While root canal therapy is considered a safe and effective way to retain a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed, some people want to consider all their options before making a decision. You have a few possibilities when it comes to alternatives to root canal treatment!

Extraction

In the majority of cases, if you forgo a root canal, you will eventually need to have your tooth extracted. When root canal therapy is necessary, the tooth is damaged to the point that it is no longer alive. Without a root canal, the tooth will continue to deteriorate and will need to be pulled.

Once your tooth is pulled, you’ll need to consider replacement options so that the rest of your teeth won’t shift in its place to fill the gap. Your replacement options could include a dental implant, which is considered the most secure restoration, a dental bridge, or partial dentures.

Whichever you choose is all about your personal preference and your candidacy for these procedures [1].

Ozone Gas Therapy

When the inner tissue of your tooth is affected by trauma, decay, or infection, you may have the option of pursuing ozone gas therapy to clean the chamber of the tooth. Research shows that ozone gas therapy can reduce bacteria in an infected tooth that would otherwise need a root canal [2].

The gas will help clean the tubules—tiny channels that extend from underneath the tooth
enamel to the inner chamber—where bacteria can travel. The gas will penetrate further than your dentist can reach, and while this therapy is unlikely to save your tooth or restore it to its original state, it may delay the need for you to make an immediate decision about extracting your tooth.

Calcium Hydroxide

If you’re looking for alternatives to root canal therapy, you may have the option of cleaning out the tooth chamber with a calcium hydroxide solution. This solution has been shown to help remove dead tissue from inside the tooth and reduce bacteria growth [3]. The procedure will need to be done by an experienced dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—for the best results.

Again, while this therapy may be available to you, it’s unlikely to permanently restore your
tooth, although it may help reduce bacteria growth and decrease your discomfort while you’re making a decision about your tooth.

The Choice Is Yours!

You have alternatives when it comes to root canal therapy, although your affected tooth will most likely require an extraction at some point. If you’re looking for other options to save your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist or endodontist today to find out more about your candidacy for these procedures!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509120/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839455/
3. https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/rootcanalirrigantsdisinfectants.pdf?_ga=2.75478866.137

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Impacted wisdom teeth almost always need to be removed, as they’ll cause issues with your smile if left intact. As our jaws get smaller through evolution, we have less room for our wisdom teeth, and the majority of people will need to have them taken out.

What should you expect following a wisdom tooth extraction?

After Your Procedure

Generally, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Some discomfort and swelling in the hours following your extraction are normal, and you may also taste some blood in your mouth [1].

You can use an ice pack for the swelling as directed by your dentist, and your dentist or oral surgeon will also let you know how often you can take pain medication or over-the-counter medication.

Following your procedure, you should plan to return home and rest. You should be able to return to your normal activities within two to three days, but in the meantime, give your body the rest it needs to heal!

Activities to Avoid

You should avoid eating hard foods or foods that are difficult to chew and only stick to soft foods for a few days following your procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can all inhibit the healing process.

Light exercise is acceptable, but intense exercise should wait a few days. Spitting or using a straw should also be avoided, as these actions require suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clots that are vital to the healing of your extraction site.

Brushing your teeth should also be avoided that first day and up to 24 hours following the procedure [2]. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions for healing!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Complete healing of your extraction sites can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, as the bone in your jaw will modify to compensate for the loss of the teeth. In the meantime, take care of your smile and be aware of the signs of a potential infection, which can occur even weeks after your procedure.

If you have a fever, pain that doesn’t go away with the recommended medication, or numbness, contact your dentist as soon as possible. An infection could also show signs such as white discharge in your oral cavity or additional swelling [3].

Have You Gotten Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted is by getting an x-ray with your experienced dentist. He or she can let you know if your wisdom teeth are on track to come in properly or if they could require removal. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect prior to your wisdom tooth extraction!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/complications/

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Although a tooth extraction is generally a successful procedure, doing your part to help your mouth heal can help prevent pain and infection. While you should always follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions for healing, keep the following things in mind to avoid following your procedure. What should you avoid after a tooth extraction?

Smoking

If you’re a smoker, it’s important to avoid smoking for a minimum of 48 hours (two days) following your tooth extraction. There are many chemicals present in cigarettes that can affect how well your mouth heals and how the clot forms over your extraction site.

If you smoke, it can increase the chances of dry socket, which is a painful condition in which the clot doesn’t form properly or is dislodged, which can delay healing and will require professional treatment from your dentist [1].

It’s best to avoid other forms of smoking during this time as well, including the use of e cigarettes and marijuana, both of which can affect the oral cavity and may delay healing of your extracted tooth site.

Drinking with Straws

For some people, drinking with a straw is a habit. For others, it’s only something that happens when they order an iced coffee. Whether you drink with a straw regularly or not, it’s important to remember to avoid straws while your extraction site is healing.

Straws can accidentally poke and injure the extraction site, which could result in dry socket. However, the sucking action of using a straw can interfere with clot formation as well. It’s best to drink beverages as you would without a straw, at least for the first week or until your mouth is well on its way to healing after your procedure.

Eating Hard Foods

You should absolutely avoid eating hard, crunchy foods after your procedure, at least for a few days. It’s best to focus on softer, colder foods during this time that can help with the pain and also help you to avoid injury to the extraction site [2].

Hard foods to avoid include chips, harder breads, candy, nuts, popcorn, and even fried foods. It’s also important to not eat anything immediately after your procedure as your mouth will still be numb from the anesthetic. If you have any questions about whether a certain food is safe to eat, follow up with your dentist.

Aspirin

While Ibuprofen is fine to take, aspirin thins the blood and can affect healing and clot formation after your tooth extraction. It’s essential to take medication as prescribed and always consult with your dentist before taking any medication after a tooth extraction.

In addition, you should never put aspirin on a tooth that hurts, whether it’s from a toothache or an extraction site [3]. Any pain or discomfort should be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional before you pursue treatment options.

While having a tooth extracted is never fun, you can get back to doing your normal activities as quickly as possible by taking the best care of your smile following your procedure. This includes avoiding the above things that can hurt your mouth, so exercise caution until you’re fully healed!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-socket
2. https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/maxillofacial/tooth_extraction.html
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dental-emergencies

The post What Should You Avoid After a Tooth Extraction? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Root canal therapy can help restore a weakened or damaged tooth. During your procedure,
your tooth will be numbed and your dentist will clean out the affected tissue and seal your
tooth, therefore helping to prevent any further problems. But what can you expect after the
procedure? Here’s how to care for a tooth after a root canal.

Use Caution When Eating

It’s important not to attempt to eat until the numbness has worn off from your mouth after
your root canal procedure. When you do eat, do your best to resist chewing on the side of your
mouth that contains the tooth that just had the root canal. Until you receive your permanent
restoration—a porcelain dental crown—you’ll want to put as little stress as possible on your
tooth.

You’ll also want to stick to softer foods during this time. It’s likely your mouth will be tender in
the hours and days after your root canal procedure, so be sure to have softer foods on hand.
It’s essential to avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that could quickly damage your newly
restored tooth.

Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene

While your tooth is healing, you’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth as normal. In fact,
keeping up with your oral hygiene will help to prevent an infection in your tooth, which is a
complication you’ll want to avoid following your root canal.

Although cleanliness is important, you should also be gentle when brushing your teeth. If your
dentist hasn’t yet advised you to, take this opportunity to get a soft-bristled toothbrush. You
can still brush gently while being thorough during this time of healing for your tooth.

Be Prepared for Some Discomfort

You can and should expect some soreness in the mouth following your root canal. For many
people, over-the-counter pain medication can help manage this discomfort. Your dentist will
prescribe something stronger if necessary.

Eating soft foods and keeping your mouth clean can also help to manage your pain or soreness,
but always follow up with your dentist if you’re concerned about your level of pain.

Always Ask Your Dentist

Keeping in touch with your dentist following your root canal if you have any questions or
concerns can help you have a speedy recovery. Calling your dentist is especially important if you
have increasing pain, swelling, or bleeding following the procedure, all of which should be
addressed by your dentist.

Getting root canal therapy can help save your tooth and alleviate pain from an infected or
damaged tooth. Taking proper care of your tooth following a root canal procedure can help you
recover quickly to enjoy a pain-free smile for life!

The post How to Care for a Tooth After a Root Canal appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Caring for primary teeth until they naturally fall out can help your child have the best chance for a healthy smile. Children begin to lose their teeth beginning around age six and will continue until all their primary teeth have been replaced with adult teeth.

What are some best practices when it comes to your child losing his or her primary teeth? Here’s what you should know as a parent when your child is getting their adult teeth in.

Your Child’s Tooth Most Likely Is Fine

If your child is starting to lose their baby teeth, it’s important to let the natural process continue rather than trying to help it along. Your child’s tooth most likely is fine, so don’t pull on your child’s loose teeth or attempt to extract them early.

Your child’s loose tooth will come out when it’s ready. If you do decide to pull the tooth, you could cause your child undue pain, excessive bleeding, or even risk an infection. Simply letting your child’s tooth come out naturally is all you need to do!

When to Intervene with Your Child’s Loose Tooth

If there ever is a baby tooth that needs assistance with coming out, your dentist will let you know. If the baby tooth in question needs to be pulled, your dentist will speak with you about what the problem is as well as how to proceed.

It’s never a good idea to attempt to pull your child’s tooth without an evaluation from a dentist, so always get regular checkups to ensure your child’s adult teeth are coming in properly. Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, it’s best to leave your child’s loose teeth alone.

How to Help Your Child

You can encourage your child’s permanent teeth to come in properly without a hands-on approach!

First, seeing your child’s dentist can help encourage proper tooth development and a beautiful smile. Secondly, having your child care for their teeth—including brushing, flossing, and eating the right foods—can further facilitate healthy teeth and gums.

Finally, when your child’s baby teeth do begin to fall out, you can encourage your child to gently wiggle the tooth back and forth, but be clear that they shouldn’t pull on a tooth that simply isn’t ready to come out. Don’t be afraid that your child will choke on or swallow a loose tooth; this rarely happens!

When it’s time for your little one to lose their baby teeth, you can be encouraging and supportive during this time without hurting your child’s smile. It’s always a good idea to let baby teeth fall out naturally rather than attempting to pull them out yourself, although your dentist can let you know if you need to intervene in any way. Schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist today to ensure your little one’s teeth are on track to become a beautiful adult smile!

The post Can You Pull Your Child’s Loose Teeth or Should They Fall Out Naturally? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that normally forms over the areas of extraction is
somehow dislodged or never properly forms in the first place. When the blood clot is no longer
there, it leaves nerve tissue and even bone exposed after your procedure.

Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible, but how can you know if
you have dry socket, and what can be done about it?

How Dry Socket Happens

Dry socket can happen for a variety of reasons. Food debris or bacteria may somehow cause
the clot to dislodge or improperly form. Any type of trauma to the area, whether it’s
accidentally hitting it with your toothbrush or chewing foods that are too hard, can also cause
this issue.

People who smoke or neglect to follow their dentist’s instructions for care after wisdom tooth
removal are more at risk to experience dry socket, as are those who are on oral contraception,
as higher levels of estrogen may interfere with clot formation.

Signs and Symptoms

Dry socket will cause some discomfort and is generally painful. Patients usually experience pain
on the corresponding side of their jaw where the affected extraction site is. This pain or
throbbing may spread throughout the face.

Patients may also experience a bad taste in their mouth or have bad breath that doesn’t go
away after brushing, which can be indicative of an infection. In addition, bone may be visible at
the extraction site.

Treatment for Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket, treatment at your dentist’s office will be required. Your dentist will
clean the area in order to help prevent an infection—or treat an existing infection if
necessary—and will provide a numbing cream or gel for the pain.

Your dentist will send you home with instructions for aftercare which may include rinsing with
saltwater. A follow-up appointment is necessary to ensure the extraction site is healing
properly after your initial visit.

How to Prevent Complications After Extraction

You can have a healthy healing process after your tooth extraction by following your dentist’s
instructions. The following tips can help prevent dry socket:

Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you haven’t quit yet, talk to your dentist or doctor about
getting help. Chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes should be avoided as well!

Eat softer foods. Sticking to soft foods after the procedure can help prevent trauma to
the extraction site and accelerate the healing process.

Keep your mouth clean. It’s important to brush gently yet thoroughly and avoid the
extraction site.

Rest. Take it easy for one to two days after your procedure to give your body time to
heal.

Fortunately, dry socket won’t happen to the majority of patients that need a tooth extraction.
However, if you’re worried about getting a dry socket, talk to your dentist. He or she can
provide additional tips to help you avoid this complication after your procedure. By following
your dentist’s instructions, you’ll be back to normal in no time!

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Depending on the severity of your cracked tooth, your treatment may be cosmetic or it may
require an additional procedure to save your tooth. What happens once you crack a tooth?
Here’s what you need to know.

Tooth Bonding

If the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment
or you may need tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding—also called dental bonding—is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage as well as to fill in chips and
cracks.

Tooth bonding will not be ideal for every cracked tooth, but it can be used to repair certain
cracks and stop them from getting worse. Visiting your dentist can help you determine if this
treatment is for you!

Root Canal

When a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. When a crack leads inside
the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth and cause an
infection.

Depending on your unique case, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental
crown affixed to the end of the tooth to protect it from further damage. During a root canal,
your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection, or if the crack has
been present for some time, remove a potentially ongoing infection.

Since cracks have the potential to spread, it’s important to secure protection for the tooth in
order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In the event that the crack in your tooth leads below the gumline, your tooth may need to be
extracted. These are cracks that extend vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root
and may be referred to as a split tooth.

In many cases, a split tooth is the result of a crack that’s been there for some time and has
extended down the tooth. Unfortunately, for many patients, the tooth in question will need to
be removed to prevent infection.

If you notice a crack in your tooth, getting it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible can help
you receive the treatment you need to save your tooth!

Whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain
and discomfort, it’s important to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a
cracked tooth is considered an emergency and should be evaluated that same day. Getting
prompt treatment can help you protect your cracked tooth to save your smile!

The post Cracked Tooth? Here’s What May Come Next appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

The post What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

From the day of to weeks later, here’s a general timeline you can expect for your wisdom tooth
extraction sites to heal.

Immediately After: 1-3 Days of Soreness

After the procedure, blood clots will form over the surgical site and protect your wisdom teeth
sockets until they heal. Many people choose to have their wisdom tooth extractions done on a Friday so that they can
rest the weekend. This is sound logic, as most people can generally expect about 1-3 days of
soreness following the procedure. The pain is usually controlled with medication that you’ll
receive from your dentist.

You should ideally plan at least 2 days to rest without working or any intense activity after the
procedure. This includes any moderate to intense exercise. Your oral surgeon can let you know
more about what to expect based on your particular case.

Weeks Later: On Your Way to Healing

You still need to take it easy when it comes to brushing and chewing even after the soreness
subsides and you resume your regular activities.

It could take up to 3 weeks for the softer tissues to completely heal and for your mouth to feel
close to normal again. This will vary from person to person, based on factors such as your
health, age, and if your dentist needed to remove more bone or tissue than normal during your
procedure based on the position of your wisdom teeth.

Some people may still experience soreness a week after the procedure, so don’t be alarmed. Be
sure to speak with your oral surgeon about what you should expect. There will also be signs to
look out for, such as if your pain or swelling gets worse or if you notice any signs of infection.
Always call your dentist or oral surgeon with any questions you may have!

Months Later: Bone and Tissue Rebuild

Finally, once your discomfort is gone and you can eat, drink, and brush normally, your mouth
will heal itself from the inside. Now that your surgical site is mostly healed and your sutures are
dissolved, the bone and tissue will rebuild itself and your mouth will be completely healed. This
usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks and up to 6 months.

Don’t worry—you won’t feel a thing while your body ensures that your jaw bone is totally
healed and you can enjoy life without the worry of wisdom teeth!

To sum up, you can expect roughly 3 days of mild discomfort after your procedure, with up to
2-3 weeks being normal for the inner tissues to heal. You can expect your bone and deep
tissues to completely heal after a few weeks and up to a few months. Your wisdom teeth
recovery will be much faster than you think, and you’ll be back to normal again before you
know it!

The post How Long Will My Wisdom Tooth Removal Take to Heal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When your wisdom teeth don’t have room to come in all the way, they may only erupt through
the gums partially, or push horizontally against the other teeth. Either way, these impacted
wisdom teeth can cause damage through crowding or problems with the gum tissue. Partially
erupted wisdom teeth can cause bacteria to grow, causing pericoronitis, or an infection in your
wisdom teeth.

What are the signs of a wisdom tooth infection? Here’s what you need to look out for!

Red Swollen Gums

If you’re able to see your wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth, you may notice red,
inflamed gums around one or more of your wisdom teeth if you have an infection. Although
you may or may not see any pus, the swelling or tenderness in that area may make it
uncomfortable for you to bite down properly. Puffy gum tissue around the infected site and
redness may be signs of pericoronitis.

Bad Taste or Smell in Your Mouth

One sign of an infection in your oral cavity is a foul taste in your mouth or a bad smell. In
addition to this, you may also see pus coming from the gum tissue near the infected tooth. This
taste will return after brushing and will normally persist until the infection is taken care of. If
you notice these signs, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate the
problem!

Swollen Lymph Nodes or Fever

If your infection is more severe, you may have swollen lymph nodes just below your chin, which
usually indicates that your body is trying to fight off an infection. You may also have a fever or
chills, and additional swelling on the side of your face with your affected tooth. Some people
even experience jaw muscle spasms. All of these are signs that you need to get checked out to
determine what’s causing the problem.

How Periocoronitis Is Treated

In order to make the infection go away, you’ll need to have your dentist properly clear the
infection, and you’ll likely need to be on antibiotics. You may also need to have your wisdom
teeth extracted, or have gum tissue around the area removed so that the infection doesn’t
return. Your dentist will discuss the best options for your treatment with you once your
symptoms are evaluated and a diagnosis is made.

Are you experiencing signs of wisdom tooth infection? If your wisdom teeth are still intact and
you’ve been seeing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Since oral infections can get into the bloodstream, it’s imperative that you get the problem
addressed as soon as possible. Get your wisdom teeth checked out if you have these signs!

The post Top Signs of Wisdom Tooth Infection appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.