Although getting a jawbone graft sounds uncomfortable, the procedure can be done under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort afterward. When is a bone graft necessary for your jaw? There are a few reasons your dentist or oral surgeon might say you need this procedure.

Before Getting Dental Implants

The most common reason people need jawbone grafts is before getting dental implants. When you lose a natural tooth, your body will absorb the jawbone surrounding that tooth over time. Having less jawbone can mean you aren’t a candidate for dental implants. However, with a jawbone graft, you can dramatically increase the success of your dental implants for a beautiful and natural-looking smile [1].

Getting a bone graft prior to a dental implant procedure will help build up bone in your jaw to make it strong enough to support the dental implant. Once you have your dental implant, the implant will continue to stimulate the new bone to regenerate healthy bone for a lifelong tooth replacement. In some cases, people may also need a bone graft before getting dentures, as the jawbone helps support dentures and their movement for a comfortable tooth restoration.

Due to Severe Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, doesn’t just affect your gum tissue and the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place. The bacteria involved in gum disease can also harm your jawbone, leading to deterioration that can cause bone loss.

People who are recovering from more severe cases of periodontal disease may need a bone graft to restore their jawbone [2]. A jawbone graft may be necessary for patients who are at risk to lose their teeth as a result of gum disease and deteriorating bone in the jaw.

Jaw Injuries or Osteoporosis

Although less common, for some people, an injury to the jawbone or osteoporosis can lead to bone deterioration in the jaw, making their face appear thinner or sunken even without losing teeth. If this is the case, you may qualify for a bone graft to help restore your jawbone.

If you have osteoporosis, it’s essential that the condition is under treatment in order for you to qualify for a bone graft. Should you have lost jawbone due to trauma or an accident to the face or jaw, you may need to heal completely before getting a bone graft, although, of course, your oral surgeon will let you know what to expect based on your particular case [3].

Do You Need a Bone Graft?

Has your dentist or oral surgeon told you that you need a bone graft? If so, this procedure can help you restore lost bone in the jaw to support dental restorations and even your appearance.

Your oral healthcare professional can let you know more about what to expect when getting a bone graft!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20683291/
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4749421/

The post When Is a Bone Graft Necessary? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are the top reasons your tooth may be aching? Here are the most common reasons why your tooth is causing you discomfort!

You Have a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can happen due to gum disease or tooth decay, but it may also happen due to an injury or trauma to the tooth. A tooth infection may start out as a mildly aching tooth, but it may progress to a persistent ache that doesn’t go away. Without treatment, the ache will get worse, and you may even experience swelling in your jaw, pain radiating out toward your ear, or a bad taste in your mouth [1].

Your Teeth Are Sensitive

Sensitive teeth may not be much of an issue for some people, but for others, hot and cold foods can cause sharp pain and aching of teeth. Sensitive teeth are usually the result of compromised tooth enamel, and as such, they can also be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and even a tooth infection [2]. Always have your tooth sensitivity evaluated by your dentist to check for an underlying problem!

You Have a Damaged Dental Restoration

Dental restorations such as a filling or a dental crown can last for years without needing to be replaced. However, eventually your dental restoration will need professional attention from your dentist [3]. Most restorations will deteriorate slowly over time, which can leave vulnerable areas of your tooth exposed. The result can be sensitive or aching teeth that cause pain.

Your Tooth Was Injured

An accident such as a fall or impact has the potential to affect your tooth. An impact to the mouth can cause what’s called a bruised tooth, where the ligaments of the tooth become damaged and can cause pain and inflammation. A bruised tooth can cause aching and discomfort. For some, an injured tooth will heal on its own, but for others, the tooth may need additional treatment to heal.

You Grind Your Teeth

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a serious condition that can put extreme pressure on your teeth and the ligaments that help hold your teeth in place. If you grind your teeth at night, you may wake up in the morning with aching teeth, or your tooth ligaments may even be inflamed as a result of the condition [4]. Generally, bruxism will need treatment and won’t resolve on its own.

Is Your Tooth Aching?

If your tooth is aching, there’s an underlying issue that’s letting you know something is wrong with your tooth. Don’t wait to make an appointment with your local dentist to figure out what the issue is and stop that aching tooth!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
3. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_52.ashx
4. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/tender-teeth-whats-behind-your-aching-smile/

The post Top Reasons Your Tooth May Be Aching appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A deep cleaning is also called a gum scaling and root planing procedure, and your dentist will suggest it if you have gum disease. For this reason, it may also be referred to as periodontal therapy. If you have any stage of gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar from your teeth and underneath your gumline in an attempt to reverse the condition.

What should you expect during a deep cleaning with your dentist? Here’s what you should know.

Local Anesthesia Is Used

While effective, a deep cleaning can be uncomfortable for some patients, so dentists typically use a local or topical anesthetic to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. If you have dental anxiety or concerns about the discomfort you may experience during your appointment, you can always ask your dentist questions before the procedure.

Gum Scaling to Remove Plaque and Tartar

Once your smile is ready for the cleaning, your dentist will carefully remove tartar and plaque from below the gumline with a scaling tool [1]. Scaling is different from a regular teeth cleaning because it allows your dentist to get into areas where the gums may have pulled away from the teeth and caused pockets of infection to form. By removing plaque and tartar, along with harmful bacteria, the gums have a chance to successfully reattach to the teeth.

Root Planing to Promote Gum Reattachment

Once the scaling part of the procedure is done, it’s time for root planing. During root planing, your dentist will smooth the tooth roots and gum tissue so that the gums can reattach to the teeth [2]. This will encourage your gum tissue to heal and reverse gum disease. Gum scaling and root planing may be done during the same visit, or your dentist may schedule two separate visits to complete the deep cleaning process.

What Happens After?

After the procedure, you may need to take antibiotics to help clear up any infection that may have been present in your gums as a result of gum disease. Your dentist will let you know if you need to take any medication to help heal your gum tissue.

Not everyone will experience discomfort after a scaling and planing procedure, but for some, mild discomfort is to be expected. It depends on how extensive your gum disease was and how long the procedure took. Your dentist may suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, saltwater rinses, and eating soft foods until your smile feels better.

For some people, the cleaning will need to be repeated to manage gum disease. For others, one deep cleaning is all that’s needed to restore their smile. Continuing to see your dentist for regular checkups after your deep cleaning can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and you won’t need further intervention!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/root-planing

The post What to Expect During a Deep Teeth Cleaning appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Smoking Can Trigger Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a major risk for smokers. The chemicals in tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars can promote bad bacteria in the oral cavity that can lead to gum disease.

However, smoking also promotes inflammation and loss of jaw bone, both of which can
accelerate gum disease and make the condition worse [2]. Since nicotine also impacts circulation, smokers are less likely to have noticeable signs of gum disease than non-smokers, increasing the chances that the condition would progress undetected.

Nicotine Can Cause Problems Healing

The nicotine and chemicals in tobacco products also make it more difficult for the body to heal. Smoking affects the function of your immune system as well as cellular turnover, the process in which old cells are replaced with healthy new ones.

Not only does this impaired healing process make it more difficult for the body to fight off oral disease, but it also makes healing from dental procedures more challenging. For example, smokers have a higher rate of failure in dental procedures such as dental implant placement, as well as a higher risk of complications following a procedure [3].

Smokers Are at Higher Risk for Tooth Loss

If you smoke, you’re also at a higher risk for tooth loss than people who don’t smoke. Smoking accelerates jaw bone loss and attributes to gum disease[4]. Both your jawbone and your gum tissue are major factors in retaining your natural teeth.

Once teeth are lost, replacing them is important to retain the function of your teeth as well as your appearance. But since smokers can experience complications following restoration procedures, you may need to consider quitting or else have limited options for replacing your natural teeth.

Remember That Tobacco Is Linked to Oral Cancer

Tobacco use has also been shown to increase your risk for oral cancer, not to mention a dozen other types of cancers in the body. Oral cancers are cancers of the head, neck, and throat, including lip, mouth, and tongue cancer.

Smokers are 10 times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers [5]. If you smoke, dentists recommend an annual oral cancer screening to help identify oral cancer early beginning at the age that you started smoking.

Do You Smoke?

If you smoke, it’s always a good time to consider quitting. Your physician as well as your dentist can help connect you with resources for getting started with kicking your nicotine habit. Ask your dentist how you can take steps to quit and protect your smile today!

Sources:
1.
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_s
moking/index.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6662776/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2933534/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html
5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/oral-cancer-and-
tobacco

The post Effects of Smoking on Your Teeth and Gums appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Every Six Months or as Recommended by Your Dentist

In general, it’s recommended that you see a dental hygienist for a teeth cleaning every six months. However, some people may need to come in more or less often, depending on their unique smile and oral health. For example, people who have a history of gum disease may need to come in more frequently for cleanings and checkups with their dental hygienist [2].

Coming in for a checkup and cleaning can not only help identify any potential problems with your smile early, but it can also prevent many issues with your smile, helping you keep your teeth clean, bright, and healthy until your next visit.

If You’re Having Tooth Pain or an Oral Health Problem

If you’re having any sort of tooth pain or an issue with your oral cavity, this is a good time to see your dental hygienist. While your dental hygienist can identify potential problems with your teeth and gums, they can’t officially make a diagnosis—that’s when your dentist will step in. Your dentist will also design a treatment plan for you to get better.

Your dental hygienist can take x-rays to help spot a problem with your teeth and also review at-home instructions with you for your oral care, including any medications your dentist may have prescribed [3]. A dental hygienist can also generally answer any questions you may have about your condition or your care.

Your Dental Hygienist Is an Important Part of Your Oral Care

Dental hygienists are an essential part of your dentist’s team and play an integral role in your preventative care when it comes to oral disease. These oral healthcare professionals are educated, trained, and certified to help you take the best possible care of your smile.

By seeing your dental hygienist every six months or as recommended by your dentist, you can keep your smile healthy and strong for life. When was the last time you saw your dental hygienist? If it’s been more than six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment!

Sources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15646586/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1116309/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-
careers/dental-hygienist

The post When Should You See a Dental Hygienist? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may be a restoration option for you if you have a cracked tooth. Not all cracked teeth will need a dental crown, but for those with more severe cracks, a dental crown may be able to save the tooth. A dental crown is a porcelain ceramic replica of your natural tooth that’s placed over the tooth. This is a permanent restoration that will look indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Dental crowns can help prevent your tooth from completely fracturing, which can alleviate the need for a root canal or even a tooth extraction [1].

Dental Bonding

If you’ve chipped a tooth, dental bonding may be an option to help repair both the function and appearance of the tooth [2]. Dental bonding uses the same material as composite (tooth- colored) fillings to build the tooth back up to its original form. Dental bonding can not only help protect the tooth from future damage due to the chip, but it can give your smile a more cohesive appearance after chipping a tooth. Other teeth that have been chipped, such as a molar, may also be treated with dental bonding in a filling-type procedure.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers may be an option for those who have both chipped and cracked teeth [3]. Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain ceramic. They’re restorations that fit over your natural teeth. Veneers can not only enhance the appearance of your smile, but help protect your teeth from future issues from the chips and cracks.

Not everyone will be a candidate for dental veneers, and as this is a permanent procedure, your dentist will review all your options with you before deciding on this form of treatment. However, dental veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile!

Have You Chipped or Cracked a Tooth?

If you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth, it’s time to visit your dentist today to determine how you might be able to fix it. Chips and cracks that are ignored can eventually lead to more serious issues, so it’s always a good idea to check with your dentist to see what can be done for your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870147/
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652364/

The post Can Your Chipped or Cracked Tooth Be Repaired? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The goods new is that you have options for replacing a lost tooth! What are some of the best ways to replace that missing tooth and protect your smile?

Dental Implant

For most people, a dental implant will be the best way to replace their missing tooth. Dental implants have numerous benefits over other options for replacing your teeth.

This dental restoration includes a titanium or ceramic implant that fuses with your natural jawbone to create an extremely sturdy and permanent replacement, which attaches to a dental crown. The dental crown will be the only visible part of the implant in your smile, and it’ll be made by a lab or in-office technology to create a very realistic replacement for your unique natural tooth.

Dental implants have a very high success rate (over 95%) with minimal risks, making them not just a secure tooth replacement option for your missing tooth, but a safe one as well [1].

Partial Denture

Before dental implants, partial dentures were long considered the standard for single or even multiple missing teeth [2]. Partial dentures consist of a metal framework with an artificial tooth attached and fit over your teeth similarly to a retainer. You may have the option for both a fixed (permanent) partial denture or a removable one.

Partial dentures may be the right choice for those who don’t want their neighboring teeth affected by a dental bridge placement, or who don’t want to go through the process for dental implants. Partial dentures are affordable, but will need to be replaced every few years, unlike dental implants.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a dental restoration in which the neighboring teeth on each side of the missing tooth are used to support an artificial replica to replace the missing tooth. Two dental crowns are used on healthy teeth to support the missing middle tooth (or teeth).

Many people who are missing a single natural tooth qualify for dental bridges, and there are different types of bridges to suit your particular smile [3]. For example, even if your missing tooth is at the end of one of your rows of teeth, your dentist may be able to construct what’s called a cantilever bridge, in which only one side of the teeth is used as the supporting end.

Are You Missing a Tooth?

If you’re missing a tooth, there’s no better time than now to follow up with your dentist to find out more about your options for replacing a lost tooth. Depending on your unique smile, you may have several options and your dentist can help you make the best choice!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15332176/

The post Here Are Your Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The answer may surprise you!

There Are Genetic Defects That Can Affect Your Tooth Enamel

There are some inherited genes that can cause your teeth to naturally be more discolored than someone else’s teeth. One of these inherited genetic mutations results in dentinogenesis imperfecta, a disorder in which the teeth can appear grayish blue or yellow brown as the result of abnormal tooth enamel [2]. Teeth may be weaker and more susceptible to dental problems such as fractures or sensitivity. This genetic mutation causes fragile tooth enamel, which can affect the color of your teeth.

Another inherited genetic mutation can result in a disorder called amelogenesis imperfecta, which also affects the tooth enamel. People with this disorder tend to have teeth that are sensitive and discolored, and they may even have problems with their periodontal tissue, or gum tissue [3].

Most Causes of Tooth Discoloration Aren’t Hereditary

While disorders that affect the tooth enamel—and the color of your teeth—can be inherited, most causes of tooth discoloration aren’t genetic. Other reasons your teeth may be discolored include:

• Tetracycline use. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can discolor teeth from the inside. If a mother uses tetracycline during pregnancy or a child takes it before the age of eight, the child can have gray, yellow, or brown teeth as a result [4].
• Dental fluorosis. If children get too much fluoride, their tooth enamel can develop with chalky white spots on it. Unfortunately, dental fluorosis isn’t reversible, but the good news is that it doesn’t weaken tooth enamel and there are treatments that can minimize its appearance!
• Food and drinks. The food and drinks you consume can cause your tooth enamel to stain over time, especially dark-colored foods and drinks such as berries, wine, soy sauce, beets, tea, coffee, and cola.
• Tobacco use. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth to discolor, especially with time and frequency of use, giving teeth a yellow or brownish appearance.

The only way to know for sure what could be causing your tooth discoloration is to visit your dentist!

For All Types of Tooth Discoloration, There Is Treatment!

Although some types of tooth discoloration are more challenging to treat than others, there is treatment for all kinds of tooth discoloration. Whether you have spots on your teeth that are whiter than your normal tooth enamel from fluoride or darker teeth from tetracycline or food staining, your dentist can help you customize a treatment plan to restore brightness to your teeth and your self-confidence!

Sources:
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227889905_Dental_Discoloration_An_Overv
iew
2. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6258/dentinogenesis-imperfecta
3. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5791/amelogenesis-imperfecta
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264432299_Tetracycline-
Induced_Discoloration_of_Deciduous_Teeth_Case_Series

The post Is Tooth Discoloration Hereditary? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

There are a few things that can cause a tooth infection to develop. Extensive tooth decay can cause the protective layers of your tooth to wear away, causing a hole that leads to the tooth’s nerves, also called the pulp. Once bacteria are able to enter this chamber inside the tooth, an infection can happen.

A cracked tooth that hasn’t been treated can also cause bacteria to affect the inner tissue of your tooth. Untreated gum disease can eventually cause a tooth infection around your tooth’s root. If the infection builds up, an abscess can form, which can lead to an infection in your jawbone [1].

Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

An infected tooth may not initially cause symptoms, but as the infection progresses, you’ll likely experience some mild to intense discomfort. If you have a tooth infection, symptoms could include [2]:

• An aching jaw
• Pain when chewing
• Gum swelling
• A bad taste or smell in your mouth
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks

Letting a tooth infection go untreated can make symptoms worse. Never assume that the tooth will get better on its own—if you have a tooth infection, the condition will get worse until you receive professional treatment to save your tooth.

Avoiding Treatment Could Have Life-Threatening Consequences

Not only can avoiding treatment reduce the chances that you’d be able to save your tooth, but a tooth infection can have more severe consequences. It’s rare, but a tooth infection can spread, as bacteria from the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body, which can be fatal.

If you have a fever, vomiting, nausea, or swelling or itching of the face (including swollen lymph nodes) along with symptoms of an infected tooth, consider your tooth infection an emergency and see your nearest dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible [3]!

Do You Have an Infected Tooth?

Never wait to seek treatment for an infected tooth. Any pain or swelling should be evaluated by your experienced dentist to determine if an infection could be the culprit. And, seeking treatment faster will help improve the chances of saving your tooth. Call your dentist today to discuss your symptoms and set up an appointment to get your infected tooth taken care of!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/abscessed-teeth/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-

The post Don’t Ignore That Infected Tooth! appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How can cosmetic bonding repair your chipped teeth? Here’s what you need to know about this versatile procedure!

What Happens During the Procedure?

During cosmetic bonding, your dentist will use composite resin to build out the crown of your tooth. So if you have an unsightly chip in one of your teeth, your dentist will apply the material to essentially fill in the chipped area.

First, your dentist will apply a gel-like material to help the composite resin properly bond to the tooth. Then, the resin is applied and hardened with a special light. The last step is gently polishing the resin to complete your restoration.

Dental bonding can help protect chips in your teeth from turning into cracks, and will restore your appearance. Fixing even minor chips in your teeth can have a dramatic effect on your smile [2]!

Most patients will qualify for dental bonding, and the procedure can even be an excellent, affordable option while you wait for a permanent restoration such as a dental crown or veneers.

Are There Any Risks?

Cosmetic bonding is a painless, low-risk procedure. It normally doesn’t require any removal of your existing tooth structure and it’s unlikely that you’ll need anesthesia. And, should you ever decide you don’t want dental bonding anymore or opt for another cosmetic procedure, the material can be removed without permanently damaging your teeth.

How Long Does the Restoration Last?

Like almost all dental restorations, your dental bonding will require proper care and maintenance, and will eventually need to be replaced. However, cosmetic bonding should last years with the right care. Getting regular checkups with your dentist can ensure your cosmetic bonding continues to look great!

While cosmetic bonding can be an excellent choice for chipped teeth that are of cosmetic concern, it may not be the right treatment for chipped teeth that withstand chewing forces [3]. During your consultation, your dentist can discuss all your options to restore your smile, including cosmetic bonding!

Have Chipped Teeth? Cosmetic Bonding May Be Able to Help!

If you have chipped teeth that are causing aesthetic concerns, cosmetic bonding is a safe, effective option to repair your teeth. Have questions about dental bonding? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your experienced dentist to learn more about this restoration option!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/cosmeticdentistry.html
2. https://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/patient-care-cosmetic
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding/risks–benefits

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