Things You Need to Know About Temporary Filling Aftercare

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As their name implies, temporary fillings are used by dentists as a partial solution until the patient is ready for a permanent solution for a dental issue.

Cases where temporary fillings are used

According to Dr. Farhat, there are several instances wherein temporary fillings are used.

One such example is when a patient has suffered a dental emergency. In such a situation, a dentist in Sterling Heights needs to administer a quick solution to the emergency which can be used until the patient’s next dental visit.

If you are undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist may use a temporary filling in order to protect the affected tooth until your next appointment. The temporary filling is used primarily to protect said tooth from bacteria and food debris.

A Sterling Heights dentist will sometimes use a temporary filling if he is unsure if the tooth can still be saved or needs to be extracted. If the decay in the tooth is found close to its nerve, the dentist will need to buy some time to determine the final outcome, whether the tooth can be saved with permanent fillings or needs to be extracted.

There are instances wherein the teeth of patients with new permanent fillings become sensitive to temperature extremes. In some cases, the issue resolves itself. In other cases, the dentist needs to remove the permanent filling and replace this with what is called a sedative temporary filling. This type of filling is used until the sensitivity is eliminated.

Finally, temporary fillings are used in patients with fractured teeth. These fillings are used while a permanent solution like a crown or veneer is ready for installation.

Your quick guide for temporary filling aftercare

Due to their temporary nature, patients need to be extra careful in caring and maintaining these fillings. Specifically, you would want your temporary fillings to remain on your tooth just until your next dental visit.

Here are things you need to know about temporary filling aftercare.

Eat mindfully. There are several types of temporary fillings dentists can choose from, depending on the unique circumstance of the patient.

But whatever type of temporary filling is used on your tooth, you must take great care while eating. Ideally, you should avoid chewing your food with the affected tooth. How long this will last will depend on the type of filling used.

As a rule of thumb, avoid eating hard and crunchy foods. It may also be beneficial to go on a soft diet.

Clean your teeth with care.

Although teeth with temporary fillings can be cleaned like normal teeth, you have to be careful when brushing and flossing.

In brushing your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid using vigorous strokes. When flossing, pull gently on each side of the affected tooth to prevent snagging the edge of the filling with the floss.

Monitor your tooth.

Your dentist will give you a rundown of things that you may experience once the anesthesia wears off. These may include numbness and discomfort.

You need to watch out for anything unusual and contact your dentist if something is going on.

Water Flossing vs Flossing: What is Recommended?

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Controversy is erupting over dental floss.

An AP report reveals that flossing isn’t as beneficial as you think, despite what dentists say about it. The claim that its good practice for your oral health is supposedly weak. But the American Dental Association and the Department of Health and Services have reaffirmed the importance of interdental cleaning.

Meanwhile, other studies show the stark contrast between people who floss and people who don’t; those who flossed regularly maintained good oral health.

And here’s further confusion to throw you off, just a bit: Which dental floss product would your dentist in Sterling Heights recommend? Here’s a look at water flossing vs flossing.

The String Floss

Traditional flossing lets you scrape those bits and pieces that get stuck between your teeth. Whereas brushing allows you to get rid of plaque on the surface, flossing with a piece of string enables you to remove food particles in those hard-to-reach places (i.e., below the gum line).

You can choose from among a variety of interdental products:

  • Unwaxed floss — The traditional, disposable string from nylon; it can fit into tight spaces, but can give way to shredding.
  • Waxed floss — The wax coating may make it more challenging to clean between tight spaces, but it’s less prone to damage.
  • Super flosses — Ideal for those with braces as it has stiffer sections.
  • Dental tape — Comes in waxed and unwaxed versions, and suitable for people with wider spaces between teeth.

You’ll also find flavored string floss, which could be more appealing to use since it promotes fresh breath.

Traditional flossing works for some people because it’s quick and affordable. You don’t need to make a lot of room in your personal kit. String floss also makes it easy to floss after lunch at work or even after a date at a restaurant because you can discreetly duck into the bathroom.

But recent findings show that not many people do it; about 10 percent to 30 percent of people follow the practice. When introduced to water flossing though, some people ended up following through with the oral hygiene habit.

The Water Flosser

Water flossing involves using a handheld device that gets rid of food particles through a stream of water. Instead of scraping, the device uses the force of the water to “massage” the gums, forcing the bits and pieces away from your teeth.

This alternative, and somewhat novel way, to flossing, works mostly for people with braces or temporary or permanent bridges. It’s effective in cleaning those hard-to-reach places.

The downside to this approach is that it will cost more in comparison to traditional flossing. Additionally, you would need more room to store the device. You also need access to electricity and water to floss. And unlike most interdental products, you’ll need to clean this device.

Experts still debate the legitimacy of flossing as a way to curb dental problems. While both sides gather evidence to substantiate their claims, it’s wise to follow your Sterling Heights dentist’s advice when it comes to this oral hygiene practice.

Read our blog to learn more interesting facts about your oral health.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

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Soda is an American favorite. Six in 10 kids and five in 10 adults consume sugary drinks every day. The childhood favorite and sometimes go-to adult drink, however, is getting expensive as cities impose a tax. As of 2017, six cities have collected soda tax, making a 12-pack Coke $2 pricier. Why the duty?

Bad for Your Health, Worse for Your Teeth

Cities aim to steer families away from unhealthy food and beverage choices, and it begins with getting them off sugary drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that soda is the leading source of added sugar in the American diet. There is a connection, it seems, between drinking soda and weight gain, heart disease, kidney disease, gout, and tooth decay and cavities.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

Every sip of a sugary drink starts a damaging reaction on your teeth that lasts for about 20 minutes. It makes sense given that soda contains more sugar than food; every 20 ounces of soda is the same as consuming 22 packets of sugar.

But it’s not just the sugar that destroys your teeth; the acid in soda can also damage the tooth enamel, reducing its surface hardness. A damaged enamel will mean more cavities.

Soda can also destroy the next layer, the dentin. Cavities develop quickly if you drink too much soda and even further if you have poor oral hygiene.

Manage the Damage

There are two things you can do to counteract the effects of soda: Stop or reduce your consumption and visit your Sterling Heights dentist regularly. It’s reasonable to think that you might not be able to instantly get rid of soda from your diet, especially if you’ve been used to drinking it.

You can start weaning off of the sugary drink by taking it in moderation. You can also sip through a straw and rinse your mouth after drinking. You’ll also want to avoid grabbing a can of soda off the fridge before you sleep.

Then make sure to go to your dental appointments. Your dentist in Sterling Heights may prescribe regular cleanings because this essential oral hygiene practice can prevent cavities. Dental cleaning also freshens your breath, keeping your mouth odor-free as well as healthy.

When you do drink soda, don’t brush right after; wait for 30 minutes before you brush. Brushing after drinking sugary drinks with their harmful acid will only weaken the tooth enamel.

Soda may taste delightful, especially on a hot day. And you may enjoy it less now what with the tax. But the experts, from dentists to the CDC, are clear. Soda consumption can damage your teeth through erosion and cavities. So think before you grab another can, and consider your oral health.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog. 

The Best Way to Clean Your Retainers

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The last yet most important step in an orthodontic treatment is to wear a retainer. Contrary to what everyone thinks, your teeth are not fixed in place in your jaw. This means they can slowly move around, regardless of your age. In fact, this is how a dentist in Sterling Heights can get your teeth into a better position.

Wearing a retainer will prevent your teeth from staying out of the alignment you just spent money and time moving them into.

It is for this reason that you should keep your retainer undamaged and clean. This way, it will function properly and won’t cause any oral problem. Also, a fresh-smelling, clean retainer is more pleasant to place in your mouth.

It may seem like your retainer will only need a quick daily rinse, but Dr. Farhat emphasizes that this is not enough to keep it bacteria-free. Here is a guide to cleaning your retainers effectively.

Get the Right Tools

You will need a toothbrush apart from the one you use on your teeth because you have to use soap to clean your retainers, not toothpaste. You can opt for a brush designed to clean dentures, which is quite bigger.

Also, you must have a liquid soap – you can use antibacterial hand soap or a dishwashing liquid. Denture cleaners work great as well, but they are costly.

Use the Right Technique

Here is the best way to clean your retainers:

Step 1: Put a bit of soap on your toothbrush and add water (preferably lukewarm) to make lather.

Step 2: Place your retainer in your hand. Gently scrub its surfaces using the soapy brush.

Step 3: Rinse your retainer thoroughly to remove all the soap film. This ensures that you won’t have a soapy taste once you put back your retainer.  

The fresh-smelling, clean retainer can either be placed back into your mouth or stored in its case. When storing your dental appliance, make sure to place it away from your pets and even from heat.

What not to do?

When it comes to cleaning or disinfecting a retainer, a Sterling Heights dentist says it is possible that you go overboard. For instance, you may think that using boiled water is a better option. But this can distort your retainer. Remember that your retainer was specifically made to perfectly fit your teeth; thus, maintaining its shape is vital.

Using bleach is not advisable as well. This can give your retainer an unpleasant odor and degrade its plastic base. You should not even use the regular toothpaste since this contains abrasive particles that will create tiny nooks where bacteria can hide and thrive.

Keeping your retainer clean and fresh with the right tools and technique is crucial to staying on the path toward a pearly white, healthy smile.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office!

What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?

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Most people are afraid of teeth cleanings because of the strange noises, prodding, and occasional jaw discomfort. But despite this, a teeth cleaning process is painless and simple.  

Being aware of what happens during a teeth cleaning process will help ease your stress. Also, this will allow you to enjoy the results better.

Here’s is a step-by-step guide to the teeth cleaning process:

Step 1: A Physical Exam of the Mouth

Before the cleaning process begins, a dentist in Sterling Heights will perform a physical examination of your entire mouth. Your teeth and gums will be checked for any signs of potential concerns like gingivitis. Once a problem is detected, it will be evaluated to ensure that it is okay to proceed.

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and around your gum line using a scaler. It is normal for you to hear scraping when this is being performed. If you have more tartar in your mouth, more time will be spent to scrape it all.

Remember that tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleanings at the dental office. Thus, if this step is your least favorite part of this dental procedure, you need to brush and floss often to prevent the buildup of tartar.

Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

Once your teeth are tartar-free, it will be brushed with a high-powered electric brush. Although the grinding noise that this brush emits is scary, Dr. Farhat says that this is the best way to get a deep clean. Also, this will eradicate the remaining tartar.

The toothpaste your dentist uses is like your regular toothpaste, but this has a gritty consistency. When done by a professional, this teeth polishing procedure can be done safely for at least twice a year. Avoid brushing your teeth too harshly at home because it will wear down your enamel.

Step 4: Flossing

Flossing on a daily basis is highly recommended, but nothing beats a professional flossing session. A Sterling Heights dentist can get deep between your teeth and figure out any trouble spots where you may bleed at the gums. Also, this will remove any leftover plaque from earlier during the plaque and tartar removal step.

Step 5: Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

Rinsing is important to remove any debris. So your dentist will give a rinse that has liquid fluoride.

After that, a protectant will be applied to your teeth to help fight against cavities. A foamy gel or a sticky paste will be placed in a mouthpiece that fits perfectly on your teeth, which will be left on your teeth for a minute. Apart from that, a fluoride varnish will also be painted on your teeth. This will harden once it comes in contact with your saliva so you can drink and eat immediately after.

Regular teeth cleanings are crucial to prevent any dental problem. By being aware of what is happening during this process, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, this might even cause you to look forward to these dental appointments.

Closing Teeth Gap With Invisalign®

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So who doesn’t want a perfect set of teeth? Unfortunately, though, not all of us are naturally gifted with a TV commercial-ready set of pearly whites. People who suffer from diastema or a tooth gap, for example, may feel extra self-conscious because the apparent imperfection of their teeth is too apparent to hide.

Good things there are ways to work around tooth gaps. There are braces, retainers and then there’s Invisalign®. While most people are already familiar with braces and retainers, many are still unsure about Invisalign®.

For more information about teeth gaps and Invisalign® as well as the advantages of going for one if you do have diastema, we’ve asked a Sterling Heights dentist to explain why closing teeth gap with Invisalign® makes good sense.

What causes people to have teeth gap?

There are various possible underlying causes as to why some people suffer from diastema or a tooth gap. The most common ones involve physiological or congenital birth conditions causes such as having teeth that are too small to fill the jaw bone. Some people are born with missing teeth or even an oversized labial frenum which leads to gaps in between teeth.

Acquired causes leading to tooth gaps include thumb sucking, an incorrect swallowing reflex (people who suffer from “tongue thrust”), and gum problems that can result in bone loss.

 Closing Teeth Gap with Invisalign®

Just like braces, Invisalign® is designed to close gaps in between teeth. By using dental X-rays, images and some impressions, your dentist can create a precise 3D image to come up with an accurate configuration for your Invisalign® aligner trays.

While cost is always a factor, consider the following advantages that come with closing teeth gap with Invisalign®:

  • Clear, so they are virtually undetectable.
  • Removable so you don’t have to be concerned about getting food trapped in them while you eat.
  • Does not affect eating, which you can do relatively pain-free.
  •  You do not suffer from sores, pain or discomfort, unlike in the case of braces.
  • Treatment time is significantly much shorter – about 6-18 months, depending on the patient’s case.

 

If you suffer from diastema, be sure to check with Dr. Farhat so he can give you a treatment plan.

Ways of Controlling Toothache Pain

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We’ve all experienced some form of toothache pain. Whether it’s because of a broken tooth, a loose filling, a tooth infection, or worse, a tooth abscess, it’s something that is virtually intolerable and requires immediate relief.

To show you some methods of controlling toothache pain, we’ve consulted Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan. But wait, this advice is mainly for immediate pain relief and is not meant to take the place of getting a dental appointment as soon as possible, and having your dentist examine you to identify the root cause of your pain.

Hot Water + Salt

Mix one tablespoon of salt into a glass or mug of hot or warm water. Ensure the salt is dissolved before using the solution to rinse or gargle in your mouth.

How does this solution help alleviate the pain? It works by drawing out the fluids responsible for your toothache pain from the gums, thereby helping reduce the irritation and inflammation you are experiencing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This type of vinegar has been known for its beneficial health effects, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar also makes it an effective antibiotic – killing bacteria that may be causing your toothache. To use apple cider vinegar, wet a piece of cotton or a cotton ball with the vinegar and gently press it on the affected tooth.

Ice or Cold Compress

An obvious method for numbing the pain you are experiencing, you may apply the ice or cold compress externally, on the affected area, or inside your mouth directly on the affected tooth.

Alcohol

A well-known antibacterial and antiseptic substance, you can use alcohol like vodka, whiskey, brandy or scotch as a mouth gargle that will also help numb you from the toothache pain. However, using alcohol, even for medical reasons, is prohibited for people below 21 years of age.

Various Types of Oil

Pain relief and inflammation are among the two things natural oils can alleviate. Unsurprisingly, you may also use them to help reduce your toothache pain. These therapeutic oils include sunflower oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, sesame oil, oregano oil, nutmeg oil and clove oil.

All you need to do is combine a little oil with water and use it to rinse your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a cotton ball to apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Easily accessible, you can directly use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth gargle or rinse. You may also opt to mix it with some water and use it the same way. Just make sure to spit it all out after gargling or rinsing.

A Final Word

There are other materials and methods you can use in controlling toothache pain such as peppermint, vanilla, almond and lemon extract, potatoes, certain leaves and roots, onions, cucumber, turmeric, citrus fruits and even acupressure!

However, be sure to visit Dr. Farhat as soon as the pain subsides so you can get the treatment you need.

Tooth Infection and Potential Complications

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Most people know that when there is swelling in a tissue or body part, it usually indicates an infection that the body is trying hard to manage and get rid of. So if you ever experience suffering from a dental abscess, you know what to do. Get to your dentist ASAP!

A dental abscess is a facial swelling that usually indicates where you have an infected tooth. It is quite painful and intolerable for most and may be accompanied by fever. And while you may gargle warm water with salt to slightly disinfect your mouth and place a wet tea bag on the affected tooth to alleviate pain, it’s not enough to make the pain go away permanently.

A tooth infection is not something to be taken lightly and should always involve the diagnosis of the infection and treatment recommendations of your dentist. To help us talk about tooth infection and potential complications, we’ve enlisted the expertise of a Sterling Heights dentist.

Signs of tooth infection

Aside from getting a dental abscess and fever, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of tooth infection:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or temperatures in general
  • Swelling in the cheeks, face or neck area
  • Throbbing pain in your teeth that never seems to go away, and which seems to radiate to your jawbone, neck or ears
  • Difficulty or pain when biting or chewing
  • Warm, swollen and tender lymph nodes located in your neck or under the jaw area
  • The taste of bad-smelling, salty (and foul) fluid in your mouth possibly caused by the rupture of an abscess in your mouth

When these signs show you need to visit your dentist.

Complications of untreated tooth infections

If the fear of losing your tooth is not enough, then you should know that a tooth abscess, if left untreated, can worsen even if the fistula has ruptured. It can spread to the neck, jaw or rest of your head if the infection is not taken care of properly.

The bacteria will find their way around your bodily systems, and you become at risk for sepsis – an infection that spreads throughout the human body, and which can have fatal results. So do not ever attempt to “take care” of a tooth abscess on your own; go to your dentist right away.

How to prevent tooth infection

The best way to protect your teeth is pretty basic: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, avoid sugary food and drinks, have a tooth-friendly diet, and always keep your dental appointments.

 

Can the Dentist Save My Tooth?

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So you’ve always enjoyed eating nuts — almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and more. But, horror of horrors! One day, while biting into one particularly tough but delicious honey-coated almond, you hear a tiny cracking sound from your mouth and realize, oops! That’s not the almond; it’s your tooth.

You look in the mirror and check all your molars (at least, the ones you can clearly see), and here it is: A tiny crack in one of your tooth. You’ve always taken very good care of your teeth, and now this. The first question to haunt you, then, is “Can the dentist save my tooth?”

We’ve asked Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to help shed light on this and answer your troubling question.

Can my tooth be saved?

If the injury is minor and affects only the enamel (the hardened external layer of your teeth), it is usually referred to by dentists as a “craze line.” This type of tooth injury is pretty easy to manage. All your dentist has to do is buff or polish the affected tooth to ensure it appears normal, just like the others, and you can keep using it normally as well without any further treatments. You need to give your teeth extra TLC, of course.

But if the injury goes deeper than the enamel, it has to be treated to prevent it from getting infected and to not worsen the fracture. So your affected tooth will require some form of endodontic therapy and, depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist (or endodontist) can recommend a particular mode of treatment.

What procedures or treatments are required to save my tooth?

Some cases, the crack is still minor but also requires filling to ensure the injury doesn’t get any worse. Other types of tooth injury such as the following may require very specific treatments:

Fractured cusp

This usually happens when part of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off. Since this rarely affects the pulp, your dentist may use a filling or dental crown to save your tooth.

Cracked tooth

 When you have a cracked tooth, it implies the crack line has vertically extended below the chewing surface. If it has reached the tooth root, a root canal will be recommended. Additionally, the application of a crown to ensure the crack doesn’t get any worse. However, if the crack has reached that part below the gum line, treatment is no longer an option, so the dentist will have to perform a tooth extraction.

Split tooth

 This type is usually the result of the progressive worsening of an untreated tooth crack whereby the fissure has extended vertically to the rest of the tooth, effectively splitting the tooth into two segments. In this case, saving the tooth may no longer be an option, and a tooth extraction would be recommended. However, if a portion of the tooth can still be saved, your dentist may recommend some form of endodontic therapy.

Vertical root fracture

 These cracks start the opposite way and grow from the tooth root. Usually, a tooth extraction is recommended. However, your dentist determines that it is still possible to save a portion of your tooth. 

Whatever type of injury your tooth is afflicted with, if you experience any type of tooth pain, just be sure to schedule an appointment get your teeth checked by Dr. Farhat. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

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If you are advised by a trustworthy Sterling Heights dentist to get an Invisalign treatment, it is crucial for you to ask, how long does Invisalign take?

Also, you should find out about the factors that could shorten or lengthen your treatment. This way, you know what to expect.

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, emphasizes that the length of time that you will need your Invisalign treatment will depend on several factors, such as how complex your specific case is and how often you will be wearing your aligners. But generally, teenagers may need to wear their aligners for a year while adults might be prescribed to wear it for up to two years.

Teenagers do not need to wear their aligners as long as adults do because their teeth are more responsive to the treatment and are easier to move. On the other hand, adults have less responsive jaws and teeth and suffer from more complex cases.

How to Shorten Your Invisalign Treatment

There are things you can do that could shorten your treatment duration. These include the following:

  • Following all instructions provided by your orthodontist 
  • Informing your orthodontist when the aligners become cracked so a replacement will be prepared for you
  • Brushing out food particles or plaque
  • Deep cleaning the aligners weekly
  • Changing out your aligners on the proper date
  • Taking your aligners with you each time you travel

The shorter your treatment will be, the closer you are to getting the brilliant smile you want.

Things That Can Lengthen Your Treatment

There are also a few things that can lengthen your treatment time. These include not wearing your aligners for the prescribed 22 hours a day. Although you have to remove your aligners each time you eat and brush your teeth, you should always wear them at other times of the day.

Another factor that can lengthen your treatment is if you have a complex case. If your teeth must be moved or have a complicated tooth alignment, your treatment time will be longer than someone who just needs to move two or three teeth. Due to the fact that this dental treatment can’t move the teeth as significantly as metal braces can, dental conditions that can easily be solved by metal braces are challenging for Invisalign.

How soon your treatment is completed will greatly depend on how quickly you can move from one aligner to another. If you follow your dentist’s advice and properly take care of your aligners, these will be changed every two weeks. Remember that the aligners are used in tandem because they are designed to work efficiently in sequence.

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