How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

December 28, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

People who’ve had a tooth extracted may have heard of dry socket before. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs after a tooth is extracted. So what is dry socket and why should you do everything possible to prevent it after a tooth extraction? Read on and learn how to prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth removal.

What Dry Socket Is

Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, describes a painful condition that results when the blood clot covering a tooth extraction site is dislodged before the underlying nerve tissues and bone have healed. The premature loss of this protective clot lengthens the healing time and results in a lot of discomfort and pain.

How Do Know You Have Dry Socket?

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that it ’s normal to feel some pain after having your wisdom teeth removed surgically. However, this pain is transient and ends a few days after the extraction.

So, patients can suspect that they have dry socket if they experience intense pain that spreads to the face and head days after the surgery. Bad breath may also indicate that one has dry socket, especially if they don’t have a history of halitosis.

The professionals at Dental One Care also advise that patients observe the surgical site in a mirror. Dry socket should be suspected if the surgical site is fully or partially empty (lacking the blood clot which formed after the surgery).

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Don’t use drinking straws. The suction force created as one is using a straw can easily dislodge the blood clot at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhat, therefore, recommends that you refrain from using a straw for at least one week after you have had a tooth extracted. That abstinence will allow the site to heal under the protection provided by the blood clot.

Opt for softer foods. It is also wise to opt for soft foods during the days following tooth extraction. The soft foods will cause less stress on the surgical site as you eat. For example, eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup in the first two or so days after the surgery. Try harder foods later and revert to the soft ones if you feel pain.

Refrain from tobacco use or smoking. We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI about how to prevent dry socket. Dr. Laurich says that the risk of dry socket increased threefold for smokers when compared to non-smokers. He says this is because the act of smoking entails a sucking force that can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site. Additionally, the chemicals in the tobacco and any other substance that one may smoke can also interfere with the body’s healing processes, such as causing the clot to dissolve prematurely. You should work with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to find a way to reduce or abstain from smoking and the use of tobacco until you have healed after wisdom tooth extraction.

Be meticulous in your oral hygiene. Another tip for those who want to learn how to prevent dry socket is that they should be particular about their oral hygiene during this healing period. Oral germs can prevent a blood clot from forming, or they can break it down once it forms. Talk to your Sterling Heights dentist about how you should brush your teeth, as well as the use of antibacterial mouthwash that may be helpful in preventing infection while you heal.

Talk to the dentist about other medications. Discuss any medications that you are currently taking as you prepare for surgery to remove wisdom teeth. You should also consult your dentist in case any medication is prescribed for another condition within the time that you are healing after undergoing tooth extraction surgery. For example, oral contraceptives have been linked to causing dry socket.

Call a dentist in Sterling Heights, such as Dr. Farhat, if you suspect that you have a dry socket. The Dental One Care team will advise you about what you should do next. Otherwise, do everything you can to implement the advice given above on how to prevent dry socket.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

December 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

It is a common perception that fluoride treatments are only for children. So, when the dentist recommends fluoride treatment to adult patients, a common reaction is, “Do I need to take the fluoride treatment?” This is because most insurance plans cover the cost of fluoride treatments for people up to the age of 18. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI answers, “Do adults need fluoride treatments?”

Is Fluoride Treatment Really Effective for Adults?

Research studies have shown that the topical application of fluoride by a dentist has a significant and positive impact. This is especially the case for adults who have a moderate to high risk of developing cavities.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment in Different Conditions

Consider these circumstances when you’re debating a fluoride treatment from your dentist in Sterling Heights.

There are many prescription medications that reduce the production of saliva in your mouth or create dryness in your mouth. This puts you at the risk of developing cavities. In such an instance, a fluoride treatment can help keep your teeth fight off cavities.
Many adults have gum recession, which leads to the exposure of your teeth’s roots. These softer areas are more susceptible to tooth decay. Through professional fluoride treatment, the protective layer of your teeth can be restored, saving your smile from decay.
Adults often undergo restorative dental treatments, such as crowns, and bridges etc. The fluoride treatments help protect and fill the restoration margins.
We asked out friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO about fluoride treatments for adults undergoing orthodontic treatments, such as braces. Dr. Dhoon says that the application of braces makes it difficult to maintain a healthy oral state. He recommended fluoride treatments so your teeth remain strong and free of cavities.
Having tooth restoration treatment places you at the higher risk of developing cavities. The fluoride treatments, in contrast, help prevent cavities in patients who are already vulnerable to cavities.
If you are not flossing your teeth daily, then you are unlikely to have optimal oral hygiene. With fluoride treatment that lack of flossing can be compensated and save your teeth from cavities and decay.
Fluoride is also helpful for people with sensitive teeth. It helps to re-mineralize the tooth enamel, thus reducing sensitivity.
Cancer patients who undertake radiation treatment can also take advantage of fluoride treatments offered at Dental One Care. Radiation treatment damages saliva glands, which significantly reduces the production of saliva in the mouth. This places patients at a higher risk of developing cavities. Fluoride treatments can rescue cancer patients from cavities.

If you too feel that you are suffering from any of those conditions, consider a fluoride treatment from Dental One Care. Dr. Farhat is an expert and professional dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. He will advise you after an oral examination whether or not you are the right candidate for fluoride treatment.

How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

December 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Many people know how important it is to get an oral cancer screening done on a regular basis. When you visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, you’re usually worried about cavities. What you may not know is that cavities are not the most harmful issue your dentist can diagnose. Actually, many people start developing oral cancer without realizing it until their dentist detects it during a routine oral examination. So, how often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Detection of Oral Cancer

Unfortunately, oral cancer is not like other dental problems, which reveal their symptoms right away. Oral cancer is a condition which does not display any symptoms until the issue has progressed. If the disease is detected at an early stage, it is possible to treat it. So, going for routine oral checkups and screening is highly recommended to detect oral cancer at an early stage.

Now the question arises how often should I get oral cancer screening?

The frequency of Oral Cancer Screening

There are different opinions regarding the frequency of oral cancer screening. On average it is recommended that you should undergo screening for oral cancer at least once a year. This exclusive examination for oral cancer will help the dentist in early detection of oral cancer symptoms if any. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the better are your chances of treating it. Additionally, you can also benefit from routine visits to Sterling Heights, MI Dentist.

Cancer Risk Factors

While it is essential that you take the screening for oral cancer at least once a year, this duration varies from person to person depending upon certain risk factors. For people who have a family history of cancer, or use tobacco or smoke, they need more frequent oral screening sessions at Dental One Care. Other examples of cancer risk factors include the use of alcohol, exposure to HPV, sun rays, diet, and gender as well as age.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his protocol for oral cancer screenings. He said that you should get oral cancer screening even if these risk factors are not present. Dr. Cowen says that the real danger lies in those symptoms of oral cancer which do not manifest at an early stage or are difficult to detect without proper oral screening.

Quick Screening Procedure

The check-up procedure for cancer oral screening is quick and easy. In a typical cancer screening procedure, Dr. Fadi Farhat will have you swish a special fluid in your mouth. Then he’ll use a flashlight to examine the inside of your mouth. The dentist might also feel along your mouth and throat to identify any symptoms. The results of the procedure are quickly provided. So, there is nothing to be afraid of if you go for an oral cancer screening.

Who Should Undergo Oral Cancer Screening?

Regardless of your age, family history, gender, and other risk factors, oral cancer screening are essential for everyone at least once a year. There’s still a chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer, so don’t take the risk and get your oral cancer screening!

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

December 21, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

Every year we tend to make one or more New Year’s resolutions. A few of those typically surround your health and may include losing weight, eating less junk food, and exercising more, etc. Many people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall health, which is why it’s important to include good oral health habits in your daily routine.

So, why not try to make New Year’s resolutions for your smile and stick with it! This will not just help improve your confidence, but your quality of life as well. In the article below, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will explore the different New Year’s Resolutions for your smile.

Make New Year’s Resolution for Enhanced Smile

Beautiful, white and shining teeth are a pleasurable sight. A lovely white smile instantly grabs peoples’ attention and boosts your self-confidence. It gives you a healthier social, emotional and personal life. To help enhance your smile, brush twice a day and stay away from foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. If you make this transition, your aging process will go a lot smoother.

Make Daily Brushing and Flossing Your New Year Resolution

At the moment, your health is primarily a result of choices that you have been making up till now. When you develop a habit for something, it becomes part of your routine. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to think twice about doing it every day. Focusing and developing healthy habits promotes your overall health and prevents various diseases.

Developing a habit of regular brushing and flossing can have a powerful impact on your smile! Consider it just like cleaning your room. When you start your day by making your bed, you feel happy that you’ve already accomplished a task so early in your day.

You may compare this task to brushing your teeth in the morning. Properly brushing and flossing your teeth first thing in the morning gives a boost to your body and mind. Brushing your teeth and gums in the morning will also help with bad breath, prevent gum disease, and enhance your smile. Also, this habit sets a base for the rest of healthy habits. Once you stick to this habit of properly cleaning your mouth, you will gain confidence that you can develop other healthy habits as well. So, if you don’t already brush your teeth twice a day, add that to your New Year’s Resolution list.

Smile More for a Longer Life

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI for his 2019 New Year’s Resolutions. He said that research has proved that smiling wider improves your happiness, and your economic, personal and social life as well as self-confidence. So, one of Dr. Matt Laurich’s 2019 goals is to smile more each day!

We 100% support his New Year’s Resolution. Some of you may be cringing at the thought of smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your smile. This should motivate you to take your dental health seriously this coming year.

So, if you also wish to smile more to improve the quality of your life, take care of your teeth. Follow the basic oral care routine and get regular oral checkups all year through to keep serious dental problems at bay. Book your appointment with Dental One Care, a Sterling Heights dentist office.

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

December 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

The holiday bells have started to ring. It is a calling to indulge in sweet treats and pleasures. We all love to eat lots of irresistible sweet delights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about how it could affect your beautiful smile?

Eating too many sweet, decadent desserts, sticky and crunchy snacks can affect your oral health if you do not take appropriate precautionary measures to protect them.

Here are some easy tips to protect your smile during the holidays. Follow these tips from Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will surely have healthy teeth to show off this holiday season.

Keep Desserts Simple and Single

It is a wonderful time for candies and mouth-watering desserts when you get to have all sorts of candies around you. Dr. Farhat from Dental One Care that nonstop sweets buffet can wreak havoc on your teeth. Take a single sweet at a time and brush immediate to keep your teeth sparkling and free of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Unnecessary Snacking for Good Oral Health

Avoid taking junk, crunchy and sticky snacks when you are outside shopping or relaxing on your couch. These stick to your teeth and become a cause of bacterial growth in your mouth if you don’t brush properly afterward.

Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do not compromise your brushing routine during the holidays. Your holiday schedule can upset your brushing routine, but try to ardently stick to it. Keep a brush and small-sized toothpaste in your purse or car wherever you go. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, take sugarless chewing gums which increase the production of saliva in your mouth. This helps remove the food bits and more.

Stick to your Dental Appointment with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have your dental examination due during the holidays with a Sterling Heights, MI Dentist, stick to it. It will help detect any problems before they aggravate due to the excessive consumption of sweets and junk food in the holiday season. Give yourself a motivational boost to attend the appointment by considering it as a celebration of your good oral regime.

Use Baking Soda to Brush Your Teeth

Keep a small jar beside your toothpaste filled with baking soda. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on your toothpaste when you apply it on your brush. Regular use of soda will help dissolve any remaining particles and teeth stains. Use it once a week otherwise, it can dissolve your tooth enamel.

Try to Eat Calcium and Fiber-rich Foods

We asked our friend Dr. Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO for his diet recommendations during the holidays. Dr. Dhoon said to try and include calcium and fiber-rich foods in your holiday diet. Make different salads with green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. This will not just make your holiday meal table colorful, but will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Be Prepared

If you plan to travel during the holidays, keep a dental floss, teeth gauze and some pain-relieving medications in your bag. This will help you deal effectively with any minor dental issues if any arise.

What is TMJ Disorder?

December 17, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

There can be different reasons for tooth pain, such as a cavity in your tooth or gum pain or gum disease. It can also be due to some other medical condition, such as a sinus infection. You may also experience dental problems due to stress. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains everything you need to know about TMJ disorder.

What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder?

If you remain under too much stress or experience anxiety to the extent that you frequently clench or grind your teeth hard, you are highly likely to develop TMJ disorder, also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a condition caused by the tension in the Temporomandibular joint that joins your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorder leads to conditions which are responsible for causing pain in, around the jaw and its nearby muscles. When you clench or grind your teeth with force, it exerts additional pressure on the jaw muscles and causes inflammation. The problems with TMJ can adversely affect your speaking, eating, chewing and swallowing capabilities. It can even affect your abilities to make expressions.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of TMJ disorder is a pain in the jaw and mouth. It is a dull pain felt in the joint of your jaw or by your ears. Some people do not experience pain but have jaw dysfunction. Other commonly experienced symptoms may include any of the following:

Pain and strain in the neck and shoulders
Migraines or chronic headaches
Stiffness of jaw muscles
Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
Painful jaw joint clicking or popping when you close or open the mouth
Pain in the ear or ringing/pressure in the ears
Decreased hearing
Dizziness and vision problems
Sensitive teeth

Causes of TMJ disorder

In addition to stressful teeth clenching and grinding, TMJ disorder can be caused by other issues, such as injury to the jaw area, arthritis, some type of dental treatments, your hormones or genes, and infection in the TMJ etc.

Treatment for TMJ disorder

Most of the common problems related to jaw joints and muscles are temporary. They last for just a few weeks or months if you follow simple care guidelines. Try using hot and cold compresses, over-the-counter medicines etc. Usually, these remedies provide some relief.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA to share helpful tips for TMJ treatment. Dr. Cowen recommended that anyone suffering from TMJ disorder should try jaw strengthening exercises and physiotherapy. He says that strengthening the jaw muscles will make everyday tasks like eating, talking and laughing less painful.

You should be cautious while undergoing TMJ treatment and make sure it is irreversible. It should not cause permanent transformations in your biting, jaw or teeth. Some examples of these reversible treatments are the following:

Over-the-counter medicines
Jaw exercises and physiotherapy
Prescription medicines
Use of splints for stabilization, such as mouthguard or nightguard. These are the most commonly used treatments that give effective relief from excruciating jaw pain.

There are also irreversible TMJ treatments which can make the problem worse for example:

Adjusting your bite by teeth grinding
Extensive dental treatment
Use of splint for mandibular repositioning
Use of orthodontics
Surgical treatment, including jaw joints part replacement

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

November 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

When a child is born, there are numerous questions that parents ponder about. When should my child start seeing a dentist? Is definitely one of the most important questions parents ask.

It is recommended that the first visit should be a little after the first tooth starts to show, generally six months after. You may think that it doesn’t make sense to go this early. However, for your child to have the proper checkup and good oral hygiene throughout, the sooner you take them the better. Taking them from an early age will also get your child accustomed to going to the dentist and slowly rid any anxiety they may have about visits to the dentist.

Preparing Your Child For The Visit

Taking a child to the dentist isn’t an easy task. Especially, when it comes to toddlers. It may be hard to explain to them exactly where you are taking them or what is going on. Which results in them usually being fussy throughout the visit and possibly afterward also. However, you can be prepared at your end beforehand. Speak to a family dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and discuss with them what to expect. Be sure to take with you all your child’s medical record.

What Typically Happens During The First Visit at Sterling Heights, MI Dentist?

The first visit to the dentist is usually an introductory session in which Dr. Farhat will examine your child and gets acquainted with them. This allows your child to get comfortable with the environment. If the child is non-cooperative or too fussy then the dentist may recommend rescheduling the session. The last thing they want is for your child to associate their practice with the feeling of discomfort in any way.

The initial few visits are short, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. If your child is old enough to understand what is going on then visits can be smoother. You can discuss with them beforehand what is going to happen so they are more comfortable. Usually for toddlers, one of the parents is asked to hold the child while they are being examined.

Family dentists say that the first visit varies depending on the age of the child, but generally consists of:

A complete oral examination which includes the examination of teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues
If any plaque is present at the time then a gentle cleaning is performed to remove plaque and polish the teeth
An X-ray
A demonstration for the parents on how to properly brush their child’s teeth
An assessment of the amount of fluoride that the child may need

If you have any questions or concerns then you can ask the dentist at any point during the visit.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

For both children and adults, it is recommended that they visit a dentist every 6 months. This will help them maintain a good oral hygiene regimen.

What Can I Do At Home For Good Oral Health Of My Child?

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child gets the proper oral care when they are young. Since the child can’t take care of it by themselves. A parent should do the following:

After feeding, clean their gum with a soft, damp cloth.
As their teeth start to develop and come, make sure to brush them. You can find brushes designed for toddlers that use soft bristles. You can start brushing with just water at first and then consult a doctor as they turn 2 to see if you can use toothpaste or not.
The action of sucking tends to lead to misalignment of the teeth and can even cause decay especially if your child is constantly sucking on a baby bottle. It is recommended that you closely monitor your child and don’t allow them to excessively suck on bottles and pacifiers. Also, don’t give them any bottles to drink from as they are going to sleep at any point of the day.
It is important to brush their teeth at night, as the flow of saliva is high at that time of the day. If not cleaned there is a higher chance that the child may develop a cavity in their teeth.
Brush with your child, the best way to show them the importance of brushing their teeth is to do it with them.

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to do With the Dentist?

November 27, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

What Does Sleep Apnea Have to do With the Dentist?

Did you know that your dentist could help you when it comes to sleep apnea and snoring? Snoring is one of the conditions that people with sleep apnea face and rather than ponder about the cause, it’s time you consult your dentist for sleep apnea Sterling Heights, MI because it is most probably due to your oral health.

Which is exactly why it is no surprise that most dentists ask you about how well you sleep during oral checkups. They can early diagnose patients with the condition through an oral examination.

It is estimated that 22 million Americans deal with sleep apnea and a majority of them go undiagnosed. The condition may vary from individual to individual but the interruption in breathing can be dangerous.

There are three oral reasons why the disruption occurs, these are:

A small jaw
A large tongue
Flaccid muscles at the back of the throat

How to tell if you have sleep apnea?

Dr. Farhat says there are various signs to sleep apnea. One of the first telling sign of sleep disorders is the grinding of your teeth. Which is exactly why dentists can diagnose sleep apnea at an early stage. They can notice the tooth surface becoming worn out which raises a flag telling them that the patient has been grinding their teeth.

Grinding results in not just your teeth wearing out but also receding and inflamed gums. As the teeth wear down, it also becomes more susceptible to cavities so that is another sign dentists look for.

Along with teeth grinding, sleep specialist says the three oral reasons for disruption listed above are also signs of sleep apnea.

What does sleep apnea do?

As you grind your teeth while you sleep, there is a shortness of breath, which automatically tells your brain to wake up. In order to grind your teeth, you must close your mouth which closes one of the two passages of air into the body. You see as you sleep, you don’t really control where the air goes from the nose or the mouth. So if one of the two passages are sealed off, the brain automatically directs you to wake up because it isn’t getting enough air.

Sleep apnea results in individuals constantly waking up through the night, which impacts their sleep quality and can lead to them feeling fatigue in the morning. The disorder has also been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

What are some sleep apnea treatments?

Before you begin any treatment related to sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend a sleep study. This will note your sleep cycle and your brain activity as you sleep allowing them to determine if it is disrupted or not.

There are different sleep apnea treatments you can opt for with the night guard being one of the easiest to access.

While most individuals opt for an over the counter night guard, this is usually not the best solution. A custom-made night guard is a better option and your dentist can help you with it. The guard will reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding, in turn, reducing the chances of sleep apnea.

For those that have a serious case of sleep apnea, surgery might be recommended.

If you feel that you have sleep apnea then it is important you consult your dentist right away. Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI not only help diagnose the condition but also provide you with the best treatment option for sleep apnea.

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

November 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

Not smiling because of a gap or missing tooth in your mouth can really bring your confidence down. The loss of a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can also lead to discomfort and other problems.

The most common solution to the loss of a tooth is a dental bridge. Dr. Farhat will help explain exactly what a dental bridge and the how dental bridges benefit patients.

What is a dental bridge?

When you’ve lost a tooth or have a gap between your two teeth a dental bridge is placed to fill that gap. The reason it is called a dental bridge is that it forms a bridge between the gap with a replacement tooth. The bridge looks like a real tooth, so your smile will look good as new.

Overall, there are four types of bridges that can be fitted to your mouth. The dentist determines the best fit based on the situation. The most commonly used dental bridge is fitted with crowns on both sides of the gap.

The second type of dental bridge is the cantilever bridge, which is used when there is only one tooth next to missing tooth. The crown is placed to one side of the tooth to secure the bridge.

The third type of dental bridge is Maryland bridges, which require a metal framework or porcelain to hold the bridge in place. While this works great, the false tooth position isn’t as strong as it is when it’s cemented in. That is why this particular bridge is not recommended for teeth that exert force while chewing.

The last type of dental bridge is known as the implant-supported bridge. These dental bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing. The teeth are held with dental implants that attach securely to your jawbone for stability. A dental implant is placed for each missing tooth.

How does the procedure occur?

The procedure for fitting a dental bridge is not considered a surgery, which means you will not be sedated when you get your dental bridge. But if you are feeling nervous about the getting dental bridges, you can request to have your dentist sedates you. Your dentist will numb the area where the dental bridge will be.

Before the procedure starts, your dentist will take measurements of the gap so there’s a perfect fit. At times, your dentist may put a crown in the patient’s mouth so they don’t feel discomfort while they wait for the bridge to be made. Once it is made, cement is applied and the bridge is placed.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Thanks to the local anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. But the procedure does take a few hours which means that your mouth will have to remain open. Some patients do experience pain or soreness in their jaw but it isn’t anything too painful and can easily be resolved with the help of painkillers.

Recovering from the procedure

Since dental bridges are artificial, there’s not necessarily a set healing time. So as soon as you leave the dentist’s office you can usually eat whatever you want. It may feel a bit weird having the bridge at first but you’ll get used to it over time.

What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that there are numerous benefits to dental bridges.

A Beautiful smile: The dental bridge removes any gaps in your smile, making it as if you never lost a tooth.
Eating habit back to normal: Bridges allows you to eat without any pain, which means you no longer have to worry about feeling pain in your gums or jaw.
Improves speech impediment: After losing a tooth, many people have trouble speaking. A dental bridge will most likely eliminate the speech impediment that occurs after a loss of a tooth.

Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world. Luckily there are different types of dental bridge options that can help fill the gap. Just make sure you approach reliable dentists in Sterling Heights, MI to have this cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Going to someone you trust will give you ease of mind and more confidence that you will have your perfect smile back.

Ask the Dentist: Waterpik vs. Flossing

November 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Differences Between Waterpik and Flossing

A healthy smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Yes, it looks good but ensuring you keep good oral hygiene is important so you don’t develop cavities or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems so oral hygiene is vital for your overall health.

Most people think that just brushing their teeth gets the job done. While it is good practice to brush your teeth twice a day, the process doesn’t completely remove all food particles from the mouth. Food particles and plaque build up in the little gap between your teeth and under the gum, a brush isn’t enough to target these areas. That is why all dentists in Sterling Heights, MI and the American Dental Association recommend flossing every day.

When it comes to flossing, you have two options either use a floss or Waterpik. But how can you decide without knowing the pros and cons of each? We have you covered, we have the insights from Sterling Heights dentists that will help you choose which is a better option for you.

Waterpik vs Flossing, Which is Better for You?

Waterpik

Waterpik uses water to rid plaque and food particle between teeth and under the gum. Also, known as oral irrigators or dental water, the process uses pressurized water stream to get the job done.

Who is Waterpik recommended for?

Flossing may be hard if individuals:

have braces
have crowns
have bridgework done
have dental implants

Waterpik may also be recommended for those individuals with arthritis or anyone that finds it difficult to use a string floss.

Benefits of Waterpik

Waterpik makes it easier to reach tightly packed spaces between your teeth. Spaces where you may have trouble squeezing in a floss. Flosses are thin but at times a lot of effort is needed to squeeze them in tighter spaces which results in the application of a lot of force. Due to the force, the floss may be jammed into your gum and it starts to bleed. With a water pick, the stream of water can easily maneuver through the tight space and clean it.

The process is much easier than flossing. It may take a little time for you to fiddle with the settings and get that right but the application of Waterpik is easy. You just need to make sure that you clean all sides of each tooth with it and do it slowly. There are no risks to using Waterpik.

Disadvantages of Waterpik

While the process is easy to use, it may not be as effective at getting plaque out as compared to flossing. It can loosen plaque but the pressure isn’t enough to completely get the plaque out. That is why some use a floss to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik. The technology is also a lot more expensive than dental floss.

Flossing

Dental floss has been a practice to clean teeth since prehistoric times while it wasn’t patented until the 1870s. Floss was initially made out of silk until the second World War when nylon replaced silk. You can find floss pre-cut, long strands, flavored, and in different varieties.

Who is floss recommended for?

Floss is recommended for everyone, it should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.

Benefits of floss

Floss is a great way to target food particle, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth. It allows you to target the plaque and get rid of it before it turns into tartar. Using a floss gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can exert more force and maneuver the floss in the direction that you want to get the right angle for cleaning.

Disadvantages of floss

It may be difficult at times to reach areas that are too tightly packed with the floss. If you go too far down in your gum with the floss it can result in your gums bleeding. So you need to be careful and do the process slowly.

Once you are done flossing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water to get any loose particle of plaque out.

When it comes to picking between the two, it all depends on which of the two you are more comfortable with. Many find it easier to just floss their teeth after they brush, it requires a bit more effort but you have complete control over the process. Dr. Dhoon at Greeley Dental Care agrees that floss is also more effective at getting rid of plaque. If you are too lazy to floss on your and need something easier to use then Waterpik is the next best option. Either way, one of the two should be a part of your oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays healthy.