by webdev | Oct 3, 2023 | Dentures, About, Preventative Care
Partial dentures
Accidents can happen at any time, and unfortunately, some of them can result in severe dental trauma. Whether it’s a sports injury, an automotive collision, or another high-impact event, a sudden blow to the mouth can cause significant damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. While minor cases of dental trauma may be treatable with restorative options such as crowns, fillings, or root canals, some injuries are too severe for these solutions. In such cases, the affected teeth may need to be removed entirely to prevent further complications and alleviate pain.
The Necessity of Emergency Tooth Extraction
When a tooth suffers irreparable damage, extraction becomes the best course of action. The goal of an emergency tooth extraction is to prevent infection, manage pain, and prepare the area for a suitable replacement. If left untreated, severely damaged teeth can lead to oral infections, increased discomfort, and further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Replacing Missing Teeth After Dental Trauma
Once the gums have fully healed following an extraction, the next step is to explore tooth replacement options. Losing a tooth can impact more than just your appearance—it can affect your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health. Gaps in your smile can also lead to the shifting of adjacent teeth, which can cause further dental issues over time.
For individuals who prefer to avoid invasive surgical procedures such as dental implants or implant-supported bridges, partial dentures provide an effective and less invasive alternative.
What Are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike full dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth, partial dentures fill in specific gaps while working in harmony with your remaining natural teeth. The prosthetic teeth are set into a pink, gum-colored base that is customized to blend seamlessly with your natural gum tissue.
Partial dentures are designed to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. They help you chew food properly, maintain clear speech, and prevent existing teeth from shifting out of place. Additionally, they provide support to facial muscles, reducing the risk of sunken facial features that can result from missing teeth.
The Benefits of Choosing Partial Dentures
- Non-Invasive Solution – Unlike dental implants, which require surgical placement into the jawbone, partial dentures are a removable and non-invasive option.
- Restored Functionality – With partial dentures, you can enjoy a more natural biting and chewing function, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods comfortably.
- Aesthetic Enhancement – Modern dentures are crafted to look as natural as possible, restoring your smile and boosting your confidence.
- Prevention of Further Dental Issues – Missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and potential jaw problems. Partial dentures help maintain the structure of your bite.
- Affordability – Compared to dental implants, partial dentures are often a more cost-effective tooth replacement solution.
How Partial Dentures Stay in Place
Partial dentures can be designed with different retention methods depending on the patient’s needs. Some partial dentures use small metal clasps that grip onto adjacent natural teeth, providing stability and preventing the appliance from shifting while speaking or eating. Other designs utilize precision attachments or even a combination of materials to maximize comfort and security. During your consultation, Dr. Bushong will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best type of partial denture for your needs.
The Importance of Proper Denture Care
Caring for partial dentures is crucial to maintaining both their longevity and your oral health. Here are some key care tips:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to prevent food particles from accumulating.
- Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution when not in use to prevent them from drying out.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure your dentures fit properly and remain in optimal condition.
Seek Treatment for Dental Trauma Without Delay
If you have suffered severe dental trauma and require immediate care, it is essential to seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring a damaged or missing tooth can lead to infection, discomfort, and further complications. At Wausau Smiles, Dr. Aaron Bushong and his team are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care tailored to your unique needs.
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, our practice offers a variety of tooth replacement options, including partial dentures, to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. If you or a loved one have experienced a dental emergency, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Wausau Smiles today at 715-842-3933 to schedule an appointment and explore the best solutions for your dental health.
Your smile is important, and we are here to help you regain its beauty and functionality after dental trauma.
by webdev | Sep 3, 2023 | Dental Services, Dental Cleaning & Exams, Dental Hygiene, Oral Health, Preventative Care, Teeth Whitening
Flossing is essential for good oral health
People often say, “Flossing is essential for good oral health,” but let’s be honest: not everyone likes the way flossing is usually done. Many people find it hard to floss every day, whether it’s because it takes too long, feel weird using string floss, or are just plain uncomfortable. There are options to flossing that can still help you keep your smile healthy, which is good news. This blog post will talk about five options to brushing for people who really don’t like it.
1. Brushes for between your teeth
These are small, cone-shaped brushes that are used to clean the spaces between your teeth. They are also called interproximal brushes. They come in different sizes to fit different spaces between teeth. It can be very helpful for people who have braces, bridges, or big gaps between their teeth (gaps). It’s simple to use them, and they get food and gunk out from between teeth well.
To Use: Put the toothbrush between your teeth slowly and move it back and forth. Do not push too hard, as this could hurt your gums or teeth.
2. Flossers for water
Oral irrigators are another name for water flossers. They use a stream of water to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. They get rid of food particles and germs well, and people with braces, tooth implants, or sensitive gums should use them more often.
How to Use It: Put water in the tank and pick a pressure setting that feels good to you. Make sure you get all of the places between your teeth and along the gumline with the water stream.
3. Fluff Picks
Instead of string floss, floss picks are easy to use and carry around. They have a small plastic handle with two hooks that hold a short piece of floss. Floss picks are popular with people who don’t like the fine motor skills needed for standard flossing because they are easy to use.
In order to use the floss pick, hold the handle and move the floss slowly up and down between your teeth to clean them all.
4. Tape for your teeth
Dental tape is like regular floss, but it’s wider and flatter. People with sensitive gums or bigger gaps between their teeth may find it easier to use. String floss can cut into your gums, but dental tape is softer and less likely to do that.
How to Use: To use, gently slide the dental tape between your teeth like you would regular floss. Then, clean the places between your teeth by moving it up and down.
5. Picks that are soft
Soft picks are bendable tools with rubber tips that are used to clean between teeth and touch the gums. They are a great alternative for people who have trouble using regular floss because of sensitive teeth, dental work, or problems with handling. Soft picks come in different sizes to fit gaps between teeth.
To Use: Put the soft pick between your teeth and move it back and forth slowly to remove food and plaque and massage your gums.
In conclusion
If you don’t like brushing, you don’t have to do it every day to keep your smile healthy. There are different ways to clean between your teeth and along the gumline besides brushing. The most important thing is to find the method that works best for you and your health needs. No matter which option you choose, remember that constant brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are necessary to get and keep a healthy smile. Don’t let the fact that you don’t like brushing stop you from taking care of your teeth—try one of these options!
by webdev | Sep 4, 2022 | Oral Health, Preventative Care, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Pain
Treatment for gum disease
When we think of oral health, our minds often jump to concerns about cavities, tooth sensitivity, or even the need for braces. But there’s another essential aspect of oral health that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue: gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an often underestimated and misunderstood condition that can have far-reaching consequences for your overall health. In this blog post, we’ll explore why gum disease is more than just a problem with your gums and why it’s crucial to take it seriously.
The Basics of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth, primarily the gums and the bone. It typically develops due to the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on your teeth. When plaque isn’t adequately removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gum tissue. This irritation can lead to gum inflammation, which is the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to more severe stages of gum disease, called periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inflammation extends deeper into the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to the loss of tooth-supporting bone. Over time, this can result in tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
While gum disease primarily affects your oral health, it doesn’t stop there. Research has shown a strong connection between gum disease and various systemic health issues, making it clear that it’s more than just a dental concern.
1. Heart Disease: Studies have suggested that the inflammation and infection associated with gum disease may contribute to heart disease, as the bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and affect the cardiovascular system.
2. Diabetes: Gum disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar, making it a two-way relationship. Diabetes can also increase the risk of developing gum disease.
3. Respiratory Problems: The same oral bacteria that contribute to gum disease can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory issues, including pneumonia.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: There is evidence to suggest that the bacteria associated with gum disease may trigger or worsen rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with gum disease may be at an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight for their babies.
6. Alzheimer’s Disease: Some research has explored the link between gum disease and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
7. Cancer: While research is ongoing, there is some evidence to suggest that gum disease may be associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, such as oral cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Treatment for gum disease
Given the potential consequences of gum disease for overall health, prevention and treatment are essential. Here are some steps to maintain healthy gums:
1. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. They can detect gum disease in its early stages, when it’s most treatable.
2. Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to help control bacterial growth.
3. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which can help boost your immune system.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease. Quitting can improve your oral and overall health.
5. Manage Stress: High levels of stress can weaken the immune system and exacerbate gum disease. Practice stress-reduction techniques.
6. Understand Your Risk Factors: Some individuals are at higher risk for gum disease due to genetic factors or underlying health conditions. Be aware of your risk and take appropriate measures.
In conclusion, gum disease is far more than just an issue with your gums; it’s a condition that can impact your overall health and well-being. By understanding the connection between gum disease and systemic health issues and taking steps to prevent and treat it, you can protect both your oral health and your general health. Don’t neglect your gums; they’re more important than you might think!
by webdev | Jun 4, 2022 | Tooth Pain, Oral Health, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, The Dentist
Toothaches
Toothaches are a literal nuisance in the neck. Whether it is a dull aching or an acute, unbearable pain, a toothache can disrupt your daily life and make even the simplest tasks seem herculean. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you understand how excruciating it can be. In this blog post, however, we will discuss the causes of toothaches and how to find relief.
Reasons for Toothaches
Toothaches can have a variety of causes, and identifying the underlying problem is essential for determining the most effective treatment. Here are some frequent causes of toothaches:
1. Dental Caries: Tooth erosion is one of the most prevalent causes of toothaches. When oral bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, it can cause dental decay and pain.
(2) Gum disease: Gum infections and inflammation can lead to toothache. This discomfort can range from moderate to severe.
3. Sensitivity of the teeth: Exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums or worn enamel can cause distress when consuming heated or cold foods or beverages.
4. Dental Abscess: A dental abscess is a pus-filled cavity that develops within a tooth or its adjacent tissues. It can cause persistent, severe discomfort.
5. fractured or cracked teeth: A tooth that is cracked or fractured can expose the sensitive interior tissues, causing discomfort when biting or gnawing.
6. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, frequently do not have sufficient space to erupt adequately, resulting in pain and discomfort.
7. Bruxism (teeth grinding): Nighttime teeth clenching and grinding can result in tooth and mandible discomfort.
8. Infections and inflammations: Other infections or inflammations in the mouth may cause referred tooth discomfort.
What to Do When Your Tooth Hurts
Dealing with a toothache can be extremely distressing, but there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and treat the underlying cause. Here is what you should do if you have a toothache:
1. Rinse Your Mouth: Begin by gingerly rinsing your mouth with tepid water to remove debris and ensure nothing is stuck between your teeth.
2. Carefully floss your teeth to remove any food debris that may be causing discomfort.
3. Discomfort relievers available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Follow the dosage directions provided.
4. Topical anesthetics: Some gels and lotions can temporarily mute the affected area and provide relief.
5. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help reduce edema and provide relief.
6. Raise Your Head: Elevating the cranium while sleeping can reduce blood flow to the affected area and alleviate discomfort.
7. Avoiding Trigger Foods: Avoid consuming hot, frigid, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages, as they can aggravate the pain.
When to Visit the Dentist
Despite the fact that these measures may provide temporary alleviation, it is essential to see a dentist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment. Seek immediate dental care if your toothache lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, puffiness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Ignoring a toothache can lead to more serious problems and complications, so it’s best to address it immediately. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding excessively hot or cold foods, and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort until you see a dentist.
In conclusion, toothaches can be excruciating, but you can find relief by grasping their causes and adopting the appropriate measures. Remember that the best course of action is to consult a dentist, who will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate your toothache. Don’t wait—schedule your dental appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free oral health!
