s not uncommon at all for us to hear from patients who have lost a crown to a sticky treat. This Halloween, your best bet is to pick soft candies or chocolates that can be easily washed away with water (and on that note, don’t compound the problem by drinking sugary soft drinks). And above all, make sure to keep up at least twice-daily brushing and daily flossing throughout this candy-centric season. As mentioned, plaque begins to form in about 20 minutes after eating sugary food, so your best bet is to brush and floss your teeth within that window of time. At the very least, try to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after eating candy.
If you have any questions related to diet and oral health, please give us a call today at 608-788-6939, or ask us at your next visit. And have a very safe and happy Halloween!
References:
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/preliminary-report-on-dietary-guidelines-emphasizes-need-for-healthy-eating-habits-including-reduced-added-sugar-consumption
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-candy-survival-guide
https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/sugar-and-dopamine-link-sweets-addiction/ - Your Teeth at Their Best & Brightest
October 4, 2021
Teeth Whitening
The Basics
There are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpastes and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. However, they are effective at removing surface stains. On the other hand, gel trays and whitening strips can produce some serious whitening in days or weeks.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are made from a flexible plastic material called polyethylene. Each strip is coated with hydrogen and/or carbamide peroxide and an adhesive to keep the strips in place. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes as it comes in contact with your teeth, which bleaches teeth, making the surface whiter. Carbamide peroxide works the exact same way but has an acid that breaks up stains as well. Treatment times vary from brand to brand, but the average whitening strip package comes with 28 strips, for two weeks of whitening (one per night per row of teeth). Usually, the directions instruct you to wear the strips for about half an hour before going to bed. Most people who try whitening strips notice a significant improvement in the whiteness of their teeth. However, they are not effective on tetracycline (antibiotic) or fluorosis (fluoride poisoning) stains, and they will not change the color of dental restorations.
Gel Trays | Professional Whitening
Although they are more expensive, professional whitening treatments are much more effective, safer, and can usually be done in one or two office visits. Apart from in-office professional whitening, there are currently many gel tray whitening products that can be purchased over the counter. All of these products essentially use trays that are filled with a bleaching agent that removes stains on the teeth. Whether it’s at home or in the dental office, the basic process is the same: The teeth bleaching gel contains an ingredient that opens the pores in the tooth which allows the active bleaching agent to seep through these holes in the enamel into the dentin of the tooth. The oxygen molecules from the bleaching gel contacts the discolored particles latched to the tooth, which causes them to break away and exposes the tooth’s natural color. In some cases, an LED light works with a whitening gel as a catalyst to speed up the whitening reaction. One advantage of professional whitening in the dental office setting is our team can create a custom tray that perfectly fits your tooth structure and ensures the greatest possible whitening effect.
Everyday Tips for Naturally Whiter Teeth
Regular dental care through brushing and flossing remains your best tool for maintaining a brighter smile, in addition to its benefits of protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially effective when paired with dental-friendly diet and lifestyle choices. Many people realize that a whiter smile can be maintained by avoiding excessive contact with candy, coffee, tea (black teas can stain teeth worse than coffee), soft drinks, wine (both red and white have staining effects), tomato-based sauces, certain berries, and tobacco products. What many people don’t realize is that there are some tooth-friendly foods out there that will actually help you maintain a bright, healthy smile and can even naturally whiten your teeth. Here are just a few:
- Fruits such as apples and strawberries contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth and whitens enamel. Strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain ellagitannins—antioxidants that are known to reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. Additionally, apples—along with celery, carrots and pears—have a high water content. This increases production of saliva, which washes away stain-producing bacteria in the mouth.
- Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Guess where else we can find bromelain? In stain-removing toothpaste! Bromelain is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
- Broccoli, seeds and nuts, and (yet again) apples, scrub your teeth and naturally remove bacteria and plaque. Eat these foods in the afternoons to clean and polish your teeth, giving them a brief midday brush. What’s more, broccoli is high in fiber and iron, resulting in a lower risk of inflammation in your mouth and greater protection against enamel-degrading acids produced by bacteria.
- Cheese and milk are full of calcium, which we all know is very good for teeth and bones. Calcium, as well as other minerals and proteins found in dairy products, protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay. They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee, wine, or beets would.
Here are a few more everyday tips to help you keep your teeth looking their brightest:
- If you are going to drink coffee, tea, or any other potentially teeth-staining beverage, limit how long they’re lingering in your mouth. It can be nice to really enjoy that first cup in the morning or to savor that great red wine you’re pairing with dinner, but swallowing quickly rather than sipping slowly can effectively mitigate the staining effects of these beverages.
- Brushing your teeth right after coffee, tea, soda, or wine can actually do harm to your tooth enamel, which could’ve been weakened by the acids from these drinks. Try first rinsing your mouth with water – which will neutralize some of the acidity from those beverage – before going on to brush. The same thing applies after you eat an acidic meal: rinsing first is always a good idea.
- Replace energy drinks – especially those containing sugars – with water for your workouts and activities.
- When possible, go with a straw (consider getting a reusable one) in your potentially stain-causing beverage. The delivery method of the straw ensures that hardly any of the liquid will come in contact with your teeth, especially your front teeth.
Contact Us
For more information on teeth whitening or to set up an appointment for a profession in-office or take-home whitening treatment, please call us at (608) 783-6384.
Resources
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-safely-use-a-tooth-whitening-gel-at-home
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/cosmetic/whitening/led/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/do-whitening-strips-damage-teeth.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_bleaching
http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/HOD_whitening_rpt.pdf
http://www.3dwhite.com/teeth-whitening/teeth-whitening-safety/teeth-whitening-side-effects.aspx
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/bleaching_risks.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5807678/black_tongue_the_strange_side_effects.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1221843/White-wine-rots-teeth–brushing-makes-worse.html?ITO=1490
http://www.pepto-bismol.com/common-questions
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teethThe content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
- Your Teeth at Their Best & Brightest
October 4, 2021
Teeth Whitening
The Basics
There are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpastes and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. However, they are effective at removing surface stains. On the other hand, gel trays and whitening strips can produce some serious whitening in days or weeks.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are made from a flexible plastic material called polyethylene. Each strip is coated with hydrogen and/or carbamide peroxide and an adhesive to keep the strips in place. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes as it comes in contact with your teeth, which bleaches teeth, making the surface whiter. Carbamide peroxide works the exact same way but has an acid that breaks up stains as well. Treatment times vary from brand to brand, but the average whitening strip package comes with 28 strips, for two weeks of whitening (one per night per row of teeth). Usually, the directions instruct you to wear the strips for about half an hour before going to bed. Most people who try whitening strips notice a significant improvement in the whiteness of their teeth. However, they are not effective on tetracycline (antibiotic) or fluorosis (fluoride poisoning) stains, and they will not change the color of dental restorations.
Gel Trays | Professional Whitening
Although they are more expensive, professional whitening treatments are much more effective, safer, and can usually be done in one or two office visits. Apart from in-office professional whitening, there are currently many gel tray whitening products that can be purchased over the counter. All of these products essentially use trays that are filled with a bleaching agent that removes stains on the teeth. Whether it’s at home or in the dental office, the basic process is the same: The teeth bleaching gel contains an ingredient that opens the pores in the tooth which allows the active bleaching agent to seep through these holes in the enamel into the dentin of the tooth. The oxygen molecules from the bleaching gel contacts the discolored particles latched to the tooth, which causes them to break away and exposes the tooth’s natural color. In some cases, an LED light works with a whitening gel as a catalyst to speed up the whitening reaction. One advantage of professional whitening in the dental office setting is our team can create a custom tray that perfectly fits your tooth structure and ensures the greatest possible whitening effect.
Everyday Tips for Naturally Whiter Teeth
Regular dental care through brushing and flossing remains your best tool for maintaining a brighter smile, in addition to its benefits of protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially effective when paired with dental-friendly diet and lifestyle choices. Many people realize that a whiter smile can be maintained by avoiding excessive contact with candy, coffee, tea (black teas can stain teeth worse than coffee), soft drinks, wine (both red and white have staining effects), tomato-based sauces, certain berries, and tobacco products. What many people don’t realize is that there are some tooth-friendly foods out there that will actually help you maintain a bright, healthy smile and can even naturally whiten your teeth. Here are just a few:
- Fruits such as apples and strawberries contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth and whitens enamel. Strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain ellagitannins—antioxidants that are known to reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. Additionally, apples—along with celery, carrots and pears—have a high water content. This increases production of saliva, which washes away stain-producing bacteria in the mouth.
- Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Guess where else we can find bromelain? In stain-removing toothpaste! Bromelain is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
- Broccoli, seeds and nuts, and (yet again) apples, scrub your teeth and naturally remove bacteria and plaque. Eat these foods in the afternoons to clean and polish your teeth, giving them a brief midday brush. What’s more, broccoli is high in fiber and iron, resulting in a lower risk of inflammation in your mouth and greater protection against enamel-degrading acids produced by bacteria.
- Cheese and milk are full of calcium, which we all know is very good for teeth and bones. Calcium, as well as other minerals and proteins found in dairy products, protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay. They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee, wine, or beets would.
Here are a few more everyday tips to help you keep your teeth looking their brightest:
- If you are going to drink coffee, tea, or any other potentially teeth-staining beverage, limit how long they’re lingering in your mouth. It can be nice to really enjoy that first cup in the morning or to savor that great red wine you’re pairing with dinner, but swallowing quickly rather than sipping slowly can effectively mitigate the staining effects of these beverages.
- Brushing your teeth right after coffee, tea, soda, or wine can actually do harm to your tooth enamel, which could’ve been weakened by the acids from these drinks. Try first rinsing your mouth with water – which will neutralize some of the acidity from those beverage – before going on to brush. The same thing applies after you eat an acidic meal: rinsing first is always a good idea.
- Replace energy drinks – especially those containing sugars – with water for your workouts and activities.
- When possible, go with a straw (consider getting a reusable one) in your potentially stain-causing beverage. The delivery method of the straw ensures that hardly any of the liquid will come in contact with your teeth, especially your front teeth.
Contact Us
For more information on teeth whitening or to set up an appointment with one of our Bluffside Smiles dentists for a profession in-office or take-home whitening treatment, please call us at (608) 788-6939.
Resources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-safely-use-a-tooth-whitening-gel-at-home
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/cosmetic/whitening/led/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/do-whitening-strips-damage-teeth.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_bleaching
http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/HOD_whitening_rpt.pdf
http://www.3dwhite.com/teeth-whitening/teeth-whitening-safety/teeth-whitening-side-effects.aspx
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/bleaching_risks.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5807678/black_tongue_the_strange_side_effects.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1221843/White-wine-rots-teeth–brushing-makes-worse.html?ITO=1490
http://www.pepto-bismol.com/common-questions
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teethThe content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
- Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth
September 29, 2021Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the molars in the far back of your mouth, are nicknamed for the fact that they appear by the time you are finally mature (and presumably wise;). Whether or not these molars cause you problems is hard to predict, but if you’re experiencing some specific pain in your gums and jaw, you may be wondering if you have impacted wisdom teeth. At Onalaska Smiles, we take care of wisdom teeth from all around the Coulee Region. Let us tell you more about impacted wisdom teeth and what to do if you have them.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars you’ll get. They usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old, though some people’s wisdom teeth won’t come until much later, if at all. As with all teeth, wisdom teeth are expected to break through the gums and become totally visible when they emerge. However, in some situations, wisdom teeth stay deep in the jawbone or never break through your gums. In this case, the wisdom teeth are impacted.
Have you ever tried to shove one last book onto an already-full bookshelf? When your last set of teeth comes into an already-full mouth, it’s a similar situation. There simply may not be enough room for them and they may stay impacted under the gums.
Another reason a wisdom tooth may be impacted is if it grows in sideways or twisted and headed straight into another tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause problems such as:
• Pressure on teeth so your bite becomes misaligned
• Pain and dysfunction in your mouth and jaw
• Inflammation and extra plaque buildup on a partially impacted tooth (if some, but not all of the tooth breaks through the gum)Some dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth early to avoid any problems altogether. Early removal also usually means easier recovery.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in or stay impacted without a single hitch. However, if you are experiencing any of these problems, you may have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be treated:
• Irritated, red, swollen gums in the far back of the mouth
• Discomfort opening your mouth
• Jaw pain keeping you up at night
• Bad breath
• Bad taste when biting down
• FeverHow to Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Our dentist will confirm whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth by looking into your mouth and also taking X-rays. The teeth may not need to be removed or extracted, in which case you can take pain medicine and use some warm saltwater rinse to soothe your gums. If an impacted tooth is causing problems for the rest of your mouth or jaw, it’s likely the dentist will want to surgically remove it—this is called extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction can leave your mouth sore for a few days, so you may need to take time off work or school and eat only safe, soft foods.
If you think you have impacted wisdom teeth, or if you have any other questions, Onalaska Smiles would love to see you soon! Call us today at (608) 783-6384 to be proactive about your oral health. Now that’s a wise decision.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
- Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth
September 29, 2021Blog
Recent Posts
- Rootless Fears: Root Canal Therapy Gets a Bad Rap
May 11, 2022Root Canal Therapy
“Worse Than a Root Canal”
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely heard someone compare the pain they’ve felt to the pain of a root canal. Before many people are likely old enough to even need a root canal, they’ve already formed an opinion about this treatment as something excruciating and to be avoided at all costs. While we do recommend avoiding the need for root canal therapy altogether, we can attest that this treatment in no way deserves its bad reputation, and we’d like to take a moment on this National Root Canal Appreciation Day to dispel those misconceptions.
Just What Is a Root Canal?
What most people refer to as a root canal is an endodontic treatment in which the infected pulp and nerve in the root of a tooth are removed, the root canal is cleaned out, the space is filled, and the tooth is sealed and crowned to restore the tooth to healthy function. Because this treatment preserves your natural tooth structure and bite, it’s much preferred to extraction whenever possible. Despite the bad publicity around the treatment, it functions to immediately alleviate tooth pain caused by rampant infection and often abscess at the tooth’s root. This helpful graphic shows the series of steps the dentist or an endodontist will take in preserving a tooth using root canal therapy.
What Causes a Patient to Need Root Canal Therapy?
There are numerous factors that can play into the kind of deep infection of a tooth that requires endodontic treatment. Oftentimes it is highly preventable tooth decay that makes its way to the pulp and roots of a tooth. In other cases, a patient has had multiple procedures done on a tooth that over time have led to the susceptibility of that tooth’s core to infection. Sometimes a chip, crack, or other injury to a tooth can lead to deep infection. There are even cases when a tooth has no visible signs of damage or decay, but a trauma has lead to pulp damage that necessitates root canal therapy.
What Are the Signs I Need Root Canal Therapy?
With regular dental visits, your hygienists and dentist will often be able to head off instances of deep infection and hopefully address the issue before root canal therapy is needed. But there are times when an infection flares up quite suddenly, and it’s good to know the warning signs so you can alert our office right away. Here are some of the most common conditions associated with infection of a tooth’s pulp and roots:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Sharp, severe pain when chewing or biting down
- Tender and/or swollen gums
- Abnormal bulging or formation of pimples on the gums
- Darkening or decay of the gums
- Keen tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
While none of these conditions is a certain indication that root canal therapy is needed, you should always alert us to them right away: Acting quickly can help to avoid further damage, infection, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) endodontic treatment.
Seriously, Will It Hurt?
If you had root canal treatment before modern techniques and anesthetics, it might’ve lived up to its reputation as a painful procedure. Today, however, most patients who undergo the treatment describe it as being relatively painless. We take great care to ensure our patients are fully numb and remain fully numb when a root canal (or any procedure) is performed. Progressing deliberately and skillfully and seeking constant feedback, your provider will keep you as free from pain as any other dental treatment. Many patients claim that root canal therapy was much more comfortable for them than fillings.
How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment will vary a good deal depending on the level of infection, the complexity of the case, and the tooth in need of repair. For example, molars are generally more difficult to treat, and the cost therefore tends to more. Broadly speaking, root canal is a much more cost-effective treatment than tooth extraction and replacement, since a bridge or implant will be called for to replace an infected tooth that’s extracted. Everyone’s situation is different, but our office will always be completely transparent and up-front when it comes to costs. For a little perspective, though: As of 2021, the average cost for root canal therapy for a front tooth was around $900, the average cost for a bicuspid was around $1,000, and the average cost for a molar was about $1,600.
References
http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx
http://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
- Rootless Fears: Root Canal Therapy Gets a Bad Rap
May 11, 2022Root Canal Therapy
“Worse Than a Root Canal”
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely heard someone compare the pain they’ve felt to the pain of a root canal. Before many people are likely old enough to even need a root canal, they’ve already formed an opinion about this treatment as something excruciating and to be avoided at all costs. While we do recommend avoiding the need for root canal therapy altogether, we can attest that this treatment in no way deserves its bad reputation, and we’d like to take a moment on this National Root Canal Appreciation Day to dispel those misconceptions.
Just What Is a Root Canal?
What most people refer to as a root canal is an endodontic treatment in which the infected pulp and nerve in the root of a tooth are removed, the root canal is cleaned out, the space is filled, and the tooth is sealed and crowned to restore the tooth to healthy function. Because this treatment preserves your natural tooth structure and bite, it’s much preferred to extraction whenever possible. Despite the bad publicity around the treatment, it functions to immediately alleviate tooth pain caused by rampant infection and often abscess at the tooth’s root. This helpful graphic shows the series of steps the dentist or an endodontist will take in preserving a tooth using root canal therapy.
What Causes a Patient to Need Root Canal Therapy?
There are numerous factors that can play into the kind of deep infection of a tooth that requires endodontic treatment. Oftentimes it is highly preventable tooth decay that makes its way to the pulp and roots of a tooth. In other cases, a patient has had multiple procedures done on a tooth that over time have led to the susceptibility of that tooth’s core to infection. Sometimes a chip, crack, or other injury to a tooth can lead to deep infection. There are even cases when a tooth has no visible signs of damage or decay, but a trauma has lead to pulp damage that necessitates root canal therapy.
What Are the Signs I Need Root Canal Therapy?
With regular dental visits, your hygienists and dentist will often be able to head off instances of deep infection and hopefully address the issue before root canal therapy is needed. But there are times when an infection flares up quite suddenly, and it’s good to know the warning signs so you can alert our office right away. Here are some of the most common conditions associated with infection of a tooth’s pulp and roots:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Sharp, severe pain when chewing or biting down
- Tender and/or swollen gums
- Abnormal bulging or formation of pimples on the gums
- Darkening or decay of the gums
- Keen tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
While none of these conditions is a certain indication that root canal therapy is needed, you should always alert us to them right away: Acting quickly can help to avoid further damage, infection, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) endodontic treatment.
Seriously, Will It Hurt?
If you had root canal treatment before modern techniques and anesthetics, it might’ve lived up to its reputation as a painful procedure. Today, however, most patients who undergo the treatment describe it as being relatively painless. We take great care to ensure our patients are fully numb and remain fully numb when a root canal (or any procedure) is performed. Progressing deliberately and skillfully and seeking constant feedback, your provider will keep you as free from pain as any other dental treatment. Many patients claim that root canal therapy was much more comfortable for them than fillings.
How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment will vary a good deal depending on the level of infection, the complexity of the case, and the tooth in need of repair. For example, molars are generally more difficult to treat, and the cost therefore tends to more. Broadly speaking, root canal is a much more cost-effective treatment than tooth extraction and replacement, since a bridge or implant will be called for to replace an infected tooth that’s extracted. Everyone’s situation is different, but our office will always be completely transparent and up-front when it comes to costs. For a little perspective, though: As of 2021, the average cost for root canal therapy for a front tooth was around $900, the average cost for a bicuspid was around $1,000, and the average cost for a molar was about $1,600.
References
http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx
http://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
- Restoring Your Smile to Health
February 2, 2022Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
There comes a time for many people when traditional methods of tooth restoration are no longer viable. The impairment of the natural teeth has crossed a threshold where fillings are impossible or imprudent. In these cases, many people choose dentures, usually due to their comparatively low cost. For others, a welcome alternative to dentures is full-mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called full-mouth restoration or full-mouth reconstruction), which in the broadest sense is using multiple advanced restorative techniques to rebuild your natural, healthy smile. Onalaska Smiles is proud to offer this service to our Onalaska and greater Coulee Region communities.
Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
Our office stands by its commitment to never try to “upsell” or strong-arm patients into treatments. We never want anyone to feel that they’re being railroaded when it comes to any procedure, especially one that involves a significant investment of time and money. That’s part of the reason why we created this blog article: We want our patients to be informed of every option and to have a clear understanding of the treatments we might recommend for them. Transparency and clear communication are central to how we do dentistry, and candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation can rest assured that from your first consultation to the very last appointment, you will know what’s going on with your treatment plan in terms of services provided and the costs they entail. In the end, whether our patients choose dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation (or some other treatment option), we will always provide them with the same personalized care and everything they need to make the best decision for themselves.
That said, there are several reasons why people seek out full-mouth rehabilitation. Here are the most common:
- Decay of teeth – Many candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation have experienced extensive tooth decay, sometimes through poor dental hygiene habits and diet, but sometimes as a result of things like medications or genetic/hereditary factors.
- Wearing down of teeth – Many of our full-mouth candidates have suffered from an erosion of their tooth enamel because of persistent grinding, acid reflux, or simply years of use.
- Damage or trauma to the teeth – Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the teeth will often bring about the need for an overhaul of the bite and smile.
- Persistent problems with the jaw and/or tooth alignment – Often full-mouth rehabilitation is sought out when there’s a misalignment of the jaw and/or teeth, which can lead to tooth damage, ongoing headaches, and muscle pain.
While there are other reasons for seeking out full-mouth rehabilitation, candidates most commonly have one of these four issues.
What’s the Process for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
No two patients will ever have exactly the same experience with full-mouth rehabilitation. At our office, a central guiding principle is providing personalized care, whatever the service being provided. We want to know you and your thoughts well before we begin on any treatment plan. But every patient who decides to embark on full-mouth rehabilitation can expect similar things from the overall experience.
- Consultation with the dentist – You’ll start off by being scheduled for an appointment to meet with the providing doctor to discuss your situation, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and oral health, answer any questions you might have, and begin the steps for a treatment plan going forward. There are situations where you might meet with the dentist only to discuss the full-mouth treatment and then return for the thorough examination at a second appointment.
- X-rays and impressions of your teeth – To carry out any full-mouth rehabilitation treatment plan, you will need to have current X-rays, along with a 3D scan and/or impressions taken of your bite.
- Initial photographs – We’ll also take photos of your teeth at this time — not only do we love to be able to show you the wonderful before-and-after imagery at the end of the treatment, the photos will help guide things like alignment of the teeth and coloring of any crowns.
- Finalized treatment plan – Once our dentist has all the information needed on the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums and bone structure, the alignment of your jaw, and the appearance of your smile from an aesthetic standpoint, a step-by-step treatment plan will be created to guide the rest of the process. As alluded to above, no two treatment plans will ever be the same, and they will factor in your specific needs and desires for the final outcome. Costs and time commitments will be made clear, and any further questions will be answered.
- Rehabilitative procedures – These procedures will obviously vary from patient to patient, depending on their specific needs. Some patients undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation might only need two or three from the following list, where others will require many or all of the services. All of these procedures will have been discussed with the patient ahead of time and integrated into the unique treatment plan.
- Teeth cleaning/periodontal care – The first procedure most full-mouth patients will undergo ensures that natural teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before moving forward.
- Crown lengthening – In order for crowns (or possibly bridges) to be placed on those teeth that need them, healthy tooth structure may have to be exposed.
- Gum contouring – In addition to crown lengthening, patients’ gums may need to be shaped to present their most symmetrical and healthiest looking smile.
- Orthodontics – Our dentist may recommend Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments to help address bite issues and move the patient’s teeth into the optimal position for restoration.
- Bone grafting – If patients opt for dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth, bone grafts are sometimes required to provide enough stability and structure for the implant to be anchored properly.
- Dental implant placement – Using 3D imagery of the patient’s mouth and jaw, our dentist will create a guide and anchor into the bone a titanium implant that will later receive a ceramic crown or potentially anchor a bridge restoration.
- Crown preparation – In order for any crowns to be placed on a patient’s natural teeth, existing tooth structure will have to be reduced and shaped to receive the crowns.
- Temporary crown placement – Once the natural teeth needing crowns have been prepared, temporary crowns will be placed to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. These temporary restorations will give the patient time to grow accustomed to their new teeth and will be worn until our lab finishes crafting the permanent ceramic crowns.
- Placement of permanent crowns or other restorations – Once we have back from the lab the patient’s final crowns (or potentially their bridges, veneers, inlays, or overlays), the dentist will remove any temporaries and permanently cement the final restorations to the existing teeth.
- Final photographs – Once patients have completed the entire full-mouth treatment plan, we take photos of the final result. We use these for our own documentation and education purposes, and we may also — with patients’ permission — share them publicly on our website. The before-and-after imagery (like the photos included in this blog) are an excellent way to educate and help prospective full-mouth patients make decisions about moving forward with the treatment.
How Long Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Take?
The duration of the entire process of full-mouth rehabilitation will vary a great deal from person to person based on dental needs, desired outcomes, and other factors like age and budget. There are some patients who complete the entire rehabilitation within two months. Other patients may choose to address different needs over the course of a year or more. Some of the procedures in the process require built-in waiting time. For example, if a bone graft is needed, the healing time can be up to four months before an implant can safely be placed. If orthodontic treatment is needed to move the teeth into proper position, the waiting time could be six months to a year. Whatever your particular dental needs, you can rest assured that you will know how long the process will take when you go over your individualized treatment plan with the dentist.
How Much Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cost?
This question is at the front of most patients’ minds when they schedule their initial consultation. And, as you can guess from what you’ve already read, the answer is dependent upon each individual’s dental needs and desired outcomes. Cost is also determined by what types of treatment are chosen: A patient who chooses dental bridges to replace missing or damaged teeth will pay less than a patient who chooses dental implants for the same replacement. A patient may choose veneers or inlays/overlays over crowns. One thing is certain and consistent: At Onalaska Smiles, you will never be surprised by costs. We will talk you through every step of the process in your treatment plan, alerting you to the various prices of different procedures, explaining how much of the treatment may be picked up by insurance, and helping you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances. Because of the variety factors and potential services involved, it’s difficult to give an average cost for full-mouth rehabilitation. On the lowest end, a patient is looking at a cost of about $15,000. For more extensive work, the cost can run in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. That is, without question, a great deal of money to spend on one’s teeth; but for those who have chosen to go through the process, having their natural smile restored to health is well worth the investment.
Where Can I Learn More About Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
The best resource we can provide is our team, which has a great deal of experience working with patients on their full-mouth treatment plans. For more information on how the process works or questions related to your specific situation, please give our office a call at (608) 783-6384. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you on your way to a fully restored smile! Below are a few more before-and-after photos of full-mouth rehabilitation patients, along with additional web resources on this subject.
Resources
https://artofdentistryinstitute.com/blog/benefits-full-mouth-rehabilitation/
https://www.bostonprosthodontics.com/full-mouth-reconstruction
https://cardinaldentalgroup.com/five-signs-you-need-full-mouth-rehabilitation.html
https://www.gotoapro.org/full-mouth-reconstruction/
- Restoring Your Smile to Health
February 1, 2022Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
There comes a time for many people when traditional methods of tooth restoration are no longer viable. The impairment of the natural teeth has crossed a threshold where fillings are impossible or imprudent. In these cases, many people choose dentures, usually due to their comparatively low cost. For others, a welcome alternative to dentures is full-mouth rehabilitation (sometimes called full-mouth restoration or full-mouth reconstruction), which in the broadest sense is using multiple advanced restorative techniques to rebuild your natural, healthy smile. Bluffside Smiles is proud to offer this service to our La Crosse and Greater Coulee communities.
Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
Our office stands by its commitment to never try to “upsell” or strong-arm patients into treatments. We never want anyone to feel that they’re being railroaded when it comes to any procedure, especially one that involves a significant investment of time and money. That’s part of the reason why we created this blog article: We want our patients to be informed of every option and to have a clear understanding of the treatments we might recommend for them. Transparency and clear communication are central to how we do dentistry, and candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation can rest assured that from your first consultation to the very last appointment, you will know what’s going on with your treatment plan in terms of services provided and the costs they entail. In the end, whether our patients choose dentures or full-mouth rehabilitation (or some other treatment option), we will always provide them with the same personalized care and everything they need to make the best decision for themselves.
That said, there are several reasons why people seek out full-mouth rehabilitation. Here are the most common:
- Decay of teeth – Many candidates for full-mouth rehabilitation have experienced extensive tooth decay, sometimes through poor dental hygiene habits and diet, but sometimes as a result of things like medications or genetic/hereditary factors.
- Wearing down of teeth – Many of our full-mouth candidates have suffered from an erosion of their tooth enamel because of persistent grinding, acid reflux, or simply years of use.
- Damage or trauma to the teeth – Accidents, sports injuries, or other impacts to the teeth will often bring about the need for an overhaul of the bite and smile.
- Persistent problems with the jaw and/or tooth alignment – Often full-mouth rehabilitation is sought out when there’s a misalignment of the jaw and/or teeth, which can lead to tooth damage, ongoing headaches, and muscle pain.
While there are other reasons for seeking out full-mouth rehabilitation, candidates most commonly have one of these four issues.
What’s the Process for Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
No two patients will ever have exactly the same experience with full-mouth rehabilitation. At our office, a central guiding principle is providing personalized care, whatever the service being provided. We want to know you and your thoughts well before we begin on any treatment plan. But every patient who decides to embark on full-mouth rehabilitation can expect similar things from the overall experience.
- Consultation with the dentist – You’ll start off by being scheduled for an appointment to meet with the providing doctor to discuss your situation, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and oral health, answer any questions you might have, and begin the steps for a treatment plan going forward. There are situations where you might meet with the dentist only to discuss the full-mouth treatment and then return for the thorough examination at a second appointment.
- X-rays and impressions of your teeth – To carry out any full-mouth rehabilitation treatment plan, you will need to have current X-rays, along with a 3D scan and/or impressions taken of your bite.
- Initial photographs – We’ll also take photos of your teeth at this time — not only do we love to be able to show you the wonderful before-and-after imagery at the end of the treatment, the photos will help guide things like alignment of the teeth and coloring of any crowns.
- Finalized treatment plan – Once our dentist has all the information needed on the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums and bone structure, the alignment of your jaw, and the appearance of your smile from an aesthetic standpoint, a step-by-step treatment plan will be created to guide the rest of the process. As alluded to above, no two treatment plans will ever be the same, and they will factor in your specific needs and desires for the final outcome. Costs and time commitments will be made clear, and any further questions will be answered.
- Rehabilitative procedures – These procedures will obviously vary from patient to patient, depending on their specific needs. Some patients undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation might only need two or three from the following list, where others will require many or all of the services. All of these procedures will have been discussed with the patient ahead of time and integrated into the unique treatment plan.
- Teeth cleaning/periodontal care – The first procedure most full-mouth patients will undergo ensures that natural teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before moving forward.
- Crown lengthening – In order for crowns (or possibly bridges) to be placed on those teeth that need them, healthy tooth structure may have to be exposed.
- Gum contouring – In addition to crown lengthening, patients’ gums may need to be shaped to present their most symmetrical and healthiest looking smile.
- Orthodontics – Our dentist may recommend Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments to help address bite issues and move the patient’s teeth into the optimal position for restoration.
- Bone grafting – If patients opt for dental implants to replace damaged or missing teeth, bone grafts are sometimes required to provide enough stability and structure for the implant to be anchored properly.
- Dental implant placement – Using 3D imagery of the patient’s mouth and jaw, our dentist will create a guide and anchor into the bone a titanium implant that will later receive a ceramic crown or potentially anchor a bridge restoration.
- Crown preparation – In order for any crowns to be placed on a patient’s natural teeth, existing tooth structure will have to be reduced and shaped to receive the crowns.
- Temporary crown placement – Once the natural teeth needing crowns have been prepared, temporary crowns will be placed to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. These temporary restorations will give the patient time to grow accustomed to their new teeth and will be worn until our lab finishes crafting the permanent ceramic crowns.
- Placement of permanent crowns or other restorations – Once we have back from the lab the patient’s final crowns (or potentially their bridges, veneers, inlays, or overlays), the dentist will remove any temporaries and permanently cement the final restorations to the existing teeth.
- Final photographs – Once patients have completed the entire full-mouth treatment plan, we take photos of the final result. We use these for our own documentation and education purposes, and we may also — with patients’ permission — share them publicly on our website. The before-and-after imagery (like the photos included in this blog) are an excellent way to educate and help prospective full-mouth patients make decisions about moving forward with the treatment.
How Long Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Take?
The duration of the entire process of full-mouth rehabilitation will vary a great deal from person to person based on dental needs, desired outcomes, and other factors like age and budget. There are some patients who complete the entire rehabilitation within two months. Other patients may choose to address different needs over the course of a year or more. Some of the procedures in the process require built-in waiting time. For example, if a bone graft is needed, the healing time can be up to four months before an implant can safely be placed. If orthodontic treatment is needed to move the teeth into proper position, the waiting time could be six months to a year. Whatever your particular dental needs, you can rest assured that you will know how long the process will take when you go over your individualized treatment plan with the dentist.
How Much Does Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Cost?
This question is at the front of most patients’ minds when they schedule their initial consultation. And, as you can guess from what you’ve already read, the answer is dependent upon each individual’s dental needs and desired outcomes. Cost is also determined by what types of treatment are chosen: A patient who chooses dental bridges to replace missing or damaged teeth will pay less than a patient who chooses dental implants for the same replacement. A patient may choose veneers or inlays/overlays over crowns. One thing is certain and consistent: At Bluffside Smiles, you will never be surprised by costs. We will talk you through every step of the process in your treatment plan, alerting you to the various prices of different procedures, explaining how much of the treatment may be picked up by insurance, and helping you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances. Because of the variety factors and potential services involved, it’s difficult to give an average cost for full-mouth rehabilitation. On the lowest end, a patient is looking at a cost of about $15,000. For more extensive work, the cost can run in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. That is, without question, a great deal of money to spend on one’s teeth; but for those who have chosen to go through the process, having their natural smile restored to health is well worth the investment.
Where Can I Learn More About Full-Mouth Rehabilitation?
The best resource we can provide is our team, which has a great deal of experience working with patients on their full-mouth treatment plans. For more information on how the process works or questions related to your specific situation, please give our office a call at (608) 788-6939. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you on your way to a fully restored smile! Below are a few more before-and-after photos of full-mouth rehabilitation patients, along with additional web resources on this subject.
Resources
https://artofdentistryinstitute.com/blog/benefits-full-mouth-rehabilitation/
https://www.bostonprosthodontics.com/full-mouth-reconstruction
https://cardinaldentalgroup.com/five-signs-you-need-full-mouth-rehabilitation.html
https://www.gotoapro.org/full-mouth-reconstruction/
- Avoid a Dental Nightmare This Halloween
October 28, 2021Tricks for Enjoying Your Halloween Treats
The Halloween season provides more opportunities for candy consumption than any other. As dental professionals, we consider ourselves candy experts (both because we know the effects it has on oral health but also because we’re secretly some of the biggest sweet tooths around). While we can’t in good conscience tell you to never eat candy (especially around Halloween), we would like to share some important information that will help you to keep your teeth in the best health possible while enjoying some of the season’s delicious treats. The best way to keep your mouth healthy and still get your candy fix is to eat the right kind of candy in moderation and maintain a great oral hygiene routine. Here’s how.
Not All Candies Are Created Equal
Every different brand of sweet deliciousness has plenty of faithful followers. Whether it be Snickers™, M&M’s™, Skittles™, Starburst™, Laffy Taffy™, or any of the others, we all have a special candy that’s too good to share. Unfortunately, the candies that make your teeth happy might not be the same ones your stomach craves. Ultimately, soft and/or sugar free candy does the least harm to your teeth.
Why Candy Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard all your life that candy is bad for your teeth, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes it so bad? Our dental professionals break it down for you:
- Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. Bacteria are the root cause of nearly every dental problem, and they thrive on the abundance of sugar that candy provides. All food causes some buildup on your teeth. After eating and drinking, little bits of food are left behind in your mouth. Out of all the food we eat, sugar does the worst damage to your teeth. Even healthy foods like milk, bread, and produce contain some natural sugar, but these foods also contain necessary vitamins and nutrients. Eaten in healthy amounts, your body has no problem breaking down the natural sugars with the other food bits on your teeth. The problems begin when you eat food that has more sugar than nutritional value. Without proper nutrition, your body may be unable to fight the bacteria and decay excessive sugar consumption causes in your mouth. The American Heart Association recommends you have no more than 9.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. However, in the U.S. the average adult consumes 22 teaspoons, and the average child consumes 32 teaspoons…every single day! You can imagine how much higher those numbers are when a stockpile of Halloween candy is around.
- Consistency. Candy comes in all shapes and sizes, but because of the common ingredients, candy sticks to your teeth, allowing more plaque to form in more vulnerable areas. Plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating. It is this plaque that damages your tooth enamel: bacteria in your mouth changes the food you eat into acid, eating away at the tooth and forming a cavity. Sticky candies provide the ideal opportunities for these harmful bacteria to thrive, and they make it harder to you to remove them through regular hygiene methods like rinsing and brushing.
- Addictiveness. Candy is designed to override our better judgment and be so irresistible that we eat way too much of it. And it works! Our brains are predisposed to give positive feedback to sugar intake, which can make many sweets as addictive as any other chemical. There have been a number of published studies in recent years that address the addictiveness of sugar. These studies have purported that sugar is just as addictive as drugs like cocaine and heroin. The authors of these studies cite experiments showing that lab rats are just as – and sometimes more – prone to choose sugary treats like Oreos over injections of drugs like morphine when given the choice. This is a direct result of the connection between sugar and dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical produced by our brains. Might not be a pleasant thought, but good to keep in mind when you’re reaching for that fifth candy bar from your kid’s trick-or-treat bag!
The American Dental Association gives us a good summary of the harm that candy poses: When bacteria are left unchecked, they form the sticky, filmy substance we know as plaque. As the plaque sits on your teeth it produces a harmful acid that eats away at them, destroying tooth mineral. Once enough damage has been done, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and a cavity forms. Eating too much candy speeds this process up and paves the way for more damage.
How Can I Enjoy Candy and Still Maintain Good Oral Health?
Candy that is easily chewed and swallowed is best for your teeth. Hard, sticky candies stay on the teeth longer, do more harm, and can disrupt your dental work. It’s not uncommon at all for us to hear from patients who have lost a crown to a sticky treat. This Halloween, your best bet is to pick soft candies or chocolates that can be easily washed away with water (and on that note, don’t compound the problem by drinking sugary soft drinks). And above all, make sure to keep up at least twice-daily brushing and daily flossing throughout this candy-centric season. As mentioned, plaque begins to form in about 20 minutes after eating sugary food, so your best bet is the brush and floss your teeth within that window of time. At the very least, try to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after eating candy.
If you have any questions related to diet and oral health, please give us a call today or ask us at your next visit. And have a very safe and happy Halloween!
References
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/preliminary-report-on-dietary-guidelines-emphasizes-need-for-healthy-eating-habits-including-reduced-added-sugar-consumption
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-candy-survival-guide
https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/sugar-and-dopamine-link-sweets-addiction/ - Avoid a Dental Nightmare This Halloween
October 28, 2021Tricks for Enjoying Your Halloween Treats
The Halloween season provides more opportunities for candy consumption than any other. As dental professionals, we consider ourselves candy experts (both because we know the effects it has on oral health but also because we’re secretly some of the biggest sweet tooths around). While we can’t in good conscience tell you to never eat candy (especially around Halloween), we would like to share some important information that will help you to keep your teeth in the best health possible while enjoying some of the season’s delicious treats. The best way to keep your mouth healthy and still get your candy fix is to eat the right kind of candy in moderation and maintain a great oral hygiene routine. Here’s how.
Not All Candies Are Created Equal
Every different brand of sweet deliciousness has plenty of faithful followers. Whether it be Snickers™, M&M’s™, Skittles™, Starburst™, Laffy Taffy™, or any of the others, we all have a special candy that’s too good to share. Unfortunately, the candies that make your teeth happy might not be the same ones your stomach craves. Ultimately, soft and/or sugar free candy does the least harm to your teeth.
Why Candy Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard all your life that candy is bad for your teeth, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes it so bad? Our dental professionals break it down for you:
- Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. Bacteria are the root cause of nearly every dental problem, and they thrive on the abundance of sugar that candy provides. All food causes some buildup on your teeth. After eating and drinking, little bits of food are left behind in your mouth. Out of all the food we eat, sugar does the worst damage to your teeth. Even healthy foods like milk, bread, and produce contain some natural sugar, but these foods also contain necessary vitamins and nutrients. Eaten in healthy amounts, your body has no problem breaking down the natural sugars with the other food bits on your teeth. The problems begin when you eat food that has more sugar than nutritional value. Without proper nutrition, your body may be unable to fight the bacteria and decay excessive sugar consumption causes in your mouth. The American Heart Association recommends you have no more than 9.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. However, in the U.S. the average adult consumes 22 teaspoons, and the average child consumes 32 teaspoons…every single day! You can imagine how much higher those numbers are when a stockpile of Halloween candy is around.
- Consistency. Candy comes in all shapes and sizes, but because of the common ingredients, candy sticks to your teeth, allowing more plaque to form in more vulnerable areas. Plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating. It is this plaque that damages your tooth enamel: bacteria in your mouth changes the food you eat into acid, eating away at the tooth and forming a cavity. Sticky candies provide the ideal opportunities for these harmful bacteria to thrive, and they make it harder to you to remove them through regular hygiene methods like rinsing and brushing.
- Addictiveness. Candy is designed to override our better judgment and be so irresistible that we eat way too much of it. And it works! Our brains are predisposed to give positive feedback to sugar intake, which can make many sweets as addictive as any other chemical. There have been a number of published studies in recent years that address the addictiveness of sugar. These studies have purported that sugar is just as addictive as drugs like cocaine and heroin. The authors of these studies cite experiments showing that lab rats are just as – and sometimes more – prone to choose sugary treats like Oreos over injections of drugs like morphine when given the choice. This is a direct result of the connection between sugar and dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical produced by our brains. Might not be a pleasant thought, but good to keep in mind when you’re reaching for that fifth candy bar from your kid’s trick-or-treat bag!
The American Dental Association gives us a good summary of the harm that candy poses: When bacteria are left unchecked, they form the sticky, filmy substance we know as plaque. As the plaque sits on your teeth it produces a harmful acid that eats away at them, destroying tooth mineral. Once enough damage has been done, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and a cavity forms. Eating too much candy speeds up this process and paves the way for more damage.
How Can I Enjoy Candy and Still Maintain Good Oral Health?
Candy that is easily chewed and swallowed is best for your teeth. Hard, sticky candies stay on the teeth longer, do more harm, and can disrupt your dental work. It’s not uncommon at all for us to hear from patients who have lost a crown to a sticky treat. This Halloween, your best bet is to pick soft candies or chocolates that can be easily washed away with water (and on that note, don’t compound the problem by drinking sugary soft drinks). And above all, make sure to keep up at least twice-daily brushing and daily flossing throughout this candy-centric season. As mentioned, plaque begins to form in about 20 minutes after eating sugary food, so your best bet is to brush and floss your teeth within that window of time. At the very least, try to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after eating candy.
If you have any questions related to diet and oral health, please give us a call today at 608-788-6939, or ask us at your next visit. And have a very safe and happy Halloween!
References:
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/preliminary-report-on-dietary-guidelines-emphasizes-need-for-healthy-eating-habits-including-reduced-added-sugar-consumption
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-tips
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-candy-survival-guide
https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/sugar-and-dopamine-link-sweets-addiction/ - Your Teeth at Their Best & Brightest
October 4, 2021Teeth Whitening
The Basics
There are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpastes and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. However, they are effective at removing surface stains. On the other hand, gel trays and whitening strips can produce some serious whitening in days or weeks.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are made from a flexible plastic material called polyethylene. Each strip is coated with hydrogen and/or carbamide peroxide and an adhesive to keep the strips in place. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes as it comes in contact with your teeth, which bleaches teeth, making the surface whiter. Carbamide peroxide works the exact same way but has an acid that breaks up stains as well. Treatment times vary from brand to brand, but the average whitening strip package comes with 28 strips, for two weeks of whitening (one per night per row of teeth). Usually, the directions instruct you to wear the strips for about half an hour before going to bed. Most people who try whitening strips notice a significant improvement in the whiteness of their teeth. However, they are not effective on tetracycline (antibiotic) or fluorosis (fluoride poisoning) stains, and they will not change the color of dental restorations.
Gel Trays | Professional Whitening
Although they are more expensive, professional whitening treatments are much more effective, safer, and can usually be done in one or two office visits. Apart from in-office professional whitening, there are currently many gel tray whitening products that can be purchased over the counter. All of these products essentially use trays that are filled with a bleaching agent that removes stains on the teeth. Whether it’s at home or in the dental office, the basic process is the same: The teeth bleaching gel contains an ingredient that opens the pores in the tooth which allows the active bleaching agent to seep through these holes in the enamel into the dentin of the tooth. The oxygen molecules from the bleaching gel contacts the discolored particles latched to the tooth, which causes them to break away and exposes the tooth’s natural color. In some cases, an LED light works with a whitening gel as a catalyst to speed up the whitening reaction. One advantage of professional whitening in the dental office setting is our team can create a custom tray that perfectly fits your tooth structure and ensures the greatest possible whitening effect.
Everyday Tips for Naturally Whiter Teeth
Regular dental care through brushing and flossing remains your best tool for maintaining a brighter smile, in addition to its benefits of protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially effective when paired with dental-friendly diet and lifestyle choices. Many people realize that a whiter smile can be maintained by avoiding excessive contact with candy, coffee, tea (black teas can stain teeth worse than coffee), soft drinks, wine (both red and white have staining effects), tomato-based sauces, certain berries, and tobacco products. What many people don’t realize is that there are some tooth-friendly foods out there that will actually help you maintain a bright, healthy smile and can even naturally whiten your teeth. Here are just a few:
- Fruits such as apples and strawberries contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth and whitens enamel. Strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain ellagitannins—antioxidants that are known to reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. Additionally, apples—along with celery, carrots and pears—have a high water content. This increases production of saliva, which washes away stain-producing bacteria in the mouth.
- Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Guess where else we can find bromelain? In stain-removing toothpaste! Bromelain is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
- Broccoli, seeds and nuts, and (yet again) apples, scrub your teeth and naturally remove bacteria and plaque. Eat these foods in the afternoons to clean and polish your teeth, giving them a brief midday brush. What’s more, broccoli is high in fiber and iron, resulting in a lower risk of inflammation in your mouth and greater protection against enamel-degrading acids produced by bacteria.
- Cheese and milk are full of calcium, which we all know is very good for teeth and bones. Calcium, as well as other minerals and proteins found in dairy products, protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay. They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee, wine, or beets would.
Here are a few more everyday tips to help you keep your teeth looking their brightest:
- If you are going to drink coffee, tea, or any other potentially teeth-staining beverage, limit how long they’re lingering in your mouth. It can be nice to really enjoy that first cup in the morning or to savor that great red wine you’re pairing with dinner, but swallowing quickly rather than sipping slowly can effectively mitigate the staining effects of these beverages.
- Brushing your teeth right after coffee, tea, soda, or wine can actually do harm to your tooth enamel, which could’ve been weakened by the acids from these drinks. Try first rinsing your mouth with water – which will neutralize some of the acidity from those beverage – before going on to brush. The same thing applies after you eat an acidic meal: rinsing first is always a good idea.
- Replace energy drinks – especially those containing sugars – with water for your workouts and activities.
- When possible, go with a straw (consider getting a reusable one) in your potentially stain-causing beverage. The delivery method of the straw ensures that hardly any of the liquid will come in contact with your teeth, especially your front teeth.
Contact Us
For more information on teeth whitening or to set up an appointment for a profession in-office or take-home whitening treatment, please call us at (608) 783-6384.
Resources
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-safely-use-a-tooth-whitening-gel-at-home
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/cosmetic/whitening/led/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/do-whitening-strips-damage-teeth.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_bleaching
http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/HOD_whitening_rpt.pdf
http://www.3dwhite.com/teeth-whitening/teeth-whitening-safety/teeth-whitening-side-effects.aspx
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/bleaching_risks.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5807678/black_tongue_the_strange_side_effects.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1221843/White-wine-rots-teeth–brushing-makes-worse.html?ITO=1490
http://www.pepto-bismol.com/common-questions
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teethThe content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
- Your Teeth at Their Best & Brightest
October 4, 2021Teeth Whitening
The Basics
There are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpastes and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. However, they are effective at removing surface stains. On the other hand, gel trays and whitening strips can produce some serious whitening in days or weeks.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are made from a flexible plastic material called polyethylene. Each strip is coated with hydrogen and/or carbamide peroxide and an adhesive to keep the strips in place. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes as it comes in contact with your teeth, which bleaches teeth, making the surface whiter. Carbamide peroxide works the exact same way but has an acid that breaks up stains as well. Treatment times vary from brand to brand, but the average whitening strip package comes with 28 strips, for two weeks of whitening (one per night per row of teeth). Usually, the directions instruct you to wear the strips for about half an hour before going to bed. Most people who try whitening strips notice a significant improvement in the whiteness of their teeth. However, they are not effective on tetracycline (antibiotic) or fluorosis (fluoride poisoning) stains, and they will not change the color of dental restorations.
Gel Trays | Professional Whitening
Although they are more expensive, professional whitening treatments are much more effective, safer, and can usually be done in one or two office visits. Apart from in-office professional whitening, there are currently many gel tray whitening products that can be purchased over the counter. All of these products essentially use trays that are filled with a bleaching agent that removes stains on the teeth. Whether it’s at home or in the dental office, the basic process is the same: The teeth bleaching gel contains an ingredient that opens the pores in the tooth which allows the active bleaching agent to seep through these holes in the enamel into the dentin of the tooth. The oxygen molecules from the bleaching gel contacts the discolored particles latched to the tooth, which causes them to break away and exposes the tooth’s natural color. In some cases, an LED light works with a whitening gel as a catalyst to speed up the whitening reaction. One advantage of professional whitening in the dental office setting is our team can create a custom tray that perfectly fits your tooth structure and ensures the greatest possible whitening effect.
Everyday Tips for Naturally Whiter Teeth
Regular dental care through brushing and flossing remains your best tool for maintaining a brighter smile, in addition to its benefits of protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially effective when paired with dental-friendly diet and lifestyle choices. Many people realize that a whiter smile can be maintained by avoiding excessive contact with candy, coffee, tea (black teas can stain teeth worse than coffee), soft drinks, wine (both red and white have staining effects), tomato-based sauces, certain berries, and tobacco products. What many people don’t realize is that there are some tooth-friendly foods out there that will actually help you maintain a bright, healthy smile and can even naturally whiten your teeth. Here are just a few:
- Fruits such as apples and strawberries contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth and whitens enamel. Strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain ellagitannins—antioxidants that are known to reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth. Additionally, apples—along with celery, carrots and pears—have a high water content. This increases production of saliva, which washes away stain-producing bacteria in the mouth.
- Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Guess where else we can find bromelain? In stain-removing toothpaste! Bromelain is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
- Broccoli, seeds and nuts, and (yet again) apples, scrub your teeth and naturally remove bacteria and plaque. Eat these foods in the afternoons to clean and polish your teeth, giving them a brief midday brush. What’s more, broccoli is high in fiber and iron, resulting in a lower risk of inflammation in your mouth and greater protection against enamel-degrading acids produced by bacteria.
- Cheese and milk are full of calcium, which we all know is very good for teeth and bones. Calcium, as well as other minerals and proteins found in dairy products, protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay. They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee, wine, or beets would.
Here are a few more everyday tips to help you keep your teeth looking their brightest:
- If you are going to drink coffee, tea, or any other potentially teeth-staining beverage, limit how long they’re lingering in your mouth. It can be nice to really enjoy that first cup in the morning or to savor that great red wine you’re pairing with dinner, but swallowing quickly rather than sipping slowly can effectively mitigate the staining effects of these beverages.
- Brushing your teeth right after coffee, tea, soda, or wine can actually do harm to your tooth enamel, which could’ve been weakened by the acids from these drinks. Try first rinsing your mouth with water – which will neutralize some of the acidity from those beverage – before going on to brush. The same thing applies after you eat an acidic meal: rinsing first is always a good idea.
- Replace energy drinks – especially those containing sugars – with water for your workouts and activities.
- When possible, go with a straw (consider getting a reusable one) in your potentially stain-causing beverage. The delivery method of the straw ensures that hardly any of the liquid will come in contact with your teeth, especially your front teeth.
Contact Us
For more information on teeth whitening or to set up an appointment with one of our Bluffside Smiles dentists for a profession in-office or take-home whitening treatment, please call us at (608) 788-6939.
Resources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-safely-use-a-tooth-whitening-gel-at-home
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/cosmetic/whitening/led/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/do-whitening-strips-damage-teeth.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_bleaching
http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/HOD_whitening_rpt.pdf
http://www.3dwhite.com/teeth-whitening/teeth-whitening-safety/teeth-whitening-side-effects.aspx
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/bleaching_risks.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5807678/black_tongue_the_strange_side_effects.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1221843/White-wine-rots-teeth–brushing-makes-worse.html?ITO=1490
http://www.pepto-bismol.com/common-questions
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teethThe content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
- Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth
September 29, 2021Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the molars in the far back of your mouth, are nicknamed for the fact that they appear by the time you are finally mature (and presumably wise;). Whether or not these molars cause you problems is hard to predict, but if you’re experiencing some specific pain in your gums and jaw, you may be wondering if you have impacted wisdom teeth. At Onalaska Smiles, we take care of wisdom teeth from all around the Coulee Region. Let us tell you more about impacted wisdom teeth and what to do if you have them.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars you’ll get. They usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old, though some people’s wisdom teeth won’t come until much later, if at all. As with all teeth, wisdom teeth are expected to break through the gums and become totally visible when they emerge. However, in some situations, wisdom teeth stay deep in the jawbone or never break through your gums. In this case, the wisdom teeth are impacted.
Have you ever tried to shove one last book onto an already-full bookshelf? When your last set of teeth comes into an already-full mouth, it’s a similar situation. There simply may not be enough room for them and they may stay impacted under the gums.
Another reason a wisdom tooth may be impacted is if it grows in sideways or twisted and headed straight into another tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause problems such as:
• Pressure on teeth so your bite becomes misaligned
• Pain and dysfunction in your mouth and jaw
• Inflammation and extra plaque buildup on a partially impacted tooth (if some, but not all of the tooth breaks through the gum)Some dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth early to avoid any problems altogether. Early removal also usually means easier recovery.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in or stay impacted without a single hitch. However, if you are experiencing any of these problems, you may have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be treated:
• Irritated, red, swollen gums in the far back of the mouth
• Discomfort opening your mouth
• Jaw pain keeping you up at night
• Bad breath
• Bad taste when biting down
• FeverHow to Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Our dentist will confirm whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth by looking into your mouth and also taking X-rays. The teeth may not need to be removed or extracted, in which case you can take pain medicine and use some warm saltwater rinse to soothe your gums. If an impacted tooth is causing problems for the rest of your mouth or jaw, it’s likely the dentist will want to surgically remove it—this is called extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction can leave your mouth sore for a few days, so you may need to take time off work or school and eat only safe, soft foods.
If you think you have impacted wisdom teeth, or if you have any other questions, Onalaska Smiles would love to see you soon! Call us today at (608) 783-6384 to be proactive about your oral health. Now that’s a wise decision.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
- Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth
September 29, 2021
Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the molars in the far back of your mouth, are nicknamed for the fact that they appear by the time you are finally mature (and presumably wise;). Whether or not these molars cause you problems is hard to predict, but if you’re experiencing some specific pain in your gums and jaw, you may be wondering if you have impacted wisdom teeth. At Bluffside Smiles, we take care of wisdom teeth from all around the La Crosse area. Let us tell you more about impacted wisdom teeth and what to do if you have them.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars you’ll get. They usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old, though some people’s wisdom teeth won’t come until much later, if at all. As with all teeth, wisdom teeth are expected to break through the gums and become totally visible when they emerge. However, in some situations, wisdom teeth stay deep in the jawbone or never break through your gums. In this case, the wisdom teeth are impacted.
Have you ever tried to shove one last book onto an already-full bookshelf? When your last set of teeth comes into an already-full mouth, it’s a similar situation. There simply may not be enough room for them and they may stay impacted under the gums.
Another reason a wisdom tooth may be impacted is if it grows in sideways or twisted and headed straight into another tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause problems such as:
- Pressure on teeth so your bite becomes misaligned
- Pain and dysfunction in your mouth and jaw
- Inflammation and extra plaque buildup on a partially impacted tooth (if some, but not all of the tooth breaks through the gum)
Some dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth early to avoid any problems altogether. Early removal also usually means easier recovery.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in or stay impacted without a single hitch. However, if you are experiencing any of these problems, you may have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be treated:
- Irritated, red, swollen gums in the far back of the mouth
- Discomfort opening your mouth
- Jaw pain keeping you up at night
- Bad breath
- Bad taste when biting down
- Fever
How to Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Our dentists will confirm whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth by looking into your mouth and also taking X-rays. The teeth may not need to be removed or extracted, in which case you can take pain medicine and use some warm saltwater rinse to soothe your gums. If an impacted tooth is causing problems for the rest of your mouth or jaw, it’s likely the dentist will want to surgically remove it—this is called extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction can leave your mouth sore for a few days, so you may need to take time off work or school and eat only safe, soft foods.
If you think you have impacted wisdom teeth, or if you have any other questions, Bluffside Smiles would love to see you soon! Call us today at (608) 788-6939 to be proactive about your oral health. Now that’s a wise decision.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the molars in the far back of your mouth, are nicknamed for the fact that they appear by the time you are finally mature (and presumably wise;). Whether or not these molars cause you problems is hard to predict, but if you’re experiencing some specific pain in your gums and jaw, you may be wondering if you have impacted wisdom teeth. At Bluffside Smiles, we take care of wisdom teeth from all around the La Crosse area. Let us tell you more about impacted wisdom teeth and what to do if you have them.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars you’ll get. They usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old, though some people’s wisdom teeth won’t come until much later, if at all. As with all teeth, wisdom teeth are expected to break through the gums and become totally visible when they emerge. However, in some situations, wisdom teeth stay deep in the jawbone or never break through your gums. In this case, the wisdom teeth are impacted.
Have you ever tried to shove one last book onto an already-full bookshelf? When your last set of teeth comes into an already-full mouth, it’s a similar situation. There simply may not be enough room for them and they may stay impacted under the gums.
Another reason a wisdom tooth may be impacted is if it grows in sideways or twisted and headed straight into another tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause problems such as:
- Pressure on teeth so your bite becomes misaligned
- Pain and dysfunction in your mouth and jaw
- Inflammation and extra plaque buildup on a partially impacted tooth (if some, but not all of the tooth breaks through the gum)
Some dentists prefer to remove wisdom teeth early to avoid any problems altogether. Early removal also usually means easier recovery.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in or stay impacted without a single hitch. However, if you are experiencing any of these problems, you may have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be treated:
- Irritated, red, swollen gums in the far back of the mouth
- Discomfort opening your mouth
- Jaw pain keeping you up at night
- Bad breath
- Bad taste when biting down
- Fever
How to Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Our dentists will confirm whether or not you have impacted wisdom teeth by looking into your mouth and also taking X-rays. The teeth may not need to be removed or extracted, in which case you can take pain medicine and use some warm saltwater rinse to soothe your gums. If an impacted tooth is causing problems for the rest of your mouth or jaw, it’s likely the dentist will want to surgically remove it—this is called extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction can leave your mouth sore for a few days, so you may need to take time off work or school and eat only safe, soft foods.
If you think you have impacted wisdom teeth, or if you have any other questions, Bluffside Smiles would love to see you soon! Call us today at (608) 788-6939 to be proactive about your oral health. Now that’s a wise decision.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
- Rootless Fears: Root Canal Therapy Gets a Bad Rap