best dentist in sterling heights mi Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Tonsil Stones: Everything You Need to Know

May 27, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Everything You Need to Know About Tonsil Stones

A tonsil stone is a hard mass that is yellowish or white. It can vary in size from very small to very large. These stones are a combination of food debris, bacteria, dead cells, as well as other substances trapped in the cavities in your tonsils. Read on and learn everything that you need to know about these hard masses.

What Are Tonsils?

Dr. Fadi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights MI, explains that tonsils are two small mounds of tissue that lie at the back of your throat. Each side of your throat has one tonsil. Their role is to help in fending off the infections that enter the body through the throat. The tonsils do this by trapping foreign bodies, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and then “training” the immune system to deal with the infection-causing agents.

Causes of Tonsil Stones

As already mentioned, tonsil stones are the masses that form when bacteria and other debris are trapped and hardens within the tonsils. In the past, surgery to remove the tonsils used to be common, but this is no longer the case since surgery is now regarded as a last-resort remedy for tonsil stones.

Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, points out that since more people now retain their tonsils, the occurrence of tonsil stones is also relatively high due to the large population that could develop these relatively harmless masses.

Symptoms of Tonsil Stones

The oral health professionals at Dental One Care assert that many of the individuals who have tonsil stones don’t exhibit any symptoms. If you develop symptoms, they may include the following:

An unpleasant smell due to the sulfides produced by the anaerobic bacteria harbored in the tonsil cavities and in the tonsil stones.
A feeling that something is stuck inside the back of your throat or in your mouth.
Pain or pressure in your ears.

Tonsil stones can grow so large that they may be visible jutting out of your tonsils. Others remain hidden within the tonsils.

Can Tonsil Stones Cause Complications?

While tonsil stones may cause some discomfort, they are usually harmless. However, Dr. Fadi Farhat explains that the presence of tonsil stones may indicate that something is missing in your oral care routine. This is because the people who don’t floss or brush properly are more susceptible to the development of tonsil stones, and the bacteria found in tonsil stones are often the same species involved in the onset of tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease.

Treatment for Tonsil Stones

In most cases, tonsils stones may not require you to take a trip to Dental One Care or to your doctor since you may be able to remove them at home. For example, vigorous gargling is, in most cases, enough to dislodge the tonsil stones from inside your tonsils.

You can also use a cotton swab to push against the tissues around the tonsils. Dr. Farhat recommends that you push the tonsil stone towards the opening or front of your mouth and not towards the back of your throat, so you don’t cause additional problems, like a blocked airway.

If the tonsil stones make it hard for you to swallow or you feel some pain, then gargling with salty water may help.

Consult Dr. Fadi Farhat or your GP if:

You experience the symptoms of tonsil stones, but you are unable to see those stones.
You’re unable to remove the tonsil stones or only a portion of the tonsil stones comes out.
Your tonsils become swollen, red, or painful.
You experience pain while removing the tonsil stones at home.

Your doctor or dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may treat those tonsil stones by using a technique called laser resurfacing. The tonsils may also be reshaped so that there are fewer cavities in which tonsil stones can form. Even after this procedure has been performed, you can still regrow tonsil stones.

Tonsil Removal

The only way to avoid ever having to deal with tonsil stones is by having your tonsils removed through a surgical process. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy. However, there is a slim chance that your tonsils can grow back.

The procedure is safe, but Dr. Fadi Farhat cautions that you are likely to experience some pain in the throat for a few days after the surgery.

Also, since it is a surgical procedure, some risks also exist, as is the case with any surgery. These include the risk of infection, bleeding, swelling, or even adverse reactions to anesthesia.

You need not conclude that you have tonsil stones if you experience the symptoms mentioned above because several other conditions, such as periodontal disease, tonsillitis, and strep throat, may all cause those symptoms. It is therefore helpful to talk to a professional at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will be properly diagnosed and given the next steps to take. Call and make an appointment today!

Signs of Dry Socket

May 19, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Dry socket refers to the inflammation of the alveolar bone or jawbone after your tooth has been extracted and the resultant blood clot is lost either partially or wholly. The loss of the blood clot halts or delays the healing process. This complication can cause you to develop bad breath and a throbbing headache several days after your tooth was extracted. Read on and learn what the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI have to say about what causes dry socket, signs of dry socket, and symptoms, and how it can be prevented.

Causes of Dry Socket

Bacterial causes. Oral bacteria or infections can prevent a blood clot from forming at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Fadi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights MI, adds that bacteria present in the mouth can also break down the clot, resulting in a dry socket.
Chemical causes. Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is one of the most common chemicals that can cause a dry socket. It inhibits blood flow to the extraction site and dry socket will result.
Mechanical causes, such as rinsing your mouth aggressively, sucking on a straw, dragging on a cigarette or even spitting can all cause you to lose the blood clot that had formed at the tooth extraction site.
Physiologic factors, such as having a poor supply of blood, having dense bones and hormonal changes, can also result in a dry socket.

Who is at Risk of Dry Socket?

Many risk factors exist for predisposing someone to dry socket. The experts at Dental One Care highlight the following as some of those risk factors:

Smoking
History or presence of gum disease
Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth
Age. People who are older than 30 years of age are at a higher risk of dry socket since their bones are denser, they have a reduced blood supply to the mouth and the extraction process is likely to be more traumatic than that done on a younger person.
Being a woman is also a risk factor since the hormonal changes experienced may affect the blood supply to the extraction site.

If you are concerned about the possibility of dry socket when your tooth is extracted, talk to Dr. Fadi Farhat and you will have your concerns addressed, including what measures are available to minimize the likelihood of the problem from developing.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Socket

A throbbing headache that develops a few days after your tooth is extracted
A bad taste in your mouth
Bad breath
Clearly visible jawbone in the socket
The tissues around the extraction site become gray
Total or partial absence of a blood clot at the extraction site

Diagnosis of Dry Socket

When you suspect that you have dry socket and you visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI, Dr. Fafdi Farhat will usually base on the symptoms you describe, as well as a dental exam, to determine whether what you are experiencing is indeed dry socket.

For example, it is normal to experience pain when a tooth is extracted, but that pain subsides over the coming days after the procedure. So, if the pain develops days after the tooth extraction, it is likely that you have developed dry socket. Nearly all cases of dry socket develop within the first week after an extraction, so yours may be a different problem if it occurs more than a week after your tooth was extracted.

Can Dry Socket Be Prevented?

Many measures can be taken to prevent or reduce the risk of dry socket from manifesting. We asked our friend, Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY to for tips on how to prevent dry socket. Dr. Smith recommends the following:

Having the tooth extracted while you are in your monthly period (to avert dry socket related to hormonal changes during the different stages of a woman’s menstrual cycle).
Placing some packing at the extraction site immediately after the extraction procedure.
Use of sutures to protect the clot from being dislodged
Avoid smoking, using a straw or any other device that could dislodge the blood clot.
Refrain from heavy physical activity the first few days after the procedure
Eat soft foods only to avoid putting pressure on the extraction site.
Use an antibacterial rinse to keep the extraction site clean.

Don’t worry if you are diagnosed with dry socket after you had your tooth extracted. The condition can be treated and you will heal within 7-10 days. Besides, there is hardly a chance of permanent damage if you suffer from dry socket. The experts at Dental One Care can also treat the symptoms associated with dry socket, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice that the clot has been dislodged as you heal after a tooth extraction.

How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?

October 2, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Not everyone loves going to see a dentist, but these visits are necessary to maintain peak dental health. So, how often should you visit the dentist? The answer to that question depends on your overall health and the recommendation by Dr. Fardi Farhat, Sterling Heights, MI dentist, after assessing your dental health, as explained below.

Why Getting Professional Teeth Cleanings Is Necessary

One of the major reasons why you should visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights is for your professional teeth cleaning. This cleaning is necessary because regardless of how vigilant you are in brushing and flossing your teeth, plaque and tartar will gradually accumulate on your teeth, especially on and beneath your gumline.

If the plaque and tartar aren’t removed periodically, you will develop cavities as a result of the bacteria build up on your teeth. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally by Dr. Fardi Farhat and our team at Dental One Care is, therefore, the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Frequency of Dental Visits

Visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is a standard rule of thumb. Many health insurance companies cover your dental cleaning and checkup visit every six months.

However, some people face a higher risk of developing cavities and suffering from gum disease. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that these people come in for dental cleanings more often than twice a year. The following questions can help you to determine whether you are one of those people who need more frequent visits to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights;

Do you use fluoride-free toothpaste or drink water?
Do you have a sweet tooth or snack a lot?
Do you avoid flossing daily?
Do you find it hard to brush your teeth twice each day?
Are you more likely to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI when you have a dental problem rather than going there for a checkup?
Does Dr. Fardi Farhat recommend fillings during each visit you make?
Do you have a lot of early cavities that are being watched by the experts at Dental One Care?
Do you currently have a dental device, such as dentures or braces?
Do you suffer from a chronic health condition, such as diabetes?
Were you diagnosed with dry mouth or think you have dry mouth?

If you responded in the affirmative to most of the questions above, you may need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently for cleanings and checkups so that any dental health problem you develop can be caught early.

In addition to the professional cleaning that you will get, our dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also administer a fluoride treatment in order to reduce your risk of suffering from cavities or losing any of your natural teeth.

The Link Between Your Dental Health and Your Overall Health

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, explains that individuals who suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more likely to suffer from gum disease. For this reason, these people can benefit from more frequent visits to Dental One Care so that gum disease can be prevented or caught early.

Additionally, people who are on blood-thinning medication, as well as those taking infusions to combat osteoporosis, should also see the Sterling Heights dentist more frequently. This is because it is difficult to extract a tooth if someone is taking these medications, so the best approach is to put emphasis on preventive dental care to avert the need for extractions or other dental care procedures.

If you suffer from bleeding gums, see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently so that the periodontal disease causing this symptom can be managed properly before it causes you to lose your teeth.

Also, if you are a parent, you should set the right example for your kids by visiting Dental One Care frequently. Bring your kids with you, even if they don’t need any dental work or a checkup done. The fact that they see you going to Dr. Fardi Farhat in Sterling Heights, MI will teach them to value getting professional dental care on a regular basis and that habit will stay with them for the rest of their lives. That is how you can protect the smiles of your family members, and Dental One Care is here to support you in this regard.

The Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction

October 17, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction

Dentists often recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed as a precautionary measure against the possible risks that come with leaving those teeth in place. The common problems associated with wisdom teeth include dental misalignment when the wisdom teeth push the existing teeth out of their positions. Are you wondering whether you should or should not have your wisdom teeth extracted? Read on and discover the benefits and the drawbacks of asking a dentist in Sterling Heights to remove your wisdom teeth proactively.

The Advantages of Extracting Wisdom Teeth

You avoid future expenses. The preventive removal of wisdom teeth allows you to spend a modest sum now on tooth extraction so that you can avoid having to spend more later on when those teeth cause problems that make it necessary to have the wisdom teeth extracted. For example, it will cost more to realign your teeth once the wisdom teeth distort the alignment of the teeth near them.

Surgical complications are avoided. The elective removal of wisdom teeth by a dentist in Sterling Heights also has an added benefit of saving you from several complications that can arise later on. For example, some people suffer permanent nerve damage when the wisdom teeth are pulled later on when they are fully developed.

Daily dental care is easier. It can be hard to keep your wisdom teeth clean on a daily basis. This is because those teeth are located at the farthest point inside your mouth. Consequently, dental experts in Shreveport, LA say that food particles may remain trapped around those teeth resulting in the development of gum disease. The removal of the wisdom teeth can avert such a risk.

The Disadvantages of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Loss of normal teeth. The proactive removal of wisdom teeth can make you lose a pair of perfectly normal teeth based on just a suspicion that they may cause problems years later. The avoidance of this needless tooth loss could have extended how soon you would require dentures or other dental prosthetics once the remaining teeth are lost. This is particularly likely since an extra set of molars would have reduced the wear and tear on the others as you chew.

The potential for complications to develop increases. Each dental procedure carries some risk of potential complications. For example, tooth extraction has risks of bleeding excessively, developing infections at the extraction site and suffering nerve damage during the extraction. These complications may be transient and mild or permanent. All these complications may be too high a risk for an elective procedure.

Some people react to anesthesia. Extracting wisdom teeth requires the use of anesthesia. This may be a challenge for those who have a history of developing a reaction to anesthesia. It is imperative that you alert your dentist in Sterling Heights in case you reacted to anesthesia during a previous surgical procedure.

Which Option Is Better For You?

As you can see, extracting or leaving the wisdom teeth comes with possible benefits and drawbacks. Schedule a consultation with a Sterling Heights dentist so that your unique situation can be assessed. The dentist may order periodic X-rays to monitor how your wisdom teeth are developing so that an informed decision can be made regarding whether to extract them proactively or leave them to develop and function alongside your existing teeth.

Facts about Dental X-Rays

October 11, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Facts about Dental X-Rays

If you treasure your dental health and go to your Sterling Heights dentist’s office regularly, chances are high you have had dental X-rays taken from time to time. This article discusses the facts about dental X-rays that you need to know.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are 2D images taken of your oral structures in order to make it easy for your dentist in Sterling Heights to assess your oral health and design an appropriate treatment plan in case any adverse condition is detected.

Dental X-rays may be digital or film images. Digital dental X-rays are newer, faster and safer than film X-rays. This reduces any risks that you may be exposed to as you undergo the diagnostic imaging procedure.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Intraoral X-Rays. Intra means “within or inside”. Intraoral dental X-rays are therefore X-rays that are taken from inside the oral cavity. These images allow the dentist to take a close look at the different structures within your mouth, such as the roots of your teeth, the supporting bone mass and any cavities developing in your mouth.

Extraoral X-Rays. These are taken from outside the mouth. Extraoral X-rays are used to look at the bigger picture of your oral health. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist may need an extraoral X-ray in order to find out whether you sustained any fractures to your jaws during an auto accident. The X-rays may also be used to assess the alignment of your jawbones with the bones in the skull.

How Often Can One Have Dental X-Rays?

X-rays carry a risk of exposure to radiation. For that reason, most dentists in Sterling Heights will limit how often they ask you to undergo dental X-rays.

However, you will usually be asked to have routine dental X-rays done once each year to monitor your dental health and address any issues that develop.

Other dental X-rays will be ordered based on the challenges you are facing. Remember, X-rays are a diagnostic tool that will only be ordered by your Sterling Heights dentist when needed.

Shreveport’s dentist Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that people who are switching from one primary dental care provider to another should give the new dentist the recent dental X-rays taken by the previous dentist in order to avoid having to repeat the imaging process so soon after other images were taken.

What Safety Measures Are Taken During the Process?

Sterling Heights dentists and radiologists take several precautions to limit your exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

First, they drape you in a leaded apron to protect your lower body from radiation. A leaded thyroid collar protects your thyroid gland from radiation.

The dentist will also limit how long the imaging process takes so that your teeth are exposed to the lowest level of radiation possible. As mentioned earlier, digital X-ray equipment emits about 80% less radiation than the traditional X-ray machines.

It is important that you notify your Sterling Heights dentist if you are pregnant so that he or she can take any extra precautions necessary or even postpone the imaging procedure in case it isn’t urgently needed.

As you can see, the facts about dental X-rays speak for themselves. Don’t be misled by the misconceptions that abound about this diagnostic tool. Speak to a dentist in Sterling Heights about your concerns so that you can be given the right information. After all, good dental care starts with you and your dentist having the right information about what is going on in your mouth.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

October 9, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion refers to the wearing away of the enamel on your teeth by the acids in the foods and drinks that you consume. The symptoms and signs of enamel erosion depend on how advanced that enamel loss is. This article discusses some of those signs and symptoms of tooth erosion that dentists in Sterling Heights frequently observe in their patients.

The Early Symptoms of Enamel Loss

Teeth Discoloration

The erosion of the enamel of your teeth brings the dentin closer to the surface. Dentin is naturally yellowish. Your teeth will, therefore, become discolored once this substance is exposed or brought nearer to the surface of the teeth. However, you should avoid making a premature conclusion that your discolored teeth are caused by enamel loss because other factors, such as poor dental hygiene and cigarette smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored.

Tooth Sensitivity

You can also suspect that you are suffering from enamel loss in case your teeth are sensitive. The sensitivity is usually caused by the exposure of dentin once the enamel is eroded. Dentin is softer and more sensitive to temperature variations. Consequently, your teeth will become increasingly sensitive as more dentin is exposed.

Rounded Teeth

Enamel loss occurs gradually and in small amounts. The sharper edges of your teeth are the first to lose their enamel coating since they are instrumental in chewing the foods responsible for causing the tooth erosion. Those sharp edges, such as the ridges on your molars, will therefore start becoming rounded. This will spread until all your teeth take on a rounded appearance.

A Sandblasted or Transparent Appearance

The tips of your teeth can also look sandblasted or transparent during the initial stages of enamel loss. The sandblasted appearance is a result of the pitting that is occurring on the surface of the teeth exposed to acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis. Those teeth start becoming transparent because the enamel is getting thinner.

The Advanced Symptoms of Enamel Loss

Cracked Teeth

As enamel loss worsens into an advanced form, the teeth will start cracking in the areas where pitting occurred. Those cracked segments will feel rough when you pass your tongue over them. The cracks will allow acids, bacteria and food particles to get into the deeper sections of your teeth. This will trigger other dental problems, such as cavities and extensive tooth decay. Dental experts in Livonia, MI agree that your dentist in Sterling Heights may then have to perform complex dental procedures like root canals or install dental crowns. Some of the affected teeth may also need to be extracted.

Dents

Dents (also called cupping) will develop on the biting surfaces of your teeth. The dents are an indicator that enamel loss isn’t occurring uniformly on the affected surfaces of the teeth. The problem with such dents is that they will cause bite forces to be distributed unevenly across the teeth surfaces. This uneven distribution of bite forces accelerates the rate at which the teeth wear out since some sections will be subjected to greater stresses than others are.

Extreme Sensitivity

Extreme teeth sensitivity results when enamel loss is advanced. At this stage, you will feel a sharp or stabbing pain each time anything hot or cold touches your teeth. Many people try to avoid eating since the pain is too much to bear.

It is important for you to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights for a comprehensive examination when you notice any of the signs and symptoms discussed above. That professional will take the necessary steps to address the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. This may save you from losing your teeth to the advanced form of enamel loss.

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

October 3, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Should I go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

September 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Should I Go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

You have made the appointment. And to prepare for it, you have made the necessary arrangements: requested for a day off work, arranged for childcare at home, or put your business dealings on hold (or in the hands of a capable deputy). You have also rescheduled your other things to do so you can make time for much-needed dental care.

But a few days before your scheduled visit to the dentist, you begin to feel under the weather. The sniffles are non-stop, the headache starts to throb, your limbs are jelly, and you feel a fever creeping in.

You start to question: Should I go to the dentist if I’m sick?

It’s a valid question and one that needs a proper answer because it involves not just your health and safety, but also the health and safety of your dental care providers. Without the necessary precautions, your illness can get worse or lead to complications. At the same time, if it’s contagious, it can potentially spread to the dental team and even to the other people present in the clinic, too. To make the right decision, there are some factors you should consider. We asked our friends at Laurich Dentistry to see their thoughts.

What to Take Into Consideration

If your illness affects the respiratory area and particularly the throat and mouth, it may be time to cancel the appointment. When you’re coughing and sneezing as the dentist works in close contact with your mouth and nose, the infection can quickly spread.
If you have a cold, undergoing dental treatments while suffering from a runny or stuffed nose can make it difficult for you to breathe.
If you have a cold sore, it can be exposed to irritation during dental procedures. At the same time, your dentist and nurse may also be exposed to viruses from the cold sore, especially if proper precautions were not taken.
If you have flu symptoms such as high fever, body pains, headache, chills, and fatigue, it may be best to reschedule. This is because the general recommendation for people with flu is to avoid going to public places to prevent infecting other people in the vicinity.

If you feel sick during the days prior to your dentist appointment at Dental One Care, take note and list down your symptoms. Call the dental office in advance and share your list of symptoms so your dentist can determine whether or not you are fit to proceed with the appointment. Should the latter turn out to be the best route, for now, your trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will be happy to reschedule your session to the nearest available date.