Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth without Compromising the Adjacent Teeth

Tooth loss is a common occurrence worldwide and in America. Replacement solutions for missing teeth are undoubtedly available with dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Among the three dental implants are the only replacement solution that doesn’t compromise the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth or teeth. It is because dental implants are standalone restorations inserted deep within your jawbone to function as artificial tooth roots.

Suppose you have a problem with one of several missing teeth. In that case, you can contact the dentist in Houston, TX, confident that the professional will recommend dental implants as suitable replacement options after assessing your physical and oral health. If you are not affected by any other health issues and have sufficient jawbone in the mouth, the dentist prepares a treatment plan for you to have implants placements from dental implants near me.

Is Getting Dental Implants a Painful Procedure?

Dental implants in Houston, TX, perform the surgery under local anesthesia, ensuring that you feel no pain during the operation. You will experience some discomfort from the procedure after the anesthesia wears off. However, the discomfort is a natural occurrence of any surgery and varies with every patient. Houston’s dentist recommends painkillers to overcome the pain besides advising you to use ice packs on your cheeks to prevent swelling. If you have undergone bone grafting before dental implant placement, you may require more robust prescription painkillers. Besides painkillers, dentists also recommend antibiotics and oral rinses to support the area’s healing for the next few weeks after implant placement.

Dental Implants Support Each Replacement Tooth without Compromising Adjacent Teeth

If you prefer to have partial dentures to replace the missing or teeth, the dental appliance is fixed into your mouth’s using your adjacent teeth for support. Dentures have a metal framework or clasps that are set at the back of the neighboring teeth. Dental bridges also require help from the neighboring teeth, filed down to accommodate the dental crowns holding the dental bridge in place.

On the other hand, dental implants are standalone insertions in your jawbone, requiring no support from your neighboring teeth. After insertion of the dental implant, the post is allowed to integrate with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, wherein your bone fuses with the implanted tooth. Dental implants near Houston, TX, create a customized dental crown specifically for you after healing of the implant placement is completed. The customized dental crown sits over the implanted post to give you the natural-looking artificial tooth you desired.

Why Are Dental Implants Considered As the Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Among various tooth will present solutions, dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. It is because dental implants near 77075 places them into the jawbone, allowing them to fuse with the bone for six to nine months. Dental implants act as replacements for the missing tooth coming closest to mimicking a natural tooth. No other tooth replacement solution provides similar features or qualities to dental implants.

Biocompatible titanium is the metal used to make dental implants that allow them to integrate with the body without being considered a foreign object. It is why the success rates of dental implant placements are nearing 98 percent. You undoubtedly can consider other solutions also available from dentists. However, if you want a stable replacement solution lasting for a lifetime, no other replacement solution can match the durability of dental implants as they last for a lifetime with proper dental hygiene.

When you consider having dental implants as teeth replacements, you invest in a durable solution providing natural-looking artificial teeth without compromising the neighboring teeth next to the gaps in your mouth. All that is required from you is proper care of the dental implants and visits to the Houston dentist for six-monthly cleanings and exams. Besides the minor requirement, you can continue enjoying your artificial teeth using them to eat the foods you love, speak, and smile before everyone confidently because no one will notice the implanted post and will only view the customized crown visible when you smile. Dental implants also prevent bone resorption, a common occurrence with other teeth replacement solutions that sit on your gums instead of in your jawbone.

You benefit in many ways when you decide to have dental implants surgically inserted into your jawbone. Besides providing you natural-looking artificial teeth, dental implants also help your overall and oral health, making it comfortable for you to enjoy life as you did before losing your teeth.

What to expect during teeth cleaning and why you should not shy away from it

Teeth cleaning are important and that is why you brush your teeth every morning and before you go to bed. However, there are the teeth cleaning done by a dentist, which is even more important because it means that your regular at home cleaning is not good enough. Oral hygiene is important because food debris especially those that are hidden beyond the reach of the ordinary brush are the source of many diseases including tooth decay and gum diseases. In addition, the stain that cannot be corrected from the regular brushing are the ones that deny you the perfect smile that comes with sparkling bright teeth.

Nevertheless, people fear a dentist appointment for cleaning. Is there a reason to fear these appointments? The only way to know is by knowing the procedure and the process through which one is taken through during the procedure. Here is what you should expect for the visit and why you should not fear the regular dentists cleaning and keep up with your scheduled.

You take a physical exam

The first stage of the procedure is taking a physical examination. A dental hygienist who specialized in ensuring that your teeth are clean does most of the teeth cleaning. The first stage of the process is an assessment of the mouths physical condition. Using a small mirror, the dental hygienist will look around your mouth in search of signs of inflamed gums or any other issues that maybe of concern. If there are issues, then the hygienist will inform the dentist for further observation and possible treatment.

Removable of plaque and tartar

The dental hygienist will then proceed to the plaque and tartar removal. The process involves using a mirror and scaler to scrap off the plaque and the tartar that may be around the areas of the gum in the teeth and between the teeth. The hygienist may focus on a particular spot for longer if there are more of these unwanted things. Although regular brushing and flossing prevents the clogging of these tartars, once they are clogged a dental hygienist can only remove them.

Gritty toothpaste cleaning

Once the teeth are rid of the plaque and tartar, the hygienist will brush your teeth for you using a powerful electric brush. This is where the grinding noise comes from. The process is painless and safe. It also does a good work in removing any plaque and tartar that might have been missed. This form of cleaning is recommended to be done twice a day using the electric toothbrush and the toothpaste.

Expert flossing and rinsing

The hygienist will do the flossing for you as well as the rinsing. A professional does this procedure. Expect the flossing to be thorough and more intense compared to the flossing that you do at home. The rinsing will remove any debris that would have remained.

Fluoride treatment

Once all this are done, then the last stage of the process begins which is fluoride treatment. The treatment is employed as a protectant of the teeth and prevents cavities. This protection lasts for several months and ensures that the teeth remain in the right condition over the next several months. It is a foamy gel that comes in various flavors and it is left on your teeth for one minute after application. The fluoride varnish will also be applied on the teeth using a small brush.

The process of cleaning teeth is painless at all levels. It is not invasive even as it is very important. Having your regular teeth cleaning is not an option but mandatory.

Where to get your teeth cleaned

If you are in Houston Texas, then you can have your Teeth Cleaning in Houston, TX because there are various places where by you can get professional and quality Teeth Cleaning in Houston, TX. All you need to do is search for Teeth Cleaning near me or Teeth Cleaning 77075 and you will find Teeth Cleaning in Houston that you need. You will get the teeth cleaning near me that is easily accessible and the services are of the right quality. You should not be afraid of Teeth Cleaning in Houston because the process is painless even as it is very necessary.

Restoring Your Missing Teeth Using Dental Implants

Do you experience pain while eating due to a severely decayed tooth? Severely damaged, missing, or misshapen teeth can be daunting and can hinder your usual dental functionalities. Tooth decay can lead to further complications and adversely affect your overall health. Various therapeutic dental procedures can address your issues. Undergoing placement of dental implants in Houston, TX, is an ideal option for you.

Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants are permanently affixed to your tooth to replace your missing tooth roots. A dental implant procedure is a suitable alternative if you lack one or multiple teeth. It’s also a viable option if you can’t wear dentures or bridgework.

The dental implant procedure is performed based on the implant type and your jawbone condition. Placement on Dental implants near you may require additional procedures if you have underlying oral issues. Implants reinforce your artificial tooth and stimulate bone growth.  Your specialist will examine your condition and determine the ideal option for your treatment. It would be best to undergo dental implant procedure placement and restore your dental structure.

Are Dental Implants Suitable For You?

Undergoing dental implant placement near you is a suitable therapeutic procedure in ensuring your gum tissues remain healthy and your tooth functionalities are restored. If you have gum disease or a decayed tooth, additional treatment may be useful before the implant placement. Various conditions may exempt you from having dental implants. Your specialist may not recommend you to undergo the procedure if you smoke, have undergone jaw radiotherapy, or have diabetes. The following dental aspects may compel you to have a dental implant procedure:

  • Multiple missing teeth
  • Adequate bone to support bone grafting or an implant
  • Healthy oral tissues
  • Full-grown jawbone
  • Inability to wear dentures
  • If you have no underlying oral issues that may affect bone healing

Placement of Dental Implants in Houston, TX

At Cabrera Dental Associates, we perform a specialized dental implant procedure. Our specialists examine your jawbone structure and determine whether the treatment option suits you. Outlined below is our procedural approach for your implant placement process:

Initial Consultation

During your initial appointment, our specialist examines your mouth tissues through diagnostic tests. The health of your jaw bone is checked to determine whether it has adequate mass to support an implant. You’ll get more insight through the appointment and decide whether the procedure is viable for your treatment.

Preparation

Once you decide to take the procedure, your specialist will prepare your mouth for the implant placement. Your broken or the severely decayed tooth will be extracted to create room for an implant. If your jaw bone has deteriorated, a dental bone graft is performed.

Placement of Your Implant

A local anesthetic is utilized to numb your affected area and alleviate discomfort during the procedure. An incision is done on your gum tissue, and the implant is placed. The healing process can take up to six months to ensure your implant permanently fuse with the bone.  Your specialist may recommend you to wear dentures until your tissues are fully healed.

Fitting of an Artificial Tooth

An artificial tooth is custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth. The artificial tooth is supported by a titanium rod that’s surgically affixed to your jawbone. Your tooth functionalities are restored, and you regain your appealing smile.

Risks Associated With Dental Implants

The dental implant procedure involves oral surgery, and it poses potential health risks. You are likely to be faced by the following risks:

  • Damage or injury on the surrounding structures or tissues, including blood vessels and adjacent teeth
  • Oral infection at the implant site
  • Nerve damage leading to numbness, tingling sensation, and pain on your gums lips or natural tooth
  • Sinus problems where your dental implants protrude into your sinus cavity

It’s crucial to seek help from your specialist if you experience the above issues to prevent severe dental complications that may lead you to extensive dental procedures. Periodic visits to your dentist are vital in examining your oral tissues and treating underlying issues.

Dental implants are sturdy and long-lasting. They provide you with a massive boost in restoring your dental stability. It will be ideal to consider dental implants if you have missing permanent teeth. Please make an appointment with our specialist for the placement of dental implants in Houston today!

How Do Fluoride Treatments Protect Our Oral Health?

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.

Everything You Need To Know About Gum Contouring

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.

Why Dentists Recommend Teeth Cleaning Every Six Months or One Year

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.

Important Information About Dentures You Should Know

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.

Everything You Want to Know about Tooth Extractions

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.

Tooth Extractions FAQS

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.

Children Dentistry: What to Know

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.