Tooth Extractions: What They Are, Why They Are Performed, and Aftercare Tips

Tooth extractions are not something people look forward to. Our teeth were meant to serve us for a lifetime; however, we are not in an ideal world, and there comes a time when you may need our dentist in Edison, NJ, to perform a dental extraction.

Dental extractions are performed when there is no other choice, especially when your oral health is at risk. The top priority of our dentist in Edison, NJ, is to preserve your natural teeth in the best ways possible.

Let’s see why our oral surgeon near you may deem tooth extractions a necessity.

What Are Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are a standard dental procedure to remove whole or damaged teeth. You will not experience pain during the process since it is performed after anesthesia has been administered.

Why Are Tooth Extractions Performed?

During your initial visit, our dentist in Edison, NJ, will perform a thorough examination to check the state of your teeth. If recommended, then our dentist in Edison, NJ, will schedule you to undergo a tooth extraction.
Extractions are carried out when:

  • You have a severe tooth infection where the tooth pulp is affected. Root canal therapy is the usual procedure, but the tooth has to be extracted if that is not an option.
  • You have impacted teeth, meaning that your teeth have not erupted or have partially erupted – this is a common issue with third molars.
  • You have periodontal disease that has affected the tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. The disease can be reversed when caught early; if you don’t seek treatment, it spreads to the bones and is not reversible.
  • Your teeth have been subjected to trauma and are severely damaged.
  • Your teeth are hindering other permanent teeth from coming in.
  • You need orthodontic treatment, and there is overcrowding.

Broken Tooth Extraction Procedure

Our oral surgeon near you will begin by taking X-rays of your affected teeth. X-rays are critical since it helps our dentist determine which type of extraction will be ideal for your case. You might undergo any of the two types of procedures:

  • Simple Extraction

When our dentist suggests a simple extraction, the removed tooth is visible above the gum line. Local anesthesia will be administered close to the affected tooth to ensure that you don’t feel pain during the procedure. However, you can expect to feel some movement and pressure on the site.

If you have dental anxiety, some treatments can help calm your nerves about the procedure. Our dentist will use the latest technology to remove the affected tooth.

  • Surgical Extraction

Surgical extractions are a bit more involved. The procedure is carried out when the affected tooth is not visible above the gum line; this generally means that the tooth is impacted. It is also the ideal choice when part of your tooth has broken off, and the rest of the tooth lies under the gums.

Anesthesia will still be administered. Then, our dentist will create space for removing the affected tooth. The tooth will be extracted once our dentist gains access to it.

The Dos and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

Taking care of the extraction site is essential since complications such as a dry socket may arise if the socket isn’t cared for. Check out these aftercare tips:
The Dos

  • Remove the gauze after 30 minutes or an hour after the procedure
  • Use icepacks
  • Take it easy and avoid strenuous activities, especially 48 hours after the procedure.
  • Take your medication
  • Follow diet restrictions
  • Maintain your oral hygiene

The Don’ts

  • Don’t smoke for at least 48 hours post-extraction
  • Don’t spit within 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Refrain from drinking alcohol
  • Don’t disturb the extraction site by poking it with your tongue, toothpick, or finger.
  • Avoid using straws, which can dislodge the clot.

Contact us at KK Dental in Edison to schedule an appointment if you need a tooth extraction.

A Beginner’s Guide To Dentures: Eligibility, Types, Procedure, and Care

Gaps left by lost teeth can cause issues such as difficulty eating and speaking. Adjacent teeth can also shift towards the gap, causing misalignments. Jawbone deterioration, facial sagging, and poor dental hygiene and health are other side effects of having missing teeth. Fortunately, individuals with significant teeth loss can benefit from dentures.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are artificial teeth that replace missing natural teeth. Depending on the number of missing teeth, you can have partial or complete dentures. Partial dentures replace a few teeth on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all the teeth. You will work with a gum specialist if your gums and surrounding tissues aren’t healthy.
Dentures aim at replacing the missing teeth, maintaining your facial muscles, and enhancing your smile. Dentures also make it easier to chew, eat, and speak properly. They also prevent jawbone resorption by restoring your chewing ability.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Anyone with a missing tooth or teeth is a good candidate for dentures. A denture patient needs to have healthy gum tissues and enough jawbone structure to hold the denture properly. While dentures are ideal for patients of all ages, they are most recognized with patients aged about 65 years.

There are a few reasons why most people have missing teeth. These include:

  • Poor oral hygiene and health
  • Natural aging
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth extraction
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Jaw or facial injury

You may also be at risk for tooth loss if you:

  • Are male
  • Aged above 35 years
  • Smoke or use tobacco products
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Have rheumatoid arthritis
  • Neglect regular dental checkups and cleanings
  • Neglect proper at-home dental care

Types of dentures

If you are considering dentures, these are the major types of dentures:

  • Complete Dentures – You get a full set of artificial teeth. They are ideal for patients who have lost all of their lower or upper teeth or both.
  • Partial Dentures – These dentures are used to replace one or a few missing teeth. They are great alternatives to tooth replacement treatments such as dental bridges. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed, depending on your preferences.
  • Implant-Retained Dentures – These dentures are ideal for patients with significant bone loss. They provide enough anchorage for the dentures. They, however, need to be removed when cleaning.
  • Immediate Dentures – If your teeth aren’t yet extracted, you can opt for immediate or same-day dentures. These dentures are installed the same day as the teeth are extracted.

How are Dentures Fitted

Installing dentures is generally a standard procedure. The first step to receiving dentures is to visit a dental clinic for a professional checkup and advice. To speak with our denture dentist in North Brunswick, NJ, contact KK Dental.
The dentist will check your remaining teeth, gums, bone, and your overall health. If you’re eligible, the dentist will schedule you for the denture fitting appointment.
On the first appointment, your dentist will clean your mouth and take molds of your natural gums and teeth. Digital images can also be taken and sent to the dental lab, along with the molds, to create custom dentures. The dentist will consult you about the size, shape, and shade of the denture.

Once the dentures are ready, the dentist will invite you to the dental office for the fitting procedure. The dentist will test them for proper fitting and make adjustments if necessary. If everything is in order, the denture will be fitted. For removable dentures, your dentist will show you how to remove, wear, and clean the dentures. Make sure you follow the dentist’s instructions.

Proper Denture Care

Good at-home and professional dental hygiene are crucial to prevent bad breath, plaque build-up, bone loss, oral thrush, and stomatitis (the inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissue lining). To avoid these problems:

  • Gently brush your dentures every night to remove debris and plaque. You should hold your dentures over a sink with a washcloth or a basin of water to prevent damage if they drop. Never use hot water.
  • Soak your dentures overnight with a commercial denture-cleansing liquid. Ensure you brush them every morning before wearing them. Never let the dentures dry out.
  • Clean your teeth, gums, palate, and tongue every morning before wearing the dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Schedule frequent dental exams and cleanings
  • Notify your dentist immediately if your dentures chip, crack, or loosen. Never try to adjust them yourself as you can damage them further.

Final Verdict

With good care, dentures can last for ten years or so. While they may feel uncomfortable or awkward in the first few weeks, you’ll get used to wearing them soon! However, if they get damaged, you should have them replaced for maximum protection.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer or mouth cancer describes a type of cancer that is generated in the mouth or throat tissues. It is associated with head and neck cancer. Most times, oral cancer is not easily detected until the lymph nodes are affected by it. Over time, if it is not quickly treated, it can spread to other body parts. If oral cancer is detected early, there is a high chance of survival. This is because oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat if it is detected on time.

People who are above the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. While younger people are not excluded, their risk levels are lower. Oral cancer has many causes. It can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, excess exposure of the lips to the sun, a weakened immune system, smoking cigarettes or tobacco, and a family history of oral cancer.

Symptoms Of Mouth Cancer.

Oral cancer or mouth cancer signs are difficult to detect without the attention of an oral surgeon or dentist. The mouth is a large organ, and there are parts of the mouth that are not easily noticeable or obvious. Some signs can stay in unnoticeable parts of the mouth, and this can make oral cancer early detection difficult. If you notice any odd changes inside your mouth you should contact your dentist for a dental exam or oral screening to check if there are any cancerous cells inside your mouth.

Some of the symptoms of oral cancer are:

  • Lumps inside the mouth that are not painful and have refused to heal
  • Stubborn sores on the lips and inside the mouth that do not heal
  • Loosed gums
  • Severe pain when swallowing
  • Jaw and throat pain
  • Patches inside the mouth with red and white colors
  • Intense gum bleeding

If you have any of the above symptoms you should see  a dentist or doctor right away. A dentist in Edison, NJ, can perform an oral cancer screening. Sometimes some of these symptoms can occur due to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), although there are other major symptoms of periodontitis as well. You can also see a dentist at Edison, NJ, if you suspect gum disease.

Oral Cancer Stages

After an oral biopsy (a procedure that helps the doctor detect if the cells are cancerous) has been conducted, and if cancer has been detected your dentist or oral surgeon will inform you about the stage of the cancer. This means the rate at which oral cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. This would also help the dentist determine what kind of oral cancer treatment would be best. People who are diagnosed with oral cancer can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

  • Stage 0: This is also known as carcinoma in situ. At this stage, the cells are not yet cancerous, but there are tendencies that they might become cancerous over time.
  • Stage 1: At this stage, the tumor is still very small and hasn’t gotten to the lymph nodes yet. The tumor is less than 2 centimeters at this stage.
  • Stage 2: When the tumor is about 2 centimeters to 4 centimeters, the tumor is said to be stage 2 oral cancer. At this stage the tumor has not extended to the lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3: The tumor at this point is more than 4 centimeters and has extended to at least one of the lymph nodes.
  • Stage 4: At this point, the tumor is advanced and has progressed to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body like the surrounding tissues, the whole dental cavity, the jaw, the neck, the lungs, and other organs around the lungs.

At an early stage, which is stage 0, 1, and 2, oral cancer can still be easily treated. This is why early detection is one of the best ways of fighting and surviving oral cancer. You can see an oral surgeon near you for treatments and consultations if you have been diagnosed with oral cancer. Cancer. Oral screenings go a long way in helping you know about the state of your dental health and practicing proper dental hygiene can help in reducing your chances of developing oral cancer.

Why Smokers Are More Susceptible to Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. The infection eats away the bone, making the tooth lose and fall out in the end. Gum disease is often referred to as the silent killer since most people only realize they have it too late.

Unfortunately, the infection affects everyone, regardless of their age, gender, or race. However, smokers are often at a higher risk of getting the infection than non-smokers. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), smokers are at least four times more likely to get the periodontal disease than non-smokers.

The longer a person smokes, the higher the risk of getting gum disease. In this blog, we will discuss gum disease in detail to help you make informed decisions. We are here for you if you are looking for a gum specialist near you in North Brunswick, NJ.

How Smoking Puts You at Risk

We all know that smoking is bad, not just for your oral health but also for your overall health. For example, tobacco is a leading cause of lung cancer, which has claimed thousands of lives. It also increases the risk of other deadly diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, bronchitis, and more. What’s more, smoking stains your teeth, affecting the appearance of your smile.

Why Are Smokers are at a Higher Risk of Periodontal Disease?

Typically, gum disease is caused by plaque buildup between and around your teeth leading to gingivitis. The buildup then irritates the gums, and they can become swollen, red, and sometimes they can bleed while brushing your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can become more severe, leading to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

Now, when you smoke, your immune system is weakened, reducing the ability of your body to fight periodontal disease.

That’s not all; smoking usually masks the signs of periodontitis. Typically, the most common signs of gum disease are red and puffy gums that can bleed while brushing or flossing. But with smokers, their gums are often harder, and they rarely bleed even when they have gum disease. This can make the person think that they are healthy, but in a real sense, smoking is just masking the signs of gum disease.

How Smoking Damages Your Gums

Proper blood circulation is vital to healthy gums, given that the blood carries oxygen and other essential nutrients throughout the body, including the gums. But when you smoke, it causes the narrowing of some blood vessels, reducing the circulation of oxygen and essential nutrients to the gums and surrounding tissues. This makes the tissues more vulnerable to infections, including gum disease. We can help you if you are looking for a dentist in North Brunswick, NJ.

Some studies have found that smoking affects the production of vital antibodies crucial for fighting periodontitis-causing bacteria. A decreased ability to fight an infection means the infection can progress faster and cause tooth loss. In fact, a study conducted for over 16 years found that smokers are three times more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers.

Smoking and Gum Disease Treatment

Not only does smoking increase the risk of getting gum disease, but it also decreases the chances of the treatment becoming successful. Smoking interferes with the healing process and increases the chances of the infection coming back.

It is important to inform your dentist about how much you smoke and the duration you’ve been smoking. This vital information will help the dentist find the most suitable approach to treat your condition.

Gum Disease Prevention

There are various ways you can prevent gum disease, but you will first need to quit smoking if you want the other tips to work. Here are more tips that can help you prevent periodontitis:

  • Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting professional cleanings and exams every six months.
  • Use a mouthwash every evening before sleeping.
  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks

KK Dental

Talk to us if you are looking for a dentist near you in North Brunswick, and let us help you. We can help you with gum disease or any other dental problem you might have. Book an appointment today.

All You Need to Know About Gums and Periodontitis

Gum disease, or also known as periodontitis, is an infection that affects the gum tissues, bone and can cause a loss of a tooth. In fact, infection is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. In this blog, we will discuss periodontitis in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist near you in Somerset, NJ.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Generally, gum disease is often caused by plaque buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene. You can prevent plaque buildup by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and floss them every evening. However, this action is not always enough, and that’s why it is vital to visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.

If plaque buildup is not dealt with as soon as possible, it hardens under your gum line, causing something we refer to as tartar. Tartar is tougher to remove even after brushing after every meal. If the tartar is not removed, it increases the risk of gingivitis.

Typically, the inflammation from gingivitis causes deep pockets between your teeth and gums. The pockets are then filled with plaque and tartar, making it a safe haven for bacteria to settle. If gingivitis is left for long without treatment, it progresses into gum disease. If gum disease is not treated on time, it leads to tooth loss as the bacteria attacks the bone, making the affected tooth loose.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Unfortunately, many people only realize they have gum disease when it is too late, hence the reason it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” Luckily, there are some symptoms you could be on the lookout for to get treatment as early as possible. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Teeth failing to fit together as they have always done
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath when you wake up.
  • Swollen gums
  • Unexplainable spaces between your teeth.
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Experiencing pain when chewing food
  • Gums feeling tender than usual
  • Receding gums: Gums pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth seem larger than normal.
  • Teeth feeling loose

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is paramount to visit the dentist as soon as possible for a diagnosis. The earlier the infection is diagnosed, the higher the chances of getting rid of it once and for all. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist in Somerset, NJ.

How Does a Periodontist Treat Gum Disease?

The good thing is the periodontal treatments are always effective, and you stand a chance of saving your natural tooth if you seek treatment at the right time. There are several treatments for the infection, and the dentist will choose the most suitable one, depending on the extent of the infection. Some of the most common treatments include:

  • Scaling and root planing: These two procedures are used to get rid of any plaque buildup. During the scaling procedure, the dentist uses a scaler or an ultrasonic device. Root planing is used to smoothen the patient’s roots to discourage plaque buildup in the future.
  • The use of antibiotics to control the infection
  • Flap surgery for severe cases of gum disease.
  • Soft tissue grafts to fix receding gums caused by the periodontal disease
  • Guided tissue regeneration is used to grow the bone damaged by gum disease.

How Can Someone Prevent Gum Disease?

Like most infections, gum disease is preventable. In fact, you don’t even need to do anything special to prevent it. Here are some tips to help you out:

  • Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing every night, using mouthwash after flossing, and seeing the dentist every six months.
  • Quit smoking and using tobacco products.
  • Minimize your sugary intake. Avoid snacks and sugary drinks whenever possible.
  • Listen to your dentist and follow their instructions.

KK Dental in Somerset

Talk to us if you are looking for an endodontist near you in Somerset, and let us help you. We will help diagnose the infection, treat it, and ensure you don’t struggle with it in the near future. Book an appointment now.

How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. They recommend brushing them when you wake up and at night before sleeping. You should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and move it in a circular manner.

Furthermore, make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, brush every tooth, and use fluoride toothpaste. That said, there is nothing wrong with brushing your teeth three a day, especially if you are prone to cavities.

However, brushing too much and for a long time may not be ideal. This is because brushing more than three times and for three or more minutes could start wearing down your tooth enamel. It could also damage your gums.

Therefore, make sure not to brush your teeth more than three times a day. In this blog, we answer the most common questions about dental health to help you take proper care of your teeth and enhance your oral health. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist near you in Edison, NJ.

Do I Need to Floss My Teeth?

Yes, it is very important to floss your teeth every night to get rid of any food particles that your toothbrush may have missed. Flossing clears food and plaque under the gum line and between the teeth, reducing the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

If you don’t want to use floss every day, then you may have to purchase an interdental toothbrush. An interdental brush can get between the small spaces between teeth and get rid of food remains.

Can a Mouthwash Help Me?

Yes, most mouthwashes have antibacterial agents that could help prevent dental decay and gum disease. Use a mouthwash alongside your brushing and flossing routine. In most cases, using mouthwash once a day is enough. However, you may need to use your mouthwash twice a day if you are prone to gum disease.

Your dentist in Edison, NJ, will help you choose the best mouth rinse/wash for you. That said, don’t allow kids below six to use a mouthwash since they may end up swallowing it.

What are the Signs of Dental Trouble?

We all experience some dental discomforts. Luckily, most of them do not require any advanced treatment, and you can get help at a dental office at any time. Some of the most common signs that you may need to visit a dental clinic include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Broken teeth
  • Unexplainable bad taste in your mouth.
  • Bleeding gums and swollen face or gums
  • Continuous bad breath even when you brush your teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity and toothaches

Getting checked up as soon as possible prevents future problems that could cost you a lot of money to treat or lead to tooth loss.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Typically, when you visit the dentist for treatment or regular checkups, they will need to use an x-ray. X-ray scans help the dentist or oral surgeon near you to know the root cause of the problem to treat it effectively.

Some people worry that the radiation from the x-rays could increase their cancer risk. You don’t need to worry, though. Studies show that the exposure is pretty much like the exposure we get in our day-to-day activities. It cannot cause you any harm.

Furthermore, you will be wearing protective gear. X-rays are safe for everyone, including children and pregnant mothers.

What Do Sealants Do?

Dental decay is the most prevalent dental condition, and there is no better way of preventing it than the use of dental sealants. Sealants act as a shield, preventing bacteria in the mouth from meeting food remains.

When food particles meet bacteria, they form acids that attack the enamel causing cavities. Sealants prevent this from happening, preventing cavities by up to 80 percent. The procedure is quite popular among kids between six and twelve, but even adults prone to cavities can get sealants.

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

The ADA recommends a visit every six months. However, if you are prone to cavities or gum disease, the dentist may recommend a visit sooner.

KK Dental in Edison

Talk to us if you are looking for an experienced dentist in Edison, NJ. We can help you take proper care of your oral health. Book an appointment now.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Root Canal Treatment

If you occasionally feel severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, or pus from your tooth, you might have a root canal infection. Unknown to most people, a root canal is a part of the tooth. The tooth is made up of the root and its crown. Inside the crown and the tooth root resides the tooth pulp. This pulp provides moisture and nourishment for the tooth. Unfortunately, this pulp and the tooth’s nerve can be damaged by cavities, tooth decay, injury, or fracture of the tooth. This makes the tooth pulp and nerve inflamed, irritated, and infected, thereby halting the functions of the pulp. When this happens, a root canal treatment (commonly referred to as root canal) is needed to save the tooth and protect your oral health.

A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is carried out to repair and save a gravely infected or damaged tooth instead of extraction. An unfinished or unprofessional previous tooth repair might cause infection to a tooth’s nerve and pulp. When this happens, the infected pulp and nerve need to be removed, and the root canal cleaned and sealed. A root canal treatment should be carried out immediately after its symptoms begin to manifest. Failure or delay in getting treatment can cause other tooth tissue to be affected and result in abscesses. People used to avoid getting root canal treatment a long time ago because it was notorious for the pain that came with it. However, advancements in dentistry and anesthesia have made it possible to have a root canal treatment with little or no pain. Living with the infected tooth pulp and the nerve is probably more painful than a root canal treatment could ever be.

Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal

When your tooth pulp and nerve are infected, the following are the symptoms you will see:

  • Neck and facial swelling.
  • Holes in the tooth.
  • Gum swelling.
  • Severe toothache.
  • Tooth temperature sensitivity.
  • Pus-like discharge.
  • Tooth discoloration.
  • Intense pain when chewing or speaking.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Before you can get a root canal treatment, a dental x-ray has to confirm that you have an infected root canal and assess the extent of the damage. To get a diagnosis, you can visit a dental clinic in North Brunswick, NJ, or any dental clinic that offers a root canal near you.

You will be given local anesthesia to ease pain, then a dental device called a dental dam is put in your mouth. This dental dam helps to keep the tooth protected, clean, and free of saliva. Existing decay is removed, and your dentist drills through your tooth to access the root canals and pulp chamber. Your dentist then uses small dental instruments to clean out your pulp chamber and root canal, removing the infected pulp. Antibacterial and antiseptic solutions are then used to clean and disinfect the canals, thereby eliminating bacteria and infections. Your dentist shapes your root canal to hold dental fillings, cleans it again, and fills it up with dental fillings. A dentist in North Brunswick, NJ, then fills the hole through which the root canal was accessed to prevent bacterial infections. A dentist near 08902 might prescribe antibiotics and painkillers. The antibiotics help kill off the rest of the infection, and painkillers help alleviate pain.

A permanent crown made to match the color of your existing natural teeth is placed on the tooth, and functionality returns.

Benefits of a Root Canal Treatment

  • A root canal treatment helps to save your tooth from extraction.
  • It stops the spread of infection to other teeth.
  • It is efficient and cost-effective.
  • The procedure involves little or no pain at all.
  • It relieves pain.
  • It improves your dental appearance.

Enamel Contouring 101

With the improvement of technology, we have seen a huge advancement in cosmetic procedures. Among the many cosmetic procedures is tooth contouring more popularly known as enamel contouring.

The procedure is still not as popular as its counterparts, like dental veneers and teeth whitening, but there is a lot of benefit that comes from it. In this blog, we will discuss the procedure in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist in Edison, NJ.

What is Enamel Contouring?

Enamel contouring is reshaping the patient’s teeth to help them acquire the shape and size of their liking. The procedure involves the removal of some parts of the enamel to improve the surface, shape, and size of the patient’s teeth.

Who Needs Enamel Contouring?

If you plan to enhance your smile by fixing minor imperfections such as chipped teeth, enamel contouring may be the best procedure for you. To help you understand if you make a good candidate for the procedure, here are a few instances where you might benefit from the procedure:

  • To address minor chips along the edge of the patient’s teeth.
  • To address minor teeth crowding
  • To correct minor teeth positioning problems.

Enamel Contouring Treatment Procedure 

The procedure is fast, simple, and it is completed within a single visit. The dentist will use a drill or a laser to remove parts of your enamel. Enamel is the white outer layer part of your teeth that protects the vulnerable insides of teeth.
This procedure is painless, and you don’t even need a recovery period. You can get out of the dental clinic and back into your routine. What’s more, the dentist will not need to use sedation. This means you can drive yourself home after the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Enamel Contouring?

The procedure has become quite popular in recent years, and it is because of the many benefits that come with it. Here are some of the benefits that come with it:

  • It will improve the appearance of your teeth by fixing the cracked, chipped, or improperly aligned teeth.
  • Once the alignment and length of your teeth are fixed, it will reduce the risk of bruxism, also known as teeth grinding.
  • Enamel contouring enhances the appearance of your smile by fixing the shape and size of your teeth. Improving your smile can boost your self-confidence and make you a happier person.
  • The procedure makes it easy for you to maintain proper oral hygiene since it will be easier to brush and floss well-aligned and shaped teeth.
  • The procedure is safe, fast, and relatively affordable compared to most cosmetic procedures.

Enamel Contouring Limitations 

The structure of your teeth and enamel could limit the effectiveness of the procedure. Typically, the procedure involves the removal of some parts of the enamel. Therefore, the thicker the enamel, the more reshaping your teeth may require. With that in mind, it might be hard to correct some problems because drastic changes in your enamel could affect your bite and increase tooth sensitivity.

Luckily, your dentist near you will not conduct the procedure if it is not a perfect fit for your problem. They will first conduct x-ray scans to gain insights into your enamel and determine if the procedure is ideal for you. If the procedure risks increasing your tooth sensitivity, your dentist will recommend an alternative procedure.

Taking Care of Your Teeth after Enamel Contouring 

After a tooth contouring procedure, your enamel may become thinner than it has always been. For that reason, it might make your teeth a little more sensitive, so it is essential to be careful not to damage the remaining enamel. Here are a few tips to help you out:

  • Avoid sugary drinks and foods.
  • Consider foods with more calcium to supplement the enamel. Your dentist will help you with this.
  • Always brush your teeth gently.
  • Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth. Wear a night guard if you have to.
  • Visit the dentist every six months

KK Dental

We are here for you if you are looking for a periodontist in Edison, NJ, or a cosmetic dentist. Book an appointment today and let us help you.

How To Take Care of Your Teeth Everyday

It goes without saying that you can prevent most dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay, by simply maintaining proper oral hygiene. But how do you maintain oral hygiene? In this article, we will show you how to take care of your teeth to ensure your smile remains healthy and you live a healthy life.

If your oral health is affected, your overall health will be affected too. Luckily, taking care of your teeth is not hard, and you don’t need to do anything special. Here are some tips to help you in your oral hygiene journey.

Brush Your Teeth 

It is recommended that everyone brush their teeth after every meal. However, if that’s not possible, try to clean your teeth two times a day. Ideally, brush your teeth in the morning after your breakfast and at night before sleeping.

Brushing your teeth in the morning ensures you start your day fresh and you get rid of any bacteria buildup at night. On the other hand, brushing your teeth at night makes sure you get rid of any food particles left from the foods you take during the day and at night for supper.

Brush Your Teeth the Right Way 

Brushing your teeth the wrong way is as bad as not brushing them at all. Your dentist near you will teach you how to brush your teeth correctly.

Typically, your dentist will ask you to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and move your toothbrush in a circular manner. Sometimes, the dentist may recommend the use of an electric toothbrush, especially if you are prone to cavities.

Brush Your Tongue 

Many of us remember to brush our teeth at least twice a day but forget to clean the tongue. Unfortunately, if you don’t brush your tongue, bacteria buildup might lead to bad breath no matter how well you brush your teeth. You don’t want to have a bad breath.

Use Fluoridated Toothpaste and Water 

Fluoride has been proven to help prevent one of the most prevalent dental problems, tooth decay. It also strengthens your teeth. Most of the tap water in the US is fluoridated, so taking it could play a vital role in preventing cavities.
Most kinds of toothpaste also contain fluoride. However, it is still important to get a fluoride treatment from the dentist at least once a year, especially if you are prone to cavities. We are here for you if you are looking for a Somerset dentist.

Don’t Skip Flossing 

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is vital, but it is not always enough to get rid of all food particles, especially the ones caught between teeth. That’s where Flossing comes in. When you floss your teeth every night, the possibility of developing cavities is very low.

This is because you will be able to get rid of all food particles that could react with the bacteria inside the mouth, causing cavity-causing acids. Look for flossing products that will make your work easier and don’t miss a day.

Use a Mouthwash 

Mouthwashes have become quite popular in recent years, but not everyone knows just how much using them could benefit their oral health. Typically, mouthwashes contain anti-bacterial agents that help get rid of infection-causing bacteria.

What’s more, using mouthwash could reduce the amount of acid in your mouth and re-mineralize your teeth. Just make sure to use the right mouthwash for the best results. Your dentist will help you choose the one that suits you the most.

Drink Enough Water 

Drinking plenty of water will help wash away sticky foods and reduces the risk of plaque buildup. What’s more, it helps reduce the adverse effects of acids in the mouth.

Limit Your Sugar Intake 

Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of developing cavities. Furthermore, most sugary drinks are acidic, increasing the risk of enamel eroding.

Visit Your Dentist For Checkups and Cleanings 

The ADA recommends a visit to the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. However, you may want to visit your dentist more frequently if you are at a high risk of cavities.

At KK Dental- Somerset, we provide the best dentistry in Somerset, and you can count on us for top-notch services. Book an appointment now.

Having Dentures During Pregnancy.

Some pregnant women develop problems with their teeth because of increased hormones during pregnancy, and this may be with heartburn, morning sickness, vomiting, and indigestion. This hormonal increase negatively affects how their body fights bacteria, putting pregnant women at a high risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

During this period, the expectant mother is advised to take calcium filled foods as it helps improve the health of the teeth and surrounding bones during pregnancy. The unborn baby would also benefit as an indirect benefactor of the calcium the mother consumes. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to take vitamins, a major calcium component, to keep their teeth healthy.

However, an expectant mother suffers severe tooth loss or requires urgent tooth extraction. Then getting a denture to fill the space left by teeth may be necessary. These are some of the things to expect with dentures.

Getting Dentures While Pregnant.

Pregnant women would need to go through a medical evaluation to determine the healthy state of their gum before getting dentures. If the gum is certified fit and healthy, you can get dentures on dentist recommendation without dealing with any complications or issues.

With the big appetite that comes with pregnancy, a perfectly fitting denture would help pregnant women eat well. However, women should note that dentures are generally supposed to be comfortable, so if after getting one, they feel discomfort in their gum or notice swells, they should visit the dentist to avoid gum disease.

Infected Teeth.

Suppose, as a pregnant woman, you experience tooth pains, bleeding gums, headaches, or a combination of these. Your teeth could be infected, and you should immediately book an appointment with a dentist to get treatment or an extraction.

In a bid to avoid dental restoration or surgery, some pregnant women would instead prefer to bear the pain, but this is not an excellent idea as stress and pain are unhealthy during this period for both mother and child. You should note that you will only go through surgery if you need a tooth extraction. If this is not the case, you will only need dentures, a non-surgical restorative solution for lost teeth.

Pregnancy And Gum Disease.

Gum disease is a common occurrence during pregnancy that could be health threatening and may ultimately require dentures if there are several tooth losses from the decay. Nevertheless, It is important to note that a pregnant woman suffering from gum disease will not get dentures immediately as they could easily irritate or injure the gum. So to help manage gum disease during pregnancy, the dentist would remove the plaques and tartar buildup in the teeth.

Gum disease can graduate to periodontal disease if not controlled and affect a pregnant woman and her unborn child. For precautionary methods, pregnant women should go through a dental evaluation so the dentist would find any dental issue that could become a threat in the future. If you notice any discomfort or changes in the gum while pregnant, you should not hesitate to inform your dentist.

What If You Had Dentures Before Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can cause swollen gums, which could cause a shift in the teeth and subsequently lead to dentures losing their fitting to the gum. In a case like this, book an appointment with the dentist to resize the denture to fit the changes.

What If You Need To Get Dentures While Pregnant.

As already stated, it is recommended that you do not get dentures while pregnant when the condition you have is gum disease. However, if you need dentures for conditions outside gum disease, you recommend you book an appointment with an experienced dentist to help you with this dental solution. You can book an appointment with dental care or dentist in New Jersey by searching dentist North Brunswick NJ or Dentist in 08902and select any of the recommended dentist available.

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