tempik NewburypOrt_Admin | Newburyport Family Dental - Part 5

Author: NewburypOrt_Admin

Can You Wear a Sports Mouthguard with Braces?

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From a safety and smile investment perspective, the good news is that you can wear sports mouthguards with braces. Our dentists in Newburyport, MA, offer customized mouthguards whether you have braces or not. Just as it’s true that sports mouthguards protect teeth during impact sports, they also protect braces. We invite you to make an appointment today with Newburyport Family Dental to learn more about this protective piece of sports equipment.

The Value of Sports Guards

If your child is involved in sports, it’s a reasonable assumption that they have high-quality protective gear in their gym bag. You know that buying a helmet with a high rating against injury is worth its cost. Similarly, safety pads, protective eyewear, and other gear are only as good at preventing injury as the quality of the product. The same is true with customized sports guards from our dentists near you. Instead of being tempted by the low cost of over-the-counter (OTC) sports guards, consider the cost of future dental work when the product fails to perform. Our dentists’ customized sports guards are more cost-effective than emergency dentistry or tooth replacement.

There’s a reason that professional athletes wear customized mouth protection. It has to do with safety and cost. Like you, they could choose to purchase an OTC mouthguard, but they typically do not. The reason boils down to a customized fit for comfort and safety and a safeguard against equipment failure. Rather than taking risks with the investment you’ve already put into your child’s smile with braces, we invite you to make an appointment to learn more about customized mouthguards for braces. Our dentists have cared for patients’ smiles in our community for over 40 years, and they welcome the opportunity to care for your child’s smile too!

The Value of Other Preventive Dentistry

Did you know that just as a customized sports mouthguard can save money against the cost of future dental work, the same is true with other preventive dentistry? Dental exams and professional teeth cleaning may seem like routine appointments when you schedule them, but they are also insurance to protect against future dental costs.

Consider this scenario. Your child seems to be brushing and flossing their teeth at home, just like dentists recommend. So, you may wonder why they need to visit a dentist for exams and cleanings? Preventive exams and cleanings keep smiles and teeth in peak health.

For example, small cavities can develop on teeth in even the most diligent brusher and flosser. When detected early, usually during an exam or cleaning, the dentist can treat them in minutes. Conversely, if cavities remain undetected and grow in size, therapy often includes larger fillings that require more invasive placement or a dental crown to maintain the tooth’s integrity. Oral cancer is a severe but sometimes likely possibility. As one of the fastest-growing types of cancer, oral cancer can affect patients of all ages, whether they smoke.

Additionally, oral cancer often goes unnoticed at home since its symptoms are difficult to notice in its early stages without specialized equipment. Our doctors use VELscope to detect abnormal mucosa in the mouth that the naked eye can’t see. Although oral cancer can be fatal if left untreated, early detection equals early care. Just as our advanced technology protects against undetected oral cancer, our technology in customizing sports guards to wear with braces protects against unforeseen dental emergencies and dental costs.

We are Here for You

As family-friendly dentists, we welcome patients of all ages. If you’re searching for one-stop convenience from a dentist that provides care across a broad suite of services, we look forward to meeting you and your family soon.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?

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While pregnancy is an exciting phase, it comes with many changes. For this reason, pregnant women should be careful with what they eat, drink, or do. As far as oral health is concerned, pregnant women experience numerous hormonal and diet changes, making them vulnerable to various oral issues such as gum disease and cavities.

For this reason, if you’re pregnant, you should take great care of your mouth as part of your overall hygiene. Similarly, if you develop an oral issue, you may need a dental X-ray as part of your treatment. However, one question remains: are dental x-rays safe during pregnancy? In this article, let’s look at the relationship between pregnancy and your oral health and the risk of dental x-ray during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, your body changes. You’ll primarily notice a change in your hormones and eating habits. These changes make you susceptible to mood changes, nausea, cavities, and gum sensitivity. Particularly when you brush your teeth, you may notice slight bleeding.

According to research, about 40% of pregnant women in the United States experience some form of gum disease. Similarly, other studies show a close relationship between gum infection and pregnancy risks like preterm births and low-weight babies.

If not treated, bacteria from untreated cavities and gum infections can enter the women’s bloodstream and affect the fetus directly. For this reason, pregnant women should seek proper treatment on time if they develop cavities or gum infections. Your dentist can suggest a dental x-ray to diagnose tooth decay and gum infection in such a case.

Commonly, dentists use dental x-rays to:

  • Check for tooth decay or infection that can’t be visible with an oral exam
  • Check for bone loss or damage from gum disease
  • Check for decay beneath a filling
  • Show changes in root canal or bone
  • Assist in preparing root canal, dental crowns, braces, dentures, implants, and other procedures.
  • Check for abscesses

Pregnancy and Dental X-Rays Radiation

An x-ray is electromagnet radiation of high energy that passes through any material, including body parts. In dentistry, x-rays show a photographic image of the internal composition of the teeth, bone, gums, and other parts of your mouth. During pregnancy, the concern of using dental x-rays comes from the high radiation.

According to research, high radiation levels increase the risk of congenital disabilities, miscarriage, and certain cancers. However, it’s worth noting that high radiations only happen during specific treatments, like radiation treatments for cancer. Exposure to such radiation 2-8 weeks after conception increases the risk of fetal growth problems and congenital disabilities. Between weeks 8 and 16, there’s an increased risk of intellectual or learning disabilities in the unborn child.

Generally, radiation during a single dental x-ray is minimal and unlikely to cause any complications. Scientific research shows that you need a very high dose of x-ray radiation to experience pregnancy issues or harm the fetus. Fortunately, dental x-rays radiation is nowhere near this type of dosage. Similarly, the slight radiation you get from a dental x-ray is in your mouth, so your baby isn’t exposed to the x-rays beam. Contact our team of Doctors at Newburyport Family Dental for more information about pregnancy and dental x-rays.

Should you Have a Dental X-Ray During Pregnancy?

While dental x-rays during pregnancy are considered safe, some women decide to limit their exposure to such procedures until birth. While it isn’t medically necessary, it gives them peace of mind.

However, it’s worth noting that dental x-rays are highly essential for detecting specific oral issues that could potentially become serious if not diagnosed and treated on time. For instance, untreated tooth infections can move through the mother’s bloodstream to the fetus and cause complications such as stillbirth.

Therefore, when a dental x-ray is necessary or emergency, you shouldn’t avoid them. The last thing you’d want is to have a dental emergency with a newborn because of something that you could have addressed early enough. In the case of routine dental x-rays, you can postpone them until the baby is born.

You should notify your dentist as soon as you become pregnant and in case you develop any dental issues. Your dentist will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is safe for you and your baby. For more information about dental x-rays in Newburyport, MA, visit our Dental Office in Newburyport, MA.

How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?

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Misaligned and improperly gapped teeth can ruin your smile and endanger your oral health in numerous ways. Fortunately, Invisalign® gives you a way to straighten your smile and protect your oral health without dealing with traditional braces. Traditional braces were once the only option to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. However, these braces consist of metal wires and brackets. While effective, the visible nature of these braces has been a cause for concern. Thanks to Invisalign, you can enhance your smile without sacrificing your smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear braces. It consists of removable aligner trays that are changed every two weeks. They’re flexible plastic, BPA-free, gluten-free, and latex-free.

Invisalign aligners fit over the teeth, moving them gently to the desired position. Invisalign aligners are custom-made according to your mouth structure for efficiency and comfort. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign can straighten your teeth much faster.

What Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign aligners are effective in correcting numerous dental imperfections, including:

  • Overbites
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Improper teeth gaps
  • Crowded teeth
  • Open bite

You might be eligible for Invisalign if you have orthodontic issues. However, it’s not a suitable option for some instances. Invisalign is less effective in correcting complex malocclusions and can worsen the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. Visit a dentist near you to determine if Invisalign treatment is a suitable treatment option for your condition.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Once you visit your dentist, they will begin by examining your mouth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. The dentist will create a customized digital treatment plan that delineates your desired transformation if you’re eligible for the treatment.

Next, the dentist will take images, digital scans, and x-rays of your teeth and jaw. Then, they will make a mold of your teeth to create the customized Invisalign trays. Once the trays are ready, the dentist will fit them. They may use special tooth-colored buttons or attachments to help move the teeth further. Every two weeks, you’ll need to wear a new set of aligners. Based on the complexity of your condition, the treatment typically takes 6-18 months.

After fitting the Invisalign aligners, the dentist will give you a few instructions, including:

  • You must remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything. You can only drink clear water with your aligners on.
  • Brush or rinse your mouth after eating and drinking before wearing the aligners back.
  • You must wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. It means that you won’t remove them when sleeping.
  • You must clean your aligners every day. Avoid dropping them as they can break. Also, avoid hot water as it can cause the trays to warp and alter the fit. It can affect your treatment and cause extreme discomfort.
  • Notify your dentist immediately if the aligners get damaged or cause significant discomfort.

How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

One benefit of using Invisalign is that they show results much faster than traditional braces. However, the exact time the treatment will take will depend on factors such as:

  • The complexity of your condition. Patients with minor teeth misalignments might see results as quickly as within half a year. Severe misalignments may take over a year to correct.
  • Patient’s compliance. If you follow your dentist’s guidelines strictly, like wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day, your treatment will be more effective. Wearing the aligners for less than the recommended time will delay the treatment.

Is Invisalign Treatment Effective?

As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions throughout the treatment, you’ll have your new smile in no time. However, Invisalign aligners are not as effective as traditional braces for complex misalignments. While Invisalign can do the trick, it can lead to lengthy and expensive procedures. In some cases, the dentist might recommend beginning the treatment with traditional braces and then transitioning to Invisalign. Consult your dentist to know whether this option is available.

Final Verdict

If you have relatively specific bite issues or misalignments and don’t want to deal with metal braces, then Invisalign is an ideal option worth considering. For more information about Invisalign treatment, contact Newburyport Family Dental.

How Dental Crowns Can Help Your Smile

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Everyone wants a beautiful, white, and healthy smile. But sometimes dental injuries happen. Teeth cracks, chips, breaks, and decay are the most common dental injuries. Thanks to improved dental innovations, there are solutions to fix such issues, like dental crowns. This article will help you understand what dental crowns are, their uses, and how they can enhance your smile.

What are Dental Crowns? Are you a Good Candidate?

A dental crown is a small, tooth-colored dental device placed over damaged teeth to improve their shape, size, strength, appearance, and function. Typically, a crown covers the entire visible part of the damaged tooth, holding together tooth chips, cracks, breaks, and fractures. A crown also hides deep teeth discoloration.

Dental crowns are also effective in supporting and protecting weakened or severely damaged teeth. They are attached to anchor teeth when getting a dental bridge. After a root canal treatment, they also cover a tooth for added strength and protection. Furthermore, a crown covers and protects a dental implant.

Crowns are made out of various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, gold, metal alloys, resin, silver, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Metal and gold crowns are strong and durable and are best suited for back teeth restorations due to their poor aesthetics. If you’re interested in strength and good aesthetics, zirconia, porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ideal options. You should choose the best crown material based on your condition, budget, and desired needs.

How Dental Crowns Improves your Smile

They fix dental issues. A crown can repair decayed, chipped, broken, or fractured teeth.

Brighten your smile. Sometimes stubborn stains or discoloration may not respond to teeth whitening, bonding, or veneers. In such cases, a porcelain or ceramic crown can improve the tooth’s appearance, giving you a brighter smile.

Strengthen weakened teeth. If your tooth is worn out or decayed, a crown can be placed over the tooth. It restores your normal functions and provides you with a beautiful and healthy smile.

Steps to Getting Dental Crowns

The dental crowns procedure usually takes one or two dental appointments. The steps involved include:

  • The dentist begins by examining your tooth. If necessary, they may take x-rays and molds of your damaged tooth beforehand.
  • Next, the dentist prepares the damaged tooth for the crown. The dentist files down the tooth to remove a tiny part of the tooth’s enamel.
  • Impressions and images of the trimmed tooth and surrounding teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab to create the customized crown.
  • A temporary crown is placed over the trimmed tooth for protection.
  • If the dentist has the technology to make same-day crowns, you won’t need the temporary crown. Instead, the dentist takes digital scans of your mouth and makes the crown right there in the office. The crown is fitted, and you’ll be ready to go home immediately.
  • If you get the temporary crown, you’ll have to wait for several weeks.
  • The dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown to the tooth when the customized crown comes in.

If you opt for same-day crowns, ask your dentist if the option is available and the estimated cost.

Crowns Can Last a Long Time

Generally, an average dental crown can last anywhere from 10-30 years. Factors that may determine the lifespan of a dental crown include:

  • Material of the crown. Metal and gold crowns are more durable than porcelain and ceramic crowns.
  • Oral hygiene. Poor dental hygiene and habits can shorten your crown’s lifespan.
  • Location of the crowned tooth. The back teeth are intended for grinding and chewing foods. Crowns placed on the back teeth are likely to wear down much faster than those placed on front teeth.
  • How well the crown was placed. Ensure you work with a qualified dentist with many years of dental practice to ensure long-lasting results.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for dental crown services near you? Contact Newburyport Family Dental for more information.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Root Canal Treatment

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If your dentist has suggested that you need a root canal, the chances are that you’re already experiencing the symptoms of an infected tooth. These could range from severe and persistent tooth pain to sensitivity, abscess, or a loose tooth. Thanks to a root canal, your dentist can save an infected tooth.

Typically, a root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure completed in a single appointment. It eliminates the infection and restores your tooth’s health.

If the tooth is severely infected and doesn’t respond to a root canal, the only option is to extract it to prevent the infection from spreading to the nearby teeth, gums, or bone. To know whether you can benefit from a root canal, you should visit a dentist or endodontist near you for a dental exam. The dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth to determine the problem and appropriate solution. If you’re a good candidate for a root canal, this article highlights what to expect from the treatment.

Why a Root Canal and What Does it Do?

A root canal is the hollow part of the tooth that houses the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. The word root canal means “inside the tooth.” However, this endodontic procedure removes the infected or dead tissues from a tooth’s pulp.

Root canal treatment happens when the tooth’s nerves and other pulp tissues are inflamed or infected. These result from severe cavities, large fillings, and tooth cracks or chips. The decay or infection can eat away the entire tooth or infect the nearby teeth, gums, and bone.

After the root canal treatment, the tooth is typically dead. While you can’t feel anything, the tooth structure is in place. On the downside, removing the pulp tissue makes the tooth fragile, making it susceptible to damage such as cracks. A crown covers and fills the tooth.

Root Canal Procedure

An endodontist or a general dentist does a root canal treatment with root canal therapy practice. Typically, the procedure entails:

  • Removing the dead or infected pulp

The dentist numbs the area around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort during the treatment. Next, the dentist places a rubber dam around the tooth to dry the area. The dentist then drills through the tooth to access the tooth’s center. They remove the bacteria, the infected tissues, and nerves from the pulp. The hollow part is cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected to prevent re-infection.

  • Sealing the tooth

After cleaning, the dentist seals the tooth to prevent further damage and infection. The dentist will use a rubber compound to close the canals if the root is ready for closure.

  • Filling and adding a crown

Next, the dentist will add filling materials in the hollow areas. A crown strengthens the tooth and prevents re-infection. If the tooth is still weak, the dentist might recommend placing a dental crown for added strength, improved appearance, and protection.

What a Root Canal Treatment Prevents

Generally, a root canal is beneficial in numerous ways. For instance, it prevents:

  • Tooth loss

The key benefit of a root canal is to save an infected tooth. The infection can spread to the tooth’s roots and other parts, eventually losing teeth if not removed.

  • Severe discomfort

Severe tooth pain, sensitivity, sore gums, and abscess are some of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissues of the tooth, consequently eliminating all the associated symptoms or discomfort.

  • Stops the infection from spreading

Another benefit of root canal therapy is that it stops and eliminates bacterial infections. If not addressed, the infection can spread to surrounding gum tissues, teeth, and underlying jawbone. The symptoms that follow could be detrimental.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you have an infected tooth? Eliminate the infection today and save your tooth through a root canal treatment. For more details about root canal therapy, contact Newburyport Family Dental.

A Smile Makeover Can Change Your Life

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Your facial appearance plays a key role in how you interact with other people and how you feel about yourself. If you have dental imperfections blemishing your beautiful smile, you may feel self-conscious and less attractive. Fortunately, you can change how you feel about your smile using a smile makeover.

What is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is a cosmetic treatment that uses various dental procedures to transform a patient’s smile. Your dentist can use simple, extensive, or multiple dental procedures to enhance your appearance, depending on your condition.

Since every patient’s needs vary, a smile makeover treatment is customized in terms of facial appearance, hair color, teeth size, color, and shape, gum tissue, lip, and skin tone.

Commonly, a complete smile makeover treatment can be used to solve numerous dental imperfections such as:

  • Crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth – Your dentist can use traditional braces, Invisalign, or dental veneers to straighten your smile and close unappealing gaps between teeth.

  • Chipped, decayed, fractured, worn out, or broken teeth – A damaged tooth can make chewing and brushing difficult. To solve this, repairing a damaged tooth with fillings, bonding, veneers, or a dental crown can transform your smile and restore your oral function.

  • Missing teeth – Jawbone deterioration, shifting of the adjacent teeth, facial sagging, poor bite function, and unattractive smile are some of the side effects of having missing teeth. To remedy these effects, you can replace your missing teeth with dental bridges, implants, or dentures.

  • Yellow, stained, or discolored teeth – With time, your teeth can get stained or discolored due to various reasons, such as consuming colored foods, dental trauma, or poor hygiene. Professional teeth whitening and restorative treatments such as veneers and crowns can brighten your smile.

  • Gummy smile – If you feel like your teeth are too short or have a gummy smile, your dentist can enhance your smile with gum re-contouring procedures such as crown lengthening.

  • Extensive jawbone damage – You can use oral maxillofacial surgery to restore your facial structure.

Tips to maintain your smile makeover results

After a successful smile makeover, proper dental care and habits are essential to protect your investment and ensure long service. To care for your new smile:

  • Adapt good at-home oral hygiene habits

    • Poor dental hygiene is the key factor behind most dental problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. To maintain proper oral hygiene, brush at least twice daily. Flossing twice a day can also help eliminate food particles lodged between the teeth or restorations such as bridges.

  • Consume a healthy diet

    • For your dental and overall well-being, avoid refined foods and drinks such as soda, alcohol, and sugary foods. Eat foods rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. Also, hydrate well.

  • Get a Mouthguard

    • Do you clench or grind your teeth consciously or unconsciously? Wearing a mouthguard can assist in reducing the damage to your teeth and cosmetic work.
    It will also reduce headaches, jaw pain, and other effects of bruxism. Wearing a mouth guard during contact sports will also help protect your teeth and dental restorations against impact accidents.

  • Regular dental cleanings and exams

    • Alongside good at-home dental hygiene, regular dental cleanings and exams are essential in maintaining good oral and overall health. During a professional cleaning, the dentist gets rid of stubborn stains and plaque or tartar buildup in the mouth, significantly reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Oral exams allow your dentist to monitor your oral health.

  • Avoid damaging habits

    • Like your natural teeth, restoration such as dental veneers, crowns, dental bonding, and implants can chip, fracture, get discolored, break or fall out. To prevent these, you should avoid damaging habits such as:

  • Chewing hard and sticky foods and things. Chewing hard foods such as nuts or objects such as nails can cause damage to your teeth and cosmetic work.

  • Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages. Consuming colored foods and drinks such as blueberries, wine, dark tea, coffee, soda, and food color can stain your teeth and restorations. To prevent this, avoid or reduce the intake of these foods and drinks. If possible, use a straw or brush your teeth immediately after using these products.

  • Avoid tobacco products – Smoking can lengthen your healing process after surgery and cause troublesome stains or teeth yellowing.

  • Avoid abrasive dental products. Harsh dental products can cause wear and scratches on teeth and cosmetic restorations.

  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Sugary foods encourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Acidic products can weaken the tooth’s enamel, making the tooth vulnerable to cavities.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready for your new smile? Contact Newburyport Family Dental for smile makeover services and other dental treatments.

Overview of Night Guards: Types, Benefits, and Care Tips

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If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you will likely experience chronic headaches, insomnia, jaw pain, teeth damage, and ear pain, among other annoying side effects. Even worse, your dental restorations such as dental crowns, implants, bridges, and sealants can easily get damaged with regular teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism).

Bruxism is a disorder that causes a patient to clench and grind their teeth unconsciously when sleeping. Aside from bruxism being the cause, a night guard might be necessary to reduce clicking and popping of your jaw and jaw pain. Also, it’s effective in performing TMJ therapy and stopping lockjaw. If you notice any of the above signs, it’s essential to seek appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

When you visit your dentist, they will review your condition to determine the cause of your problem. Among other possible treatments, your dentist might recommend getting a night guard. Regardless of the reason for wearing a nightguard, consistent use will reduce the side effects of bruxism and other issues.

What is a Nightguard?

A night guard is a dental device that looks and feels like a retainer. It’s made from heat-cured plastic or ethylene-vinyl acetate and is fitted over your teeth and gums. They are worn at night when sleeping, reducing the impact and damage of teeth clenching and grinding.

Types of Night Guards

Typically, there are two major types of night guards, including:

Over-the-counter guards

As the name suggests, over the counter nightguards are ready-made guards that are easily accessible in the nearby pharmacy. These mouthguards come in different sizes and don’t usually require any prescription. The only downside with these nightguards is that it’s challenging to find a perfect fit.

Remember that wrongly fitting nightguards can harm your structures such as teeth, gums, and tongue. Even worse, they can affect how you breathe, potentially leading to other issues. While they are reasonably cheap, they don’t necessarily offer the best comfort and fit.

Custom-Made Night Guard

A customized night guard is designed to fit your mouth perfectly. Unlike over the counter nightguards, customized night guards are specifically made for your mouth based on your jaw position and needs. The night guard procedure is also relatively easy. The dentist takes molds of your mouth and sends them to a lab to create your custom fitting night guard.

Once ready, the nightguard is tested to ensure a perfect fit and adjustments are made, if necessary. Since the night guard is made to fit perfectly, it offers maximum protection and comfort throughout the night. It doesn’t interfere with your breathing, helping you get a peaceful night’s sleep.

Benefits of Wearing Night Guards

There are numerous advantages to wearing a nightguard. These include:

  • Less teeth damage
  • Jaw pain is reduced
  • Reduced risk of damage to dental restorations such as dental crowns
  • Less risk of developing TJD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Fewer or completely eliminated headaches
  • Improved oral health
  • Decreased snoring

When Should I Replace my Nightguards?

Depending on the type of night guard you have, a night guard lasts for about 5 to 10 years. The long life of your night guard also depends on the severity of your condition and overall care. For instance, a patient with severe bruxism will need to replace their nightguard sooner. Similarly, properly caring for your night guard will ensure a long life. To ensure maximum performance, you should replace it as soon as you notice any damage.

How to Care for Your Night Guards

Nightguards are incredibly important when it comes to protecting your mouth. To ensure your night guard lasts the maximum amount of time, utilize these tips when caring for it. Rinse the night guard immediately after wearing it. Next, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the nightguard.

Wash the night guard over a sink and place a towel on top to prevent damage if the nightguard falls. Never use hot water to clean the guard to prevent distortion. After cleaning, place the nightguard on a clean and dry surface and allow them to dry. Once dry, store them in the case and out of reach of pets and children.

  • Deep clean the nightguard regularly to remove any plaque and bacteria buildup.
  • Clean the nightguard case every few days.
  • Brush and floss thoroughly before wearing the nightguard. This prevents plaque build-up and bad breath.
  • Replace your night guard immediately after it begins to show wear or if it gets damaged.

Schedule An Appointment Today

A good-fitting night guard preserves your teeth structure and improves your overall oral health. If you’re interested in customized nightguards services, contact Newburyport Family Dental today to book your appointment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What To Expect

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If a tooth is causing severe discomfort, removing it would be the best remedy.

For instance, when you’re dealing with an impacted tooth. While wisdom teeth are meant to erupt and develop normally like the rest of the teeth, it is not always the case. When the wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to erupt or develop normally, it becomes impacted.

This kind of tooth may:

  • Grow straight up or down but get trapped within the jawbone
  • Grow towards the other teeth (second molar)
  • Grow at a right angle
  • Grow towards the back of the mouth

Problems of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, many problems can arise. These include:

  • Tooth pain at the site
  • Irritated gums
  • Damage to the nearby teeth, gums, and jawbone
  • Infections and bacterial growth in the gumline of the impacted tooth
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Jaw and gum disease
  • Plaque build-up that can cause decay
  • Shifting of the adjacent teeth
  • Development of a tumor or cyst around the tooth
  • Complications with orthodontic treatments

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist will likely recommend removing the tooth. This will eliminate severe discomfort and prevent damage to the nearby structures.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

  1. Initial Appointment

If you have an impacted tooth, you should see your dentist for an examination. The dentist will examine your mouth and determine whether you need an extraction or not. If you do, you’ll be scheduled for the procedure.

Once the dentist confirms you for the extraction, they will prepare you for the procedure. They will give you additional information about the treatment and tell you how to prepare appropriately. Ask the dentist if you don’t understand something or you have any concerns.

  1. Wisdom Teeth Extraction
  • The dentist begins the extraction by administering anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort during the surgery.
  • The dentist makes a small cut or incision in the gums to expose and access the tooth and bone.
  • A small portion of the bone may be removed to access the tooth’s root.
  • The dentist then breaks the tooth into pieces for easy removal
  • Once the tooth is taken out, the extraction area is cleaned thoroughly.
  • To promote faster healing, the dentist closes the wound with stitches.
  • You’ll be given a gauze to bite on to control bleeding and aid in clot formation.
  • The dentist may prescribe some medications and give you a few aftercare tips. Make sure you follow them to promote faster healing and prevent any complications.
  1. Wisdom Teeth Extraction Aftercare

After a wisdom tooth removal, your dentist is likely to give you the following aftercare instructions:

Do’s

  • Take the prescribed medications as instructed.
  • Use an ice pack to manage pain and swelling.
  • Eat soft foods for the next few hours.
  • Hydrate well.
  • Rest for the next 24 hours or so.
  • Notify your dentist immediately if pain, bleeding, or swelling doesn’t improve.
  • Wait until the next day to brush your teeth. Rinse your mouth gently.

Don’ts

  • Do not suck or drink through a straw, as it can dislodge the blood clot. This can slow the healing or cause complications.
  • Do not eat hot, crunchy, hard, spicy, or sticky foods.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Risks

If done correctly, wisdom tooth extraction does not usually result in any serious or long-term complications. However, it’s normal to experience a few side effects immediately after the surgery, such as pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Rarely, complications to watch out for include:

  • Severe bleeding, pain, or swelling
  • Infection in the socket
  • Painful dry socket
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Persistent side effects
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Damage to the nearby structure such as bone, teeth, and gums
  • Persistent loss of feeling or numbness
  • Blood or pus in nasal discharge

If you experience any of these complications, you should call your dentist immediately.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for wisdom tooth extraction services? Contact Newburyport Family Dental today to book your appointment.

Comprehensive Guide to Dentures: Types and Benefits of Dentures

Posted on by NewburypOrt_Admin

Tooth loss is among the leading dental problems in the world. Even with good oral hygiene and care, sometimes tooth loss is inevitable. Common factors to blame for tooth loss include old age, cavities, periodontal disease, dental trauma. When it comes to teeth loss, you have several options to consider. These include dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges. For this article, we’ll focus on dentures.

What are Dentures?

Essentially, dentures are artificial teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. In most cases, dentures are used to replace all or a few missing teeth. By replacing lost teeth, your oral functionality and appearance are restored. Similarly, it prevents potential complications such as teeth shifting, jawbone deterioration, and facial sagging.

Compared to alternative restoration treatments such as dental bridges and implants, dentures offer a simple, quick, and affordable solution to missing teeth. If you’re missing a few or all of your teeth, you should consult your dentist for dentures. Before booking you for the treatment, the dentist will review your oral condition to determine whether you are a good candidate for dentures. For partials and full denture services, contact Newburyport Family Dental.

Types of Dentures

Depending on the number of lost teeth, you can have any of the following major types of dentures:

1. Complete Dentures

If you’ve lost all of your teeth, you can benefit from complete dentures. These dentures replace all teeth and are worn over the gums. They are easy to put on and remove. Complete dentures should be removed before sleeping and cleaned well.

2. Partial Dentures

These dentures are ideal if you still have some of your natural teeth left. These dentures replace a few teeth on either or both jaws. Like complete dentures, they are easy to place and remove.

3. Immediate Dentures

If you have diseased teeth that have not been extracted yet, your dentist can recommend getting immediate dentures. These dentures are placed immediately after the extraction of the natural teeth. Both tooth extraction and placement of the denture are performed in a single appointment.

4. Implant-Supported Dentures

With implant-supported dentures, an implant is surgically attached to the jawbone of the missing tooth to support the denture. Compared to other types of dentures, implant-supported dentures feel more natural, stable, and long-lasting.

Benefits of Dentures

  1. Restores Bite Function – Teeth are important for eating food. If you’re missing several teeth, it can be difficult to chew properly. This can keep you from enjoying your favorite foods, limiting your diet. By replacing your teeth with dentures, your bite function is restored, allowing you to eat and chew comfortably.
  2. Improved Speech – Teeth are not only essential for chewing, they also aid in speech. The empty gaps in the mouth can cause words to slip through, affecting your speech or causing a whistle. Dentures will close the empty gaps, restoring your ability to speak and talk normally.
  3. Improved Facial Appearance and Confidence – Teeth are important for your facial appearance and can impact social relationships. Teeth brighten your smile and maintain your bone structure. If teeth are lost, the underlying jawbone deteriorates and weakens, affecting your facial muscles. This leads to facial sagging and premature aging.

Replacing your teeth with dentures lifts your face, improving your appearance and smile. On the other hand, improved facial appearance restores your self-esteem, improving your lifestyle and social relationships.

Easy Maintenance

Caring for dentures is easier than dealing with empty sockets. Dentures are easy to put on and can be removed as needed. However, to serve you well, they require proper care to keep them clean, stain-free, and long-lasting. Proper denture dental practices and care tips include:

  • Removing your dentures after eating. Rinse them thoroughly with running water to remove food particles and other debris.
  • Cleaning your dentures every night with a denture cleaner and soaking them overnight
  • Never soaking the dentures in hot water
  • Handling your dentures well and placing them in their rightful container to avoid accidents
  • Cleaning your mouth after removing the dentures when sleeping and before wearing them again in the morning.
  • Scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings
  • Notifying your dentist immediately if your dentures are damaged.
  • Avoiding abrasive cleaning materials as they can damage the dentures

Are you considering dentures, or would you like to learn more about dentures procedures? Contact Newburyport Family Dental for more information.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

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Decades ago, patients seeking dental restoration after tooth decay had to contend with limited options in the form of metal fillings. While these materials got the job done as far as restoring dental function, they did nothing for the smile’s aesthetics. Metal fillings are easily noticeable and can cause tooth discoloration. It’s no surprise therefore that patients have increasingly warmed up to tooth-colored fillings.

As their name suggests, tooth-colored fillings blend in well with the color of the surrounding teeth. As a result, they offer excellent aesthetics and are ideal for restoring decayed, chipped, worn, and cracked teeth.

If you’re interested in white tooth fillings and are looking for a reputable dental office that provides the same, please get in touch with Newburyport Family Dental to speak to our dentist.

Direct Vs. Indirect Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings are categorized as either direct or indirect. Direct tooth fillings are applied directly to a damaged tooth. If you have minor cavities, direct tooth fillings can rebuild your dental function and appearance.

Indirect fillings are fabricated inside a dental lab from your dental impressions. Indirect fillings are preferred for moderate cavities, where a simple white tooth filling isn’t sufficient to get the job done. Indirect fillings are otherwise known as inlays and onlays.

What Are White Tooth Fillings Made Of?

Indirect and direct tooth-colored dental fillings are usually made of silica, plastic, and glass material, or composite resin.

In addition, white tooth fillings can also be made of glass ionomer or ceramic. Glass ionomer fillings consist of acrylic and a special type of glass that releases fluoride.

Fluoride is a crucial mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, preventing further decay. Your dentist may prefer glass ionomer material for fillings below your gumline. The dentist may use the glass ionomer to line the tooth and then fill the rest of it with a different material.

Ceramic or porcelain fillings resist stains better than composite resin fillings. However, porcelain fillings may not be ideal for individuals who grind their teeth.

White Tooth Fillings Step-by-Step Procedure

Here’s what to expect during your white tooth filling appointment:

  • The dentist numbs the damaged or decayed tooth using local anesthesia. If you experience fear or anxiety during dental visits, you might want to discuss your sedation options prior to this first step.
  • After numbing the tooth and surrounding areas, the dentist uses a laser or a dental drill to get rid of all decayed portions of the tooth.
  • The dentist cleans out the cavity to eliminate bacteria and debris.
  • The dentist pours the composite resin material into the tooth in layers and uses a curing light to harden each layer. Then, after a careful multilayering process, the dentist polishes the composite resin material to achieve the finished look.
  • In the case of indirect fillings (inlays and onlays), the dentist takes your dental impressions after cleaning out the cavity. These impressions are shared with the dental lab which crafts your indirect restorations from composite resin material. On your subsequent appointment, the dentist cements the inlays and onlays to your damaged teeth.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

White or composite resin fillings offer numerous significant advantages to patients experiencing tooth decay and other forms of damage. These include:

• Fillings can be matched to surrounding teeth, making them ideal for easily noticeable or visible teeth.
• Composite resin fillings are chemically bonded to teeth, which reinforces the damaged teeth.
• They’re versatile and can rebuild decayed, chipped, cracked, and worn teeth.
• Composite resin fillings don’t require extensive enamel removal, as is usually the case with silver fillings.
• Glass ionomer fillings remineralize the tooth structure, lowering the risk of further decay.

Do Fillings Require Replacement?

Over time, dental fillings may become worn. Composite resin fillings tend to last five to seven years before requiring replacement. Porcelain fillings can last up to 15 years. Ultimately, your fillings’ lifespan depends on the amount and type of care you give them, among other patient-specific factors. Scheduling regular dental exams at Newburyport Family Dental allows our dentists to detect wear and tear and recommend replacement in good time.

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Tooth decay and other common types of dental damage can be easily resolved via straightforward and non-invasive restorative procedures.

Are you looking for a reputable, conveniently located, family-friendly dental office that’s well-versed in dental fillings and other forms of restorative dentistry? Please call Newburyport Family Dental to arrange an appointment with our experienced dentists near you.

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