Patrica Hunter, DDS

My Blog

Types of Dental Surgery

by

Dental surgery may sound intimidating. It usually is recommended by a general dentist, and can seem scary. It often requires sedation. However, the doctors providing these treatment have gone to years and years of specialty school and extensive training. They are professionals and you can trust that if your Natick MA dentistry pros have referred you, then you are in safe hands. Most dental surgeries are common, planned, and non-emergent.

What is dental surgery?

Dental surgery is a very broad term, it involved anything that requires the medical intervention of the teeth, jaw, and or gums.

What are some of the procedures Dental Surgeons do?

  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • Impacted tooth removal
  • Dental Implants
  • Unequal jaw growth treatment and or repair
  • Cleft lip and palate repair
  • Facial injury repair
  • Facial infection drainage
  • Snoring/Sleep Apnea treatment

How can I prepare for dental surgery?

The most common procedures for dental surgeons are wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and impacted tooth removal. These are planned procedures, where you will have advanced notice and be able to prepare for the appointments. Here are some ideas for how to be best prepared for your upcoming dental surgery:

  1. Call and book your appointment.
  2. Confirm your appointment.
  3. Brush your teeth (unless otherwise instructed not to) prior to your appointment.
  4. If your dentist or your surgeon has prescribed any medication for you to take prior to your appointment, follow those instructions carefully.
  5. Bring ID and insurance cards if applicable.
  6. You will not be able to drive yourself home following dental surgery, ensure that you have a ride and someone to help care for you during your recovery.

What is recovery from dental surgery like?

Much of your recovery will depend upon the procedure you had done. But for almost all of these procedures, you can expect a few things. You have likely been under sedation, so you will need a ride home from your procedure and you will likely want a caretaker for the next 24-48 hours.

You can expect to feel nausea and will likely want to spend the rest of the day in bed. Following many of these procedures ice packs should be used to minimize swelling and discomfort. Most surgeons ask that you do not lay flat for several days and will give specific instructions for brushing/cleaning your mouth following surgery. Your surgeon will also likely prescribe antibiotics and pain medication as well. Take the antibiotics exactly as instructed, and the pain medication as needed (but never in excess of the prescribed amount).

If you have had teeth removed, you will likely want to eat soft foods for some time following your surgery. Strenuous exercise may also be prohibited for some time as this can increase blood flow and disrupt healing. Following many oral surgeries, you will not be permitted to use a straw, as the suction needed to drink can disrupt blood clotting or aggravate the surgical area.

As mentioned before, dental surgery can seem overwhelming or intimidating, but you can rest assured that whatever your procedure, you can trust that the practitioners will do everything in their power to make the experience as pain free and comfortable as possible.

What is Orthodontics?

by

The alignment of the teeth in the mouth of a person depends on a number of factors like lifestyle, habits, hereditary factors. While some individuals are lucky to have perfectly aligned teeth, others are misaligned or protruding teeth.

This can adversely affect the appearance of the individual and self-esteem. Additionally, it can become difficult to chew and eat food properly if the teeth are misaligned. In the last century, there have been great advances in the field of orthodontics and Millburn dentistry, making it possible to safely and painlessly align the teeth, to improve the smile, appearance and make it easier to eat.

Though it is possible to get orthodontic treatment at all ages, usually it better to get the misaligned teeth corrected at young age, usually between ten and fifteen. This is because the child is growing and the time required to correct the misaligned teeth will be far less compared to the time taken for an adult.

It is also easier to correct the bone and jaw structure. Also, teenagers are far more conscious about their appearance, and having protruding teeth can adversely affect their self-esteem. So if the child or teenager undergoes orthodontic treatment to get a perfect smile, he or she will be more confident.

In the last few decades, the number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment has increased significantly. The smile of a person affects the first impression which the person makes, so misaligned teeth can create a wrong impression.

Hence adults are opting to get their teeth aligned to improve their smile, social and professional life. It is easier to clean the straightened teeth by brushing and flossing them, leading to improved dental health since tooth decay and gum problems will be prevented. Perfectly aligned teeth will also improve the bite of the person and make it easier to eat food.

The first step in getting orthodontic treatment, is taking an appointment with the orthodontist at a convenient time. The orthodontist will first examine the teeth to check the alignment of the teeth and other dental problems. Then he will ask the patient, what kind of treatment he is looking for.

While most of the patients want to improve their smile, in some cases, the teeth may be misaligned or protruding and the patient wishes to get the teeth straightened. Then the orthodontist will take a photo or x-ray of the teeth so that he can examine the teeth structure properly and decide the best treatment options available.

The orthodontist will usually offer multiple treatment options for a patient, depending on the type of misalignment of the teeth, how quickly the teeth have to be aligned and the convenience of the patient.

Though invisalign is the most sophisticated treatment option for straightening the teeth, it is fairly expensive and everyone will not be able to afford it. There are other more affordable treatment options also available. Patients who cannot afford to pay the entire amount for the treatment upfront, can also opt to get financing for the treatment. They have to specify the amount which they pay as down payment, and the time period for repayment of the orthodontist fees.

Dental Implant Options

by

If your dentist has suggested having a dental implant then before making a decision you must have brief information about what dental implant is and which type of dental implant will be suitable for you. Please spend some time reading this write-up until the end to get ready for this procedure.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small device that can be used to treat any kind of loss of the tooth, individually as well as collectively. These implants are inserted into the jaw bone underneath the gum to work as the root for the tooth to replace the lost tooth. They are made of titanium. They are of different types from which your dentist as well as you can choose as per your suitability.

Dental Implant options

Commonly three types of implants including Endosteal, Zygomatic, and subperiosteal are used from which you choose to correct your smile.

Endosteal Implants: These implants are the mostly used to correct dental line. Most of the patients find it most suitable but you must have a healthy jawbone to get this implant infused into it. Their shape is like screws which are infused into the jawbone to work as the root of the fake teeth fitted on them. It takes some time to hold the bone strongly and heal after the procedure is over. On this post fake teeth can be put on along with the remaining teeth on the mouth once the implants are healed.

Subperiosteal Implants: These implants can be used instead of Endosteal implants as they are not inserted into the bone of jaw. These implants are fixed under the gum but on the apex of the jawbone. In these implants, a post is attached to a frame made of metal that is placed underneath the gum, on which false teeth can be fixed safely after the gum is healed. These implants are mainly used for patients with the insufficient jawbone.

Zygomatic Implants: The procedure of this dental implant is very complex as is performed on the patients with the inadequate jawbone. This is not a very common dental implant as in this procedure the implant is put on the cheekbone instead of the jawbone of the patient.

There are some other types of dental implant techniques that you must know before undergoing this procedure.

Other techniques of dental implant

If your jawbone is not enough for a dental implant and you do not opt for the procedure of Zygomatic implant, then you can choose from following implant procedures.

Augmentation of the jawbone: If your jawbone is insufficient to support an implant then your dentist fortifies your jawbone by using bone additives.

Lift your Sinus: When the bone under the sinus has been weakened due to loss of back teeth on the upper side then your dentist can add bone under the sinus in this procedure.

Expansion of Ridge: If the width of your jawbone is not sufficient for dental implant then the dentist Mechanicsville can add some graft material on the apex of the jaw to create space.

You can choose from these procedures if your jawbone is insufficient for dental implants.

Some of the dentists suggest a few other types of dental implant techniques like:

3D Imaging: It is a software-based procedure that allows your dental care provider to choose the best procedure for you after studying your jaw’s 3D model. It will reduce your recovery time as well as cost.

Fix dental implants immediately: This procedure is used if you have a healthy jawbone to support the implant and the pressure of the temporary tooth. The temporary tooth is placed instantly on the day the implant was infused.

Mini Dental Implants: these extremely narrow implants are mainly used to provide stability to the lower denture.

All-On-4: If a full set of bottom or top teeth is to be replaced then this procedure is used as a good alternative. In this procedure, instead of grafting the bone 4 dental implants are placed into the jawbone and a set of temporary false teeth is placed on them immediately. But until it heals and the implants are bonded to the bone you will have to eat some special diet carefully. A permanent set of false teeth can be replaced within 6 months of the procedure.

Thus, from the options discussed above, you can choose a suitable dental implant procedure for you with the help of your dentist.

Is There A Difference Between A General and Cosmetic Dentist?

by

Visiting a dentist regularly is very important for getting your teeth checked and treated for any kind of dental issues as these dental professionals are entrusted with the task of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. A general dentist is someone who will look after your teeth and help you in keeping all kind of dental issues at bay so that you don’t suffer from cavities, tooth decay or tooth loss.

This dentist also provides basic as well as preventative procedures for making sure that you will get a healthy set of teeth. But instead of keeping your teeth healthy, if you want to change the appearance of your teeth then you will need to visit a cosmetic dentist. Additionally, the cosmetic dentist will also provide treatments for making your teeth look natural, whiter and brighter with different dental procedures.

Therefore, before you visit a dentist, you need to know everything about both these dental professionals for making sure that you are getting the highest quality of treatment. You need to know the difference between general and cosmetic dentist so that you can select the best dental professionals for meeting your dental needs.

General vs cosmetic dentistry

General dentist:

This dentist is trained in taking care of your teeth, gums and mouth as they are also skilled enough to evaluate the teeth and identify the issues with teeth and gums. Additionally, the missing teeth are also filled with the use of crowns and bridges so that you will get a perfectly aligned set of teeth.

Along with diagnosing the oral diseases, the general dentist in portsmouth will also offer preventative treatments that are very important for maintaining oral health. General dentist are known to address the dental problems that are associated with pain and discomfort so that you will enjoy improved oral hygiene.

Cosmetic dentist:

Cosmetic dentist is known to offer aesthetic treatments that will help in improving the overall appearance of your teeth. Apart from treating a wide range of dental issues, these dentists are also known to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

These professionals also specialize in improving appearance of your teeth with the help of veneers, whitening and restoration procedures. This will help in creating a more beautiful and youthful appearance to your smile by treating all kind of flaws with your teeth.

General vs cosmetic dentistry- know the differences

The general and cosmetic dentist completes the basic training to take proper care of the teeth including x-rays, teeth cleaning and other techniques for oral health. Both these dental professionals can add veneers, bridges and crowns for improving the health of your teeth and gums. Additionally, general and cosmetic dentists are also responsible for maintaining and restoring the condition of your oral health but cosmetic dentistry emphasizes on the appearance of the teeth more than its health.

Therefore, it is important that you do proper research for making the best informed decision pertaining to your oral health so that you are getting the assistance of a licensed and qualified professional. On one hand, the general dentist is responsible for taking care of the oral health of a person, the cosmetic dentist are certified and approved professionals who are known to perform specialized services to the patients. While general dentists are known to offer treatments for the oral health, cosmetic dentist specializes in the dental aesthetics of the person.

When determining the right selection of the dental professional, you should select the one that is suited for your needs so that you will get the best treatment for your oral health. When you are concerned about the oral health of your teeth, then you need to visit a general dentist but a cosmetic dentist will address the issues affecting the appearance of your teeth. There are some oral treatments that are offered by both these dentists but if you need specialized service, you will need to visit a cosmetic dentist.

A healthy set of teeth can be accomplished with the help of a general dentist while getting an aesthetically pleasing look can be achieved with the assistance of a cosmetic dentist. Therefore, you should determine your needs while visiting a dentist so that you will get treatment from the best dental professionals.

Best Five Tips For A Whiter Smile

by

Your smile is the principal thing individuals see when they satisfy you, and it very well may be a component is each brand-new associate’s impression of you. It is necessary to care for your teeth to forestall the dental cavity and other dental issues. Continue reading to discover supportive pointers and proposals for keeping your smile, putting its best self forward so you can make a great early introduction.

Regardless of whether you have got your tooth brightened on the dental specialist’s workplace or at home, it is one way to build your certainty and make you smile. It’s critical to safeguard searching after your tooth after whitening to make sure they stay clean for insofar as possible. Directly here are 4 excellent zoom teeth whitening tips to ensure your best smile remains splendid and also you stay safe.

Whitening Toothpaste

Dental specialist visits are essential to get rid of the plaque and stains that create throughout the years, and anyway whitening toothpastes can assist the strategy on an everyday foundation. Components in merchandise collectively with unrivaled Whitening toothpaste are capable daintily scour the teeth to put away the stains. Therefore it is excellent to use amongst dental specialist cleanings and whitening. In case you’re attempting to brighten tooth at the home, hydrogen peroxide in the Optic White and also Radiant let you achieve that.

At the point when it concerns choosing a toothpaste, there are actually heaps of choices you have at the shop. But of what sort of the toothpaste you interestingly, pick it includes fluoride. The fluoride is a crucial chemical in maintaining your teeth clean and healthy, so make sure you use it.

Crunchy Produce

One cannot always have toothpaste. Be that as it may, you could all things considered safeguard your active smile intact while far away from the can sink. How? In sync, foods grown from the ground which incorporate celery, apples, and carrots are abrasive, so we can help get rid of a portion of the materials that stain your teeth.

Get regular registration for breathtaking teeth.

Dental issues that are not cared for immediately can transform into future serious problems. A visit to your dental specialist will enable you to realize that your mouth is clean, which your teeth are healthy. You can get anything that’s been a difficulty taken care of as well.

Teeth protection

As early as the enamel has been set low with the oral issue, you cannot reestablish it, and helpless teeth may be extra likely to stains. That’s the place teeth protection available inaccessible. Fluoride established in many kinds of toothpaste can basically assist reinforce polish teeth towards the wear and also tear linked to the acidic foods and beverages, which means less stains left on vulnerable enamel.

Dairy merchandise

Appropriately news for dairy fanatics: The Wake woodland Baptist clinical focus suggests eating meals over the top in calcium (cheddar and yogurt) to assist in maintaining your enamel white. Presently not best do dairy items give your enamel the calcium they want to keep teeth stable, anyway harder cheeses can eliminate food flotsam and jetsam that stain your teeth.

Whitening at your home or even seeing your dental expert for a professional cure is both potential advances to put off all the stains. To help hold it this manner among visits, utilize the above teeth whitening recommendations, along with ingesting the correct fixings and the utilization of the right merchandise, to make sure you may put your quality smile ahead.

On the off chance that you are taking your child to see the dental master for the first run through, don’t chat exceedingly about the subject. Instead of helping your kid, this may increase their fear as they will think of a developing number of worries about the activity. Also, while it is essential not to be unfavorable, you don’t wish to tell your adolescent that everything will be immaculate since she or he may not have a miraculous encounter.

As you can see, there are many strategies to guarantee that your smile remains healthy and splendid for a fantastic duration. Utilize the pointers you have found right here to ensure that you can smile with certainty at each new individual you satisfy. You’ll make sure to leave them with a fantastic impression.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

by

There are a large number of people who are afraid of visiting a dentist as they feel that dental procedures can be painful and frightening. This is the reason why majority of people avoid visiting the dentist which might eventually aggravate the dental issues. Moreover, any delay in treatment might also cost more money and time to the patients as they might also lose their tooth in the worst case.

This is the reason why sedation dentistry has become popular for people who are afraid to visit the dentist. This is a very effective procedure that helps patients in coping with fear which makes the dental visit a comfortable and relaxing experience. This is especially important for children who are unable to sit for a longer period of time on the dentist chair and when they are sedated, they will remain calm so that the dental procedure will be carried on quickly and effectively.

Sedation dentistry is also known as sleep dentistry is considered as a painless and effective option that enables the patients to deal with their fear and anxiety. There are different kind of sedation that are given to the patients which is based on their needs but the most common ones includes inhaled sedation, oral sedation, general anesthesia and IV sedation. This is the best way in which the patients are kept calm and relaxed during the dental procedusres as they are sleepy but conscious.

This is the best way of enhancing the overall dental procedure of the patients so that their anxiety level is kept at bay. There are different factors that should be considered while considering the ability of the patients to being sedated and medical history is the best important factor. If you get nervous and stressed at the thought of undergoing a dental treatment then sedation dentistry is the best option for you as you will feel perfectly comfortable and relaxed along with the best dental experience.

This is an effective procedure where medications are used for helping the patients to stay calm and relaxed during the dental procedures. It allows you to go through longer dental procedures like filling placed, multiple crowns and root canal without getting restless. Additionally, if you have problems like sensitive teeth or gums or gag reflex, you can get assistance from a sedation dentist who will make it easier for you to go through the dental procedures without getting stressed.

This is easier for the dentist and his/her team because they will be able to concentrate on the procedure rather than handling the anxious and nervous patients. Along with eliminating the stress and anxiety surrounding the dental procedure, the sedation dentist will also offer medication for removing the pain completely. This is accomplished with the help of powerful anesthesia and anesthetics that makes the entire procedures a pain free one which is done with the help of sedation dentistry.

Patients who need extensive care can benefit greatly from sedation dentistry as they will receive the treatment in fewer visits while having a pain free dental procedure. This will reduce the cost of treatment considerably as the number of visits will be reduced and it will make the treatment done within a short period of time. After the completion of the treatment, you will feel well rested because your treatment was done under sedation.

When you are sedated, it will help the dentist to work quickly and effectively because there will not be any reaction from you during the procedure. With less time of dentist chair and less pain the result of the procedure will be more favorable as you will not get affected in any manner by the treatment. Even if you are afraid of visiting the dentist because of your fear for needles then you can take the help of sedation dentist.

This dental professional will make sure that you will feel less anxious and nervous even when the dentist is injecting the numbing agent. You will not feel any kind of sensation on your teeth and gums which will help you to get a stress free and pain free dental experience. Additionally, you will be able to rest for a longer period of time as you don’t have to worry about any pain during the dental procedure.