Author: Cupertino-FD-Admin

When it comes to dental health, hygiene is a vital aspect. Hygiene is the cornerstone of optimal dental health. It is very important in both general and restorative dentistry. Cleaning your dentures should be taken seriously. This is because dentures, if not kept clean, have serious effects on your dental health. Adhering to a strict cleaning routine will go a long way in ensuring you are healthy.

Getting dentures is the first step towards a beautiful smile. After that, how you take care of your dentures will determine if you get to keep the smile. Not everyone who gets dentures has the right information on caring for them. Here we have tips that will help you keep your perfect smile for long.

Why Clean Your Dentures?

As we said before, cleaning dentures is an important practice. Here are the reasons why you should regularly clean your dentures.

For Optimal Oral Health

Cleaning your dentures is important in keeping your oral health at its best. This will keep most dental problems at bay. Optimal oral health also improves your general body health. Regularly cleaning your dentures will guarantee proper oral and body health.

Minimize Bacteria Buildup

Bacteria buildup can cause a wide range of serious dental problems. Minimizing bacteria buildup will prevent common problems like tooth decay. Our denture cleaning tips will help minimize bacteria build up on your dentures and natural teeth.

To Keep That Beautiful Smile for Long

Properly cleaning your dentures will ensure you get to keep your new perfect smile for long. Cleaning your dentures prevents issues like discoloration. Your dentures will stain if you don’t clean them properly. When this happens, you will lose your newly acquired beautiful smile.

Denture Cleaning Tips

Our tips will guide you on the proper cleaning of dentures. This will help you maintain the best oral health and a perfect smile. Strictly follow these tips when cleaning your dentures.

• 1.Regularly Brush and Rinse Your Dentures

Avoid using toothpaste to brush your dentures. This is because toothpaste can cause plaque buildup. Toothpaste has abrasive properties meaning it will create small scratches on your dentures. Brushing dentures should be on a daily basis. Regular brushing will prevent staining and will remove plaque.

Use a brush that is specifically made for dentures. A normal toothbrush with hard bristles will damage your dentures. Brush the dentures gently to avoid damaging them.

• 2.Soak Them Overnight

Soak the dentures overnight to keep them moist. This will ensure they keep their shape. You can soak them in water or the denture solution your dentist will recommend. If you are not sure how to soak dentures, talk to your dentist.

• 3.Use a Denture Cleaner

Avoid using common cleansers or toothpaste as they are abrasive. We also don’t recommend using bleach to clean your dentures. Bleach will whiten the whole denture, including the pink portion. Ultrasound cleaners are the best for cleaning your dentures. However, the ultrasound cleaner should not substitute regular brushing and rinsing. Use both to clean your dentures to ensure proper hygiene.

• 4.Handle Dentures with Care

You should be very careful when handling your dentures. Always handle them under water or a soft cloth. This will prevent cracking in case they fall from your hands.

• 5.Properly Clean Your Mouth After Removing Dentures

Brush your natural teeth with toothpaste after removing dentures. You should also clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth. After this, you should also remove denture adhesive that may still be in your mouth.

• 6.Visit Your Dentist Regularly

 Regular dental visits are also important when it comes to cleaning your dentures. The dentist will examine your dentures and identify any developing problem you may not have noticed. Visit your dentist immediately if your dentures start becoming loose. This is because loose dentures pose a dental health risk.

Caring for Your Mouth When Having Dentures

Always clean your mouth before putting your dentures in. This helps remove plaque, which can cause tooth decay. Patients with partial dentures should always remove them before brushing teeth.

Any pain can be annoying and irritating. The workload of your teeth and gums are more than most of the other organs. With regular usage, aging, and dental trauma, the teeth and gums might start to lose its vitality. Although the dentist can guide you in treating gum diseases, you can try some home remedies too.

The Structure of Your Teeth

A tooth is made up of enamel, dentine, pulp, and cementum. The exposed portion of the tooth is what you see and is known as the dental crown. The tooth has a substantial part concealed by the jaws. The part below the dental crown is called the root.

The center of the tooth houses the pulp cavity and consists of delicate blood vessels and nerves. To counter the continuous impact of grinding and to alleviate the force on the jaws, the tooth’s cementum or surface area is connected by fibrous tissues called the periodontal ligament.

Enamel covers the outer surface or crown and is white. The soft tissues covering the alveolar bone houses the tooth’s root and is commonly known as gum.

What Causes Gum Infection?

Periodontal infection is an infection of the gums and can be attributed to several factors. Poor oral health is one of the major reasons. Poor brushing allows the deposition of tartar on the teeth, which serves as a thriving ground of bacteria.

Smoking can increase the chances of gum infection. Hormonal imbalance, diabetes, dry mouth, and certain genetic susceptibility can also increase gum infection chances.

Bleeding, coupled with inflammation, is the primary symptom of gum infection. Red gums and persistent bad breath imply gum infection. A loose and sensitive tooth can also be the symptom of weakened teeth roots.

Although the visible symptoms might be enough for the dentist to diagnose with periodontal disease, they might go with dental x-rays or for a comprehensive dental examination.

Home Remedies to Treat Gum Infection

The goal of treatment is to curb the spread of infection. Depending on the level of infection and your oral structure, the extent and type of treatment may vary. If not treated timely, gingivitis, which is the primary stage of gum infection, might lose teeth. To prevent gum diseases, you can try some home remedies.

#1: Saltwater Rinse

Salt is known to be a natural disinfectant. Rinsing with salt water can reduce inflammation and relieve the pain. Easy to apply and affordable, the saltwater rinse can be a temporary relief, and you can use lukewarm trice a day.

#2: Turmeric Gel

Turmeric has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study has revealed that turmeric can be effective in preventing plaque and gingivitis. You can apply a paste of turmeric and apply to the gums. You should wait for ten minutes before washing it off.

#3: Oil Pulling

This is an ancient method and known to reduce oral infection. Swirling oil around the mouth for thirty minutes may reduce the thrive of bacteria inside the mouth. You can put two teaspoons of coconut or almond oil in your mouth and swirl for thirty minutes before spitting out.

#4: Cold Compress

Gum infections are accompanied by persistent pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress can help to reduce the swelling and reduce the sensation of pain.

#5: Clove Oil

Since ancient times clove is known to be a remedy to dental pains. Clove oil can be applied in concentrated or diluted form on the gums. Clove has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You can also get rid of the bad breath with clove oil.

#6: Hydrogen Peroxide

Apart from using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth, you can use a mild hydrogen peroxide solution to prevent gum disease. Swishing the solution of equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water around your mouth and spitting can reduce plaque and bleeding of gums.

#7: Baking Soda

An affordable yet effective way of treating gum infection is swishing a solution of baking soda in water with a pinch of salt. Using this solution thrice a day can reduce plaque and gum infection.

You can always visit the dentist, and home remedies might not always be successful but can reduce gum infection chances. Dentists at Cupertino Family Dental can treat gum infection with state-of-art equipment and experienced dentists.

Fear of the dentist/hygienist (dental phobia) is a global problem that affects up to 20 percent of Americans. Thousands of people avoid dental visits due to dental anxiety, and in this article, we will help you overcome this fear.

People suffering from dental anxiety are aware that the fear is irrational, but there isn’t much they can do about it. Such people only visit the dentist if they are forced to by extreme pain or infections. In some cases, dental phobia may require psychiatric intervention.

Signs of Dental Anxiety

Dental phobia is characterized by several signs which include:

• Lack of sleep the night before a dental visit
• Feeling physically sick at the thought of visiting a dentist
• Feeling nervousness while in a dental office
• Difficulties in breathing during dental treatment or at the thought of objects being placed in your mouth.

Causes of Dental Anxiety

There are various reasons why different people fear dentists and common ones include:

Fear of Pain

Most people associate dental visits with pain and agony. However, that rarely happens as most dental procedures are almost painless, thanks to sedation. Fear of pain is usually a result of earlier experiences with a dentist.

Fear of Injections

Needles can be terrifying to some people, and the thought of being injected makes some fail to visit the dentist. During checkups, needles are not used, and during dental procedures, you can opt for oral sedation instead of getting injected.

Fear of Sedation Side Effects

Some people have a problem with the numbness caused by anesthesia, while others don’t like its side effects such as nausea and dizziness.

Feeling Helpless

Some people don’t like the thought of sitting on a dental chair with their mouth wide open and someone else doing what he wants with it.

Loss of Personal Space

Some individuals don’t like the closeness of a hygienist or dentist to their faces. Other people feel embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth, and others don’t like their odor. Such reasons can make one fail to visit even a general dentist, even for checkups.

How to Ease Dental Phobia/Anxiety

Before your situation escalates to the point that you have to visit a psychiatrist, start working on your fears as early as now. These tips can help you stay relaxed during the procedure.

Share Your Fears with the Dentist

Be transparent with the dentist about your fears. By doing so, the dentist will walk you through all your options and conducts the procedure in a way that can help reduce your anxiety. If you don’t talk, your dentist will not know, and he will treat you like other patients even though you require special treatment.

Plan Ahead

Plan your dental visit on a day that you will be free. That way, you won’t be in a hurry to rush anywhere after the procedure, and this allows your body to relax. You won’t be in any pressure.

Listen to Your Favorite Songs

If it is the drills’ sound that causes your anxiety, you can come along with earphones and play your favorite tunes as the dentist conducts the procedure.

Communicate with the Dentist during the Procedure

Empower yourself during the procedure by giving some commands to the dentist when necessary. Talk to your dentist prior to the procedure and discuss signals you can use. For example, raising your hand can mean stop and shaking your leg can mean ease off.

Choose a Trustworthy Dentist

Getting recommendations from a partner, friend, or family relative can help ease anxiety. Knowing that the dentist is good gives you confidence that he will do the right thing at the right time, and the treatment will be painless. If you can’t get recommendations from friends, check on the internet for a dentist with exceptional reviews.

Watch Your Intake before and on the Appointment Day

Avoid foods with high levels of caffeine or sugars on the appointment day. Such foods make you more jittery. If you have to take something, take caffeine and sugar-free foods and drinks.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

If you visit your dentist frequently, you will get used to him, and you will realize that there is actually nothing to fear. You will also set an exemplary example for your kids.

Cupertino Family Dental

Modern technology has ensured that dental procedures are conducted faster and that they are painless. That said, if you require excellent dental care in Cupertino, CA, you are in the right place. Our family dentist can help you with all the dental problems.Book an appointment today, and let us ease your anxiety.

According to the CDCs (Center for Disease Control), almost half of the American adults suffer from gum disease. Even though it is a common dental condition, many people do not know the causes, symptoms of gum disease. One noteworthy fact to note about gum disease is that there are two types—gingivitis and periodontitis.

Both gingivitis and periodontitis are both types of periodontal disease. But, they are different in how they develop and the symptoms.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a reversible gingivae infection. In the initial stages, gum infection has little or no symptoms, probably why most people tend to ignore the condition. However, you may experience bleeding, swollen, and tender gums are the first symptoms.

Poor brushing techniques and dental practices are the primary cause of gum inflammation. Other factors like tobacco smoking, poor nutrition, dry mouth, and hormonal changes can increase your risk of gum disease.

Gingivitis is treatable if caught early. However, without proper treatment, the inflammation can spread to the periodontium.

The periodontium is the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. Once affected, these tissues can cause tooth deterioration and decay.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and exposes the roots. As the gums pull away, they develop to gum pockets that trap bacteria. At this stage, gum disease symptoms become more pronounced. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swollen and tender gums
• Bad breath
• Darkened gums
• Bleeding when brushing
• Pus between the gums

Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is irreversible. The infection at times, enters the bloodstream and causes widespread inflammation. Not only that, but severe periodontitis affects the alveolar bone and can cause jaw bone deterioration. With time the teeth get loose and require an extraction.

What Are the Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease?

Our dentist in Cupertino can recommend medication to stop the spread of the bacteria and ease the inflammation. Other treatments that may be used to gingivitis include:

• Scaling. This is the removal of the tartar buildup from above the gum line and the teeth surfaces. The dentist uses ultrasonic devices or laser tools to clean the gums.
• Root planing is done if you have gum pockets. The procedure involves reattaching the gums back to the root.

For advanced periodontitis, you may require surgical procedures such as:

• Pocket reduction. This includes re-contouring the underlying bone, and the gum tissues are reattached back in place.
• Soft tissue graft. Our dentist in Cupertino, CA, will remove a small amount of tissue from the palate and attach it to the affected area. This will help to reduce gum recession and also cover the exposed roots.
• Bone grafts. Periodontitis affects the bone causing to deteriorate. Bone grafting or transplant is a procedure of stimulating bone growth using bone granules from your body or a cadaver.

How to Prevent Gum Disease?

Gum disease is common, but it is preventable. Here are a few tips to note:

• Maintain proper hygiene. Not brushing correctly and eating sugary foods can cause plaque to build up. Furthermore, the bacteria present in the mouth break these foods down, producing an acid solution which attacks the enamel. Using the correct brushing techniques and toothbrush will help protect your teeth from plaques.
• Get routine dental checkups and cleaning biannually. A comprehensive dental checkup can help the dentist to detect any abnormal gum tenderness. Professional teeth cleaning is also done where the dentist removes accumulated plaques or tartar underneath the gums.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses every day. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and prevents cavities. If you are at risk of dental cavities, the dentist may recommend an in-office fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth.
• Watch your nutrition. Eating foods that can enhance the teeth and gums is crucial to supporting your dental health. Eat dark green vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, cheese, fish, and eggs to support your teeth. Do not forget vitamin C rich, which helps to protect the gums from infections.

Visit Cupertino Family Dentist if you notice any abnormal gum bleeding, gum tenderness, or swelling.

Many studies have found that consumption of sugary drinks and dessert leads to dental cavities. Frequent snacking of foods high in sugar increases the time that the teeth are exposed to the effects of acids and increases the risk of tooth decay.

Tooth decay is the destruction of enamel, the hard tissue of the tooth. Beneath it, there is dentine and then the pulp chamber. The pulp cavity contains nerves and soft tissues that nourish the teeth. Though strong, the enamel has its limitation, and constant exposure to the acid solution will strip it off and cause it to weaken.

Tooth decay has different stages, and each presents different symptoms and risks. In the initial stages, there are no symptoms, but as the decay progresses, it causes sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Who is at risk and why?

Children are more at risk to teeth decay than adults. Not only because of the consumption of sugar but also because of poor brushing techniques. Children do not brush as effectively as they should. This leaves some of the food particles, which gives room for bacteria to grow.

That is not to say that adults can’t suffer from decay. With poor dental hygiene, plaques can build up and cause the bacteria to affect the enamel.

How does sugar affect teeth?

We have a colony of bacteria in the mouth, some beneficial and others harmful. These bacteria feed on sugar from carbohydrates. When the bacteria team up with the sugar, an acid solution is produced, which damages the enamel in two ways:

• Sugar promotes demineralization

The enamel contains calcium and phosphate that give it strength. When we consume sugary foods, the bacteria break it down, producing an acid. This acid solution strips off the enamel of these essential minerals (demineralization). Constant exposure to this solution will cause the enamel to weaken and become prone to decay.

• It affects the ph.

The mouth has a neutral ph., but cavities thrive in an acidic environment.

The acid solution in the mouth lowers the ph causing the mouth to become more acidic.

Do you know it takes about 20 seconds for the bacteria to break down the food and produce the acid? The teeth are exposed to this solution when you consume sugary food. Saliva can reverse the effects caused by the acid, but unfortunately, it takes 20 minutes. This means the enamel is exposed to the disastrous effects of the acid for 20 minutes!

How can you prevent cavities in children?

• Minimize sugary products.

Everybody, especially children, loves sugar or chocolate. But, the more sugar you consume, the higher the risk of dental decays. It is recommended to avoid sugar, but if not possible, consume the foods in moderation. Plus, clean the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash immediately.

• Use fluoride toothpaste every day.

The enamel can reverse the demineralization process using fluoride found in saliva. Using a fluoride mouth rinse and toothpaste will reduce the acid attacks. Furthermore, fluoride helps in the reabsorption of the lost calcium and phosphate, which strengthens the enamel.

Ask the dentist about the right amount of fluoride to use for your child.

While at it, change your toothbrush. Use a soft-bristled and kid-friendly toothbrush, and it should be changed every 3-4 months.

• Floss at least once a day

Do not forget that this is extremely important for the cleaning of hard-to-reach areas between teeth where food gets stuck and causes plaque accumulation.

• Get routine dental checkups.

Visit your child’s dentist every six months or as advised by the dentist. These regular dental checkups will help with the early detection of dental decay.

Schedule an Appointment

Cupertino Family Dental offers children dentistry services that are geared to help to prevent dental cavities. We have professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and more serious problems.

Dental sealants are also part of our preventive dental practices to seal the deep grooves on young children’s permanent molars and preventing cavities.

Everyone wants to change something about their smiles but not many people are inclined to wait for a long time to make the changes desired. It is the reason why same day smile services are becoming popular and preferred by many. If you are one among the countless you may find some trauma affecting your teeth and gums in the form of sporting accidents or even an accident at home. You may also be affected by the problem of aging or medical conditions like tooth decay or gum disease that are the most notorious adversaries of your teeth.

Regardless of the kind of issue affecting you, Cupertino Family Dental can recommend methods to change the appearance and functionality of your smile. Mentioned in this blog are some same-day smile services that can change the appearance of your smile while improving your oral health as well. Continue reading to understand more about same-day smile services.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can modify your smile by repairing or fortifying discolored or damaged teeth. They can encase the existing tooth structure and help to restore the natural appearance of the tooth along with the functionality. Dental crowns may become a necessity after root canal treatment or for supporting a dental bridge.

Porcelain or ceramic that’s tooth-colored to match the rest of your teeth is used to fabricate dental crowns. Metal alloys can also be used to make them with an outer layer of porcelain. Generally, it requires two visits to the dentists’ office to have a crown placed. This does not consider other treatments that may be required like a root canal. You can also have access to CEREC crowns that are offered by this dental facility. The crowns will be fabricated at the dental office and the placements finished on the same day.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services sought-after by many despite not having the same health or functional benefits as other treatments. Bleaching gels are used during teeth whitening treatments to remove discoloration from the surfaces of the teeth. You can receive the treatment in-office at the dental facility or take-home kits can also be prepared by the dentist for use over a period.

Take-home kits will be provided with bleaching gels and a tray that must be placed over your teeth for about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be able to witness results after a couple of weeks depending on the kind of whitening you want.

Your mouth will be examined by the dentist during your appointment to determine whether whitening is a suitable option for you. Teeth whitening is unsuitable for some types of discoloration and in such cases, the underlying issue of the problem must be treated initially. It is the reason why talking to a dentist becomes important rather than preferring over-the-counter treatments that are available in abundance.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can be a suitable solution to replace missing teeth. These are false teeth attached between two crowns. The teeth on both sides of the gap must be prepared for the crowns with the bridge bonded in place between them.

Dental bridges are not similar or permanent as dental implants but they can be an appropriate solution if the teeth close to the gaps have fillings that will necessitate the need for crowns. If you want to change your smile by replacing your missing teeth you will receive help from the dentist to understand whether you should prefer bridges, implants, or any other option.

Dental Veneers

Thin restorations that are placed on the surfaces of the front teeth are known as dental veneers. They may be recommended by your dentist if you have tiny gaps, chips or cracks, slightly crooked teeth or discoloration. Custom-made porcelain veneers can fit over the teeth as an alternative for teeth whitening. The dentist will select the material for the veneer in a shade matching your natural teeth. While veneers are suitable to treat minor issues the dentist may recommend orthodontic treatments if you have complicated issues with alignment in your mouth.

If you are uncertain about what you need or where to begin it is suggested that you discuss your concerns with the dentist at Cupertino Family Dental. You will receive proper advice on how the same-day smile service will help you to correct different types of dental issues.

Sometimes dentists may have to solve oral problems and issues through surgical procedures. The idea of oral surgery may be daunting or even scary but the necessity of the situation will still force the dentists to perform an oral surgery to correct the situation.  Because of the fear surrounding surgery, it is important that the patient is prepared for the process and does not get shocked when they hear that their situation will require surgical correction. Here are some of the situations that may drive you to the dentists’ surgical table for correction.

Some of the common oral surgical procedures

Extraction of the tooth

Tooth extraction can come in some of the simplest form including the removal of milk teeth. However, if the situation is different, surgical intervention maybe necessary.In case the situation would result to disease, trauma, or in the event that the purpose of the removal is to decongest an overcrowded mouth, then surgical procedures maybe necessary.  Other teeth removal processes that will require surgical procedure include when the bone or the tissue must be distorted or cut to ensure that the tooth is removed, surgery will definitely be necessary.

After the surgical removal of teeth, stiches will be necessary to close the cuts made. Doctors have recorded extensive difficulties when it comes to removal of wisdom teeth resulting to extensive damage on the gums that require equally extensive stitches.  For these conditions, you will need to see a dentist to determine whether you will need surgery for the removal of the teeth or not.

You may need oral surgery for prosthodontics

The prosthodontics processes are mostly cosmetic but they may be necessary for some dental situations. Prosthodontics is a procedure that involves reshaping of particular teeth so that the crown can be fitted.  The process also includes the reshaping of the teeth for veneers or bridges.  Surgical insertion of dental implants so that artificial teeth can perfectly fit into the process can also be defined to be a prosthodontics procedure.

The primary determinant on whether you need prosthodontics or not depend on the nature of your oral health condition and the extent to which corrections are necessary for your dental structures to be repaired. You will need a pre-evaluation by a dentist for the decision whether you need surgical intervention to be made.

The oral and maxillofacial surgery

The oral and maxillofacial is a sophisticated procedure that performs various correctives such as corrective jaw surgery, pre-prosthetics surgery for bone augmentation, nerve repositioning and dentoalveolar surgery.  It is a complicated procedure that is necessary for complex situations. Your dentist will need to prescribe the procedure for you based on the condition that you suffer.

What to do before the surgery

Being prepared is the best way to face any surgery especially the dental surgeries. Specialists’ offer these procedures and your dentist may recommend the professional for the procedure.  Before the surgery, various  data will be collected regarding your dental structure through x-rays and other forms of observation. You need to be prepared for this process and ask as many questions as possible during the preparation stage.

It is important that you share your medical history and any other issue that you may feel that is of concern. Although your dentist will ask of any issue or even forward your file to the professional, you will need to discuss any emerging issues so that the dentist and the professional can be aware and make a decision on whether it will affect the procedure.

Surgeries maybe expensive. Complicated tooth extraction may also not come cheap if they involve surgery. However, when you need these interventions there is no way to go around them. You must face it in the best way possible and prepare for the procedure without fear. Nevertheless, the best protection has always been preventive dentistry.  By taking the necessary measures to ensure you maintain the best oral health requirements and you observe the necessary hygienic behavior while avoiding practices that can affect your oral health, you will be able to avoid these invasive procedures.  Preventive dentistry will also still be necessary after the oral or dental surgery. You will need to take care of your teeth and maintain the required dental practices for the procedure post care.

Filling a gap tooth is an essential key in maintaining dental health, a healthy smile, and a complete bite. Losing a tooth is common after middle age due to reasons like injury, tooth decay, and gum diseases.

Reasons why you need your teeth replaced

Aesthetics is the common reason why people seek tooth replacement. There is beauty in having a complete set of teeth and displaying a perfect smile. This boost your confidence because how you look defines your feeling.

• Loss of bone mass is another reason. Teeth stimulate bone growth. Missing teeth cause the shrinking of the jaw, altering the face structure. The sinus cavity expands, and as more teeth drop, you are at risk of jaw fractures due to depletion of bone mass.
• Other teeth may get pushed forward or sideways. Crooked teeth have lots of adverse effects. They lead to joint pains and bites problems.
• The neighboring teeth may get infected if the tooth was infected. This will cause the loss of another tooth. Gaps in the dental will cause the other teeth to get loose, and they will also fall in the process. Gum infection is also likely to happen, leading to sore gums, which makes teeth weak and brushing a hard time. Replacing the already missing tooth will help curb this subsequent loss.
• TMJ disorders will be experienced, causing headaches and discomfort. This is due to the straining of temporomandibular joints when the teeth shift from their position. The joints connect the jaw bone to the skull.

Visiting a dentist as soon after a tooth loss is critical. An implant is a solution to replace your missing teeth and get you back to normal.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are frames or metal posts that are placed beneath your gums into the jaw bone through a surgical procedure. They act as the root and allow replacement teeth to be mounted onto them. The implants fuse with the jawbone and provide firm support to the individual dental crowns. Unlike your own teeth, the implants don’t decay.

For an implant, adjacent teeth don’t need to be ground down to hold the new tooth. The implant may be of two types;

• Endosteal implants: This includes the installation of an artificial root in your jaw bone meant to hold a replacement tooth and is the most common implant type.
• Subperiosteal implants: This is a metal framework implant attached above your jaw bone but under the gum tissue.

The implant procedure

First, you undergo a scan to determine how suitable the procedure is and to detect any other dental problems you may have. This initial stage ensures the success of the process to be undertaken is optimal.

The oral surgeon then cuts open the gum exposing the bone. A hole gets drilled inside your jaw bone. This is done to shelter the artificial root that holds the tooth. Sometimes bone grafting is done in cases where your bone is not strong enough.

After placing the implant into the jaw bone, time is allowed for the osseointegration – the process where the jawbone unites with the metal implant. This ensures that a firm base is provided for the new tooth. The procedure takes time to be completed, usually 2-4 months.

The abutment is then placed on the implant, and the gum is cut to reveal the implant. After abutment replacement, the gum is closed around but not covering the abutment and again left to heal for about 2 weeks.

You then choose the type of tooth you want. It can be removable or fixed. The artificial tooth is finally placed to match your dental crown. This whole process may take 4-6months.

After the procedure is done, minor bleeding, pain, swelling of the gums, and face may be experienced. Antibiotics or pain-relieving medications can be prescribed to help manage the effects. However, they don’t last long.

At Cupertino Family Dental, we offer successful implants, and other needed teeth care procedures. Our qualified medical practitioners are available to attend to your dental care needs as required. You can book your appointment now or visit our clinic for consultation.

Whether it’s a root canal therapy or tooth extraction, it can be challenging to go through a dental procedure. Oral surgeries are associated with pain and sheer agony. This is not the case, though, if you’re well prepared for it.

Preparation is required for both pre and post-operation duration. This is because even after the procedure, you need ample recovery time. The surgeon might provide some of the information you need, but personal level research is crucial if you want a smoother and faster recovery.

What does oral surgery involve?

Dental surgery broadly refers to a variety of medical procedures that encompass the gums and teeth. Below are the most common dental procedures a dental surgeon performs.

• Tooth Removal – A number of situations can get you diagnosed for a tooth extraction. These include tooth decay or disease, trauma, overcrowded teeth, and misaligned teeth. Usually, teeth visible over the gum line can easily be removed through simple extraction using forceps.

A surgical extraction is performed if a bone tissue has to be cut to remove the tooth. Mostly, it’s wisdom teeth that require an extraction procedure since they are sturdy and hard to remove.

• Prosthodontics – This refers to procedures that involve tooth reshaping to accept veneers, dental crowns, and bridges. A prosthodontic procedure is also engaged if the patient needs dental implants inserted surgically to mount artificial teeth.

• Maxillofacial procedure – It refers to a complex oral surgery done by specialist dentists. It primarily involves jaw correction, nerve repositioning, dentoalveolar surgery, and dental maxillofacial implants.

In restorative dentistry, stitches are usually put into place after the surgery to seal up the wound. The stitches are of two types, those that dissolve after some time and others that are removed at a later date.

Preparing for an oral surgery

• Consultation

Before any dental surgery, it is essential to consult with your surgeon. The surgeon will give guidelines on the types of medications and diet to avoid days before the surgery, as well as what to expect after the surgery. Your medical history is also examined at this stage.

It’s crucial to ask pre-written specific questions before the procedure. This helps to put your mind at ease and gets you relaxed. Questions such as “how long will the surgery take?” can help in coordination with whoever’s picking you up after the procedure.

• Transportation

It’s good to have an arrangement with someone to pick you up if you have an outpatient appointment. This is because driving yourself home might be difficult due to long-lasting anesthesia effects.

You will need to have someone by your side for the first two nights after the surgery in case complications arise, or if you need help say for children care or pets. You also need someone to pick up your pain medications and post-surgery antibiotics to have them ready when needed.

• Before and after Surgery meals

After surgery, your dentist will recommend you stick to soft foods and like soup, milk, and yogurts for a few days. This helps you avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth and gums. It’s also recommended to avoid spicy and acidic foods that might irritate the wound.

Before and after the surgery, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 12 hours. These alter your body’s self-healing process and may lead to further complications.

• Clothing

As you go for the surgery, put on loose, preferably old, and comfortable clothing. Leave out makeup, jewelry, and contact lenses during the operation. You can bring lip balm to soothe your lips at the completion of the procedure.

• Medications

Dentists recommend avoiding medicines that thin the blood weeks before your oral surgery. Drugs such as aspirin and also alcohol play a role in prolonging the body’s healing process.

In restorative dentistry, painkillers and antibiotics might be recommended before the surgery to make the procedure comfortable.

Recovery Tips

• Don’t lie on your belly. It may prolong bleeding
• For the first 2 hours, out an ice pack against the operated tooth
• Avoid strenuous activities. These increase bleeding
• Incorporate soft foods during the early days. Slowly add hard foods as you heal
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for the first few days, every day.

Linda spent a few years hearing her parents rave about Dr. Lo and our team in Cupertino before she was ready to make a switch.

But when she finally did, she says she had the best cleaning of her life!

Hear Linda talk about how we’ve been serving four generations of her family and what she appreciates about our level of quality, patient-friendly care!

Call Cupertino Family Dental or fill out our online form to request an appointment for your family.