Author: CdA-AdmiN

Fluoride treatments are routine treatments you can get from your dentist. They help to prevent dental caries hence they are highly recommended for children. In this article, we will learn why fluoride treatments near you are done and how it helps us.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that supports healthy tooth enamel and fights off bacteria. Tooth enamel is the outer protective covering of our teeth. A build-up of bacteria on our teeth and gums form layers of plaque. Plaque produces harmful acids that eat into our teeth and gums, leading to cavities. Fluoride prevents this by strengthening the teeth and holding off bacteria. The earlier a child gets fluoride treatments in Houston, the less likely the chances of cavities developing. Fluoride is a common component of toothpaste and you should use fluoride-containing toothpaste only.

How Much Fluoride Do We Need?

Most of us get our fluoride requirement from toothpaste. This can change if your dentist finds out that you are at high risk of dental caries. They will recommend fluoride treatments in Houston, TX for you. The American Dental Association recommends that you get fluoride treatments once every three, six, nine, or twelve months. It all depends on your oral hygiene. We also get fluoride from tea, water, and fishbone. Babies get fluoride from infant formula. 

Certain things increase the risk of cavities. Lifestyle choices like excessive drug or alcohol use come top of the list. People who have poor oral hygiene are at risk too. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. You should also floss regularly. Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque. The friction between the brush and the teeth coupled with the fluoride content of your toothpaste does the job. Flossing is for covering those places your toothbrush cannot reach. You need professional dental care to reduce the risk of cavities too. Your dentist will assess the risk of cavities and act in your best interest.

 

Diet is important in reducing the risk for cavities too. Most regular sources of water have fluoride. This can be enhanced for people in areas that have limited access to professional dental care.

What Is The Procedure Like?

Professional fluoride treatments in Houston come as gels, highly concentrated rinses, foams, or varnish. Your dentist will apply this with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. They usually take a few minutes. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate method for you based on your specific needs. After the treatment, you will need to wait for 30 minutes before you can take food or drink.

Dental insurance will cover treatments for children. Adults may have to pay out-of-pocket but fluoride treatments are generally affordable.

What Are The Risks Of Fluoride Treatments?

Too much fluoride is harmful to health. One can take too much due to accidental overdose or a prescription error. In young children, this can damage the developing teeth and bones. Many children’s toothpaste does not contain fluoride. If your child is under three years, brush their teeth using toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Ensure that they spit out the toothpaste. They are more prone to the effects of excess fluoride. Hence, express caution when brushing their teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Excess fluoride can lead to white specks, stains, and pitting on teeth, and dense but brittle bones. These are long-term effects. Short-term effects include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, and excessive sweating.

Fluoride cannot remove decay on teeth but it helps it resist the bacteria that causes it. It also gives our teeth a stronger outer covering. Fluoride limits the progression of decay too. Fluoride treatments can help stop decay from moving deeper into other parts of the teeth. Our oral health is always at its best with fluoride.

We all want to have a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, there are always some hindrances. Luckily, most of these hindrances can be fixed, and you can get that smile you’ve always wanted. Among the many problems affecting our smiles, uneven gums are one of them. It might not sound like a big problem on paper, but it does affect a smile.

Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. The solution is gum contouring surgery. The procedure is carried out to even out the gums. In this blog, we will discuss this procedure in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for gum contouring treatment in Houston.

What Makes Gum Too High or Low?

Uneven gums cover a significant part of your teeth, making them seem too small or large. When your gums are too low, your teeth will look too small. A gum being too low is mainly a result of genetics, but it can also because of drugs you are taking or a medical condition you are suffering from.

On the other hand, gums that are too high make your teeth look too large. In most cases, your gums can be too high because of gum recession. Gum recession makes gum tissue pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots.

Gum recession encourages tooth decay and gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss. In most cases, gum recession is a sign of gum disease.

Do I Have to Undergo Gum Contouring Surgery?

If the procedure is not used to correct another problem, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure. Like with other cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers, you can live without it. It is not a medically necessary procedure but just a smile enhancement.

However, if the procedure is a part of periodontal procedures, then it becomes necessary. Some periodontal conditions that require gum contouring include pocket reduction, crown lengthening, and regenerative procedures. The procedure is also not cosmetic if it is conducted to add gum tissue eaten away by gum recession. Talk to us if you are looking for gum contouring in Houston, TX.

Gum Contouring Procedure: What to Expect

Typically, the procedure is performed in a dental office. Depending on the extent of the problem, the dentist can use scalpels, lasers, or radiosurgery. Your dentist will know the best approach for your condition.

Before he begins, your dentist will discuss your expectations. In most cases, he will draw a gum line to show you how it will look like after the procedure. If you are impressed, the dentist will go ahead and begin the procedure.

He will numb you using the most suitable sedation to make sure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. He might remove the bone in your front teeth, depending on the requirements of your condition. You can talk to us if you are looking for gum contouring in Houston.

Gum Contouring Recovery Time

Like with most surgeries, you cannot get back to work as soon as you are done with the procedure. You will need to take at least two days off and limit your activities until you are all healed up. In most cases, your gums will be healed within two to three weeks.

You will experience a few discomforts, but most are manageable without the need for a dentist’s intervention. These tips can help you manage the discomfort after the gum contouring procedure:

• Take the recommended painkillers.
• Don’t apply painkillers on the gums, as some people might advise. It will only make things worse.
• Eat soft foods such as ice cream and pasta.
• Avoid spicy and hot foods during your recovery time.
• Follow your dentist’s advice on how to brush your teeth during the recovery time.
• Call the dentist in case of any complications.

Risks of Gum Contouring

Like with other surgical procedures, there are some minor risks associated with gum contouring. They include allergic reactions to sedation and relapse of gum tissue.

Cabrera Dental Associate

If you don’t like how your gums make your smile look, we are here for you. Our dentist in Houston, TX, has years of experience, and you can count on us to help you get that smile you’ve always wanted. Book an appointment now.

Your dentist recommends you must brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, each with fluoride paste once in the morning and once before getting into bed in the evening. Flossing once a day is also recommended as an essential requirement. You nod your head in agreement and begin following the advice stringently. Six months down the line, you receive a reminder to visit the Houston dentist for teeth cleaning.

You are perplexed by the reminder because you have maintained your oral hygiene as recommended by the dentist. You are confident you don’t have any issues in your mouth and decide to ignore the message and continue with the brushing and flossing as recommended. Another six months pass, and you receive another reminder from the dentist in Houston, TX, to visit them for exams and cleanings. You are still certain no issues exist in your mouth but decide to visit the dentist anyway to understand why they want to examine and clean your teeth. You schedule an appointment for the cleaning and prepare yourself for compliments from your dentist for maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

What Do Professional Teeth Cleanings Entail?

A certified dental hygienist’s professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, calculus, and stains accumulated on your teeth. Plaque and calculus can develop on your teeth even with routine brushing and flossing. It’s a pity you did not have information about their development. Professional teeth cleaning is a vital part of maintaining good oral hygiene and is periodically needed for the health of both your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning every six months or a year to reduce the chances of gum disease progressing. Good oral hygiene at home complements professional teeth cleanings to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, the primary causes of gum disease.

Teeth cleaning in Houston, TX, aims to remove deposits of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria in the millions and forms continuously on your teeth. You may be brushing and flossing your teeth as recommended by the dentist, but even the best methods used to remove plaque and tartar do not achieve success as desired. It is why dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings. The bacteria in the plaque is present in the periodontal disease you develop.

Moreover, calculus is a hardened and calcified deposit that forms on the teeth contributing to tooth decay. If you have delayed dental exams and cleanings for over a year, the chances of having hardened deposits of plaque and tartar on your teeth are high. You may be susceptible to periodontal disease if you haven’t already developed it.

What Can You Expect during Professional Teeth Cleanings?

When you visit teeth cleaning in Houston for your scheduled appointment, the dental hygienist will use special instruments to eliminate the hardened deposits on your teeth without harming them. Specialized tools help dental hygienists gently remove deposits of plaque and tartar without damaging your teeth. Dental mirrors help the hygienist to view and inspect hard to see areas.

The hygienist also looks for signs of irritation, decay, tartar, and swelling or bleeding from your teeth and gums. The hygienist uses ultrasonic tools to clean your teeth. The device has mild vibrations to loosen large pieces of tartar and spray cold water to wash away the loose debris.

After the larger pieces of tartar are removed, the hygienist will switch to hand-held instruments to remove smaller deposits on your teeth and smooth the tooth surfaces. All your teeth are scaled to ensure no tartar deposits remain on them. After the scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth using a gritty toothpaste. Your dentist may also apply fluoride after the cleaning process is over.

Teeth cleaning is a painless procedure unlikely to cause any dental anxiety. Your dentist indeed believes you maintain excellent oral hygiene but is also aware of why you need teeth cleanings at least once a year. Suppose the professional teeth cleaning did not detect any gum disease. In that case, you are lucky to have escaped with minor consequences. Gum disease would have left you with gum recession and loose teeth requiring multiple visits to the dentist’s office for teeth cleanings and medications.

Teeth cleanings are recommended by dentists to prevent the onset of gum disease, not just for you but for everyone. Following your dentist’s advice just as stringently as you do with brushing and flossing will help you enjoy a lifetime of good oral and overall health.

Dentures are not entirely new in the cosmetic dentistry. We have been using them for some time now to restore people’s smiles. They ensure you still get to be confident after losing your natural teeth. These days losing a natural tooth isn’t as scary as it used to be.

No one can be sure of maintaining their natural teeth until they are old. Accidents can happen to anyone and rob them of their natural teeth. In some cases, reattachment is possible, but when it isn’t, dentures come into play. If you recently lost a tooth and you can’t smile again, read on to find a solution.

Even if you have all your teeth intact, this information is still important. Having the right information will come in handy in case you lose your teeth in the future. We have all the important information you need about dentures in Houston, TX.

What are Dentures?

These are artificial teeth made by your dentist to replace lost natural teeth. We can also use them to replace removed teeth. We use partial dentures to replace one or a few teeth, and full dentures replace all teeth.

Our dentist can make custom full or partial dentures for your missing teeth. These custom dentures will ensure you smile and talk confidently again. You should reach to our dentist for dentures in Houston if you are missing one or several teeth.

Available Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures in cosmetic dentistry. Talk to your dentist if you are not sure about which one to go for.

Complete Dentures

These will work for you if you have lost all your natural teeth. Complete dentures come in two sets; for the upper and the lower jaw. They can be made from either acrylic or porcelain. Acrylic or metal is used to hold them together
Complete dentures are placed on top of the gums. They are held in place by the suction or adhesives. Complete dentures will help in restoring your facial structure. We do place them 9-13 weeks after losing your natural teeth.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures only fill gaps left by missing teeth. We use them when other tooth replacement options are not possible. For, instance if the surrounding teeth are too weak to support an option like dental bridges. Partial dentures will improve your smile and bring back your confidence. You should talk to your dentist about dentures in Houston tx.

Immediate Dentures

We do make these types of dentures before teeth are removed. Our dentist will then place them on the same day the teeth are extracted. The advantage with this option is you will never have to miss a tooth. You will walk out of the dentist’s office, smiling again.

If you don’t want to spend a day without a tooth, then this is the right option for you. It is also easier to get a denture that perfectly matches the color of your teeth.

Overdentures

These are replacement teeth that are fixed on dental implants. We use overdentures when if patients don’t want traditional ones and have some teeth left. You can easily remove overdentures from the implants. They are also more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Why You Should Wear Dentures

Dentures are very important to anyone with missing teeth. They do improve your smile and ensure you don’t shy away from people. This is a treatment option that will make you confident again by replacing your missing teeth.

They enhance your facial structure after losing your teeth. You will also be able to eat as you can chew food with them properly. This way, your diet won’t be affected by your teeth loss. Dentures also play an important role in your oral health. Get this treatment option for your missing teeth and get back to your normal life.

Cleaning Your Dentures

You should clean dentures on a daily basis to prevent plaque buildup. Take them out and clean them with water to dislodge food particles. Brush them afterward with a soft brush using denture cleaner. You shouldn’t use toothpaste or a normal toothbrush to clean them.

In ancient times the only answer to a toothache was to have the tooth pulled out. Fortunately, the brutal approach adopted by our ancestors is now behind us.

Presently there are many innovative and modern solutions to repair and preserve teeth. Thankfully, the Houston dentist follows this principle to ensure tooth extraction is a last resort and not a remedy to a problem.

Dentists have innovated and are doing everything possible to preserve teeth. Unfortunately, they have no control over damages or life-threatening decay with your teeth. At times the best solution available is to recommend tooth extraction in Houston to preserve your overall health.

If the Houston dentist recommends your tooth extraction, you must understand it is the best course of action suggested by the dental professional and will prove beneficial to you in the long run. Let us know how the dentist will proceed with your treatment.

Safety Factor of Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction in Houston, TX, will request a comprehensive medical history from you, including all information that is not generally associated with your oral health. The details requested will include information about any medicines you are taking, questions about your immune system, and even about any significant surgeries you have undergone. All for removing a single tooth. Doesn’t sound exciting, does it?

The dentist in Houston, TX, always checks such information because sometimes extracting an infected tooth can release bacteria into the bloodstream to cause other medical conditions. This is why dentists review your medical history and suggest pre-treatment antibiotics if they notice any risk factors to prevent the chances of any adverse occurrences.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

Dentists are dentists, but they are also humans. Tooth extractions in Houston, TX, aims to ensure you feel no pain during the extraction procedure. The extraction site is numbed with local anesthetic for a simple extraction. Anxious or phobic patients receive intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia if they are undergoing a surgical procedure. The dentist will discuss the options for sedation before scheduling the procedure.

After the extraction site is entirely numb, the tooth is eased away from the bone using elevators and forceps. Surgical extractions require removing the surrounding gum from the tooth and breaking the tooth into several pieces for the extraction.

Discomfort after Tooth Extraction

Dentists ensure you do not experience any pain during the procedure but cannot guarantee you will not experience some discomfort after the extraction. How much discomfort you experience will depend on whether the extraction was surgical or straightforward.

Pain following tooth extractions is not uncommon, and dentists deal with this problem by advising over-the-counter painkillers or prescription-strength medicines to combat the pain.

Tooth Extraction After-Care

You will be advised not to eat or drink anything until the anesthesia has entirely worn off, making you feel your entire mouth, tongue, and cheeks. If you are desperate for food, refrain yourself to cold liquids because your mouth will be insensible to determine the temperature of the liquid you are having. You can inadvertently burn your mouth without intending to. You must also avoid chewing any food from the site of the extraction.

After the anesthesia has worn off, you can address any residual pain and discomfort quickly with pain medications. It would help if you refrained from using aspirin as it interferes with the clotting process. It would be best if you followed the dentist’s advice and used any medications suggested by them.

The Initial 24 Hours after Tooth Extraction

If you want to ensure the tooth extraction procedure is successful, you must be careful during the initial 24 hours. The healing process can be helped by concentrating on keeping the extraction site undisturbed.

You can begin brushing your teeth but avoid the site of the extraction. Do not attempt to disturb the site with your tongue.

Avoid chewing from the area of the extraction.

Do not consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes if possible. Both can hamper the healing process.

Avoid strenuous exercise and refrain from participating in swimming and other activities where your body is horizontal, and the head is lower than other parts of your body.

Some swelling and bleeding are common following tooth extraction. However, if you follow the dentist’s advice in Houston, you will be able to proceed with your recovery smoothly and believe that the procedure wasn’t disturbing as it is promoted to be.

Severely damaged teeth may need tooth extractions in Houston, TX. Tooth extraction is pulling a tooth from its socket in the bone. Suppose you are due for tooth removal and feeling anxious. Relax, it is a simple, quick procedure. However, it will depend on whether the tooth is visible or impacted.

When is Tooth Removal Recommended?

Nobody wants a tooth extracted unless it’s necessary. If a patient has a damaged tooth, our dentist Houston, TX, explores all the available options to save it. Suppose you have a decayed tooth, we will try to fix it with a crown, filling, or other dental options. However, if the dental treatments can’t preserve a tooth, extraction is the solution. Below are the reasons why our dentist may recommend tooth removal:

• Wisdom teeth complications
• Dental infections
• Severe tooth decay
• Trauma to the tooth
• Preparation for dental braces to create room for realignment
• A baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out at the proper age

Additionally, if a patient is due for surgery or organ transplant, she/he undergoes tooth removal for good oral health. Please note, good oral hygiene means quality general health.

Is There Any Preparation Needed?

If you have dental fear, remind yourself of the benefits you will enjoy after tooth removal. Before the procedure, our dental team will take a tooth x-ray. Kindly update us on existing health illnesses and if on medications or vitamins. Remember to mention if due for any other surgery.

Our dentist may put you on antibiotics days before extraction. We prescribe antibiotics if you have a condition that may trigger a severe infection. Also, on the day of the procedure, take note of the following:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Don’t eat or drink six to eight hours before the process if you will be on intravenous anesthesia.

What Does the Tooth Removal Process Involve?

Our Houston dentist will either perform a simple or surgical tooth extraction. The guiding rule is whether the tooth is impacted or visible.

• • Simple Extraction

We do it on visible teeth, and the dentist numbs the extraction site with local anesthesia. The anesthesia stops the nerves from sending signals to the brain temporarily. Hence you don’t feel pain. Then, we loosen it with an elevator and pull it with forceps.

• • Surgical Extraction

Our dental team recommends it for impacted teeth. An impacted tooth fails to erupt from the gums fully. Usually, wisdom teeth face tooth extraction. They are mainly impacted. Furthermore, if the bone around the tooth is dense or you have a severely damaged tooth, surgical removal is a perfect option.

We will put you on local anesthesia combined with either an intravenous or general anesthesia. Our dentist in Houston, TX, makes a small cut into your gum and extracts the tooth. In other instances, we may remove the bone around your teeth first or cut the tooth into pieces for easier removal.

How Long Does the Recovery Take?

Surgical and simple teeth extractions in Houston is an outpatient dental work. You can go home afterward. If the tooth is visible, we will take minimal time. Impacted teeth take more time.

Ideally, it takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete the whole procedure. The recovery period takes seven to fourteen days. However, you can resume a usual daily routine after a couple of days. Below are some self-care tips during recovery:

• After bleeding stops, drink plenty of lukewarm or cold liquids.
• Maintain a proper diet but start with soft foods
• Gently rinse your mouth with a warm salty solution after 24 hours.
• Don’t brush or rinse your mouth for 24 hours after surgery.
• Don’t smoke, use straws or spit forcefully.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Extraction?

With any medical procedure, a patient will experience some risks. Tooth extraction in Houston is not exceptional. Below are some risks associated with tooth extraction:

• Dry socket
• Swelling and redness at the site
• Bleeding
• Coughing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills

Take Away

After tooth extraction, expect some pain and discomfort. We will prescribe pain killers to manage the pain. Ensure you take them or any other prescribed medication as advised. Please adhere to our instructions. If the pain and bleeding are unbearable, contact Cabrera Dental Associates. Our well-skilled dental team is here to serve you.

A baby’s teeth start to develop from the moment she is born, although they become visible after about six months. As the baby grows, more teeth develop. By the time she is three, a full set of baby teeth is developed.

However, after a few years, these baby teeth start falling out to pave the way for permanent teeth. The question is, is it necessary to take proper care of baby teeth? After all, they will fall out, right? Well, if you think that taking care of baby teeth is not important, you are wrong. This article will help you learn why it essential, plus more information about pediatric dentistry.

Importance of Children Dentistry

When your kid learns the importance of brushing her teeth at an early age, she will uphold these good habits when she is old enough.

The same can be said about visits to the dentist. Most people who suffer from dental anxiety suffer from it because they did not get used to dentists at an early age. If a child grows knowing that dentists are friendly, they will never worry about these regular visits. That way, you will set your child on the right path for optimum oral health.

The Gem in Fluoride Treatment

If your child has a Houston pediatric dentist, she will be receiving fluoride treatment at the right time. Fluoride treatment helps prevent tooth decay as your kid grows. Tooth decay is a prevalent problem among children, and fluoride treatment can help prevent this problem. It’s an easy process, and your child will not undergo any pain.

The Pediatric Dentist Keeps an Eye on Your Child’s Teeth

As your child grows, other dental procedures become necessary. For example, the pediatric dentist will know when the right time for orthodontic treatment comes, as you might know, the earlier, the better. Your dentist will also know the right course of action to take, depending on your child’s specific needs.

Preventing Cavities

Did you know that it is possible for your child to grow cavity-free? It is challenging, but with the help of a pediatric dentist, it might be possible. He will teach your kid the proper brushing techniques and clean her teeth from time to time.

Fast Facts about Children Dentistry

Hopefully, these facts will help you think about getting your child a pediatric dentist in Houston, Texas.

Tooth Decay Is Prevalent During Childhood

Tooth decay is quite prevalent among children, and if left untreated, it can destroy your child’s teeth and impact her overall health. With the help of a dentist, these cavities can be prevented. Talk to us if you require children’s dentistry in Houston, TX.

Candies Are Not the Only Cause of Cavities

Many parents think that if their children do not take candies, their teeth will be safe. Yes, candies cause cavities, but that does not mean they are the only cause. Other foods such as bread, potato chips, cookies, and snacks cause cavities too. A pediatric dentist can help you know the foods your kid should avoid and what she can do to reduce the risk of these foods.

Your Child Should Not Go Past a Year before Her First Dental Visit

Most parents do not take their children to the dentist until they are at least two years, but that is wrong.A child can start seeing a dentist as early as six months and the latest 12 months.

Baby teeth should be taken proper care of as they help your child chew, which is good for nutrition, and they also play a role in the development of speech. Furthermore, the baby teeth help preserve space for permanent teeth.

Cavities Can Affect a Child’s Academic Performance

Cavities will affect more than your child’s oral health. It affects a child’s self-esteem, which in turn affects her confidence and academic performance. A child will find it difficult to speak in front of other children, which will make her reluctant to participate in most social activities. Your child can avoid this if she gets help from a pediatric dentist.

Cabrera Dental Associates

If you require children dentistry in Houston, we are here for you. Let us enhance the smile of your child. Our staff is polite, kind, and friendly. We treat patients of all ages, so you can book an appointment for your child and yourself. You are all welcome.

The government finally released the guidelines for dental care providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you still need to consult the state dental board departments to stay current on the requirements required in your state. The requirements will continue to vary as the infection continues to affect people differently throughout the country.

The risk associated with dealing with a patient during this pandemic is directly linked with aerosols produced during the treatment procedures. The CDC urges dentists to continue wearing masks as these surgical masks protect one from droplet spatter. However, masks don’t protect the user from inhaling infectious agents.

Screening and Patient Management

The CDC recommends screening for fever as well as symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of the level of spread in your area. If your area has minimum cases of COVID-19, and a patient doesn’t show symptoms of COVID-19, you can just adhere to standard precautions. However, given that most patients are asymptomatic, it is strongly advised to be more vigilant. Here is the protocol that you should try to adhere to are given below.

Contact the patient prior to the appointment. If the patient does have symptoms of COVID-19, then reschedule the appointment. If he is okay, encourage him/her to limit the number of persons he comes with and wear a face mask on the appointment day. It also gives you a chance to psychologically prepare the patient for slight changes such as routine temperature checks. This action helps minimize confusion on the day of the appointment.

The patient should be screened with a questionnaire, and any patient that passes it may be provided with dental care. The patient should wear a face mask on his way out. If a patient develops symptoms within 14 days of the appointment, advise him/her to contact the facility.

Facility Considerations

Taking additional steps to ensure your staff is safe is simple. Occasionally, remind them of how to limit the spread of the infection. The CDC suggests providing them with posters with information about proper hand hygiene and social distancing.

Also, it recommends using sanitizers with 60-90 percent of alcohol in areas such as waiting rooms, check-in areas, and entrances. Finally, minimize the number of individuals in the waiting rooms. This can be done by having your patients remain in their cars or staggering their appointment times.

Equipment Considerations

Continue all your routine cleanings and maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, be sure to sterilize and test them using a biological indicator before using them.

Administrative Controls

If possible, limit your clinical treatments to one patient at a time. The CDC also recommends that you should try to avoid aerosol-producing procedures as much as possible. Prioritize on treatments that are less invasive and ones that can be done with hand instruments only.

If you have to perform an aerosol-producing procedure, use high volume evacuation, four-handed dentistry, and dental dams to reduce the aerosols produced.

The CDC also recommends the use of preprocedural mouth rinses with an antimicrobial product. However, no evidence shows the effectiveness of pre-procedural rinse in reducing the load of the coronavirus, causing COVID-19.

Engineering Controls

The CDC recommends ventilation systems, controlled patient volume, and strategic patient placement.

Personal Protective Equipment

The CDC clearly states that a dental care provider should have the appropriate PPE. If the PPEs are limited, then the most vulnerable patients should have them first. The PPEs should be cleaned and decontaminated between uses.

The PPEs recommended include a surgical mask, protective eyewear, and protective clothing. If surgical masks and a face shield are not available, the CDC suggests that you should not perform an aerosol-producing procedure.

Cabrera Dental Associates

We understand that these changes will take most of us time to get used to them, but they are for our own good. We have vowed to follow the guidelines to the letter to ensure that none of our patients or staff’s life is put at risk.

You can book an appointment with us with any dental procedure if you require a dentist in Houston. We are also here for you if you need an emergency dentist in Houston. We will provide you with high-quality services and adhere to the guidelines provided by the CDC. Let us help you if you are looking for dentistry in Houston, TX. Book an appointment now.

An implant is a small titanium screw fixed into your jaw bone and used to replace the root canal of a missing tooth. A dentist performs minor surgery to insert the implant. After fixing it, a crown is placed over to give it a more realistic look.

The all-on-4 implants substitute the need for a dental implant on each missing tooth. Four screws are placed on the top jaw and four on the bottom jaw. Since the screws are titanium, they have a special ability to fuse easily with the bone and function as part of it. The fusion serves as a long-lasting and strong foundation for your teeth.

What Is the Procedure for Installing All on Four Dental Implants?

By combining the precise technology of the full mouth procedure with the expertise of our implant teams, Cabrera Dental Associates, based in Houston, TX has developed a way to give most patients a new smile in one day.

First, our dentists will make sure that you are comfortable. Secondly, they will prepare you for implants. This involves removing any falling teeth. They will then remove any infected tissue in the gum and your jaw. If there is not enough bone present, bone grafting may be needed to ensure implants have a solid foundation.

Next, they will begin the implant process. The procedure involves inserting the titanium screws into the jaw. Two screws are placed facing towards the front of the mouth and two other facing towards the back of the mouth. This provides anchorage of the dentures. After the implant, the surgeon will thoroughly clean the operation sites and suture all the incisions. Finally, you will be taken to the recovery room as you wait to wake up from anesthesia.

Benefits

The all-on-4 dental implants in Houston, TX, offer the following benefits:

• Prevents bone loss and degradation- They minimize the effect of bone loss since they are affixed directly to the jaw bone and acts in the same fashion as a root canal. The pressure they exert on the jaw bone is similar to that of natural teeth, and this provides mass retention in the area and strength
• Gives you greater self-confidence- Patients end up with a set of natural-looking teeth connected securely and comfortably on the jaw. This enables them to enjoy their favorite foods and a variety of drinks without worry
• Better hygiene and easier care- Taking care of these implants is easier and follows the everyday oral care habits you are familiar with. They also do away with the need to use other adhesives required to attach traditional dentures.
• Offer a permanent solution- All on fours are fitted once, and unlike traditional dentures, they do not require regular fitting. They are also not prone to gum recession that causes dentures to be loose. This property offers you greater comfort and convenience.
• Eliminate health issues associated with health with falling and missing teethbecause they restore your mouth to a natural state they fend off periodontal diseases. With regular brushing and flossing, they enhance overall dental health.

Post-Surgery Care

• Brushing-use a quality toothbrush with soft bristles. Make sure you brush in gentle movements, way up to your gum line
• Use a Waterpik-this is a tool that reaches down the gum line. Dentists recommend using it at least once in a day to remove food particles
• Rubber tip gum stimulator use-used to remove food debris trapped within the gums. This prevents infections that may be caused by rotten food particles.

Any surgical procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek professional opinion from your dentist.

Conclusion

The all on 4 Houston dental therapy is more effective than traditional dentures since it is permanent and does not pose any threat to your oral health. Taking good care of your implants leads to a positive outcome. Most dentists will recommend this therapy for missing teeth since it is an effective restorative dental therapy procedure. Get your implants today and restore your smile and self-confidence.

Periodontal disease is probably the leading cause of dental/tooth extractions in the world. The disease makes your tooth/teeth lose, and sometimes the only way to treat it is extraction. However, before it comes to that, various approaches can help get rid of the disease. The last resort is usually periodontal surgery.

The earlier periodontitis is detected, the better. That’s why it is always essential to visit the dentist regularly. The dentist can identify the problem early enough and treat it before it causes severe damage. In the meantime, you can be on the lookout for the following signs of periodontal disease.

• Receding gums
• Pain while chewing
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Deep pockets in your gums and between the teeth
• Bad breath

Be sure to talk to a dentist near you in case of the above signs, and you will be advised accordingly. Cabrera Dental Associates is here for you in case you are looking for gum disease treatment, Houston.

Diagnosis of Periodontitis

Depending on how severe your condition is, the dentist will know the best approach for treatment for the problem. Here is how the disease is diagnosed:

• Review of your medical history: He will want to know if you are a smoker or at least do other things that can cause dry mouth.
• Examine your mouth: The dentist will then examine your mouth looking for plaque and tartar buildup.
• Measure the depth of the pockets: If your gums are healthy, the depth of your pockets will be about three millimeters maximum. If they are more than three, that’s an indication of periodontitis.
• Conduct X-ray check: If he suspects that you might have the disease, the dentist will conduct an X-ray check to confirm or clear the suspicions.

Treatment

If the dentist confirms that you have the infection, you will discuss the treatment. There are various treatment options, and the dentist will know the right treatment for you, depending on the severity of your problem.

Non-surgical Methods

As stated, the surgical approach is usually the last resort. Before the dentist goes for it, he will try:

Scaling: the dentist will use an ultrasonic or a laser to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and beneath the gums.

Root Planing: Root planing is usually conducted to discourage the buildup of tartar and plaque in the future. The procedure also removes bacteria from your teeth and gums

Antibiotics: The antibiotics help control bacterial infections in your mouth. They can be either oral or topical.

Surgical Treatments

If your gum disease is at a critical stage, there won’t be any other approach apart from gum surgery. There are several types of gum disease surgeries, and the dentist will know which approach to use. You can talk to us if you are diagnosed with gum disease, Houston. Here are the approaches:

Bone Grafting

If the disease has severely affected your bone, the dentist may recommend this surgery. The bone for grafting can be gotten from another part of your body, another person, animal, or synthetically manufactured.

Tissue Grafting

The surgery is usually performed to help reduce gum recession from causing more damage. It also helps cover your roots if they are exposed.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

The dentist will place a material between your gums and teeth. The material is designed to help prevent your gums from growing on space meant for bone, which helps your tissue and bone regrow.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Also called flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery is a procedure that involves the reduction of the depth of your pockets.

What to Expect

Your dentist will ask you some questions so you should be psychologically prepared for the same. He may ask you questions such as:

• Do you use tobacco?
• How often do you brush your teeth?
• Do you use dental floss regularly?
• Are you on any medications?
• How regularly do you visit the dentist?

He will then treat you and give you advice on how to handle yourself after the surgery. As with any other surgery, expect some discomfort for the first few days. Avoid eating foods such as raw vegetables, meat, ice, and other hard foods. Quit smoking, and be sure to take some painkillers to help combat pain. In case the pain, bleeding, or swelling is extreme, be sure to talk to your dentist for help.

Cabrera Dental Associates

If you require gum disease treatment in Houston, we are here for you. We will help you improve your smile. Our staff is kind, polite, and friendly. We treat patients of all ages. You and your family are welcome. Book an appointment now!