Dental One Care Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Best Ways to Keep Your Healthy Gums

June 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dental health isn’t all about having sparkling teeth to display during photo moments or munch on any kind of food you desire. The health of your gums also matters, and millions of people have diseased gums and they don’t even know it. Dental One Care doesn’t want you to be one of those blissfully ignorant people, and it has compiled the following tips to help you to keep your gums healthy.

Brush Twice a Day

This seems so basic, but you would be shocked by how many people neglect to perform this crucial oral health activity. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that it takes plaque approximately 24 hours to form and start hardening into tartar (calculus). By brushing twice a day, you disrupt this plaque and tartar formation process so that bacteria doesn’t get lodged beneath your gum line to cause you gum disease. So, take the hint and start brushing twice a day and make sure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth each time.

Use the Right Toothpaste

If you thought that all toothpaste was created the same, take a closer look at the different kinds of toothpaste in the toothpaste aisle of your local convenience store. Some toothpaste is meant to whiten your teeth, other types are for people with sensitive teeth, some varieties are for kids, and some toothpaste is fluoride-free. There’s a variety of toothpaste for every conceivable need. Which type is right for you? First, the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommend that you narrow down your options to toothpaste which have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This shows you that the toothpaste has been endorsed by dental professionals as being helpful in protecting dental health. Secondly, select a toothpaste that contains fluoride since it has a track record of protecting teeth from decay and damage by bacteria. The rest is just bells and whistles (flavors, etc.).

Know When to Rinse Your Mouth

Rinsing the mouth can have two totally different effects depending on when it is done. For example, rinsing your mouth with water just after you have had a meal is a good habit because it washes away any food particles which may have remained stuck on your teeth. However, it isn’t advisable to rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing because you want the fluoride in the toothpaste to have a few minutes to work its protective magic on your teeth. Rinsing immediately washes that fluoride away! Dr. Fardi Farhat, therefore, recommends that you wait a minute or so after brushing your teeth before you rinse your mouth.

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

While still on the subject of rinsing your mouth, dentists in Sterling Heights also recommend that you use a medicinal rather than esthetic (making your breath smell fresh) mouthwash. This mouthwash will kill any bacteria growing in your mouth and your gums will be protected from gum disease. Read the product labels of different mouthwashes available and pick one that is antibacterial. Alternatively, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, for the best brands to buy.

Floss Daily

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about important dental care habits. Dr. Neda says flossing may be one of the most important daily habits you can have. Your toothbrush may not be able to reach all the areas that need to be cleaned. For example, a toothbrush is unable to reach the gum between teeth. Such hard-to-reach areas are best cleaned by flossing on a daily basis, regardless of what time you decide to floss. Remember, plaque starts hardening into tartar within 24 hours, so flossing once a day gives you a chance to catch that plaque when it is still pliable.

Get Off Cigarettes

Another damaging habit that will certainly compromise the health of your gums is smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes are very harsh on the gums and soon cause them to be inflamed. The same chemicals also make it hard for the gums to heal, so you will quickly slide into a spiral of gum issues if you smoke. Talk to the experts at Dental One Care for suggestions on what to do and who to see for help in quitting smoking. As you work towards quitting smoking, the team of Dr. Fardi Farhat will treat the dental health problems caused by smoking.

Schedule Dental Cleanings Every Six Months

You can also ensure that you have healthy gums all your life by visiting Dental One Care for professional dental cleanings every six months and a checkup at least once a year. This professional care is important because any developing issues will be caught and treated early before they cause extensive damage to your dental health. For example, gingivitis can be caught early and reversed before it progresses to periodontal disease which can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, jaw, and gums.

Watch Your Diet

Your diet also plays a big part in determining whether your gums will be healthy or plagued by disease. For example, a person who limits the consumption of sticky or sugary drinks and foods stands a higher chance of having healthy teeth and gums when compared to another whose diet contains a lot of these substances. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you eat a diet that is teeth-friendly, such as consuming foods rich in calcium (yogurt, milk, etc.). A balanced diet is crucial to availing all the nutrients that your gums and teeth need to stay healthy.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated is beneficial to your oral health, especially your gums. A hydrated body will usually secrete enough saliva to maintain a correct pH balance in the mouth while also washing the oral environment to get rid of food particles, bacteria and other contaminants in the mouth. Take about 8 glasses of water each day so that your body stays hydrated. The amount of water you need will vary in accordance with the time of the year, the activities you are engaged in and your overall health. Listen to your body and hydrate accordingly.

Despite all your efforts to keep your gums healthy, you may still develop gum disease. When that happens (if you notice that your gums are inflamed, bleeding or swollen, etc.), contact Dental One Care for prompt treatment. The timely treatment promotes oral health because diseases aren’t given a chance to progress. So, call us each time you notice something unusual about your oral health. Dr. Fardi Farhat will conduct a thorough examination and design an appropriate treatment plan to bring you back to good oral health.

Is Dental Bonding for Me?

June 24, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dental bonding refers to a process through which your dentist in Sterling Heights places a special resin on your tooth to fix a minor cosmetic or structural issue. This procedure is very popular for very many reasons as you will discover in the discussion below.

Defects Where Dental Bonding is Helpful

Discolored teeth. When your tooth or teeth are discolored, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, can apply this special resin to the affected teeth so that their color matches that of the rest of your teeth.

Minor chips. When your tooth is chipped, it can develop an unflattering appearance especially if that tooth is among those that are visible when you smile. In such a case, you can contact Dental One Care so that dental bonding is applied to mask the chipped area of your tooth.

Small teeth. Some people’s teeth are naturally small and those individuals would like to have their teeth made slightly bigger. Dental bonding comes in handy in such situations since the bonding material can be placed on the sides of the teeth to make them look wider than they naturally are.

Short teeth. Some people want to make their teeth look longer than they are naturally. The team at Dental One Care can place the bonding resin on the top surface of those teeth in order to improve their length.

Minor gaps in teeth. Dental bonding can also be used to close the small unwanted gaps between teeth. For patients with this problem, Dr. Fardi Farhat places the bonding resin on the sides of the teeth so that the gaps are eliminated.

The Pros of Dental Bonding

Non-invasive. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of dental bonding is that the procedure is non-invasive, unlike other procedures such as dental crowns or veneers. Dental bonding is therefore reversible because the structure of your natural tooth isn’t affected during the procedure.

It is quick and simple. Undergoing dental bonding on one or more teeth takes a short time to be completed. This means you can schedule the procedure within your workday and still get back to your to-do list without anyone being the wiser. This is unlike other dental procedures, such as getting dental implants, which take months to be completed.

It is affordable. The simplicity of dental bonding is also reflected in its affordable cost. The materials used for this procedure are readily available and no specialized skill is required to apply the bonding resin. The net result of all these attributes is that the bill you get at Dental One Care for this procedure will be affordable.

Many issues can be addressed at one go. We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about the benefits of dental bonding. Dr. Green says dental bonding can also fix more than one issue with the same tooth or teeth. For example, your local dentist can apply a bonding resin on a tooth to make it bigger and also cover the stubborn stain which hasn’t responded to teeth whitening treatments.

Potential Limitations of Dental Bonding

Dr. Fardi Farhat cautions that not every cosmetic problem can be fixed by dental bonding because this procedure best addresses minor defects only. For example, people with severely cracked teeth are better off getting a dental crown because it does a better job of giving the damaged tooth added structural strength.

Additionally, the dentist in Sterling Heights explains that the bonding resin used isn’t very strong, so this makes the procedure suitable for the teeth at the front of your mouth only. The back teeth are exposed to a lot of pressure as you chew and these forces can easily damage the bonding resin.

Dental Bonding Procedure

The initial exam. First, you will be examined by the Sterling Heights dentist to confirm that dental bonding will be helpful for you. Patients with major cosmetic or structural issues may be advised to opt for a more appropriate procedure.

Next, Dr. Farhat may or may not administer a local anesthetic around the tooth to be bonded. Anesthesia is usually not required, but people with chipped teeth or teeth with other abnormalities may need it since their teeth tend to be sensitive.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the professional at Dental One Care will place cotton pads inside your mouth to keep saliva from interfering with the dental procedure.

An etching solution is now applied to the surface of the tooth to roughen it in preparation for the bonding resin going to be applied. This resin looks like putty and it is shaped before being placed on your tooth. The particular resin used is selected to match the color of your tooth.

Once the resin is in place, the dentist in Sterling Heights will use special tools to put final touches to the shape of the resin before polishing it to remove any sharp edges. The final step involves shining a special light on the resin so that it cures (hardens).

How to Care for Your Bonded Tooth

Avoid using your bonded tooth (or any other tooth for that matter) to bite hard substances, such as nut shells and ice. As already mentioned, the bonding resin isn’t very hard and can easily be damaged if used to bite or chew hard things.

Go for professional dental cleanings every six months so that the tooth beneath the bond remains healthy. Otherwise, the bonded material will detach from your tooth if the health of the underlying tooth is compromised by dental diseases.

Dr. Fardi Farhat also cautions that you should watch your intake of pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee since these can easily stain the resin bonded onto your tooth. Once stained, the dental bond can only be replaced since it cannot be whitened in the same way that natural teeth can be whitened.

Do you still have questions about dental bonding? Contact Dental One Care for answers to any question you have about dental bonding or any other dental issue. Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team are standing by to give you the treatment you need to maintain your smile for the rest of your life.

Reasons Why You Need an Oral Checkup

June 13, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Can you remember the last time you paid your dentist a visit? If your answer is no, then you may have a serious problem. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and contains millions of bacteria, some good and some bad. Which is why it is important to go for regular checkups with your dentist to ensure everything is in order.

Most individuals think that brushing and flossing are enough to maintain good oral health. But there are numerous oral problems that can occur even if you brush and floss regularly. Which is why the American Dental Association has recommended that individuals should get a dental checkup once every six months. More often for those that have oral problems. We discuss some reasons why that is.

Detect Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can accumulate for some period of time before being detected by an individual. Like all cancer, the disease is life-threatening and the sooner it is detected the more chances of it being treated. Since the early signs are usually overlooked by individuals, a dentist can help identify early stages of oral cancer. Which means that it can be treated before it spreads, giving individuals a higher chance of overcoming it.

Plaque

Build up of plaque leads to tartar which results in cavities. When it comes to dental care, these three are probably the most common problems. One thing people that brush and floss regularly tend to overlook is that plaque can still build up in small pockets that are hard to reach which brushing and flossing. As plaque builds up, tartar is formed. Tartar is mch harder than plaque and cannot be removed without professional cleaning. What tartar does is, it starts to create holes in the teeth giving way for bacteria to form cavities in the teeth.

Dentists can help you identify plaque and tartar build up so it can be treated before cavities are formed.

Gum Disease

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about preventing gum disease. Dr. Neda says that gum disease is another common result of plaque and tartar build up. As tartar builds up in the gums, it leads to an infection which leads to the tooth pulling away from the gum. This condition is also known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious gum disease which results in tooth loss. Regular checkups with your dentist will help identify gingivitis and treat it so it doesn’t become too serious.

Maintaining Good Oral Habits

There are certain habits that can cause damage to your teeth. Most individuals aren’t aware of such habits which can lead to damaging of the teeth or other problems. These habits are:

Nail biting
Teeth grinding
Chewing ice
Jaw clenching

Dentists can identify when such habits have an impact on your teeth and can guide you on how to get rid of such habits.

X-ray

Dental X-ray can help dentists see beyond the surface and into what is happening inside the gums. They help them identify when wisdom teeth are coming in, notice impacted teeth, and also bone decay. With regular checkups, the dentist can recommend X-rays when needed to find exactly how healthy your teeth and jawbones are below the surface.

Saves You Money

Regular checkups can help you save a lot of money in the long run. Dental treatments can be costly if they aren’t identified at an early stage. With regular checkups, your dentist can help identify problems and treat them so they don’t become too serious and rack up your dental bills.

Brighter smile

Everyone aims to have a picture-perfect smile. With a regular checkup, your dentist can help you achieve that smile and maintain it. Most dentists even offer discounts on treatments such as cleaning and whitening for regular clients.

There are nothing but benefits when it comes to going for regular checkups. At Dental One Care, Dr. Fardi Farhat and his team ensure to treat every patient with the care they need. There is a growing fear of going to the dentist and we make sure that our patients feel comfortable first before treatments and checkups. To ensure they keep coming back regularly without any fear.

Causes of Plaque and Tartar

May 31, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Some of the biggest enemies to your oral health are dental plaque and tartar. The primary reason why you brush and floss is to keep these two substances in check. In this article, you’ll discover what plaque and tartar are, how to prevent their buildup and what you can do when problems associated with plaque and tartar arise.

Dental Plaque Defined

The soft, sticky film which accumulates on your teeth is called dental plaque. This biofilm varies in appearance from a colorless substance to looking pale yellow. As saliva, food and other fluids in your mouth combine, they produce bacterial deposits which accumulate in the spaces where your teeth and gums meet.

The bacteria in that plaque generate acidic wastes which can damage your teeth and gums. This damage can progress to a level where it becomes permanent. Dr. Fardi Farhat warns that when plaque isn’t removed promptly, it can become tartar, cause tooth decay and gum disease.

The Connection Between Dental Plaque and Tartar

As time passes, mineral deposits are added to the plaque on your teeth and it will start to harden. This process takes between 24-72 hours. Once it hardens, it becomes tartar and cannot be removed at home by brushing or flossing. Professional help is needed to get rid of tartar.

Research estimates that about 68 percent of all American adults have calculus (tartar). This hard substance is brown or yellow and bonds to the tooth enamel. Experts at Dental One Care reveal that individuals who suffer from dry mouth, have crowded teeth, wear braces, smoke or are advanced in age are more likely to develop tartar. The older one gets, the faster tartar can buildup on the teeth.

How to Spot Dental Plaque’s Early Signs

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about plaque and tartar. Dr. Neda says that it isn’t easy to tell that you have this substance on your teeth. She recommends that you maintain a strict oral hygiene routine of brushing at least two times each day and flossing once every day. In addition to that, visit Dental One Care every six months for professional dental cleanings and checkups.

The dentist will detect any plaque and tartar accumulations during those visits and use different tools, such as a dental scaler, to remove the buildup.

IThe dental visits also give you an opportunity to get brushing and flossing tips in order to deal with any problem areas noticed by the dentist or hygienist attending to you.

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, suggests that you use plaque disclosing tablets if you want to identify where plaque is accumulating in your mouth while at home. Stains will show in all the places where plaque is present, so you can use this information to pay special attention to those areas while you brush. Don’t worry about the stains from the tablets; they will be removed as you brush.

Complications Related to Plaque and Tartar

It is important to get rid of plaque, otherwise, the acids produced by the plaque bacteria will eat away at your teeth and cause cavities. Additionally, your gums are likely to become inflamed if plaque isn’t eliminated. This gum inflammation is called gingivitis. The presence of plaque in your mouth will also eventually give you bad breath.

Steps to Stop Plaque and Tartar from Accumulating

Use a fluoride toothpaste. Such toothpaste will fight the bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque.
Visit Dental One Care every six months. The professional dental care you receive routinely will reduce the likelihood of developing dental diseases related to the buildup of plaque.
Floss once each day and talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI about helpful tips to cover all the surfaces between your teeth. Try different products, such a water flosser until you find what gives you optimum results.
Upgrade to an electric toothbrush and change its head every three months. Electric toothbrushes do a better job of getting rid of plaque because they deliver thousands of cleaning strokes each minute.
Stop smoking or manage this habit so that you can reduce the amount of the chemicals which accelerate the formation of plaque and tartar.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Select a brand that provides full-spectrum protection from oral bacteria for at least 24 hours.

It is important for you to take a proactive approach when keeping your teeth free from plaque and tartar. Brush, floss and use mouthwash consistently, and then couple this with professional dental cleanings and checkups twice a year. Any tartar that forms on your teeth will then be removed promptly before it triggers other dental health problems. Call Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care for help in fixing any dental health problem for a lifelong smile.

Types of Floss

May 29, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Types of Floss

Have you recently walked down the grocery store aisle filled with dental floss? The wide variety available today will leave you scrambling through the packaging, trying to figure out which type of floss is right for you.

No matter which type of floss you end up going it, it will likely get the job done as long as you remember to floss at least once a day. But at the same time, each floss has its own benefits. We breakdown the different types of flosses here:

Unwaxed: Made out of thin nylon, this type of floss consists of 35 strands of nylon twisted together. Even with that the floss is thin and can get into spaces between your teeth, no matter how tight. But unwaxed floss tends to break or shred easily.
Waxed: Made out of nylon like unwaxed floss, but this has a coating of wax on it. The wax coating gives the floss a stronger structure which makes it harder to break.
Polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE): PTFE is a material that is found in gore-tex fabric. This, of course, means that the material is tough and not easy to shred, making this one of the strongest floss available.
Dental tape: For individuals that have a little more space between their teeth, the dental tape is easier and more comfortable to use. The tape is broader and flatter than your average floss and you have the option to pick between waxed or unwaxed.
Super floss: Made out of yarn-like material, super floss is stiffer than the nylon floss. It is great for use when it comes to cleaning around bridges and braces.

Should you get flavored floss?

All the different types of flosses listed above come with flavored options. The reason why has a lot more to do with the possibility of leaving your mouth feeling minty fresh. The flavor adds an additional element to the floss that both children and adults enjoy. Not only does it leave them with a beautiful smile but also promotes fresher breath, at least the mint flavored flosses do.

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care is keen to recommend mint-flavored floss to parents for their children. It takes a dull daily task that kids should be performing and makes it more exciting, adding the flavor of mint. The dentist found that kids are more likely to make flossing a habit when the element of flavor is introduced.

Dental flossers

We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about dental flossers. Dr. Green says dental flossers are a popular choice but it’s not for everyone. It may be hard for some to hold the floss in their hands and move it between their teeth, this is especially true for children who have trouble flossing. Dental flossers come with floss attached to a handle. This gives individuals something to hold with a lot more ease when they floss than the string itself. They can gently move the floss between their teeth and parts of their gum line to ensure they get all food particles out and keep their mouths healthy.

Should you get an electric flosser?

Another option for individuals that have trouble with standard floss is electric flossers. These come with an ergonomic handle and can have heads that are either angled or can change angles to ensure you get in between every tooth. The floss has a gentle motion that works on its own to displace any particles present between your teeth. All you have to do is move it up and down once between the teeth.

How Do You Lose Tooth Enamel?

May 27, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Our mouths are exposed to different types of acids throughout the day from the food and liquids we consume. This can lead to acid or enamel erosion, a disease that causes damage to your teeth. The disease is caused by the erosion of the hard tissues of the teeth which leads to sensitivity or pain along with discomfort especially when you eat.

Tooth erosion leading to the loss of tooth enamel

Tooth erosion is one of the most common causes linked to the loss of tooth enamel, the outermost part of your teeth. The enamel is the hard tissue that covers your teeth and protects the root. So when any type of acid comes in contact with your teeth, it impacts the enamel first. Since the enamel has no living cells present, once it is damaged, it cannot repair itself. Once the enamel starts to erode, it exposes the inner parts of the tooth which leads to tooth sensitivity and pain.

Different factors that can lead to loss of tooth enamel

The acid produced by the bacteria that are present in your mouth is one of the leading causes of enamel erosion. The bacteria uses the food you consume to create acids that can be harmful to the enamel. With frequent exposure and bad oral hygiene, the acid can be very damaging leading to the loss of enamel. The following reasons can contribute to damaging the enamel:

Soft drinks: Soft drinks and fruit juices contain acids that can be harmful to your teeth. They have phosphoric and citric acid which can lead to enamel erosion. Therefore, it is recommended that you limit your consumption of soft drinks and juices.
Dry mouth: Individuals that experience dry mouth are more likely to face enamel erosion. The saliva is an important aspect of your oral hygiene as it keeps the acid and bacteria present in check. Without a constant flow of saliva, bacteria and the acid present can be damaging to your teeth.
Bad oral habits: Not brushing or flossing properly or even chewing on items such as pens can gradually impact your teeth’s health.
Gastrointestinal problems: Acid reflux can also lead to the erosion of the enamel. Frequently vomiting or acid reflux exposes your mouth to high levels of acid which can lead to enamel erosion.
Genetics: Your genes also may play a role in leading to tooth erosion.
Medications: Some medications introduce acids to your mouth when consumed such as antihistamines and aspirins. Constantly taking them may lead to enamel erosion.

Identifying Tooth Erosion

Our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, says that there are some telling signs when an individual experiences tooth erosion. Signs of tooth erosion are:

Discoloration: The tooth or teeth that are going through erosion usually are discolored first, in comparison to your other teeth. They will appear to be more yellow than the rest.
Sensitivity: Your tooth or teeth will also become more sensitive especially to hot and cold liquids and food.
Cracks start to appear: Erosion will lead to the edge of your teeth becoming jagged, rough and may even lead to a chipped tooth.

Preventing tooth erosion

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care shares with us the best preventative measures for tooth erosion.

Good oral health. The most obvious measure to prevent tooth erosion is to maintain a good oral regimen. This means you brush twice a day and floss at least once. You also want to make sure that at night, you give at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth after dinner. Before this time period, your enamel is vulnerable and the act of brushing tears away at it.
Limit acidic food intake. You need to limit and monitor the food you consume. Maintaining a healthy diet is key and don’t consume a lot of sugary, soft drinks.
Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum keeps your mouth active and ensures that there is a constant flow of saliva. But make sure you get sugar-free gum since gum with sugar can lead to the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps maintain the health of your teeth and ensures they remain strong.

Problems like enamel erosion can creep up on individuals slowly. That is why it is important that you go get a dental cleaning and regular checkup at your Sterling Heights dentist. They can help identify any problems that may lead to enamel erosion to help you combat it at an early stage. It is also vital that you contact your dentist as soon as you experience any of the signs linked to enamel erosion so your dentist can help you combat it.

Everything You Need to Know About Dry Socket

May 16, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dry socket commonly occurs after the extraction of an adult tooth. The condition is painful and happens when the blood clot does not properly develop in the area from which the tooth is pulled out. While the healing process after the extraction generally goes well, individuals that smoke, don’t have good oral hygiene, or have had complications during the tooth extraction can experience dry socket. In this article, we look into this oral problem.

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

It isn’t very difficult to identify when you have dry socket since there are quite a few signs. The symptoms will always appear in the area where the tooth was extracted from. When examining the area, you will notice it is dry and has a bone-like, white color. Normally, after extraction, the area should appear to as a dark red color, which means there is a blood clot in presence. However, if you don’t notice this, then you need to contact your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI for a checkup to ensure that the area is healing as it should or not.

Individuals that don’t spot the problem at early stages tend to experience the following symptoms:

Pain and aching at the site of the extraction, this usually starts a couple of days after the procedure.
The pain can also spread to other parts of the body such as the neck, ears, and face.
Unpleasant taste in the mouth along with the bad breath.

If at any time after an extraction, you experience any of the symptoms above, you likely have a dry socket. It is important you contact Dental One Care immediately and get treated for it.

What are your treatment options for dry socket?

To combat the pain experienced due to dry socket, your dentist will recommend the use of aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory drug. Most of the time the painkiller will be enough to relieve you of the pain. However, if pain still persists then anesthesia may be the only option. It will be applied to the area of the extraction. But this is just to treat the pain, the dentist will need to treat your dry socket also.

Treatment for dry socket first starts off by cleaning of the tooth socket. Debris will be taken out from the socket and a special paste will be applied to fill the socket. You will then need to monitor the socket to see if a blood clot is formed or not. If after a few days it is still not present, you will need to visit your dentist again to have the dressing changed. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent any infection in the socket.

How can you prevent dry socket?

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about preventing dry socket. Dr. Kacos says there are a few steps you can take to prevent dry socket. After tooth extraction, there are certain measures you can take that can help prevent dry socket from occurring. These are:

Avoid straws: The act of suction while using a straw may have an impact on the blood cloth, dislodging it. You can consult your dentist to get an idea of how long you should go without the use of a straw.
No smoking: You will need to avoid smoking altogether after extraction. If you are an avid smoker and find it hard to stop then look for an alternative like a nicotine patch. You can also ask your dentist to apply stitches on the site of surgery and while smoking apply a gauze over it.
No gum or hard food: The act of chewing can dislodge the blood clot in the socket. You want to make sure you don’t chew excessively and stick to food that is not too hard.

What to do if you can’t see a dentist for dry socket right away?

If for any reason you aren’t able to go to your dentist but have the symptoms of dry socket, there are steps you can take immediately to help reduce any risk of infection. Don’t think that the problem will solve itself, you need to take the proper measure to help it from becoming a bigger problem. The following tips will help you do that:

Throughout the day, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You need to do this a few times during the course of the day. If there is swelling, apply a cold pack to the affected area of your face to reduce it. To help with the pain, you can apply a washcloth that has been dipped in warm water to your face.

The best course to take if you have even at the slightest possibility of dry socket is to see your dentist. They can help you treat and prevent any infection in the socket. Furthermore, they can help you manage the pain that may be unbearable for some.

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

May 14, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

Plaque build up is not usually always easy to spot. Unless the build-up occurs around your teeth or the gum line. However, plaque along with bacteria can go deep into your gums, attacking the root of your teeth. This is an area where you can’t combat the bacteria by simply brushing or flossing, leaving your teeth vulnerable. Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI can help you combat bacteria and plaque deep in your gums through deep cleaning, which is also known as root planing and scaling.

The process cleans deep into your gums, removing any tartar or plaque present. The reason why it is called deep cleaning is that it goes deep into your gums and tooth’s roots. It is a treatment that is highly recommended for anyone that has gum infection or disease. For example, if you have advanced gingivitis, you should schedule a deep cleaning appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist to so the disease doesn’t become any more serious and evolve into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that is a painful infection that leads to bone and teeth loss. But the disease can be controlled and prevented with a timely root planing and scaling.

Process of Deep Cleaning

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care highlights the procedure of deep cleaning. While it is usually recommended for individuals with gingivitis or gum infection, there may be times that your dentist may recommend it when you go for regular cleaning. The procedure is as follows:

To ensure you don’t feel pain, a local anesthetic will be applied or injected in the are of the gum and teeth where the cleaning is to occur.
A tool used for scaling will then scrape tartar and plaque present in your tooth’s roots. This will ensure that the bacteria is removed so there is no chance of cavities or decay.
In case of severe infection, you may be given antibiotics to continue to combat the bacteria and disease while also promote healing.
A planing tool is then used at the end of the treatment to reshape the tooth’s surface and make it smoother, reducing the chances of the formation of bacteria.

We asked our friend, Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about deep cleaning. Dr. Green says, “Deep cleaning paired with a good oral regimen can help you maintain healthy gums and teeth while eliminating the chances of gum diseases.” To schedule a deep cleaning with Dr. Farhat, click here.

The Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Through the procedures individuals will experience the following benefits:

Combat gum disease: Anyone with gingivitis or early stages of periodontitis can combat the disease with the help of deep cleaning. More often than not, just one procedure is more than enough to eliminate the disease.
Prevents tooth decay: Gum disease has been linked to the loss of tooth tissues which causes them to decay. As the decay reaches the root, simple treatment such as dental filling isn’t enough to combat decay. You need to clean the infection from the root of your teeth to prevent decay.
Fresher breath: Gingivitis leads to bad breath. The plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth makes your breath unpleasant. Through deep cleaning, you remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gum which gives you better breath.

It is imperative that you contact your Sterling Heights dentist at the earliest sight of gum inflammation. The sooner it is treated, the better so it doesn’t have a chance to develop into periodontitis.

5 Benefits of Custom Mouthguards

April 29, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

5 Benefits of Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are often downplayed. Neglecting such an important protective tool can expose your dental health to serious challenges, such as knocked-out teeth. But why should you buy custom-fitted mouthguards when generic versions exist in sports-goods stores? In this article, you’ll discover the unique benefits of custom mouthguards as opposed to the pre-made versions.

Custom Mouthguards Provide an Exact Fit

Our jaws, teeth and mouth vary from one person to another. So, it would require a feat of engineering for a manufacturer to mass produce mouthguards that would be a proper fit for every athlete.

Dental One Care makes custom-fit mouthguards. All you need to do is schedule an appointment with Dr. Farhat and he’ll take an impression of your teeth. This cast is then dispatched to a dental lab so that the customized mouthguard can be made for you. The device will fit you perfectly so that you don’t have to keep your mouth shut in order to retain the mouthguard. This precision of the fit makes the time and money spent acquiring the mouthguard a worthwhile investment.

Custom Mouthguards Mean Greater Comfort

Custom-fit mouthguards are very comfortable to wear because they are manufactured in accordance with the unique attributes of your mouth and teeth. This high degree of comfort makes wearing your mouthguard enjoyable. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that this comfort is particularly important if the mouthguard is for a child because an uncomfortable mouthguard will create numerous opportunities for the child to “forget” to wear the device before going to train or compete in their sport. Pre-made mouthguards cannot offer the same degree of comfort, and therefore using them will mean putting up with a lot of unnecessary discomforts.

Maximum Protection

The purpose of wearing a mouthguard is to protect your teeth, jaw, lips and other oral structures from the forces generated during an impact, such as a collision with another athlete. Because custom-fit mouthguards are designed after getting the specifications of an individual, they offer maximum protection when compared to pre-made versions. For example, the custom-fit mouthguards made by Dental One Care can be designed to accommodate the wires in your braces so that those wires don’t break and hurt you during an impact. Generic mouthguards don’t accommodate those unique attributes, so you end up with less protection than you need.

Appropriate Thickness

The thickness of the material used when making custom-fit mouthguards is decided after considering the specific activities for which you need the mouthguard. For example, a person who is a boxer requires a thicker mouthguard than another person who plays tennis. This is because the likelihood of impacts to the mouth in boxing is higher (and the impacts are more violent) than in tennis. By varying the thickness, Dr. Farhat and his team at Dental One Care ensure that you will have the right type of protection for the specific sports you engage in.

Custom Mouthguards Are Cost-Effective

At first glance, custom-fit mouthguards may appear to be very expensive when compared to the mass-produced ones in sports-equipment stores. However, we asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the benefits of custom mouthguards. Dr. Dhoon says that custom-fit mouthguards are actually more affordable than generic ones. For example, the generic versions will wear out quickly because they aren’t designed for the individual who buys them. So, you’ll likely exert more stress on some parts of the generic mouthguard, such as the sections where the mouthguard makes contact with the wires of dental braces.

Secondly, the customized mouthguard provides more protection and therefore saves you the high cost of dental reconstruction after a nasty impact. Generic mouthguards aren’t customized for a given sport, so the limited protection they provide sets you up to incur high costs when your oral structures are affected during an impact.

Look no further than Dental One Care if you need custom mouthguards in Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Farhat and his experienced team will respond to all your queries and you will soon wonder why it took you so long to switch to custom-fit mouthguards.

All Your Questions About Dental Bridges and Partial Dentures, Answered!

April 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dental bridges and partial dentures may be suitable for you if you have lost one or more teeth. However, it may be hard for you to decide which option is best for you if you don’t have sufficient information to make an informed decision. Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care put together this brief guide to address all your questions about dental bridges and partial dentures.

Why Should Missing Teeth Be Replaced?

First, replacing a missing tooth helps to maintain the visual appeal of your smile. Many dentists in Sterling Heights, MI realize that majority of people become self-conscious once they have a gap due to a missing tooth. If you have a gap, you’re less likely to smile or interact freely with others. Replacing your missing tooth eliminates this problem and allows you to have normal social interactions.

Secondly, replacing a missing tooth also serves a functional purpose. For instance, your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you replace your missing tooth so it doesn’t affect your chewing or speaking abilities. Tooth replacement ensures that each tooth remains in its proper position for effective eating, speaking, as well as esthetics.

How Can a Missing Tooth Be Replaced?

A missing tooth or teeth can be replaced in one of three common ways, according to dentists at Dental One Care.

First, a dental bridge may be used to fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Secondly, a false tooth, called a partial denture, can be placed in the existing gap. Alternatively, an implant may be used to provide an anchor for a crown.

What Are Partial Dentures?

A partial denture refers to a plate on which one or more false teeth have been placed. This partial denture could be made from a mixture of plastic and metal, or it could be made from only plastic. Partial dentures often have clasps (clips) that are used to attach the partial denture to the surrounding teeth. Depending on their location, the clasps may be visible when you open your mouth or if you smile.

How Does a Plastic Partial Denture Differ from One With Metal?

Dr. Farhat explains that purely plastic partial dentures are easy to fabricate and are therefore inexpensive. However, extreme care is needed during their production in order to prevent them from damaging the teeth onto which they are anchored/supported. This damage results because the plastic partial denture is quite heavy in order to give it the needed strength.

Conversely, partial dentures that have metal components are stronger and lighter than entirely plastic partial dentures. These partial dentures are also more costly when compared to plastic ones.

Which Option Is Best for You?

The experts at Dental One Care will base on the condition of your teeth in order to recommend whether an entirely plastic partial denture is appropriate or one with metal is a better alternative.

How Should Partial Dentures Be Looked After?

First, make sure yous clean your dentures every day. This starts with brushing them using a recommended denture cleaner rather than toothpaste. Toothpaste may cause tiny grooves to form on the dentures. Next, soak the dentures overnight in a cleaning solution so that the denture retains its shape and remains free from germs.

It is advisable for you to place a folded towel or bowl below where you are brushing the dentures in case you drop them. Otherwise, they may be damaged if they have a long fall. You can also have your dentures professionally cleaned at Dental One Care if you notice that they are developing stubborn stains.

What Are the Alternatives to Partial Dentures?

You can replace your missing tooth with an implant-supported crown or you can get a dental bridge. The experts at Dental One Care will recommend the best options for you and your needs.

What Are Bridges Fabricated From?

Dental bridges are normally made by fusing porcelain to a metallic base. Precious metals, such as gold, are preferred for this because they tend to last longer. However, non-precious metals, such as steel and aluminum, may also be used.

Is a Bridge Always an Option?

Dr. Farhat explains that not everyone is a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. This is because one must have strong teeth next to the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. The nearby teeth have to be strong because the bridge will be anchored to them for support. If the surrounding teeth are weak, another replacement option will be recommended by your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI.

How Soon Can a Bridge Be Fitted?

You may have to wait for several months after your tooth is extracted before a dental bridge can be fitted. This interval is needed in order to allow your gum to heal fully after the tooth was pulled. In the meantime, the Sterling Heights dentist may give you a temporary denture while you wait for the gum to heal.

Are Bridges Affordable?

The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on various factors, such as the size of that bridge and the material from which it is made. Be sure to ask for a written estimate of the costs and the treatment plan before you start the procedure.

How Should Dental Bridges Be Looked After?

We asked our friend Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about dental bridges. Dr. Laurich strongly emphasizes practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to clean the dental bridge on a daily basis to avert bad breath and other problems like periodontal disease. Ensure that your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI or a dental hygienist demonstrates how you can keep the area underneath the false tooth clean.

Don’t hesitate to contact Dental One Care if you have other questions about dental bridges, partial dentures or about any aspect of your dental health. We are available to address any dental health issue you may have, so give us a call today and get an appointment.