Author: CdA-AdmiN

It is clear that sinus surgery impacts the face, but it leaves positive effects. After the treatment, people usually do not even get rid of the condition, but they have an improved facial appearance. Before knowing about sinus surgery, one must know some brief details about the sinus.

What is Sinus?

It is generally an inflammation. We can say, a sinus is a swelling of the tissues lining the sinus. The sinus usually is four paired spaces in the head connected by narrow channels. In this particular condition, sinuses get filled with air and fluid and can get blocked. Due to this, there is a chance for bacteria to grow and cause infections. You will notice swelling in nasal tissues when sinus tissues are inflamed.

What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery simply means removing infected tissues. People need surgery in severe cases. When conditions become worse and are not curable with the help of medication, you should start finding a dentist near you. The professionals usually carry out surgery to remove chronic sinusitis. The procedure involves the removal of infected bone or polyps. Cabrera Dental Associates could be a dependable option for sinus lifts in Houston, TX.

Types of Sinus Surgery

There are several different types of surgeries available. Let’s explore the most common ones.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

It is the most common type of surgery that widens the drainage passages between your nose and sinuses by removing the infected bones and collecting mucus inside. Professionals use endoscopes to see the nose and sinus to guide the surgery. The expert also carries out CT scans to see the inside of your sinuses.

Balloon Sinuplasty 

It is an invasive treatment. Professionals use an endoscope and catheter to guide a small balloon inside your nose. They inflate the balloon to widen the passageway to your sinus. After the procedure, one can expect a clean and unclogged sinus.

Caldwell Luc Surgery 

When other procedures fail to resolve your sinus issues, the doctor chooses Caldwell Luc surgery. Professionals open your maxillary sinus that resides behind your cheeks, and a new way is created from the sinus to your nose. Your damaged and infected bone gets removed in the procedure.

How is the Procedure for Sinus Lift Done?

The process moves forward in different steps:

• In the very first step, decongestant medication in patients’ noses.
• The second step is a follow-up nasal endoscopy.
• The third step is injecting a numbing solution inside your nose.
• In the next step, with the help of an endoscope, the expert will insert surgical tools gently inside to remove infected bone or diseased tissue blocking your sinuses.
• After the tissue gets removed, your nose may get filled with the material to absorb any blood discharge.

Before Surgery & After Surgery Results

Sinus surgery is an impeccable way to deal with severe sinus issues. You may face some complications in diagnosing process. But once you undergo all the necessary procedures, the doctor will plan a proper surgery for you.

If we talk about before and after surgery, the results are different. Before surgery, you have to go through an examination so that your future treatment plan and the seriousness of your problem are identified quickly. The process may be somewhere frustrating and tiresome for you.

But after surgery, you can expect a more relaxed and painless life. There won’t be any blockage and the air passage needs cleaning. There would be no more clogging of air and mucus. One can enjoy a quality life without any hindrance.

Recovery

There could be swelling and bleeding. It is normal. One feels it for a few days. But if you follow your doctor’s instructions, there are fewer complications. There are some instructions that you should follow generally.

• Take antibiotics to avoid infections.
• Be careful while blowing your nose and sneezing.
• Avoid brushing for a certain time period.
• Avoid smoking etc.

All in all, a sinus lift is something that helps you to resolve your sinus problem permanently. Although, you might feel a bit uncomfortable during the diagnosis period. And surgery can be painful for you. But the long-term effects are wonderful. If you are searching for a sinus lift near you, contact us for professional information.

Does tooth sensitivity cause you to cringe when you eat certain foods? Eating and drinking shouldn’t be painful activities. Unfortunately, many experience sensitivity frequently. Estimates are available that nearly 50 percent of the population has teeth sensitivity.

If your teeth are healthy and robust, the outer layer of enamel protects its surface to prevent damage. However, minor problems can affect the tooth structure resulting in sensitivity. These problems are treatable by the dentist in Houston. However, the specific treatment depends on what is causing the tooth sensitivity.

When Are Your Teeth Painful?

When do you most frequently experience pain or sensitivity in the teeth? The standard triggers for dental sensitivity include eating hot or cold foods, breathing cold air, having acidic or sweet foods, and drinking cold or sweet beverages. Therefore before you visit the Houston dentist requesting treatment, you must note when your teeth experience pain and the reasons that trigger discomfort. In addition, it enables you to discuss your problem with the dentist to receive appropriate treatment for sensitive teeth.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth root exposure because of gum disease that results in gum recession is a primary cause of tooth sensitivity. Many people experience receding gums before they retire.

Other reasons for tooth sensitivity include damage to the tooth enamel from highly acidic diets causing enamel erosion. Drinking plenty of carbonated drinks and eating acidic foods like tomatoes, pickles, and citrus are the culprits of sensitive teeth.

You might experience tooth sensitivity because of acid reflux or bulimia. When your stomach acids contact your teeth regularly, it can also cause enamel erosion over time. Occasionally you may have tooth sensitivity from tooth decay, fractured teeth, or old fillings. If you notice sensitivity in a particular region of your mouth, it might indicate it is time to visit your dentist for an exam.

Preventing and Treating Sensitive Teeth

Good dental hygiene practices are essential to inhibit the risk of tooth sensitivity. You can discuss the proper brushing and flossing techniques with your dentist or hygienist to avoid damaging your gums and tooth enamel. If you experience persistent sensitivity, you may need to make dietary changes to identify the appropriate treatment.

If you wish to eliminate tooth sensitivity, you must have an open conversation with your dentist because it is optimal. Treating tooth sensitivity early can help avoid significant issues later. In many cases, using a desensitizing toothpaste or adding a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel is sufficient to manage tooth sensitivity. Fluoride treatments also help prevent tooth decay by providing additional protection and preventing enamel damage simultaneously.

After examining your mouth and looking for signs of infections, your dentist might recommend treatments like root canals, gum grafting, et cetera if required. However, if you are not affected by any severe issues, you benefit by receiving straightforward sensitivity treatment in Houston, TX, from your dentist.

You can also consider covering exposed tooth roots by seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental bonding that helps protect the exposed tooth roots to prevent tooth sensitivity in a specific tooth. While you might find it challenging to avoid cold or sweet beverages altogether, you can limit having them or have them at room temperature instead of temperatures challenging to manage. A similar principle also applies to hot foods because if you experience sensitivity when having them, you must consider having the lukewarm variety that might help prevent sensitivity.

If you frequently move outdoors and breathing cold air causes tooth sensitivity, consider using a muffler or your mouth to prevent the cold air from entering your mouth. Breathing through your nose also helps prevent tooth sensitivity. However, you must note the sensitivity occurrences to determine when to contact your dentist for advice.

Besides the preventive measures suggested can also discuss using desensitizing toothpaste that helps reduce tooth sensitivity and maintain excellent dental hygiene, besides getting regular exams and cleanings to determine whether you have issues with your teeth that are causing the sensitivity. In most cases, enamel erosion is the prime reason for the sensitivity you experience, but dental infections don’t advertise themselves, and the pain might result from other problems that need identification by an experienced dentist.

If you experience sensitivity in your teeth, don’t endure the condition but visit Cabrera Dental Associates as soon as possible by arranging an appointment. The dental practice provides appropriate advice on overcoming tooth sensitivity by performing a comprehensive exam and suggesting treatments to help you alleviate the problem.

Missing an entire arch of teeth or several teeth poses countless challenges. Dental implants represent a unique solution for replacing missing teeth and can help replace one or several teeth. Unfortunately, if you have lost all or most of your teeth, the dentist South Houston suggests an innovative solution called full-mouth dental implants to restore all your missing teeth.

Full-mouth dental implants deliver a permanent solution for several teeth in a row or an entire arch, simultaneously preserving the jawbone and the gums. You don’t need to have individual implants for every missing tooth but will receive four to six implants per arch in your jaw to replace the natural missing tooth roots to provide stability to your artificial teeth. The South Houston dentist places an arch of replacement teeth over implants after you recover from the surgical procedure. Your replacement teeth might consist of a dental bridge or customized dentures.

You may receive different types of full-mouth implants, such as the all-on-4 or the all-on-6 dental implants, zirconia pieces, conventional removable dentures, or fixed dentures.

What to Expect During Your Visit for Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Expect the full mouth dental implants in Houston, TX, a procedure to complete in one sitting in an outpatient procedure after the provider takes x-rays of your jawbone to determine its strength. The implants customized from titanium are inserted in your jaw to function as missing tooth roots. After healing of your jawbone, your dentist customizes your dental prosthetic to give you natural-looking and feeling artificial teeth that remain with you for life.

During the initial six months after getting implants placed in your jaw, you might have to visit the providers several times until the implants have fully integrated with your jawbone. You must also maintain excellent dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and getting dental exams and cleanings every six months from the dentist near you to ensure you don’t allow dental plaque to accumulate around the implants to result in implant failure.

Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants

Full-mouth dental implants are excellent and more reliable for replacing several missing teeth instead of alternative options because they provide many benefits. Some benefits are listed below for your reference if you consider this therapeutic option for your lost teeth.

Jawbone Preservation

The gums supporting your teeth derive support from the jawbone under them. Therefore, tooth loss results in jawbone deterioration, causing changes to your facial structure because the height of the jawbone reduces. In addition, jawbone deterioration causes shrinkage around the corners of your mouth and cheeks to make you appear older. Fortunately, full-mouth dental implants provide similar support as the natural tooth roots to stimulate bone within the jaw to stabilize the customized dental prosthetics. In addition, this restorative solution offers a permanent solution that remains with you for life, allowing you to eat, speak, and use your jaw without problems because they help prevent jawbone resorption.

Preserving Neighboring Teeth

When you lose your natural teeth, your remaining teeth begin drifting towards the vacant gaps to create misalignments with your bite. Full-mouth dental implants prevent the misalignment of teeth in your mouth to help keep your remaining teeth in position and prevent the need for orthodontic treatment to straighten them.

Highly Successful

Unlike alternative solutions like dentures and bridges, needing replacements after every five to 15 years, full-mouth dental implants remain with you for life. Dental implants derive strength from your jaw and gums that help them fuse with your body to become part of it, making them a permanent solution that doesn’t need replacements after every few years. If you maintain excellent dental hygiene, you can expect the implants to stay in your mouth for 25 to 30 years.

Natural Looking

Full-mouth dental implants have a natural look and feel, as mentioned earlier, and remain indistinguishable in your mouth after replacing all your teeth. They also help maintain your facial appearance after the restoration to give you a beautiful smile.

Ideal If You Have Several Missing Teeth

If you have several missing teeth in an arch, you might find getting individual dental implants for every tooth challenging. However, full-mouth dental implants provide a comfortable treatment process to replace the missing teeth receiving four or six implants in your jaw to hold an entire arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. In addition, implanted teeth are not susceptible to cavities, providing an excellent solution to substitute your lost natural teeth with artificial prosthetics using minimally invasive therapy.

If you are considering replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, Cabrera Dental Associates can help you by providing a minimally invasive procedure with full-mouth dental implants offering multiple benefits. Consult them to consider your eligibility for the treatment and get the implants as soon as possible before your jawbone starts deteriorating.

A mineral called fluoride occurs naturally in numerous foods and water. Minerals are added and lost from the tooth enamel daily by processes of demineralization and remineralization.

Demineralization occurs on the tooth enamel when acids from dental plaque, bacteria, and sugar in the mouth attack the enamel. Foods and beverages consumed help minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate remineralize enamel. However, excessive demineralization without sufficient remineralization to restore tooth enamel causes tooth decay. Therefore fluoride is beneficial for your teeth health.

Fluoride Treatment Explained

Fluoride treatments are generally in-office treatments provided by the dentist in 77075 containing a higher concentration of fluoride than is available in toothpaste or water. The fluoride is applied to your teeth to improve their health and reduce the risks of cavities. In the office, fluoride treatments are usually in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish.

When you receive fluoride treatments from dentists, the fluoride applied to your teeth is similar to the mineral in toothpaste. However, in-office treatments contain higher doses and offer instant benefits.

How Are Fluoride Treatments Helpful for Cleaning Teeth?

Brushing and flossing are optimal techniques for cleaning teeth, besides using an antiseptic mouthwash daily. However, fluoride treatments don’t help clean your teeth. Instead, they safeguard against enamel erosion occurring when you have too many sugars in the mouth to encourage your mouth bacteria to indulge in demineralization and cause tooth decay. Therefore fluoride treatments are not a substitute for cleaning your teeth; they are merely a technique to remineralize them to prevent tooth decay.

After-Care Following Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments in Houston, TX, do not need much time because the dentist completes the procedure within a few minutes. You must provide the dentist with your medical history to ensure they choose the appropriate treatment for your needs. However, you receive instructions not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes following the treatment to ensure your teeth fully absorb the fluoride. In addition, the dentist recommends not to brush for at least six hours after receiving in-office fluoride treatments to protect your teeth.

After completing the mandatory 30 minutes without eating or drinking, you can have the foods and beverages you prefer but must refrain from having the scorching variety until six hours have lapsed. Fluoride treatments don’t require intensive preparation or after-care as it is familiar with many dental procedures. The treatment is completed quickly, and the only restriction you must adhere to is refraining from having foods or drinks for a limited period of 30 minutes, after which you can have cold or lukewarm foods and brush after six hours.

Why Cabrera Dental Associates Are Popular for Fluoride Treatments?

All dentists provide fluoride treatments, but some are more popular than others because they deliver excellent services to you and your family. In addition, Cabrera dental associates hold a special place for children in the community and take pride in caring for them. They also participate in community events besides school health fairs making them an excellent practice for receiving fluoride treatments for your entire family.

Who Benefits from Fluoride Treatments?

If fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay, it confirms that everyone, including adults, seniors, and children, benefits from this therapy. Elderly family members with conditions like gum disease, restorations like crowns and bridges or implants, xerostomia, or dry mouth are at an increased risk of cavities, making it essential for them to receive fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months as recommended by the ADA and the CDC.

Adults with a history of frequent cavities also benefit from fluoride treatments because it helps strengthen tooth enamel by remineralizing their surfaces. Children frequently indulge in sugary and starchy foods without concentrating on their dental hygiene and becoming prone to cavities. In addition, children with braces can develop tooth decay around the brackets of orthodontic devices. They receive adequate help from fluoride treatments that prevents tooth decay from developing by strengthening the enamel.

Fluoride treatments benefit everyone regardless of age and are the primary reason trace amounts of fluoride are added to drinking water in America. Research reveals that approximately 62 percent of the American population receives fluoridated water, giving people a system of preventing tooth decay. However, people susceptible to dental cavities can receive an additional barrier of protection over their teeth by seeking professional fluoride treatments from dentists to safeguard their dental health and prevent cavities in their teeth.

Cabrera Dental Associates provides fluoride treatments to everyone, including children, to strengthen tooth enamel as a preventive measure against cavities. If you have not received this therapy recently, consult this practice to receive fluoride treatments for your teeth and family member’s teeth.

Do you experience gum tenderness, severe pain, and sensitivity to cold and hot things? If you answer yes, the dentist will advise root canal treatment near you. It is an excellent method to save a dying tooth and stop nerve pain. The main motto of root canal therapy is to eradicate the infection and minimize its risk in the future. Check out our step-by-step guide about the different stages of root canal therapy.

Different Stages of Root Canal

Let us check out the stages of RCT:

Stage 1- Diagnosing the Infected Tooth Pulp

Once you visit the general dentist to address your toothache, he/she may refer you to a specialist. It’s mainly the case when the expert has found the problem-causing tooth pain to be inside the tooth. The endodontist will use X-ray technology and digital imaging to confirm you need root canal therapy in Houston.

Stage 2- Removing Infected Pulp

The next stage includes drilling a tiny opening on the top of the tooth. For this, the endodontist uses surgical tools. He/she then disinfect the root canals to eradicate the infection.

Stage 3- Antibiotic Medicines

Now, the endodontist applies some medicine to minimize the risk of reinfection. Now, the dental professional will use gutta percha to seal the tooth. It reduces the risk of gum issues and tooth infections.

Stage 4- Temporary Filling

The endodontist put a temporary filling on the top of the opened tooth. For this, he/she blends different chemicals and fills them thoroughly in the tooth shape.

Stage 5- Restoration of Tooth

In this stage, the restorative dentist in Houston will get rid of the temporary filling after a few weeks. He/she will then put a dental cap over the treated tooth to make it strong.

Stage 6- Follow up 

The last stage includes follow-up with the dentist. It’s usually after three or more days post-root canal therapy. During follow-up, the expert will evaluate the gums to see if everything is alright.

What Happens After the Root Canal is Done?  

After the root canal, the tooth gets brittle, weak, or fractured. The dental professional will recommend the following treatment options.

a) Placement of Crown

If the expert has not put a dental crown before root canal treatment, it’s time to get it. The dental crown is an effective treatment to hold the tooth together in its place.

b) Permanent Filling

The endodontist will form a tiny access point on the top of the crown. If he/she has already noticed a crown over the infected tooth, the expert may use permanent fillings or a tooth-colored filling on the dental cap. Permanent fillings are composite resin fillings. They are natural looking and have high strength.

Is Root Canal Painful After?

As you heal after root canal treatment near you, some pain and discomfort are normal. Typically, this will be minor. Till the discomfort eradicates, take pain-relieving medicines.

There are usually two reasons you will have sharp pain after the root canal treatment. Firstly, although the expert eliminates the infected pulp from the tooth, there are also other sensitive tissues and nerves located close to the tooth canal. Secondly, the professional uses sharp dental instruments to clean out the tooth.

Constant or Serious Pain After One to Two Weeks of Treatment is Not Normal

Sharp and intense pain for up to one to two weeks of root canal therapy is a matter to worry about. It signifies root canal failure. The infection usually occurs if it has unnoticed damage or cracks, a hidden root canal left untreated or the professional has not cleaned the tooth root properly.

Do Not Ignore Your Tooth Pain

Get help to eradicate your pain by fixing a follow-up appointment immediately at Cabrera Dental Associates. Experts will usually advise root canal retreatment. It will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Root canal therapy once again allows the expert to get rid of the problematic signs without eliminating the tooth.

In a few cases, the experts need to pull out the tooth and replace it with an implant or other restoration treatment. Our dentists are well-experienced in root canal treatments. They will ensure the patient stays relaxed throughout the process.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the sliding joint that joins the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Although it’s just a small part, it plays a huge role in multiple functions such as chewing, breathing, swallowing, sucking, facial expressions, and others. When you have a damaged TMJ, the tiniest mouth movements can result in severe pain, thus affecting your appetite, sleep, and performance at work. We, therefore, recommend seeing a TMJ specialist in Houston soon as you start experiencing TMJ-related symptoms.

What Is Tmj?

TMJ syndrome, also referred to as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is a condition that affects the TMJ and jaw muscles. Patients who suffer from TMJ tend to experience severe pain in their facial regions, which worsens when moving their jaws, for example, when talking and chewing. TMJ disorders can be grouped into three categories:

Internal Derangement of Tmj: It happens when the patient has a dislocated jaw, disc, or injury on the round edge of the jawbone that connects with the temporal bone called the condyle

Myofascial Pain: Associated with tenderness or pain in muscles in charge of controlling neck, jaw, and shoulder movement

Degenerative Joint Disorders: An inflammatory joint disorder related to TMJ that causes conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Causes of TMJ?

The cause of TMJ disorders is challenging to determine since it can result from many factors. Below are some of the main causes of TMJ:

• Trauma to the neck, jaw, head, or temporomandibular joint
• Arthritis in the joint
• Ear and TMJ infections
• Chronic stress that causes you to tighten your jaw muscles frequently
• Autoimmune diseases
• Dental surgeries that require the insertion of a breathing tube

Some other causes may be related to genetics, hormones, and the environment. You may still get TMJ without experiencing the listed causes, as researchers are still trying to determine other causes. There were misconceptions that the disorder could be related to orthodontic braces and bad bites, but that was proved untrue. Since we don’t know all the causes of TMJ, we recommend paying more attention to symptoms related to TMJ.

What Are the Symptoms of Tmj Disorders?

There are numerous symptoms related to TMJ, the most common being jaw pain. Below are symptoms associated with TMJ:

Pain

This remains to be the most common TMJ-related symptom. Patients with TMJ tend to experience pain in their jaw, face, neck, and shoulders that spreads to the ear when chewing, speaking, or yawning. Tmj pain can also cause migraines and make it hard for people with the condition to concentrate or sleep.

Sound

The unusual clicking and popping sound you get when eating, talking, and yawning might be an early sign of TMJ. Although some jaw sounds are not caused by TMJ, people who experience such sounds with headaches and jaw pains are more likely to suffer from TMJ disorders. Numbing and buzzing sounds in the ears, coupled with earaches, may also indicate TMJ.

Movement

Being unable to fully open or close your jaws due to limited movements may be related to TMJ. So if you’ve been experiencing limited mouth movements, it would be best to see a dentist in Houston, TX, for diagnosis and treatment.

Do Tmj Disorders Go Away?

Yes, you can naturally heal from TMJ disorders. However, the best thing to do if your TMJ symptoms persist for weeks is to go for TMJ treatment. TMJ treatment can help relieve pain, headaches, and other problems related to TMJ disorders. Here are ways to treat TMJ:

Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

Some people heal from TMJ without seeking professional treatment by practicing self-care and making necessary lifestyle changes. So if you have TMJ, try to reduce jaw movements by not chewing gum or solid food and clenching your jaws when stressed or bored. Practicing some gentle jaw exercises, such as slightly stretching the jaw, may also help reduce symptoms of TMJ. Once you are done, apply ice on the side of the jaw through the cheeks and rest regularly.

Treating Existing Conditions

This involves treating pre-existing conditions that may have caused TMJ. For example, we may fit patients with bruxism with mouth guards to reduce TMJ symptoms. On the other hand, if your TMJ was caused by degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, we may recommend steroid injections to treat the TMJ symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery may be the only viable option for patients with severe cases of TMJ. A TMJ disorder can result from damage to the joint or surrounding muscles. If your dentist finds other treatment options ineffective, they will recommend surgery to fix your TMJ problems. However, that rarely happens since severe cases of TMJ are quite scarce.

Conclusion

Living with a TMJ disorder is very painful and uncomfortable. Patients usually find it challenging to eat, chew, sleep or work due to severe pain. Even though many TMJ cases heal naturally without professional treatment, it may not work for everyone. Some patients can experience severe TMJ that can only be cured professionally. So, if you have been experiencing TMJ symptoms for weeks without signs of recovery, visit Cabrera Dental Associates for the best TMJ specialist in Houston. We have undergone years of training to master the skills to treat the most severe cases of TMJ.

Having misaligned or crooked teeth is debilitating to your smile and facial aesthetics. However, there are several cosmetic options that your dentist may recommend. Clear Braces in Houston are reliable and remarkable orthodontic appliances that can restore your appealing smile. If you’ve been wondering whether you are an ideal candidate for clear braces, this article explores more on clear braces.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are removable invisible appliances custom-made to align your crooked teeth optimally. Our dentist in south Houston may recommend you use each set of braces for two weeks. After that, you need to visit your specialist to determine if there’s a considerable change in the teeth alignment. It’s also crucial to wear clear braces for 22 hours daily to find optimal results. Upon successful treatment, your dentist will provide you with removable retainers to consolidate treatment and hold the teeth in the desired positions.

Types of Clear Braces

There are several types of braces, and some include:

Ceramic Braces– just like standard braces, ceramic braces use brackets affixed to wires for aligning your teeth. This type of brace is smaller than metallic brackets and isn’t easily noticed. However, the braces are easy to remove after your alignment is complete and utilize a gentler bonding agent, unlike conventional braces.

Clear Aligners or Invisalign– they are invisible plastic orthodontic appliances that are effective in gradually shifting teeth to their desired positions. The aligners are custom-made using a digital scan or from dental impressions taken using X-rays. Your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign treatment since the prosthetics are removable during meals and cleaning. Additionally, they are easy to clean and ensure proper oral hygiene.

Lingual Braces– these braces perform a similar role as clear braces but work like conventional ones. They involve metal brackets and wires situated on the inside of your teeth, unlike traditional braces installed on the outside. They are not easily seen, but it isn’t easy to clean them.

Advantages of Clear Braces

If you are considering having clear braces in Houston, you’ll benefit from various reasons, and below are some of the associated benefits:

• They are invisible- the teeth alignment option is discreet since the braces aren’t noticeable. Since the braces are not seen, it becomes one of the suitable treatment options for you. In addition, clear braces can serve you better if you work in an environment where you interact with many people.
• Clear braces are durable and robust- our dentist in south Houston may recommend you to have clear braces based o their durability and robustness. In addition, the material is not likely easily chipped or damaged. However, you need to follow all the aftercare tips provided by your specialist to enhance their longevity.
• Less irritation of your soft oral tissues- wearing braces can lead to irritation and friction as the wires touch the gum tissues. However, unlike the wires used in metallic braces, with clear braces, the irritation is minimal.
• They cause no harm while being removed- unlike metal braces that can easily harm your tooth enamel while being removed, and you need to use clear braces. With clear braces, one can’t damage the tooth enamel since they adhere to your teeth with a bonding agent.
• Your confident smile is restored- clear braces primarily revamp your smile by aligning your crooked or misaligned teeth. Clear braces are invisible, and it’s hard for one to notice during your treatment. You’ll feel confident with clear braces since they restore your dental aesthetics and align your smile.

Our dentist in South Houston may recommend clear braces over other teeth alignment options based on the above and more benefits.

What Makes You an Ideal Candidate for Clear Braces?

Before having clear braces at Cabrera Dental Associates, we perform a thorough orthodontic examination to determine whether clear braces suit you. If so, we choose the right treatment option for you. The treatment option is compatible with everyone, but our experts enact other treatment options if your personalized needs aren’t in line with clear braces. We provide personalized treatment to ensure all your personal dental needs are addressed. Clear aligners are a better alternative than metallic braces based on their benefits. If you are considering teeth alignment, schedule an appointment with our specialists today and restore your appealing dental outlook.

An attractive and healthy smile begins with your white pearly whites, but it needs a harmonious relationship between your gums, lips, and teeth. If you want to build confidence through a more beautiful smile, you might think of a cosmetic procedure like gum contouring. Learn more about gum contouring, also called gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, to know if the procedure is right for you.

What is Gum Contouring?

Your dentist performs gum contouring to resculpt and reshape your gum line. This procedure involves cutting away or removing excess gum tissues around the teeth. In case of gum recession, gum contouring helps restore gum tissue.

Gum reshaping procedure is often elective, meaning it isn’t medically necessary. However, it’s commonly done to improve the look of the teeth, smile, and gums. But sometimes, your dentist recommends gum recontouring for oral health reasons.

When is Gum Contouring Medically Necessary?

Although gum contouring is sometimes a medical necessity, it’s mostly done for cosmetic purposes. For example, gum contouring can be a treatment option if you’re suffering from periodontal disease. But your dentist in South Houston will try first to treat the gum disease with nonsurgical options. This might include antibiotics to kill the bacteria and infection or dental cleanings to help restore gum health.

If these options don’t work, your dentist recommends a treatment such as pocket reduction surgery on your gums to save your tooth. Or they recommend a regeneration procedure to regrow damaged bone and gum tissue.

Gum contouring may be part of these procedures. Dental insurance might cover the cost or part if it’s not a medical necessity. You’ll need to speak to a dentist near you to find out what’s covered.

What Does Gum Contouring Involve?

A periodontist or cosmetic dentist normally performs gum contouring in Houston. It’s an in-office process that’s done in one dental visit. In most cases, one remains awake during the procedure. Before your dental professional starts, they’ll administer you local anesthesia to help numb the gum area.

During the contouring procedure, your dentist will use a scalpel or a soft tissue laser to eliminate excess gum tissue and expose more teeth by resculpting the gum line. Sutures might be used to hold the gum tissue in place.

If your gums recede, the contouring process will involve adding gum tissue. First, your dentist removes tissue from another part of the mouth, like the palate. Then, surgery secures the tissue around your teeth to help lengthen and restructure your gum line.

The length of the contouring procedure varies depending on the extent of the gum contouring and the amount of resculpting required. Usually, the gum reshaping procedure takes about one to two hours.

Does Gum Contouring Hurt?

During gum contouring near you, you’ll be provided with local anesthesia before the process starts. This numbs your gums so you won’t feel pain while the dentist works on the mouth. But you’ll expect some numbness and tenderness afterward.

The discomfort depends on how much of your gums must be removed or reshaped. After the procedure, your dentist will prescribe a pain reliever, or you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. However, since aspirin may cause bleeding, your dentist may discourage this medication.

You can also minimize swelling by applying a cold press or an ice pack to your mouth for a few days after the process. After that, it’s best to use the compress for 15-20 minutes.

How Long is Gum Contouring Recovery?

The gum contouring procedure takes about two hours, but complete healing might take days or weeks, depending on the extent of the treatment. You will have to limit some activities for two days based on how you feel and any tenderness you may have.

Since the mouth and gums are likely to feel tender or sensitive at first, you’ll have to eat soft foods for 2-3 days after the surgery. These foods include yogurt, soup, and applesauce. Your dentist will give you post-surgery dietary instructions.

You’ll have a follow-up appointment a few days or weeks after the surgery. Your dentist in Cabrera Dental Associates will check your gums to evaluate how you’re healing and look for signs of an infection. The dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse to reduce the disease risk.

Nothing feels and looks amazing like healthy and robust natural teeth. Regular cleaning of your teeth, along with six-month check-ups from our dentist in South Houston, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

However, your teeth may have an infection or disease and need additional care. When possible, you should always gravitate towards options that save your teeth, such as root canal treatment in Houston.

Tooth infections result in pus accumulation and toothaches. If you don’t get treatment, the infection could affect the gums and jawbone and eventually spread to the rest of your body.

That’s why we recommend that our dentist treat a tooth infection to clear the infection. However, you can use some home remedies that could help you relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the infection.

You could try out the following remedies:

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective, safe, and inexpensive way to reduce bacteria and relieve pain in your gums and mouth. It is something that you could easily get and store in your pantry.

So, if you have baking soda, you can try making a paste of equal parts water and baking soda, then apply the paste to your gums. The method is quite effective when you have an abscess on your gums and the side of your tooth.

If the infection is on top or inside of your tooth, then combine a half tablespoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and half a cup. You can swish the rinse in your mouth for a few minutes, spit and repeat until the rinse is over.

• Saltwater Rinse

The saltwater rinse is another potent remedy since salt is a natural antiseptic. That’s why it always comes in handy when treating a tooth infection. All you need to do is to add one teaspoon or more of table salt into a glass of warm water.

Slat helps reduce the bacterial load in the infected tooth. Moreover, rinsing your mouth with warm salty water will break up the pus around your tooth, remove the debris from your mouth, and ensure proper wound healing.

You can swish the saltwater rinse for two or three minutes, spit, and repeat if necessary.

• Garlic

Garlic is known to enhance the taste of food. But that’s not all it can do. It is also used to deal with infections since it has germ-fighting properties and is considered a natural antibiotic. Garlic has a component known as allicin, which kills bacteria. Fresh garlic can also soothe the pain from a tooth infection.

Eating foods with garlic is not enough. You might need to crush a clove of garlic to create a paste and apply it to the infected area a few times per day.

• Fenugreek Tea

Another remedy that can help when you have a tooth infection is the fenugreek herb. It is an excellent home remedy since it has antibacterial properties. You can go to your local store and get fenugreek tea bags, which you can drink.

However, if you are looking for a more potent treatment, you can make a solution that you can apply directly to the infected tooth.

• Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another remedy to help remove bacteria from the infected tooth. You can take coconut oil, olive oil, or oregano oil, swish it in your mouth, and then spit it.

• Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is widely known for its teeth whitening properties. However, it is also an excellent disinfectant and can help relieve bacterial infections in your gums.

You can take equal parts of 3% hydrogen with water. Then, you can swish the hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for about a minute, be careful not to swallow it. Spit and repeat if necessary.

Be careful when using hydrogen peroxide since it can harm your teeth. So, don’t use 35% concentration or food-grade hydrogen peroxide.

• Essential Oils

Many people use essential oils to relieve everyday pains and aches. Other essential oils have medicinal purposes because they have antibacterial properties and can be used to help with a tooth infection. Some essential oils you can use are frankincense oil, thyme oil, clove oil, oregano oil, etc.

You can dab a cotton swab in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, then use a couple of drops of essential oils.

We Are Here for You

The remedies listed above are not meant to be used as alternatives to root canal treatment near you. However, they are best used as complementary treatments to the one our dentist prescribed. If you don’t get a root canal, your tooth will have to be extracted to remove the infection.

In any case, contact us at Cabrera Dental Associates to receive root canal treatment.

Did you know that your jaw movement is supported by ligaments, connective tissues, and muscles? All the associated parts have to function optimally to enjoy jaw motion while yawning, laughing, or eating.

A Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder occurs due to traumatic injury or inflammation of jaw joint nerves and muscles. The joint links your jawbone to your skull, and its damage results in acute pain, severe headache, and facial swelling. Joint dislocation may be life-threatening, and you need to visit emergency TMJ specialists near you.

What’s a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?

A Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a condition of the jaw muscles, connective tissues, and temporomandibular joints associated with chronic facial pain. The disorder inhibits the movement of muscles, bones, and joints leading to severe pain. TMD is classified into three namely:

• Degenerative joint disease, including rheumatoid arthritis in your jaw joint
• Myofascial pain results in painful connective tissues and muscles that aid in jaw, shoulder, and neck functioning.
• Internal derangement of the joint involves the dislocation of your jaw or displaced disk or injury to your jaw bone that articulates with your temporal skull bone.

What’s The Main Cause of TMJ?

Various factors contribute to the development of restrictive and severe TMJ disorder. The following are the causes of TMJ disorders:

Facial or jaw injury

TMJ disorder is associated with traumatic injury to your jaw or face. The severity of your injury may cause TMJ or other problems.

Teeth Clenching

Grinding of teeth usually occurs when you sleep. You subconsciously cause the teeth to grind over each other, leading to stress. Teeth clenching can lead to severe consequences on your jaw and eventually lead to TMJ disorder development.

Stress

Stress is a contributing factor to TMJ disorder. If you have stress, you’re likely to impact your overall wellness and health negatively. Stress causes your muscles to tighten and constrict. The effects of stress on your jaw and facial muscles may cause symptoms associated with TMJ. Stress also contributes to teeth clenching, which leads to TMJ disorders.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that involves pain and inflammation of your joints. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes the cartilage lining the joint to degenerate. Further deterioration causes jaw movement to become difficult, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs when your body’s immune system targets affected joints, leading to swelling and pain. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may cause TMJ disorder.

TMJ Disorders Risk factors

Various factors heighten the risk of you developing TMJ disorders, and they include:

• A traumatic or physical injury on your jaw bone
• Chronic teeth clenching
• Having rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Underlying disease on your jaw connective tissues that affect your temporomandibular joint

TMD Diagnosis

The best TMJ specialist near you utilizes various approaches to diagnosing TMD, including:

• Performing imaging tests through CT scans and MRIs
• Checks on your health history, particularly on the history of the jaw or facial pain when you move your jaws. Your specialist will check for cracking sounds when you open or close your mouth.
• Your specialist may examine your jaw or facial pain physically

TMD Treatment

Our TMJ specialist in Houston will examine various aspects during treatment, including your age, general health, and how the symptoms manifest. We’ll administer the ideal treatment option based on the severity of your condition. Some of the TMJ treatment options revolve around:

• Pain relievers to suppress your pain
• Physical therapy
• Relaxation methods and stress management
• Use an orthopedic appliance or a nightguard to prevent clenching
• Resting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Surgical procedure if your condition is severe
• Dietary changes to ensure jaw muscles don’t undergo stress
• Use of cold packs to alleviate pain

TMD symptoms recur with long-term stress, and Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, TX, can enable you to identify what triggers TMJ disorder symptoms and aids you in managing your disorder. If you are faced with TMJ disorder, several treatments can help. Our team of TMJ specialists in Houston is dedicated to ensuring your inflammation and pain are suppressed. Please don’t hesitate to seek consultation from our experts today!