Is it Possible to Save a Knocked out Tooth?

Sporting accidents or other trauma can result in teeth being knocked out. Sometimes it is possible to save a tooth that has been completely knocked out of the mouth, and it can be successfully re-inserted and may last for many years. Quick action greatly increases the chances of this happening, and the sooner the tooth is reinserted the higher the chances of success.

What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Pick up the tooth very carefully, making sure you only touch the crown of the tooth (this is the part of the tooth that is normally visible above the gums).
Rinse off any dirt with plain water, but don’t try to remove any pieces of tissue that may be still attached to the roots.
If you can, try to re-insert the tooth by pushing it back into the tooth socket, making sure it is facing the right way forward. Either hold the tooth in place with a finger, or keep it in position by biting on it very gently.
If you cannot face trying to reinsert it yourself then store the tooth in a little milk. If there is no alternative then use plain water, but this is not a good idea for longer periods of time as the water will affect the tooth roots. The most important thing is to keep the tooth moist, so do not wrap it in cloth or tissue.

It is vital to visit your dentist as soon as you can after the accident, ideally within the first half an hour, but reinsertion might still be successful an hour or even longer after the tooth was knocked out. If you can’t get to your dentist then go to your nearest emergency room, but you will still need to see your regular dentist as soon as possible.

Emergency dentist in Woolwich New Jersey

The Advantages of Using White Fillings to Repair Teeth

If you have a cavity in one of your teeth, your dentist is likely to recommend repairing it with a white filling, even if the decay is in a back tooth. This is quite different to even a few years ago when amalgam fillings were often used to repair back teeth, while white fillings tended to be kept for repairing front teeth.

Nowadays more and more dentists practice amalgam free dentistry, and one reason for this is because white fillings can be healthier for your teeth. White filings are also increasingly being used because they look far better in the mouth, and are virtually invisible.
White fillings are made from a composite resin material that comes in a huge range of different colors. Your dentist will be able to closely match the color of the filling to your teeth, and may even use several different colors mixed together to get the exact shade.

What are the Advantages of Choosing White Fillings over Amalgam Fillings?
The huge advantage of this material is that it will work in harmony with your natural tooth, so it is a far healthier way of repairing teeth. Amalgam fillings are very hard wearing and long lasting, but they will contract and expand whenever they come into contact with cold and hot substances.

This continual flexing will eventually create small stress fractures in the tooth, increasing the risk of the tooth chipping or fracturing. It is also necessary for your dentist to remove more of the tooth prior to placing the filling. Only the minimum amount of tooth material needs to be removed when preparing a tooth for a white filling.

Is it Worth Having Amalgam Fillings Removed and Replaced with White Fillings?
All fillings need replacing eventually, as even hardwearing amalgam fillings will begin to leak and crumble when they begin to age. Your dentist will assess the condition of your fillings at every checkup, and can let you know when they need replacing with a healthier and more cosmetically appealing white filling.

Contact our office if you are looking for a great family dentist in Woolwich New Jersey.

Specialists for Children’s Teeth

Not every dentist is cut out to treat children’s oral health needs. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating only kids. Here are some great benefits to taking your child to a specialist for children’s teeth.

Knowledge
Dentists who specialize in treating children have learned the specific needs for their oral health. These professionals know what it takes to keep a child’s mouth in the best condition possible. Pediatric dentists have the knowledge to effectively care for all aspects of kids’ oral health.

Specific training
Pediatric dentists have training and experience to deal with issues unique to children. Problems like incorrect tooth formation, crowded teeth, and jaw alignment are all things these dentists are trained to watch for so that issues can be caught early. These specialists are trained to recognize and diagnose problems and provide solutions as soon as possible. Dentists who work primarily with adults may not spot problems in childrens’ mouths as quickly as pediatric dentists.

Teaching
Kids need to understand the importance of proper dental care so they’ll have the best chance of good oral health throughout life. Pediatric dentists are skilled at teaching good habits as children grow, as well as motivating kids to practice the techniques that they learn from the dentist. Also, these dentists create a welcoming environment with youngsters in mind. Good experiences at the dentist’s office increase children’s willingness to maintain dental visits when they become adults.

Personality
One of the great things about most pediatric dentists is that they love kids, which means they tend to have great bedside manner in dealing with them. They know how to handle children’s behavior and emotions, and are experienced in distracting kids from the procedures so that they remain calm and content. Pediatric dentists are also capable of dealing with parents so that they are comfortable and confident in their child’s dental care.

Kids dentist in Woolwich New Jersey

How Much Pain Does a Root Canal Involve?

Root canal treatment has a bad reputation of being extremely painful, but actually that’s not really true. Modern advancements in the procedure allow patients to have this valuable treatment without all of the pain and anxiety associated with it in the past.

When you need root canal treatment, the dentist or endodontist in our Woolwich, NJ dental office (a specialist in this type of dental work) removes infected or damaged tissue in the tooth’s pulp. Many patients are experiencing significant pain before the procedure is even performed, so the treatment can serve to actually relieve pain. Since anesthetics are using during the procedure, most patients compare it to getting a regular tooth filling.

Here are some circumstances that might involve discomfort during root canal treatment, and suggestions on how to manage the pain:

If you feel discomfort during the procedure, alert the dentist so that your anesthesia may be adjusted. Often additional local anesthesia takes care of the problem right away.
Patients who have a history of dental anxiety will likely be more nervous about the treatment than other patients. Your dentist can help calm your nerves by offering sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide or oral medications.
If you have jaw problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you may find that your jaw pops, clicks, or locks during root canal treatment. Talk with your dentist about your TMJ if you know you have this issue, so that precautions might be taken to help avoid pain.

After your root canal is completed, expect some minor discomfort or tenderness at first. Over-the-counter pain medications should relieve pain and reduce swelling. If your pain is more severe, ask your dentist for a prescription for a stronger pain medication. Your dentist will provide you with a list things to watch for as you heal that might indicate you need to return for a checkup. Otherwise, you should expect a complete recovery within a few days.

If you need an endodontist in Woolwhich, NJ, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Myths about Bad Breath

No one wants to have bad breath, also called halitosis. Though it won’t kill you, halitosis can impact your personal and professional life, causing you to feel embarrassed. To deal with bad breath, it helps to understand the cause as well as successful treatments for this unpleasant condition. The following myths and facts provide useful information about dealing with bad breath.

Myth: You can tell if you have bad breath
Truth: Most people can’t really tell how their own breath smells to other. To find out if you need help in that area, either ask a trusted friend or talk to your dentist during a checkup.

Myth: Brushing and flossing won’t help bad breath
Truth: Good oral hygiene helps remove food debris from your mouth, which lessens the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria generate a sulfur by-product that is the main cause of bad breath.

Myth: Mouth wash and mints are good for bad breath
Truth: Using mints and mouth wash provides temporary relief for halitosis, but can actually make the condition worse in the long run because they tend to dry out your mouth.

Myth: Specific foods cause bad breath
Truth: While onions and garlic can temporarily change the way your breath smells, food doesn’t have a long-term impact on halitosis. Chronic bad breath occurs because of an underlying issue such as gum disease or from food particles left in between teeth that cause an overproduction of bacteria in your mouth.

Myth: My parents passed down halitosis to me
Truth: Although you can inherit eye color and allergies from your mom and dad, no gene exists for bad breath.

Myth: My dentist can’t help with my halitosis problem
Truth: Often times the underlying problem can be caused by a build-up of bacteria resulting from gum disease and neglected oral care. Your dentist can identify and fix existing cavities, provide a thorough cleaning, treat infected gums, and even recommend oral products that can help bad breath.

It’s time to schedule a visit with our dental team at Advanced Dental of Woolwich in Woolwich NJ

Eliminating the Myths about Root Canals

Root canal treatment is something no one looks forward to, but its reputation is actually worse than the reality of treatment in most cases. Let’s get the facts straight and dispel some of the myths surrounding root canals.

What is a root canal?
The inside of your tooth contains pulp, which basically keeps the tooth alive and healthy. When the pulp becomes infected as a result of severe tooth decay, the pulp must be removed and replaced with a material that prevents future infections. A root canal is often the best way to save your tooth from extraction, or other health issues from the infection. Sometimes a crown is recommended after a root canal to restore a weakened tooth.

Will I know I need a root canal based on pain?
It is a myth that your tooth must hurt a lot in order to need a root canal. Sometimes a tooth can be severely damaged without causing you much pain. That’s one reason regular dental visits are important so that problems can be caught that you might not realize are there. If your dentist sees signs of a problem, there are tests that may be performed to determine the extent of the damage.

Is the pain of treatment as bad as I’ve heard?
Root canals have the reputation of intense pain. With advancements in technology, this is no longer true. Anesthesia is used to deaden the area, and if you follow your dentist’s instructions after the procedure, a root canal is often no different than getting a filling.

Are multiple appointments required?
A root canal may be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the extent of your infection or need for more extensive procedures.

Does a root canal cause other illnesses?
It is a myth that root canals can cause illnesses like heart or kidney disease and arthritis. There is no medical evidence supporting these claims.

Will it fix my problem for good?
Some people suggest that root canal treatment doesn’t last because the tooth can later break. This is associated with failure of the tooth restoration, not the root canal itself. Many dentists recommend getting a crown on a weakened tooth to prevent breakage.

We offer root canal treatment at our Woolwich NJ dental office.

Dental Concerns Unique to Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life that brings about many changes to your body. Your oral health is affected as well. There are specific things to keep in mind during pregnancy related to your teeth, gums, and caring for them. Let’s talk about the things you should be thinking about for your mouth while expecting a baby.

Medications
Tell your dentist about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you’re taking, so that it’ll be easier to prescribe any drugs needed for you during dental treatment. Your dentist may also want to consult your doctor to discuss safe painkiller or antibiotic options for you during pregnancy.

X-Rays
If you have a dental emergency or a problem that needs diagnosis, an X-ray may be required. Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is very low, but your dentist will cover you with a leaded apron to protect your abdomen. A leaded thyroid collar will also be used to protect your thyroid from radiation.

Gingivitis
It’s not uncommon for some women to develop pregnancy gingivitis, which is a gum problem that occurs during the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy. This condition is an inflammation of the gums that causes tenderness, swelling, and usually some bleeding during dental hygiene tasks. Your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings during pregnancy to prevent gingivitis, because left untreated it can advance to more serious gum disease.

Pregnancy tumors
Some pregnant women experience overgrowths of tissue called pregnancy tumors, which appear on the gums mostly during the second trimester. They are not cancerous and are usually located between your teeth. Dentists believe they are related to having too much plaque. Pregnancy tumors bleed easily and appear red and raw. Usually they go away after the baby’s birth, but some women prefer to have them removed before then. Discuss options with your dentist to see what’s best for you.

Dentists in Woolwich New Jersey

Selecting a Cosmetic Dentist

It is often a big decision to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures, so it stands to reason that you want to choose a cosmetic dentist who has experience and skill at doing the work. The success of these procedures may depend on your dentist’s skill and experience. It’s important that you choose wisely when selecting your cosmetic dentist.

Expertise
Most dentists have specialty areas that they like the best or tend to perform the most often. This is true with cosmetic dentists as well. Do your research, ask questions, and determine if there are certain procedures your cosmetic dentist focuses on or avoids.

Recommendations
Ask friends and family for cosmetic dentist recommendations, and do some research on the internet. Frequently you can locate testimonials about other patient experiences with the dentist and staff.

Technology
Cosmetic dentistry often calls for the most advanced technology to deliver the best results. The greater the chances of success will be when the most modern technology and methods are used. Look for a cosmetic dental office that employs the most recent medical equipment and advances.

Staff
Your experience at a dental office is not limited to only the dentist. The support staff and other team members can make a big difference. You should feel comfortable and welcome in the office, and you should be confident in the care you receive from every member of the staff.

Visible proof
Since cosmetic dentistry hinges on the appearance of patient smiles, this is one area where seeing before and after photos of the dentist’s work is important. It is a great way to tell whether the dentist can deliver the promised results. Look on the dentist’s website for images, or don’t hesitate to ask to see photos in person at your visit.

Cosmetic dental office in South Jersey

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Fear keeps millions of people from obtaining the dental treatment they need and the gorgeous smiles they deserve. Without proper care, your oral health will deteriorate. Even if you don’t notice any problems, issues like gum disease and cavities can develop with relatively mild symptoms. Understanding dental anxiety and how to deal with it can help you protect your oral health and attractive smile.

Dental fear usually falls into three categories:

Distress about the unknown, dental anxiety is fairly common. Many people feel nervous about procedures they have never experienced.
Anxiety over a known danger is classified as dental fear. Previous pain or negative experiences often lead patients to experience dental fear.
With dental phobia, people may feel ill just thinking about visiting the dentist. Dental phobia is the most intense level of dental fear and often causes patients to avoid the dentist unless an emergency arises.

To deal with dental anxiety, experts offer several tips, such as:

Open the lines of communication with your dentist. Explain your concerns and ask questions so that you feel comfortable with treatment plans. Share your fears so that the dentist and team will know how you feel and can offer additional reassurances.
Bring a comfort item. Children who feel nervous may bring a stuffed animal or favorite toy. Adults may find that wearing favorite pajamas or other comfy clothes will help them calm down.
Try relaxation exercise. Deep breathing or yoga before your visit may decrease your stress and help you get through the appointment.
Ask about sedation options such as laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, which can allow you to enter a totally peaceful state during the procedure.

Sedation dentistry at our Woolwich New Jersey dentists office.

Dental Veneers and You

Just because you may not be blessed with perfectly white, straight, flawless teeth doesn’t mean you must live with that smile your entire life. Dental veneers can change your smile by hiding imperfections and giving you a natural-looking beautiful appearance.

Veneers are thin shells that are adhered directly to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are commonly available in two different types of materials. Porcelain veneers are created by lab technicians after your dentist provides a mold of your mouth. Once the porcelain veneers are made, they are sent to your dentist and you return to the office to have them bonded onto your teeth. Some preparation work is necessary to your teeth before getting the veneers, often requiring the removal of a bit of your tooth enamel.

The other type of veneers are made from composite resin material. They are created by your dentist in the office, so there is no waiting time for them to be made in a separate lab. Composite veneers are thinner than porcelain, and therefore sometimes break more easily. Also, porcelains are often recommended by dentists due to their natural-looking appearance and their ability to resist stains.

Some of the reasons that patients obtain dental veneers include the following issues:

Stained or discolored teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Misaligned teeth
Gaps
Worn teeth

There are some instances that veneers aren’t the best solution for improving your smile. Patients who grind their teeth have an increased risk of damaging veneers, as well as those with habits like chewing on hard items such as ice or pencils. It is important for patients to realize that they must properly care for their veneers so that they will continue enhancing your smile for many years to come.

Contact our dental office if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Woolwich NJ