Wisdom teeth removal

 

About wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth usually emerge from your gums between the ages of 17 and 24. They are the last of the large grinding teeth at the back of your mouth (molars). Some people never develop wisdom teeth but you could have up to four - one in each corner of your mouth.

For most people, wisdom teeth don't cause any problems so don't need to be removed. However, if there isn't enough space for them to grow at the back of your mouth, they become what is known as impacted wisdom teeth, and can cause pain, swelling and/or infection.
It’s important to see your dentist regularly if you have impacted wisdom teeth. Caring for your teeth to ensure good dental hygiene can prevent wisdom teeth from causing other dental health problems
If your wisdom teeth cause other dental health problems, you may need to have them removed. These problems may include:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• repeated mouth infections
• an abscess (a collection of pus) on your gums or around your wisdom teeth

Having your impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed (extracted) can relieve your symptoms. It may be possible for your dentist to remove your wisdom teeth, or he or she may refer you to an oral surgeon.

What are the alternatives?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Antibiotics can often help treat an infection if that’s what is causing your symptoms.

Preparing for wisdom teeth removal

Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you may be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a wound infection, which can slow your recovery.
The operation is usually done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks pain from your gums and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may be offered a sedative to help you relax during the operation. If you go to a hospital and your wisdom teeth are particularly challenging to remove, you may be given general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will let you know which type of anaesthesia is most suitable for you.
If you're having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. This means not eating or drinking, typically for about six hours beforehand. However, it's important to follow your dentist or oral surgeon's advice.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal

The procedure for removing your wisdom teeth will depend how deeply impacted your teeth are. Many wisdom teeth can be extracted simply like any other molar. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist or oral surgeon will widen the socket (the area your tooth sits in) using a tool called an elevator or a pair of special forceps. He or she will then move the tooth from side to side until it is loose enough to be removed completely.
However, if your tooth is more difficult to remove, your dentist or oral surgeon will cut through your gums and may remove some of your jawbone to reach your tooth. He or she will remove your wisdom teeth and then close your wounds with stitches if necessary. Most wisdom teeth only take a few minutes to remove, but the more difficult cases can take around 20 minutes.

What happens afterwards

You will need to rest until the effects of the general anaesthetic or sedation have passed.
After a local anaesthetic, it may be several hours before the feeling comes back into your jaw. Take special care not to chew on the area or have any food or drinks that are too hot, as these could burn the area.
You will be able to go home when you feel ready.
If you had a general anaesthetic or sedation you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you some advice about looking after your teeth and gums before you go home. You may be given painkillers, antibiotics and mouthwash solutions to take home. You may also be given a date for a follow-up appointment.
Dissolvable stitches will disappear on their own in seven to 10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed a week after surgery.

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal

If you need them, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice. Don't take aspirin because this can make bleeding worse.
Don't vigorously rinse out your mouth during the first 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth removed because this can disturb blood clots that help the healing process. After meals, you can rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt dissolved in a glass of water).
You should brush your teeth as usual, but keep your toothbrush away from the healing wound for the first couple of days. At first, you may feel small fragments of bone with your tongue. These are the edges of the tooth socket and will soon disappear as your gum heals.

Eating and drinking

To begin with, you should eat soft foods, gradually returning to your usual diet once your jaw feels less stiff.

Bleeding

If your gum bleeds, fold a clean handkerchief or piece of gauze, place it on your bleeding gum and bite on it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don't rinse your mouth out or lie down until the bleeding has stopped.
Most people don't experience any problems after having their wisdom teeth removed. However, contact your dentist or your GP immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure, or that lasts for more than half an hour
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• severe pain that isn't helped by painkillers
• a high temperature
• swelling that continues for more than three days after your operation

What are the risks?

Wisdom teeth removal is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.

Side-effects

These are the unwanted, but mostly temporary effects of a successful treatment, for example feeling sick as a result of a general anaesthetic.
You may have some facial swelling, bruising, pain or jaw stiffness for up to two weeks. These symptoms are usually at their worst for the first two or three days and then gradually improve.

Complications

This is when problems occur during or after the operation. Most people aren't affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic or excessive bleeding.
Specific complications to having your wisdom teeth extracted are uncommon but may include:

• infection
• accidental damage to other teeth and your jaw during your operation
• severe pain caused by dry socket - this is when the blood clot breaks away from the wound exposing the bone and nerves, causing pain and delaying healing
• numbness in your lower lip or tongue, or changes to taste - this can be caused by nerve damage and there is a small chance that this could be permanent
• jaw stiffness - it's possible that you may not be able to open your mouth fully

The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your dentist or oral surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.

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How to Stop Bad Breath in Easy Ways

How to stop bad breath is a question often asked by halitosis sufferers who are already desperate in finding the most effective cure for their problem. If you are one of these people, then rest assured that there are a few effective solutions for bad breath including the following:
1. Gargle diluted hydrogen peroxide two times a day. This is something that you could do after brushing your teeth and scraping off all the bacteria from your tongue. What you need to do is to mix hydrogen peroxide and water together and then swish the mixture around in your mouth for approximately forty-five seconds.
When the hydrogen peroxide becomes foamy, you can expect it to start working in killing excess bacteria that cause your breath to stink. Make sure, however, that you avoid overdoing the use of this gargling solution as this might cause your teeth's enamel to decompose.
2. Sip a cup of flavored green tea or black tea. These teas are effective in making your breath fresher and in fighting infections. Green and black teas are rich in polyphenols that work as antioxidants and are effective in protecting your human cells from extreme damage.
Polyphenols are also effective in stopping the growth of bacteria within your mouth by thirty percent. The good thing about both of these tea variants is that they are also good for your health.
3. Eat yogurt. Aside from being delicious and low in fat, yogurt is also a great answer to the problem of how to stop bad breath. It is a great solution for indigestion and is capable of curbing bacterial growth inside your mouth. What you need to do to take advantage of the ability of yogurt to cure bad breath is to take two servings of it every day.
The good bacteria present in yogurt will compete with the bad bacteria in your mouth to prevent the latter from spreading. You can also expect the good bacteria present in yogurt to work in improving your digestion.
4. Use herbs. There are several herbs that work in stopping bad breath. These include parsley, spearmint, coriander, rosemary, tarragon, cardamom and eucalyptus. Eating any of these herbs while they are still fresh is an effective way to get rid of bad breath. You should also try drinking tea made from these herbs. Aside from helping you eliminate bad breath, you can also expect this to be good for your digestion.
5. Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber. Fiber rich fruits and vegetables including apples, celery and carrots can help beat halitosis because these are capable of increasing the level of saliva in your mouth for a natural rinsing effect. Eating an apple on a daily basis is also like brushing your teeth. You can also expect these foods to work in boosting your gastrointestinal health.

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Healthy Teeth: My New Year's Resolution

The end of 2012 is right around the corner, as I celebrate and reminisce about the last 12 months I begin to plan for the next 12 months. How can I make them better than the last? Things always come up that I never planned for. This year has been far more of an adventure than I had ever dreamed of. One of those unplanned but welcomed surprises was when I got hired on as the Public Relations Director for a dental office in Sacramento, California. I have quickly developed a passion for encouraging our community to make healthy teeth and gums their priority.
I have a confession; before I started working in the dental industry, I did not even have a regular dentist. Every month I was paying for dental insurance I never used, the only time I thought about the dentist was when a tooth started hurting, which is usually a sign that a person has waited too long. I regularly do my part by brushing my teeth every day, not always flossing as much as I should. Recently I have realized that I have not been doing enough to keep my teeth as healthy as I need them to be to last me my whole life. It was my lack of knowledge that had led me to believe that I could avoid going to the dentist on a regular basis.
My New Year's resolution is to start taking better care of my teeth and gums, because having a healthy smile has a whole string of psychological and physical effects connected to it!
I want to keep my teeth for the rest of my life. As my body works day in and day out to clean my teeth, the interaction between food and saliva creates bacteria and acid. If the bacteria and plaque are left to build up and get between my gums, the acid can begin to eat away at the bone structure that is keeping my teeth secure. It can happen with virtually no symptoms and lead to gum disease. Although gum disease is treatable, bone loss is irreversible and can lead to the eventual loss of teeth. Not only can plaque cause the loss of teeth, it is bad for the heart.
Have you ever experienced bleeding gums when you floss? Well, that opening leads straight to the blood stream that is an open door to plaque and bacteria. The same plaque that builds up on your teeth builds up on your arteries once it enters the bloodstream. Clogged and hardened arteries can lead to high blood pressure, or worse, a heart attack. Proving that taking care of your teeth is taking care of your heart.
And the number one reason why I am choosing to take better care of my teeth this year...
Having a bright and healthy smile makes me feel good! When I am confident about my smile, I am ready for any challenge that I might face, from job interviews to first dates. The mouth is usually a main point of focus when socializing, it makes sense why feeling self-conscious about teeth can be harmful. Other people notice and are attracted to the cool courage a confident smile can bring. It boosts my self esteem and helps to keep my spirit lifted all day long.

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Advice From the Low Cost Dentist on the Cost of Dental Implants, PART 2

Welcome back to our two-part series on the cost of dental implants. In the first installment of the series, the low cost dentist compared implants with dental bridges. While you'll initially fork out more for the cost of teeth implants than you would for the latter, bridges have a much shorter lifespan, require frequent restoration and often cause problems further down the line. "Bridges don't feel very natural and patients often complain that they're constantly aware of them," explain low cost dentists. "Furthermore bridges require two perfectly healthy teeth to be sacrificed in order to provide them with support, which is far from ideal." The cost of teeth implants, when compared with bridges, works out far better in the long run; and it affords patients a much more sophisticated tooth replacement technology.
What about the patients who have lost most or all of their teeth over the years? What alternatives do they have to paying the cost of teeth implants? And are they worth it?
The Low Cost Dentist on Alternative Tooth Replacement Methods: Dentures
Removable partial or full dentures are the least expensive of all the tooth replacement solutions available to patients who require most or all of their teeth replaced. "In the eyes of the patient, this immediately puts them at an advantage to the cost of teeth implants," say low cost dentists. "What patients don't know is that when it comes to dental hardware, you get what you pay for. The cost of dental implants is at the higher end of the spectrum because they are built to last decades without the need for restoration or replacement," explain low cost dentists. "Dentures are a daily challenge to live with and they cause the highest rate of discomfort and dissatisfaction amongst patients."
The bottom line is that dentures are functionally and aesthetically inferior to dental implants. They also render patients more vulnerable to bacterial infection (gingivitis) and gum disease. "In the long run, denture-wearing will ruin your natural and youthful facial contours and severely compromise your quality of life," warn low cost dentists. "This is why we stress the importance of covering the cost of teeth implants."
Cost of Dental Implants: About the All-on-4 Dental Implant Protocol
With the development of sophisticated surgical techniques, such as the All-on-4, there is now an even greater reason patients need not shy away from the cost of teeth implants. With this breakthrough protocol, the cost of dental implants for oral rehabilitation is reduced by an average of $25,000. For more complex cases, patients can save as much as $45,000!
The All-on-4 technique is a sophisticated surgical protocol that comes highly recommended by low cost dentists all over the world. It is a fantastic and cost-effective way to have an entire dental arch replaced. In addition to the reduced cost of dental implants, this protocol boasts an incredible array of benefits and advantages over both dentures and traditional dental implant techniques. What would once require up to 18 months in an out of surgery and consultations can now be completed in a single day with a single surgery.
The All-on-4 gives patients a brand new set of fixed and non-removable teeth that are virtually indistinguishable, in function, fit, feel and appearance from natural, healthy teeth. Better yet, "undergoing oral rehabilitation with the All-on-4 markedly reduces the cost of teeth implants you need to pay to get your smile back," say low cost dentists.
A Final Note on the Cost of Dental Implants
You wouldn't expect a Lamborghini to come cheaply. You also wouldn't expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the latest 42-inch HD LED flat screen TV. If you want the best tooth replacement solution, you need to pay for it. "And trust us," say low cost dentists, "you want the best tooth replacement solution! You want to eat your favorite foods, you want to smile with confidence and you want to live a normal and healthy life. Teeth implants make that entirely possible".

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Dental Practice Management Issues: Sick Again?

Have you noticed your employees, or an employee being sick fairly regularly?
Is it that this person doesn't want to come to work, or is it that he or she is truly ill?
I find that someone who has ownership mentality, there is typically less sick time or time away from work. The challenge, when you look at the practice as if you were a dental consultant, is that team members can develop a 'clock' puncher mentality. How do you talk about this problem and why should you?
Dental practices are typically a small team. Even if we're in a larger office, you'll have a core team and you truly depend on each other. Taking sick days can impact the team members, the practice and also patient care.
Why are employees taking time off? Do you pay people to take time to be sick? If you offer sick pay rather than well pay, you may be paying them to be sick. And if they're sick pay doesn't roll over into the following year, they may end up taking more time off in December.
So many times, as a dental practice management consultant, we ask employees the question: "What benefits don't you have that you would like to see added in the years to come?" And many times the answer is, "I wish we had more sick days than the number we already have."
Is it time to change the focus? One doctor said, "I pay my people to be well." He gave four days a year, one day per quarter, of personal paid time for his team members and he also had a well bonus plan versus sick days. They kept absenteeism at an all time low. As his dental practice management consulting firm, we recommended and implemented the system for him the year prior and it made a huge difference in the employees' ownership mentality into the business.
The system worked like this:
• The employees could miss one day per quarter for any reason and be paid for the day. However, of course they realized that if they did this randomly, without letting the office know, it could seriously burden the office. In addition, if they missed two days in a quarter, they were paid for one, but not the other.
• In the anniversary month of the employee being hired, the doctor bought back each of the four unused personal days. If the dental team member had perfect attendance and turned in all four days for reimbursement, he also added a $100 bonus to the days that they were paid for. The first day off in the quarter was without penalty, but the second day off was:
1. Without pay
2. It affected the staff person's ability to be paid the extra bonus.
The team works very hard to stay well.
I believe it's important that we create incentives to keep our team well and focused on their importance at work. This small but important change can allow you to have a healthy, productive practice.

Dr. Rhonda Savage is the CEO for Miles Global, an internationally known consulting business. She is an acclaimed business speaker, author and consultant. To speak with Dr. Savage about your practice concerns or to schedule her to speak at your dental society or study club, call 877-343-0909.

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Preventing Oral Diseases the Natural Way

Your teeth contribute to your facial appearance significantly. Losing a tooth can be frustrating, as it affects your whole personality. With proper care, your teeth and gums may stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your gums and teeth are, the less risk you have for tooth loss and gum disease. A dentist can offer you some treatments to keep your teeth healthy, including advice on proper eating and hygiene habits, and performing dental check-ups regularly.
Proper Eating
Eat less food rich in sugars and starches. These foods produce acids in your mouth that can damage your teeth. Snacking on sugary foods such as candies, cookies, chewing gum, and cakes can lead to tooth decay People who do not brush after eating their snacks are more prone to tooth decay. Once you drink or eat, your mouth generates acids that weaken your tooth enamel. Many dental professionals suggest eating healthy food like vegetables to keep your teeth and the rest of your body healthy.
Brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after a meal. Brushing removes plaque, which can accumulate between your teeth. Plaque, when combined with food particles, can produce acids that may damage your tooth. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums. Try using an electric toothbrush for more efficient brushing. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can irritate your gums and may result in gum bleeding. Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, and use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue appropriately.
A good oral hygiene also involves replacing your toothbrush regularly. Invest in a new toothbrush every two months, or as soon as your current brush's bristles start to wear out.
Flossing
Dental clinics also suggest that you floss regularly. You cannot reach those tight spaces between your teeth with just a toothbrush. That is why regular flossing is important. Floss once a day, as it gets rid of food and plaque between your teeth. Failing to remove plaque from between your teeth allows it to harden into tartar, which requires a professional to remove. Floss one gap at a time. Use your thumbs and forefingers to pull the floss from your gum line to the top of your tooth to remove plaque. Avoid using old floss when you move on to another tooth.
Visit your Dentist Regularly
Conduct regular dental checkups at least six months. Contact your dentist if you notice any signs or symptoms of dental problems. It is important to schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings. This may help you maintain good oral hygiene. Early detection and treatment of problems may ensure a lifetime of good oral health.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth enable you to feel and look good. Good oral health is important for your over-all well-being.

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Priceless Smile: Reward Yourself For the Holidays

In the past, people visited dental professionals to fix their dental problems. These ranged from tooth extractions to simple cleaning. As innovations continue to happen, new types of teeth problems also started appearing. These problems though, affect the aesthetic side of your mouth.
Remember that a good smile can benefit you in so many ways. Below are a few reasons you should consider cosmetic dentistry.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry
Some people still argue that teeth appearance is not important as long as it is healthy. Dental professionals, however, say that good oral aesthetics can further prove that you have healthy teeth. A person with healthy but misaligned teeth can have more problems chewing or biting than a person who underwent cosmetic dentistry. Moreover, many people relate improved self-esteem and confidence with beautiful teeth. It is common for people to go to a spa or to buy new gadgets for themselves.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Before you book your dental appointment, make sure you know what you want. Here are the common cosmetic dental procedures:
- Bleaching: This popular procedure involves whitening your teeth. You can do either to remove stains or just to make your teeth whiter. Discoloration happens due to medications, coffee, smoking or tea.
- Bonding: This process fills teeth gaps and changes the color of teeth. One visit to the dentist and the bond can last for a number of years. Dentists also use this to fill minor tooth cavities.
- Crowns: People also called this process as capping. Oral specialists use this to restore the teeth's natural shape and appearance. This process is the most time-consuming but may last the longest.
- Veeners: These are the thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed in front of your teeth to change their shape and appearance. This procedure can be an alternative for crowns but may cost higher.
- Contouring: Dentists use this procedure to correct crooked teeth. They aim to change the dimensions of your teeth. They also use this to fix some minor bite problems.
Figure Out the Results
You may choose the procedure to use after seeing their respective results. Make sure to talk to the dentists carefully and tell them what you have in mind. The current condition of your teeth and the outcome you are expecting can determine the process to undergo. Think of the aesthetic effect after the treatment from a cosmetic dentist. Prepare yourself for any issues that may arise during the procedure. Lastly, take note of the maintenance required after. You do not want your teeth looking the same a few weeks after the process.
Price and Cost
Make sure to discuss the terms and conditions with the cosmetic dentist before settling down on the chair. Dental professionals should be able to educate you further even after the operation. You can also try talking to your friends and family about some experts they know that can give you discounted prices. Do not forget that there are also websites you can check to get an idea on how much cosmetic dental procedures cost nowadays.

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