4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mouth and Teeth Injuries

                                          4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mouth and Teeth Injuries

Mouth and teeth injuries can happen in a moment and completely change the way your mouth looks and functions. Some accidents, including car collisions, are unavoidable, but you can minimize the risk of other injuries.

As the fall sports season begins, pay close attention to teeth and mouth protection measures. One hard tackle or ball to the face can chip a tooth or worse. Here are some protection tips to keep you or your family members’ mouth and teeth safe during any physical activity:

1. Wear a helmet designed for the activity. A helmet can go a long way towards protecting your head, jaw, and mouth from injury during many activities. Encourage all contact sports players to wear helmets during practices and games to prevent accidental injuries. In addition to team sports, individuals should wear helmets while riding a bike, skateboarding, and skating.

Some helmets may provide more protection for the oral-maxillofacial area than others. For example, football helmets and hockey goalie helmets incorporate face cages that provide additional protection.

2. Invest in a mouth guard. Mouth guards protect the teeth, lips, and tongue. Your local oral surgeon may offer customized mouth guard fittings. In addition to a professionally made mouth guard, sports players can purchase a mouth guard kit from most major sporting goods stores. Work with your health care provider to find the solution that will work best for your mouth structure and needs. Mouth guards are particularly important for those with orthodontic appliances, implants, or bridges.

3. Schedule a checkup at the start of the season. Keeping teeth healthy plays a major role in injury prevention. Cavities and weakened enamel may increase the risk of accidental and sports-related injuries. Schedule any teeth strengthening treatments, such as surgeries, prior to the season. Talk with your surgeon about protecting your teeth. Always use good dental hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing, as recommended.

4. Other protective measures. In addition to preparing for sports, individuals should follow basic safety precautions during daily activities. Wear a seat-belt in any vehicle that offers one. Avoid chewing on ice and other hard substances.

Accidents may happen under the best circumstances. Knowing where to go in the event of an emergency can improve the likelihood of successful intervention. For knocked or pulled-out teeth, try to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon within 30 minutes of the incident.

Sedation Dentistry for All Your Dental Needs

                                     Sedation Dentistry for All Your Dental Needs

Going to your oral surgeon can make many of us nervous. In fact, some people have had traumatic experiences in dental offices. If this describes you, sedation dentistry may be the solution you need. Solace Oral Surgery provides some of the best sedation dentistry in the country, meeting all your dental needs without pain or emotional stress.

Sedation Dentistry Myths and Facts

Sedation dentistry is often thought of as putting the patient to sleep. Thus, some patients fear they will lose control of their bodies or that the dentist will perform procedures without their consent. In reality, sedation dentistry does not mean you are asleep. Solace Oral Surgery uses several forms of conscious sedation, which allow you to stay awake during procedures but still remain relaxed.

Some of our patients have heard sedation dentistry carries negative side effects. At Solace, we make sure our sedation methods have as few side effects as possible. Our methods are safe; we will protect you from experiencing any allergic reactions, seizures, or other medical problems. Simply alert us before treatment if you are allergic to our equipment, are epileptic, or have any disease or disability that causes muscle spasms or tremors.

Available Sedation

Different patients prefer different kinds of sedation, so Solace Oral Surgery obliges with multiple options. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as IV sedation. Nitrous oxide is one of the oldest sedation methods available. It may be best for you if you have mild dental anxiety or are experiencing a routine procedure. Some patients report numbness and tingling afterward, but this side effect is generally mild.

IV sedation may be best if you have severe anxiety. We recommend it for short treatments because although IV sedation is moderate, it is injected directly into the bloodstream. Thus, it takes effect quickly and may last longer than nitrous oxide. If you choose IV sedation, have someone drive you to and from the office. You might feel fatigued for several days afterward, so get as much rest as possible.

Benefits of Sedation

Our patients report several sedation dentistry benefits. The first is the absence of pain, which is vital if you have experienced many painful or traumatic procedures. Additionally, sedation eliminates the need for needles and drugs like Novocain, which can leave you feeling numb and uncomfortable. Many patients report that procedures done under sedation seem to take less time, which reduces the anxiety they feel while waiting for the procedure to begin. Contact us today if you would like a consultation.

Jaw Problems? Everything You Need to Know about TMJ

                                  Jaw Problems? Everything You Need to Know about TMJ

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull around the front of the ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw in order to chew, talk, and yawn. Problems with the muscles in your face, especially the jaw, are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but they are most commonly known as TMJ.

Causes

TMJ has various causes such as:

Injury

• A hard blow to the face or whiplash
• Pressure on the jaw from clenching or grinding teeth
• Stress that causes facial tightening

Disease

• Arthritis in the jaw
• Sinus infections
• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease

Symptoms

TMJ is often painful and may be on one side of your face or both. The pain can be temporary or last for years. TMJ affects more women than men and often develops in people between 20 and 40 years old.

Symptoms include:

• Discomfort in the face, jaw, neck, shoulders, or ears (when speaking, chewing, or opening mouth)
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Jaw becoming locked in the open or closed position
• Jaw making a popping, clicking, or grating sound when opening or closing mouth (May or may not be associated with pain)
• Face feeling tired or achy
• Feeling that teeth don’t fit together properly
• Facial swelling
• Toothache
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears

Diagnosis

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. Symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so it is important to be diagnosed correctly.

Your oral surgeon will ask questions, look for tenderness, and listen for popping sounds. He or she will check your bite and facial muscles and take X-rays to look for other problems.

Other tests, like a computer tomography (CT), may be needed to see the bone or joint. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be scheduled to see if the disc in your jaw is in the proper position.

Treatment

If your TMJ is not severe, your doctor may suggest:

• Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve swelling and pain.
• Eating soft foods like soup, eggs, fish, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. Avoid hard or chewy foods.
• Cold packs or warm, moist compresses
• Limiting excessive jaw movement – yawning, yelling, singing, gum chewing
• Keeping teeth slightly apart to relieve pressure and avoid clenching

If your case is severe, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – relaxation therapy of the facial muscles with low-level electrical currents.
• Ultrasound – heat therapy to improve mobility and reduce soreness.
• Surgery – as a last option (Seek a second or third dentist’s opinion before going this route)

For more help with TMJ or jaw pain, schedule a consultation with Solace Oral Surgery.

Oral Pathology – How it Affects You

                                              Oral Pathology – How it Affects You

Many people do not know what oral pathology is or how it can affect them. Here is some detailed information on oral pathology to help you understand its importance to your oral health.

What is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is a dental specialty that studies the diseases associated with teeth, gums, and jaw bones. These are the specialists who diagnose any condition relating to your oral health.

Oral Diseases

There are certain common signs and symptoms related to oral disease everyone should be aware of, such as:

·         Red gums

·         Sensitivity to hot and cold

·         Bleeding gums

·         Bad breath on a regular basis

·         Pain in gums

·         Change in your bite

·         Gums pulling away from teeth

·         Teeth shifting

Some of the oral diseases that an oral surgeon may diagnose someone with are plicated tongue, hairy-coated tongue, geographic tongue, changes to taste, burning mouth syndrome, oral cancer, and canker sores.

How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

Oral health has been at the forefront of studies lately, and medical experts have discovered a link between poor oral health and increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Other studies have shown that gum disease can be linked to respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

If you are wondering how to how prevent oral diseases, there are a few things you can implement to help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. Try to eat healthy foods and avoid smoking. Make sure to brush and floss daily, and use mouthwash as needed. Visit dental professionals regularly, so no problems are missed.

Making these recommendations a daily habit will help ensure good oral health for years to come. Speak with your oral surgeon if you have any questions about what products you should use in your oral health routine.

Oral pathology is a vital part of what oral surgeons do. They are able to recognize signs and symptoms of oral disease, diagnose it, and treat it so that it doesn’t become a long-term problem for the patient. As a patient, being informed is key. If more patients are aware of the signs and symptoms of oral disease, they will be able to contact an oral surgeon for treatment before it leads to further damage.

If you have any of these signs of oral disease or are concerned about your oral health, contact Solace Oral Surgery for further information.

Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile

                         
                                                Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile

Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. For years, the only options for missing teeth were dentures and bridges. Dental implants are strong and durable artificial roots with natural-looking teeth (usually titanium) surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. A dental implant can restore your smile.

Types of Implants

·         

S   Single missing tooth implant: when both the tooth and root are damaged on a single tooth, the best permanent replacement is a single dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown.

·         Multiple missing tooth implants: when replacing a few teeth in the far back of the mouth, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative.

·         All teeth missing implants: when all teeth are missing, a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge is added that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution.

·         All-On-4^® Implants: this relatively new technique uses fewer implants than earlier types. The new implants are situated at mechanical inclinations that maximize support. This means a less invasive process, which would mean less expense.

Improved Speech, Comfort, and Eating

Poor-fitting dentures can slip in your mouth, causing impaired speech. Implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable dentures and improve your speech. Additionally, sliding dentures can make eating and chewing difficult and even painful. Dental implants function like your own teeth, which allow you to eat your favorite foods without pain.

           

Improved Self-esteem and Oral Health

Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself. A healthy smile can boost your overall confidence, making you more comfortable in public situations – especially when eating or speaking. Implants improve oral hygiene by allowing easier access between teeth. Implants can also resolve bite problems caused by missing tooth space. Dental implants can eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of messy denture removal and adhesives. Implants, with good care, may last a lifetime. They are durable and more convenient than traditional dentures.

Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink, which can make your face appear older than it is. Anyone who is missing their teeth as a result of disease, injury, or simple tooth decay should consider how dental implants can be beneficial.

Dental implants are stable and comfortable with no loose parts. Generally speaking, people who are in good enough health for a tooth extraction are well enough to have a dental implant procedure. Contact us today to discover if you are a candidate for dental implants.  After an evaluation of your health and dental history, we can guide you to a thoughtful decision.  At Solace Oral Surgery, we are happy to answer any questions. Contact us today.

Dentist or Oral Surgeon: When to Visit Each?

Dentist or Oral Surgeon: When to Visit Each?

Patients have many options in dental providers, and the decision of which type of dental professional is best for your current needs can be tricky.  Understanding the differences between general dentists and oral surgeons can help you make an informed choice for dental care. Depending on your needs or the needs of your family, you may need to see both a dentist and an oral surgeon.

General Dentist

A dentist (DDS degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery or DMD degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine) has completed 4-5 years of higher education and can diagnose and treat conditions and diseases of the mouth, as well as perform minor surgical procedures such as simple incisions and extractions.

General Dentistry Clinical Practice

General dentists are primary care providers for dental medicine. They diagnose, manage, and treat your overall oral health, and often make recommendations for how to prevent common dental problems. Dentist offices provide teeth cleaning, X-rays, and a comprehensive screening for dental problems. They also provide dental fillings, veneers, bridges, crowns, and gum care. Although a general dentist may perform simple tooth extractions, more complex surgeries may be outside of the scope of a general dentist’s competence.

Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon also has a DDS or DMD degree, but must complete 4 to 8 years of additional training, such as a surgical residency, after dental school. Oral surgeons sometimes complete an additional medical degree.

Oral Surgery Clinical Practice

An oral surgeon is the oral health care provider who performs surgical procedures in and about the entire face, mouth, and jaw area. A general dentist will often refer a patient to an oral surgeon when a problem is beyond the scope of the dentist’s expertise. An oral surgeon may perform dental implants, simple tooth extractions, complex extractions (removal of soft tissue, bone or roots), wisdom teeth removal, soft tissue biopsies, removal of oral cavity tumors, complex jaw realignment surgeries, reconstructive dental surgery, fractured jaw bone or cheek repair, and cleft palate repair surgery.

Understanding the difference between a general dentist and an oral surgeon can save you time when making the right decision for dental care. Remember to bring along an updated medical history. Explain any recent health issues, even if they seem unrelated to your mouth’s health. A healthy smile is the gateway to good health, but it is also a way to feel more confident. Call us today for questions about your smile.

Smile for Christmas Winner: A story of Hope and Faith

                    Meet Our Smile for Christmas Winner: A Story of Hope and Faith

Everyone goes through seasons of life when heartache seems closer than hope and tears come easier than smiles. For Caroline Lusk, that season has been long and exhausting. 

Like so many others, she witnessed her parent’s divorce. Many years later, she lost her father in a motorcycle accident at the hand of an impaired driver. The years in between and after held additional struggles. To cope with her circumstances, she developed an unhealthy relationship with food that sent her to multiple treatment centers and threatened her well-being—physically and psychologically.

Over time, she achieved stability, enabling her to move forward with life. She met and married a wonderful Christian man, had two healthy children and began to embrace the reality of grace that allows one to emerge from darkness into a new day.

Life wasn’t perfect.

There were relapses.

As a writer and non-profit professional, she was and continues to be engaged in either ministry or philanthropic work. It’s the kind of work she did and still does believe in, but in industries that are volatile at best, it’s never been a sure thing.

Beyond that, her health history had left its mark. Nearly 20 years of acid reflux had worn away the enamel on her teeth, compromising their stability and health.

When she happened upon the Smile for Christmas give-away from Solace Oral Surgery, it was as though once again the heavens opened and mercy rained down. Finally, she would be able to regain oral health, whereby improving her physical well-being. More than that, this opportunity meant that the smile that had been emerging inside, out of the wake of great loss, could now be reflected on the outside.

Today, she is celebrating a new season. One in which hope redeems heartache and smiles wipe away the tears.