Author: KkDenntal_aDmEeN

Periodontal or gum disease is a common oral concern among millions. Fortunately, you can treat periodontal disease and reverse it when caught early. Many factors can affect your treatment and recovery when dealing with periodontal treatment.

Diet is one of the critical factors to keep in mind, especially what you should avoid. Read on to learn more about periodontal disease and foods you should avoid during your treatment.

What is Gum or Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the gum tissues. It mainly develops due to bacterial plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. These deposits irritate and infect the gum tissues, causing inflammation and discomfort.

Over time, plaque and tartar can get below the gum line, causing gums to pull away from the teeth (recession), jawbone damage, tooth loss, and more. Routine dental cleanings can help remove bacterial plaque and tartar before they cause gum disease.

You should seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect you might have gum disease. Signs to watch out for include:

• Sore, red, or sensitive gums
• Gum or facial swelling
• Bleeding gums when brushing or eating
• Painful chewing
• Loose or falling teeth
• Bad breath
• Sensitive or painful teeth
• Receding gums
• Teeth looking longer

Our North Brunswick dentist will examine your mouth to determine the damage and then create a personalized gum disease treatment to restore the health of your gums and mouth.

Based on your condition, the dentist can recommend a variety of treatment options, including:

• Excellent brushing and flossing
• Medications
• Routine dental check-ups and cleanings
• Root planing and scaling (deep cleaning)
• Surgical dentistry. These can include laser gum surgery, flap surgery, and bone grafts.

Proper Diet After Gum Treatment

After gum disease treatment, excellent oral habits are essential to prevent new infections or aggravate your symptoms. For instance, if you have invasive treatments like deep cleaning or gum surgery, your gums might feel sore or swollen. That said, what you eat after treatment matters a lot.

In the first week after treatment, it’s essential to eat a soft diet, including:

• Scrambled eggs. They are not only nutritious but are also easy to chew.
• Dairy products like yogurt, milk, ice cream, and butter. These items are easy to consume and excellent sources of essential minerals and vitamins that are good for your gums and teeth.
• Mashed potatoes are rich in nutrients and fill you quickly. They are also soft and easy to eat.
• Mashed bananas have a soft texture, making them easy to eat and swallow. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, which promote faster recovery.
• Avocados are easy to eat and low in carbs. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which help you recover faster.
• Oatmeal is easy to eat, an excellent source of fiber, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, which are vital for quick recovery.
• Salmon is soft to chew and rich in proteins and healthy fats, which aid in wound healing and reduce inflammation. Fish is an excellent diet option after gum treatment.

Foods to Avoid After Gum Treatment

Several foods can damage your gums and affect your recovery in various ways. Foods to avoid after periodontal treatment include:

• Spicy foods and soups. These foodsmay cause increased irritation and pain. Gum disease causes your gums to be more sensitive. Your gums will be more sensitive or sore after treatment.
• Hard, crunchy, and crumbly foods like chips, cookies, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and hard candy can cause abrasions around the treated gums or get lodged in the wound area, disrupting your healing.
• Sticky and chewy foods like peanut butter and candy can stick to the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of plaque development and new infections. Excess chewing can also disturb the gums, aggravating pain and sensitivity.
• Sugary foods and drinks like soda and cookies will encourage bacteria growth in the mouth. Bacteria thrive in sugary environments. Eating sugary items after periodontal treatment can cause new infections or effects the efficiency of your treatment.
• Acidic items like soda and apple cider vinegar can irritate the treated gums, leading to increased pain and swelling.
• Tobacco and alcohol can irritate the treated gums and delay wound healing, increasing your risk of new infections.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in gum disease treatment? Contact KK Dental – North Brunswickfor more information.

While natural teeth can last for a lifetime, sometimes they can get damaged. Cavities, tooth decay, and dental trauma are some of the most common dental problems. Fortunately, restorative dentistry can help repair and save your damaged tooth.

If your tooth is decayed, a root canal treatment may be your last resort to saving it. A tooth becomes decayed when bacteria infect or inflame the tooth’s pulp – the innermost part of the tooth that hosts the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues.

Untreated tooth decay or infection can cause severe complications like tooth loss, jawbone damage, and bite problems, among other complications. Therefore, contact KK Dental Edison or visit an endodontist near you as soon as possible if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe tooth pain
• Pain when biting down or chewing
• Swelling around a painful tooth
• Dental abscess
• Severe sensitivity to cold, hot, or sugary foods and drinks

Our dentist will inspect your tooth to determine whether they can save it with a root canal. Keep reading to learn more about the root canal in Edison and when you should get a crown.

Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is essential to remove the infection, save the tooth, relieve your symptoms, and prevent the infection from spreading. The dentist will numb you to keep you relaxed and pain-free.

The dentist drills through the tooth to access the infected pulp for a traditional root canal procedure. The dentist will remove the decayed or diseased tissues from the tooth using small endodontic files. The tooth is then cleaned, rinsed, disinfected, and sealed to prevent reinfection.

Since root canal treatment entails removing a significant part of the tooth, the tooth is significantly weakened, making it vulnerable to fractures. Therefore, a permanent filling or crown is necessary to strengthen the tooth and restore its bite function. It also protects it against further damage and infections.

When to Place a Dental Crown After a Root Canal

A crown is a tooth-shaped dental device placed over the treated tooth. Since it covers the entire visible structure of the tooth, it improves the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and sometimes color. They are essential when treating the back teeth since they require significant chewing forces.

When placing a crown after a root canal, you should get it done as soon as possible. Most dentists recommend getting a crown 14 – 30 days after root canal therapy.

A crown can contain various materials, including porcelain, zirconia, gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and composite. Tooth-colored crowns like porcelain and zirconia can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.

What if I Don’t Get a Crown After a Root Canal?

Unfortunately, not getting a permanent crown on time or entirely comes with potential risks, including:

• Reinfection: Without a permanent filling or crown, there’s a higher risk of bacteria re-inter the tooth through the seal, causing further decay and causing the need for a second root canal treatment.
• Further fractures: Since a root canal involves removing the tooth’s pulp, the tooth loses its strength and bite function significantly. It’s more vulnerable to cracking, chipping, or breaking when exposed to great chewing forces. Eventually, tooth extraction may be unavoidable.
• Tooth discoloration: Severe tooth decay causes the tooth to look dull or discolored. Placing a tooth-colored crown after a root canal will restore the tooth’s appearance and give you a uniform smile. Contact our dentist for cosmetic dentistry near you.
• Damage to the temporary crown or filling: Immediately after a root canal, the dentist can place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth as you wait for the permanent crown. Waiting longer can cause the temporary crown to fall off or get damaged, exposing the tooth to further infections and damage. You may need a second root canal to remove the new infections.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you experiencing severe tooth pain or swelling around a painful tooth? Your tooth might be infected. Visit our dental office in Edison, NJ, for a root canal treatment.

Missing teeth can have devastating effects.  For instance, eating certain foods like pizza and steak can make it difficult, leading to malnutrition and ingestion problems. Tooth gaps can also make you feel embarrassed about your smile, affect your speech, and make you look older.

That’s why it’s always best to replace lost teeth as soon as possible. It will improve oral health, speech, bite function, and restore your beautiful smile. Dental implants provide the most stable and long-term solution if you’re considering tooth-replacing treatments, allowing you to smile confidently and eat your favorite foods normally.

After getting dental implants, you might wonder whether it’s okay to go back to eating your favorite foods immediately after the appointment. This guide highlights the foods you should and shouldn’t eat after implant placement.

Can I eat pizza after implant surgery?

After your implant surgery, our Somerset dentist will advise you to wait for some time before indulging in hard or chewy foods. Since placing dental implants requires surgical intervention, the surgical site is prone to infections, pain, bleeding, and swelling. Eating chewy or hard foods can disturb the area, causing these complications and increasing the risk of implant failure. Therefore, it’s highly essential to avoid any activities that can disturb the implant site. It helps you heal better and quicker.

Eating after dental implant surgery.

First, you should wait at least 1 hour after the procedure to remove the gauze from the implant site before eating. The gauze helps minimize bleeding after the surgery. Similarly, you should wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating. Eating when you’re numb increases your risk of burning or hurting yourself, especially around the implant site.

Foods to Eat

In the first 24-48 hours, stick to cool foods and beverages. When drinking, restrain from using straws or any kind of suction. Depending on your condition, the surgeon can recommend remaining on a soft diet for the next few weeks to let the implant heal properly.

During this healing phase, stick to soft foods that require no to minimal chewing. These can include

• scrambled eggs
• Soups
• Soft vegetables
• Fish
• Ground beef meals
• Mashed potatoes
• Bananas
• Oats
• Yogurt, protein shakes, cheese, and smoothies (do not use a straw)
• Water

Foods Not to Eat

During the healing phase, completely avoid the following foods:

• Hard and crunchy foods like hard candies, nuts, raw carrots, seeds, pizza, potato chips, and taco shells
• Acidic food items like apple cider vinegar, tomatoes, soda, and citrus fruits
• Sticky and chewy items like gum and caramels
• Hot and spicy foods and drinks like soups, coffee, tea, and peppers

Once the implant site has healed, you can re-introduce your regular diet. However, follow your surgeon’s diet guidelines strictly to avoid complications.

Dental Implants Aftercare Instructions

Apart from sticking to a soft diet, keep in mind the following aftercare instructions to prevent complications and promote faster healing:

• Take medication as prescribed. After surgery, you might experience minor side effects such as pain and swelling. The surgeon will likely prescribe medications to manage these symptoms and prevent infections, helping you heal faster.
• Wear the gauze for at least 1 hour. Following implant surgery, you might experience minor bleeding. Keep the gauze pad in place until the bleeding stops.
• Use ice packs. Placing ice packs on the cheek against the implant site can help alleviate pain and swelling. Use the ice pack for 15 minutes a couple of times.
• Oral hygiene. Follow the surgeon’s instructions when you can resume your regular hygiene routine.

When to call your surgeon

While rare, complications after implant surgery are possible. Visit our dental office or notify the surgeon immediately if you experience the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Severe pain
• Persistent or worsening swelling
• Fever and bad breath

Conclusion

While dental implants will restore your bite function and allow you to eat normally, you have to wait for some time to enable the placement to heal before eating pizza and other favorite foods of yours. For more information about dental implants in Somerset, NJ, contact KK Dental – Somerset.

Sports injuries and teeth grinding are common reasons for tooth damage, such as chips, cracks, and breaks. If you’re active in contact sports like hockey, football, and basketball, your risk of getting a blow to the face or jaw is extremely high. Wearing a mouth guard during the game cushions you against oral injuries. A mouth guard is also essential to prevent tooth damage and other harmful effects of teeth grinding. Our dentist in North Brunswick, NJ, can also recommend a mouth guard to manage other oral conditions like snoring and MTD.

Since the mouth guard is worn over the mouth, excellent oral hygiene is critical. Usually, your mouth contains harmful bacteria. Not cleaning your mouth guard after every use causes bacterial plaque to build up on your mouth guard, potentially leading to bad breath, tooth decay, oral thrush, and gum disease. If you’re wondering how to clean your mouthguard, this guide should help.

Cleaning your Mouth Guard at Home

Fortunately, cleaning your mouth should be straightforward. Usually, you don’t need any special and expensive dental tools or products. Below are common steps that you can use:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s best not to use your regular toothbrush to prevent cross-contamination of oral bacteria. Hard brushes can also damage your mouthguard.
• Rinse your mouthguard in cool water
• Smear a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste on the brush. You can also use alternative cleaning products such as mild alcohol-free soap, cleanser solution, mouthwash, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar. Consult your dentist for a quality cleaner for your mouthguard. That way, there’s less risk of using abrasive products that can damage your mouthguard.
• Gently brush the mouthguard, both on the interior and exterior.
• Rinse the mouthguard thoroughly with cool water to remove the toothpaste or suds.
• Allow the mouthguard to dry.
• Place the mouthguard in its case when not in use.

Can you clean a mouthguard with chemicals?

While your mouthguard contains artificial materials, it can be damaged when exposed to abrasive products or chemicals regularly, reducing its efficiency and longevity. Therefore, if you must use an OTC denture cleaner, ensure it’s non-abrasive and follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly. It’s also worth noting that certain chemical cleansers contain artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances and thus might not be the best choice.

Soaking your mouthguard

Once in a while, it’s essential to soak your mouthguard to eliminate hard and stubborn plaque and bacteria trapped on it. Be sure to clean your mouthguard first before soaking. Most cleaners require the following steps:

• Put warm water in a clean glass or bowl.
• Add the cleanser. It can be in liquid, powder, or tablet form.
• Gently put the mouthguard in the solution.
• Allow it to soak for 10 – 15 minutes according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Allow the mouthguard to dry.
• Place it in its case.

Caring for your mouthguard

In addition to cleaning your mouthguard, use these tips to care for and keep it clean:

• Allow the mouthguard to dry completely before storing to limit bacterial build-up.
• Store the guard in a clean, dry, and well-vented container.
• Avoid cleaning the guard using hot water or exposing it to high temperatures or sunlight.
• Keep the guard away from children and pets.
• Hold the guard carefully when cleaning it. You can clean it with a towel.
• Brush and floss your mouth before and after wearing the mouthguard.
• Do not share the mouthguard.
• Avoid chewing gum or food with the mouthguard.
• Take your mouthguard to the dentist during routine dental visits.

When to replace your mouthguard

Over time, your mouthguard can wear down or get damaged. It makes it in-efficient to protect you adequately in case of sports injuries and regular teeth grinding. Generally, a sports mouthguard should be replaced every six months or at the end of the sports season. A night guard for bruxism has an average lifespan of 1-5 years. Your dentist will check the condition of your mouthguard during routine dental checkups to determine whether you need a replacement. Visit our dental office if your mouthguard is damaged or worn-out.

Schedule an appointment today

Do you need a custom mouthguard? Contact KK Dental –North Brunswick to speak with our dentist in North Brunswick.

Your oral health plays a crucial role in your nutrition and overall health. Good oral hygiene habits are the best way to keep your smile healthy and fully functional. These habits can involve brushing and flossing daily and routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Regarding keeping your mouth clean at home, below are some essential oral products in your bathroom.

• Toothbrush

A toothbrush is perhaps one of the most common and essential oral tools in everyone’s bathroom. Your defense against bacterial plaque and tartar helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Most dental experts recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s gentle to your teeth and gums. While some might consider them highly-priced, electric toothbrushes tend to be more thorough than the average toothbrush.

Be sure to avoid hard-bristled and large-headed toothbrushes. A large-headed toothbrush might make it difficult to clean your back teeth, increasing your risk of developing cavities. Similarly, a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel and irritate the gums, causing tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice daily, and replace the brush after three months or as soon as you notice any wear and tear.

• Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another common product in the bathroom. Most of us are overwhelmed about which toothpaste to buy based on the brands, flavors, and features. As a rule of thumb, you should always go for fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is essential to remineralize and strengthen the teeth and protect them from cavities. It can also help reduce teeth sensitivity. Avoid fluoridated toothpaste for children below three years. Suppose your teeth have turned dull, and you want to whiten them. In that case, you can go for toothpaste with whitening ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, hydrated aluminum oxides, and magnesium carbonate.

• Dental floss

Dental floss is another must-have dental product for good oral hygiene. While some people don’t find it necessary, flossing at least once daily helps to remove debris trapped between teeth that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. It helps to prevent the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You can choose a standard dental, electric, or floss pick.

• Mouthwash

Unfortunately, most people don’t see the value of mouthwash. According to the ADA, mouthwash has numerous benefits that help to keep your mouth clean and disease-free. For instance, mouthwashes can help freshen your breath, reduce sensitivity, fight cavities and decay, whiten teeth, and reduce bacterial plaque. You can consult your dentist about the right mouthwashes based on oral needs. Please note that mouthwashes shouldn’t be an alternative to brushing and flossing. It’s simply a great addition to keep your smile healthy.

• Storage

Storing your oral products in a clean, dry, cool, and vented container is essential to reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination. For instance, you should keep your toothbrush away from the toilet.

Important oral hygiene tips

Along with the oral products we’ve discussed above, use the tips below to promote a healthy and beautiful smile:

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue twice daily. Brush for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss at least once daily
• Visit our dental office in Edison for routine dental cleanings and checkups.
• Eat healthy foods rich in essential minerals and vitamins.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Seek prompt treatment for existing oral problems.
• Get regular fluoride treatments.
• Avoid or limit sugary, acidic, chewy, and hard foods and drinks. They can cause tooth damage, leading to decay and tooth loss.
• Avoid or limit highly pigmented food items to avoid staining teeth.
• Avoid tobacco products. Smoking increases your risk of oral concerns like gum disease and certain oral cancer.

Schedule an appointment today

Do you need more information about caring for your teeth? Or perhaps you want to schedule your next dental checkup or cleaning? Contact KK Dental Edison to speak with our dental hygienist and dentist in Edison.

Dental trauma, tooth decay, bruxism, and natural aging are the key factors behind tooth damage. Whether your tooth is decayed, chipped, fractured, discolored, or broken, dental treatment is essential to repair the damage and save your tooth. If not treated promptly, the damage will likely progress, eventually leading to tooth loss and other long-term consequences.

A dental crown may be your best remedy if your tooth has sustained significant damage. Unlike alternative treatments, a dental crown covers the entire visible structure, making it extremely versatile for correcting an array of dental flaws.

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap-shaped dental restoration that mimics a natural tooth’s shape, size, and color (sometimes). The crown is cemented over a damaged tooth, significantly improving its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental Crown Procedure

To place a dental crown, our Somerset dentist will begin by shaving a part of the tooth’s enamel. Next, impressions of the shaved tooth and other teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab where they make the custom crown. In the meantime, you’ll use a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.

Once the custom-made crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and test the customized one. If the crown is a perfect fit, the dentist will permanently install it over the damaged tooth. For Same-day CEREC crowns, the crown is made and installed on the same appointment.

How to Care for your Dental Crown

Below are essential tips for preserving your crown.

• Brush and floss daily.

While the dental crown won’t develop decay like a natural tooth, the tooth underneath it can still get infected. Therefore, good daily oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup. These deposits can cause decay on the underlying tooth and other teeth.

Brushing and flossing are essential to protect the natural tooth under the crown and the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone from infections. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive oral products, as they can cause the crown to wear out much faster.

• Avoid hard or sticky foods.

While crowns are strong and durable, they aren’t exempt from damage. Chewing on sticky, hard food items like ice can cause the crown to chip, crack, break, wear out, or dislodge. These damages will cause the need to replace the crown earlier than expected.

Chewy or sticky food items can also get trapped between teeth and around the crown, encouraging bacterial plaque, which can cause decay and cavities in the tooth under the crown.

• Avoid highly pigmented items.

Another key benefit of a dental crown is that it resists stains better than your natural teeth. Due to its non-porous nature, a crown will preserve its bright appearance for many years.

However, its non-porous nature also means it won’t respond to teeth whitening like your natural teeth. That said, avoid or limit staining food items like coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauces, and dark candies. Also, be sure to avoid tobacco products.

• Avoid damaging habits.

Bad oral habits that can damage your natural tooth can also damage your crown. To care for your crown, refrain from damaging habits such as chewing pens or using your teeth to open cans or cut nails.

• Avoid or limit sugary items.

Limiting sugary items is good for your crowned tooth, natural teeth, gums, and overall health. Sugary and starchy foods and beverages encourage the harmful bacteria in the mouth to grow and multiply, increasing the risk of decay in the crowned tooth and other teeth. If you must take these items, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth to wash away any leftover particles.

• Wear a mouthguard.

Sports accidents and bruxism are common causes of dental damage. To protect your crown and remaining teeth, consult your dentist about a customized mouth guard for contact sports and tooth bruxism.

• Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.

Regular dental assessments will help eliminate bacterial plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of decay under the crown. The dentist also gets a chance to check your crown for damage or problems. A damaged or ill-fitting crown exposes the crowned tooth to bacteria that cause decay.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about dental crowns and cosmetic dentistry in Somerset, contact KK Dental – Somerset to begin your treatment today.

A dentist will always do anything to save your natural tooth. Tooth extraction involves removing a natural tooth from the roots. In most cases, tooth extraction is performed to remove baby teeth, a severely damaged or decayed tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth, or eliminate overcrowding.

While tooth extraction is a standard procedure, many patients still have significant anxiety and fear. Pain is perhaps the greatest concern when it comes to tooth extractions. If you’ve scheduled a tooth extraction, this article will help you prepare better to minimize discomfort and other symptoms and help you recover faster.

What to Expect During the extraction

A general dentist or oral surgeon can perform tooth extraction procedures. Thanks to sedation, you will be numbed to keep you pain-free throughout the procedure. The dentist will inject an anesthetic into the gums near the tooth extraction. You might need general anesthesia if you have a surgical extraction.

Depending on your tooth’s condition, you can have a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is used when a tooth is visible and accessible above the gum line. A surgical extraction is needed if a tooth is trapped in the gums or bone.

How to Make Tooth Extractions Less Painful

After the tooth extraction, it will take a while for the anesthesia to wear off. Once it does, it’s normal to experience minor discomfort and swelling. Use the tips below to manage pain and other symptoms better and recover quickly:

• Take Painkillers

After the extraction, your dentist or surgeon will likely prescribe medication to manage the pain. You can also be given antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to control swelling and prevent infections. It helps you heal better and faster.

Take the medication as prescribed. If you don’t have a prescription, consult your dentist about the over-the-counter medicines you can take. Contact our dentist in New Brunswick, NJ, or visit a dental office near you if your symptoms worsen or persist beyond normal.

• Cold therapy

Cold therapy is an excellent remedy to manage pain and swelling within the first 24 hours after the extraction. Cold therapy provides a natural numbing effect, helping to reduce pain and swelling. For this, consider placing an ice pack on the side of the face against the area of extraction. Do this in 15-minute intervals for 1 – 2 hours.

• Bite on the gauze pad

Minor bleeding after tooth extraction can be expected. The dentist will place a gauze pad on the gauze and ask you to bite. You should leave the gauze in place until the bleeding stops. You should change the gauze if necessary. The gauze promotes clot formation, which is necessary for the bleeding to stop. Not allowing the clot to form increases the risk of infection or dry socket, which can be uncomfortable.

• Rest adequately

While a tooth extraction might seem like a minor procedure, you still need to get enough rest to allow the extraction area to heal. Strenuous activities like lifting can cause significant pressure on the extraction site, increasing your discomfort and causing further bleeding. When resting, keep your head elevated to allow blood flow from the extraction area and facilitate faster healing.

• Eat a soft diet

After tooth extraction, the extraction area might be sensitive or sore for a few hours. To avoid disturbing the extraction area, take soft foods and beverages like water, yogurt, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and soup to avoid disturbing the extraction areas.

What Not to Do

• In the first 24 – 48 hours, avoid sucking, spitting, rinsing, or using a straw.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, and spicy foods.
• Avoid touching the surgical site with your finger or tongue.
• For the next 48 hours, do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need a tooth extraction in North Brunswick? Contact KK Dental – North Brunswick to book your appointment today.

Are you experiencing persistent throbbing tooth pain? If so, you might have tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when your tooth’s enamel gets damaged, exposing the tooth’s internal structure, like the pulp. It can occur due to poor dental hygiene, dental trauma, and attacks from acids. When not treated promptly, bacteria can attack the tooth’s pulp, infecting the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves and causing decay.

If your tooth is infected, the dentist might recommend root canal therapy to remove decay and prevent further damage. Like most people, you might be anxious about what to expect during and after the procedure. A root canal procedure sounds intimidating and painful. However, that’s not the case. Keep reading to learn more.

What is a root canal treatment?

When a tooth is infected, bacteria continue to infect and eat away more of its structure, significantly weakening it. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss. The infection can also spread to the surrounding teeth, gums, jawbone, and other connective tissues, causing further complications. Fortunately, a root canal can prevent all that from happening.

A root canal is an endodontic procedure for removing an infected tooth’s pulp. Removing the infected pulp eliminates the infection and saves the remaining part of the tooth.

You might qualify for a root canal treatment if you have the following symptoms:

• Persistent toothache
• Unexplainable bad breath
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Pain when chewing or brushing
• Dental abscess
• Swelling of lymph nodes, neck, or face
• Pain accompanied by fever

Once you visit a dental office near you, they will review your tooth’s condition to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a root canal. The exam will include x-rays to determine how much of the tooth is damaged. The dentist might recommend tooth extraction if the tooth lacks enough structure to support a restoration.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

The dentist will begin by administering sedation to numb the area around the infected tooth. Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to access the infected pulp. They remove the decayed and infected parts of the tooth.

The tooth is cleaned, rinsed, disinfected, and dried. After removing the infected pulp, the dentist fills the space. A temporary filling or crown protects the tooth during healing. A permanent filling and crown can be placed after healing.

Since a root canal involves removing a part of the tooth, the tooth is significantly weakened and susceptible to damage and further decay. A permanent restoration is essential to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. Our dentist in Edison will help you choose a material for your permanent filling or crown.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

On average, it only takes a few days to recover from a root canal. Immediately after the procedure, the anesthetic will wear off, and you might experience minor side effects like swelling and discomfort. Fortunately, these symptoms will fade away in a few days. Your dentist will give you aftercare tips to manage the symptoms and promote faster recovery.

These can include:

• Take medication as directed by the dentist. Consult the dentist if you need to take unprescribed medications.
• Take a soft food diet for the next 24 – 48 hours. Avoid hard, chewy, and crunchy food items. Don’t chew on the side of the treated area until a permanent filling or crown is placed.
• Use an ice pack on the face outside the treated area.
• Limit consumption of acidic and spicy foods to avoid irritating the treated area.
• Limit sugary foods as they can encourage further bacterial infections.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush gently around the treated area.

Notify your dentist if something feels wrong or the temporary restoration comes out. Contact our endodontist near you if you experience severe or persistent symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in a root canal in Edison? Contact KK Dental Edison to book your appointment.

What Is a Crown?

It is a dental appliance that repairs and restores damaged teeth. Somerset dentists use dental crowns to restore severely compromised tooth structures. The crowns mimic natural teeth, embracing a tooth-like shape. Porcelain is the most celebrated type of dental crown in dentistry.

Porcelain dental crowns are both tooth-shaped and tooth-colored, giving you a natural-looking result. However, you can also consider porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that feature metallic and non-metallic components.

When Are Dental Crowns Necessary in Dentistry?

Dentists at KK Dental – Somerset can recommend dental crowns for your treatment under the following circumstances:

• Fixing a cracked or broken tooth – a dental crown can repair a severely fractured tooth to restore its function and aesthetics.
• Completing a root canal procedure – sometimes, dentists recommend placing dental crowns over teeth after the endodontic procedure. The dental crown offers extra protection to the treated tooth while strengthening it for optimal functionality.
• Holding a sizeable dental filling – if you undergo a restorative treatment with dental fillings, you may need a dental crown to hold your tooth structure. A big tooth filling can weaken the remaining natural tooth unless reinforced with a dental crown.
• Crowning a tooth after implantation surgery – dental implants in Somerset are permanent solutions for replacing teeth. However, after replacing the tooth root, the false tooth will not be functional unless it is crowned. Dental crowns are the most popular appliances for completing implantation procedures.

Getting Dental Crowns with Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common oral disease that has many consequences. Delayed treatment allows the infection to spread and advance, causing permanent complications like tooth loss. Therefore, when you realize you have gum disease, contact a dentist near you for treatment options like gum surgery in Somerset. Some indicators that you need urgent gum treatment are:

• Bleeding gums
• Sore, swollen, and tender gums
• Reddened gums and mouth sores that do not heal
• Persistent bad breath – also called halitosis
• Spaces between teeth
• Black triangles at the base of teeth
• Exposed tooth roots
• Receding gums – when your gums begin to pull away from your teeth.
• Shaky teeth
• Tooth loss

Although dental crowns can correct many dental flaws, they are not the ideal treatment for gum disease. Porcelain crowns will not stop your gums from receding or the infection from spreading. Therefore, when you visit your dentist, the first order of business will be to treat the underlying infection. Besides, your qualification for dental crowns largely depends on the stage of gum disease. Advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, automatically disqualifies you from getting dental crowns. However, if you are at an early stage of gum infection, you can receive treatment for your gums and still get dental crowns.

Alternative Treatments for Gum Disease

Only a comprehensive dental exam can help determine whether you are suitable for dental crowns when you visit your dentist. Patients with a mild infection can get dental crowns and proceed with different treatment protocols for gum disease like dental cleanings and prescribed antibiotics. However, severe gum infections merit different treatments, including the following:

• Gum surgery – gum grafts can repair and rebuild damaged soft tissue to restore your gums’ health.
• Root planing and scaling – are procedures for cleaning the base of your teeth to smoothen the roots. The procedures also entail scraping plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces to rid your teeth of bacterial infections.
• Dental implants – to replace your loose teeth that can fall off soon. Instead of dental crowns, invest in a long-term solution for your oral health.
• Bone grafting surgery – to restore damaged bone tissue. Besides, your jawbone’s health is crucial if you want to undergo an implantation procedure to replace your teeth.

Summary

Ultimately, prioritize your oral health above your smile’s aesthetics. Once your dentist ensures that your teeth and gums are in a great state, you can consider other treatment protocols to improve your smile’s appearance.

Bone grafting is a dental procedure that restores the jawbone. When you think about oral health, you hardly consider the jaw’s health, even though it is a vital part of the oral cavity. Most dental procedures revolve around teeth health. However, caring for your jawbone’s health is crucial, especially if you want to have teeth throughout your life.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

It is a foreign bone tissue that a dentist in New Brunswick, NJ, places in your jawbone to repair and rebuild your natural bone when it is weak. Ideally, the jawbone can remain healthy as long as you have teeth in your mouth. Some factors that threaten bone health in your oral cavity are:

• Tooth loss – leaves the jawbone inactive, prompting the body to absorb the bone tissue gradually.
• Trauma – dental trauma can cause fractures and other damage to your jawbone.
• Infection – gum infections do not just hurt your gum tissue. If you delay seeking treatment from a dental office near you, the infection spreads to your bone tissue, weakening it.

Where Do Bone Grafts Come from?

For bone grafting in North Brunswick to be successful, a dentist must obtain a sizeable amount of healthy bone tissue, usually in the form of a granulated powder. Surgical dentists can obtain bone grafts from different sources, including the following:

• A part of your body
• Human donor
• A synthetic source

The Process of Bone Grafting

At KK Dental – North Brunswick, bone grafting procedures are particular for patients interested in replacing their teeth with dental implants. The process entails placing the granulated powder of the bone graft directly on the tooth socket at the location of tooth loss. Afterward, the dentist will put in sutures that will close the socket and allow the healing process to begin.

How Long Does It Take for Bone Grafts to Dissolve?

It takes about 3-6 months for a bone graft to dissolve once it is in your jawbone. Dissolving means that the jawbone matures and integrates with the other bone tissues to become your bone. During this period, you must be careful about what you eat and how you care for your mouth.

Post-Operative Instructions for Quick and Smooth Recovery

Before you leave the dental office, your dentist will provide several instructions that will benefit your recovery period. They include:

• Avoid chewing directly in this area – chew on the other side of the mouth, especially during the first two weeks of recovery.
• Eat soft foods only – the first week is especially crucial.
• Take your pain medication – the dentist will prescribe a large dosage to help manage your pain and inflammation after surgery.
• Brush very carefully – focus on the adjacent teeth to ensure they don’t harbor bacteria that could cause an infection. It is best to start brushing the next day after your procedure. However, you are better off changing to a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrasion and excessive force on the grafted site.
• Use ice – cold compressing will alleviate swelling and pain for the first 48 hours post-surgery.

Can A Bone Graft Fail?

Unfortunately, not all bone grafting procedures are successful. A lot of it has to do with patients neglecting recommended after-care measures for their recovery period. Some of the indicators of a failed or failing bone graft are:

• Severe dental pain after one week of recovery – discomfort is normal during the first 3-7 days post-surgery. Anything more than that is worth reporting to your surgical dentist.
• Tooth sensitivity – if your adjacent teeth are overly sensitive after surgery, call your dentist immediately.
• Discharge of the wound
• Gum inflammation – carries other symptoms such as red, puffy, and bleeding gums. While you should anticipate some swelling and soreness during the first week of recovery, it should improve with time.
• Receding gums – your gums should look and feel fuller and thicker after surgery. Gum shrinking and thinning are indicators that your bone graft has failed.