The 5 Advantages of Dental Crowns: Enhancing Your Smile and Oral Health

A dental crown, also known as a tooth crown, is a versatile dental restoration that offers multiple advantages for individuals dealing with damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. Dental crowns provide functional and aesthetic benefits, ensuring your smile remains healthy and radiant. This article will study the top five advantages of dental crowns and why they are popular for dental restoration. If you are looking for dental crowns in Salt Lake City, UT, Warm Family Dentistry is a leading specialist in providing exceptional dental care.

  • Restoration of Damaged Teeth: One of the most important benefits of dental crowns is their ability to restore severely damaged teeth. Whether your tooth is cracked, broken, or weakened by decay, a dental crown can strengthen and support the affected tooth. By fully encasing the damaged tooth, the crown acts as a protective barrier, preventing further damage and preserving the natural tooth structure. With a dental crown, you can regain the functionality and appearance of your tooth.
  • Improved Aesthetic Appeal: Dental crowns are custom-made to duplicate the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth, establishing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Whether your tooth is discolored, misshapen, or has undergone significant dental work, a dental crown can enhance its appearance and improve your smile. With advancements in dental technology, dental crowns now mimic the natural translucency and luster of real teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
  • Strengthening Weak Teeth: Teeth weakened by large fillings, root canal treatments, or extensive decay are prone to further damage and potential fractures. Dental crowns reinforce by encapsulating the weakened tooth, preventing it from breaking or crumbling. The crown acts as a protective shield, distributing the biting force evenly and allowing you to comfortably eat and chew without worrying about tooth sensitivity or discomfort.
  • Long-lasting Durability: Dental crowns are crafted using high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, ensuring longevity and durability. With proper care and preservation, dental crowns can last for many years, supplying a long-term solution for dental restoration. Their resilience and resistance to wear make them reliable for individuals seeking a lasting dental restoration option.
  • Versatile Applications: Dental crowns are versatile and can address various dental concerns. Besides restoring damaged teeth, they cover dental implants, strengthen teeth after root canal therapy, and anchor dental bridges. This versatility makes dental crowns essential in comprehensive dental treatment plans, offering solutions for different oral health issues.

Conclusion: If you are considering dental crowns in Salt Lake City, UT, Warm Family Dentistry is the go-to dental crown specialist. Their team of highly skilled professionals provides exceptional dental care, ensuring your oral health and beautiful smile are preserved. Dental crowns offer numerous advantages, including the restoration of damaged teeth, improved aesthetics, strengthened weak teeth, long-lasting durability, and versatile applications. You can restore your confidence and maintain a healthy smile for years by opting for dental crowns. Contact Warm Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and experience the transformative benefits of dental crowns.

What Are the Serious Complications of TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction causes discomfort and tenderness in the jaw joints and muscles surrounding them, including the ligaments. The causes of TMJ disorders include teeth grinding, arthritis, daily wear and tear, jaw injuries, et cetera. TMJ treatment differs between patients and might include physical therapy, customized mouthguards, medication, and jaw surgery.

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are problems affecting the jaw joints and muscles surrounding them besides the ligaments. The problems can cause multiple issues like jaw pain, headaches, and challenges to open and close your mouth.

Two TMJ joints are located on both sides of your face in front of the ears. The TMJ joints connect the lower jawbone to the skull to help you with movements like chewing and speaking.

Approximately 5 to 12 percent of adults in America have some TMJ disorder. The problem is twice as common in women than in men. People between 20 and 40 are most likely to develop TMJ disorders.

Versions of TMJ Disorders

Healthcare professionals categorize TMJ disorders into disorders of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and headaches resulting from the problem.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Symptoms of TMJ vary between patients and may include facial pain, jaw pain, shoulder and neck pain, challenges opening or closing the mouth, jaw clicking and popping, headaches, migraines, earaches, toothache, tinnitus, and changes in how the teeth fit together.

Primary Causes of TMJ Disorder

The medical fraternity has not identified why TMJ disorders occur. They think it is a result of different factors, including jaw injury, teeth grinding and clenching, arthritis of the jaw joint, stress, and malocclusion.

Conditions That Worsen TMJ Disorders

The factors causing TMJ disorders are challenging to control. However, some habits can worsen the discomfort from these disorders, including:

  • Using teeth like tools to open packages or tear clothing tags.
  • Poor posture places excessive pressure on the neck, shoulder, and facial muscles.
  • Chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, et cetera.
  • Excessively chewing gum or eating ice.
  • Having large chunks of food to overwork jaw muscles.
  • Daytime bruxism.
  • Sleeping on the stomach.

Severe Complications of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can result in multiple complications, including chronic pain, limited chewing functionality, and bruxism-related wear and tear. However, it is difficult to identify the exact reasons for TMJ disorders because many factors of the condition overlap. Sometimes, you may require time to determine whether a TMJ disorder treatment works best for you.

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorders

The TMJ specialist in Salt Lake City, UT, diagnoses your TMJ disorder during dental checkups by observing your jaw’s range of motion when opening and closing your mouth, pressing on the sides of your face to identify areas of discomfort and feeling around your jaw joints asking you open and close your mouth.

The Salt Lake specialist may also recommend imaging tests to examine the jaw joints and structures surrounding them closely. The imaging tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and TMJ arthroscopy.

Treatment for TMJ Disorders

The TMJ disorder treatment that best suits your needs depends on various factors, including the underlying causes of the problem and the severity of your discomfort. TMJ treatment in Salt Lake City, UT, entails non-invasive treatments like medications and customized mouthguards. However, if your symptoms do not improve, they will recommend surgery.

Oral appliances like mouthguards can position your jaw favorably to help reduce the effects of teeth grinding. While you can purchase mouthguards over the counter, it helps if you have a customized device created explicitly for your mouth by the specialist.

Besides the above, the specialist will recommend physical therapy, including TMJ exercises that help stretch and strengthen your jaw and muscles surrounding the joints. They will also recommend improving your posture and avoiding harmful habits like chewing ice, using teeth as tools, and biting fingernails to make behavioral changes to help manage the TMJ disorder.

Generally, TMJ disorders disappear by themselves in a couple of months without treatment. However, if the symptoms persist, it helps if you visit the TMJ specialist to assess whether you have a TMJ disorder and receive treatment from them to improve your quality of life.

Warm Family Dentistry receives many patients complaining of jaw discomfort and offers them non-invasive therapies to overcome the problem. If your jaws are hurting and causing persistent pain, kindly receive treatment for a TMJ disorder from the specialist using minimally invasive procedures.

11 Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Tips

If you find insufficient jaw space in your mouth, wisdom teeth removal in Salt Lake City, UT is necessary. It nearly takes two weeks to recover from the procedure. However, if your wisdom teeth have impaction, it may take longer. While your mouth heals, you may have swollen cheeks and mouth. The time it takes to eliminate the wisdom tooth relies on the complexity of the procedure and the tooth.

Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Pulling

Read on to know the best tips to ensure a smooth recovery:

Bite on the Gauze Pad to Stop Bleeding

To manage bleeding from the extraction area, the dentist will ask you to bite down on the gauze pad for nearly five minutes. But make sure you do it gently to avoid disturbing the wound.

Prefer a Nutritious Diet

Manage your swelling and minimize the risk of complications by sticking to nutrient-packed meals after emergency wisdom tooth removal. But choose easy-to-chew and soft foods varieties like avocados, mashed veggies, blended soups, etc.

Take Proper Rest

To make your body heal speedily, rest as much as possible. Also, sleep for a minimum of 7 to 9 hours to minimize the risk of swelling. One study has confirmed that a good amount of sleep makes the healing process speedier.

Use Ice to Your Cheeks

For the initial 2 days after the surgical procedure, consistently apply an ice pack to the cheek area. It will decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Massage Your Jaw

During the treatment, the doctor needs to keep the mouth open wide for longer. It leads to the locking of the jaw or temporary trismus. These conditions cause facial pain and sore or cramped muscles. Therefore, massaging your jaw will make you feel better and recover speedily.

Keep Your Head Elevated

When you lie flat on the bed after wisdom tooth removal, it increases the blood level near the wound. But keeping your head elevated while sleeping for the initial three days will help you recover successfully. To support your head, you can use an extra pillow.

Prevent Dry Socket

Sometimes, it is common for the dry socket to open after 2 to 3 days of tooth removal. This condition occurs mainly when you accidentally dislodge the blood clot formed in the surgical area. Blood clots are a crucial part of the healing process. It’s because they:

  • Shield the exposed bone.
  • Encourage the growth of new tissue.
  • Prevent severe bleeding.
  • Protect the wound from getting infected.

To prevent dry sockets, consider the following pointers.

  • Use prescribed antibiotics.
  • Refrain from smoking, drinking via a straw, or other activity that includes suction.
  • Before putting the new gauze pads on the surgical site, soak them in water for a few minutes. Also, avoid eliminating the dry gauze pad while it’s dry because it might disturb the clot.
  • Avoid eliminating the gauze pad till you are ready to replace it.
  • Stay away from hard foods.

Keep Your Mouth Bacteria Free

After wisdom tooth extraction in Salt Lake City, UT, wash your mouth using a warm salt water solution. Do this for a minimum of 5 times a day, mainly after every meal. It is also essential to keep up with your dental hygiene routine – like brushing on the night of surgery. But be alert while doing this to avoid hurting the extraction area and nearby it.

Take One or Two Days Off from Your Work

Your mouth will feel numb for several hours after the procedure. Therefore, take someone with you to your tooth removal appointment. Doing this will get the required support if you are still dizzy.

If the dentist has used a sedative or general anesthesia, avoid driving for 1 to 2 days. Moreover, take one or two days off from your work to avoid stress.

Drink Coconut Water

To get relief from gum inflammation and ensure proper hydration, drink coconut water. It is also beneficial in refilling the electrolytes when you are not in a position to eat solid foods and stabilizing the sugar level in the blood.

Visit the Dental Office

When a patient is under general anesthesia or sedation, it is common to experience vomiting and nausea. You can manage it by taking medicine with food. However, if that condition stays for a long time, reach an expert at Warm Family Dentistry immediately.

Everything you need to know about Lip and Tongue Ties

Everything you need to know about Lip and Tongue Ties

Lip and tongue ties are relatively common infant and child conditions. They occur when the frenulum, a thin piece of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the floor or roof of the mouth, becomes too tight or thick, causing difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene

Causes of Lip and Tongue Ties

Although the exact causes of lip and tongue ties are unknown, research suggests that they may be genetic or the result of abnormal development during fetal development. According to some studies, environmental factors, such as exposure to certain medications during pregnancy, may also increase the risk of developing lip and tongue ties.

Lip and tongue ties can occur due to mouth trauma or injury, such as a forceps delivery during childbirth. Premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal smoking during pregnancy are all potential risk factors for lip and tongue ties.

It’s important to note that, contrary to popular belief, lip and tongue ties are not caused by poor breastfeeding techniques. While breastfeeding difficulties can be a sign of lip and tongue ties, the condition occurs at birth and is not caused by feeding practices.

Symptoms of Lip and Tongue Ties

Lip and tongue ties can cause various symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms of infant lip and tongue ties are:

  • Lactation difficulties during breastfeeding
  • Inadequate weight gain
  • Feeding choking, gagging, or coughing
  • During feeding, there are clicks.
  • Drooling or dribbling in excess
  • Inability to extend the tongue beyond the lips
  • Difficulties with speech
  • Dental issues such as crooked teeth or decay

Complications of A Lip and Tongue Tie

Tongue-tie can impact a baby’s oral development and how they eat, speak, and swallow. Tongue-tie, for example, can result in:

  • Breastfeeding difficulties. A baby must keep their tongue over the lower gum while sucking while breastfeeding. If the baby cannot move or keep the tongue in the proper position, they may chew rather than suck on the nipple. This can cause severe nipple pain and interfere with a baby’s breastfeeding ability. Finally, inadequate breastfeeding can result in inadequate nutrition and failure to thrive.
  • Difficulties with speech. Tongue-tie can impair the ability to make certain sounds, including “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” “th,” “r,” and “l.”
  • Oral hygiene is lacking. Tongue-tie can make removing food debris from the teeth difficult for an older child or adult. This can contribute to decay and gum inflammation (gingivitis). A tongue tie can also cause a gap or space to form between the two bottom front teeth.
  • Other oral activities pose challenges. Tongue-tie can make it difficult to lick an ice cream cone, lick one’s lips, kiss, or play a wind instrument.

How To Diagnose Lip and Tongue Ties

A physical examination by a healthcare provider, such as a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or dentist, is usually required to diagnose lip and tongue ties. During the examination, the provider will assess the child’s ability to move their tongue and lip and the appearance of the frenulum. They may also conduct a feeding evaluation to see if the child has any feeding difficulties. Imaging tests, like an ultrasound or x-ray, may sometimes be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Lip and Tongue Ties Treatment Options

The treatment options for lip and tongue ties in Salt Lake City, Utah, are determined by the severity of the condition and the child’s symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is required, and the condition may resolve on its own as the child grows older.

Treatment may be required if the condition causes significant feeding or speech difficulties.A frenectomy, which involves cutting or releasing the frenulum to increase its range of motion, is one of the most common treatments for lip and tongue ties. The procedure, which can be done in a dentist’s office or clinic at Warm Family Dentistry, can be done with a scalpel, scissors, or laser.

Following the tongue tie surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is critical to work with a lactation consultant or speech therapist to help the child properly use their newly released tongue or lip. Some children may benefit from feeding therapy or dental intervention to address any oral health issues caused by the lip or tongue tie.

How Do You Know When Your Bridge Needs To Be Replaced?

The bridge comprises false teeth connected with metal posts and bonded to your natural teeth with a strong, flexible composite resin material.

The main goal of a bridge is to restore your ability to chew and speak by replacing the missing or damaged teeth. A bridge also enables you to eat soft foods and drink from straws. If a single tooth is not replaced with an implant, this can lead to problems with chewing and swallowing food properly and increased stress on adjacent teeth.

A dental bridge is generally considered permanent once it has been fixed. However, some dentists will take them out if they are causing problems for you or someone else in your household.

Signs That Your Dental Bridge Needs Repair

Dental bridges in Salt Lake City, UT, are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to be secure and look natural, restoring the smile.

However, even with the best care, some dental bridges may need repair and replacement. Knowing the signs when your bridge needs repairs is vital.

  • Pain or Sensitivity

While dental bridges effectively replace missing teeth, they’re not indestructible. They can be dislodged or damaged by direct trauma or poor oral hygiene.

If you experience pain or sensitivity around your bridge, see your dentist at the first sign of it. This can be a standalone issue or signal decay under one of your anchor teeth. Another common problem is gum disease. This can cause a bacterial infection under your bridge that causes throbbing pain.

Typically, the best treatment for this problem is to replace the bridge with a new dental appliance designed to fit your needs.

If your dentist discovers that a bridge is causing you pain or has a cracked porcelain surface, it may need to be repaired before the damage worsens. Sometimes, the dentist can repair the bridge without removing it, depending on the extent of the damage.

  • Chips or Cracks

The enamel is strong but can chip or crack in certain situations. Biting on hard foods, opening containers with your mouth, or injuries such as a fall can cause chips and cracks in your teeth.

A simple dental bonding procedure lets your dentist quickly fix small chips and cracks. But, if the crack is extensive or has caused damage to your natural tooth, you may need a more intensive treatment like a filling or crown.

If your dental bridge has chips or cracks, the problem will not go away and only worsen if you delay seeking a repair. These little gateways can cause severe infections and pain if not treated.

  • Loose

Loose bridges can cause several problems and often need repair. Visit a dentist near you when you notice your bridge is loose.

A loose bridge can cause a bad bite and pain in the teeth or jaws.

  • Discomfort

If a dental bridge is too large or too small, it can pressure the surrounding natural teeth. This can cause discomfort or pain when biting down or chewing, as the pressure is not distributed evenly across your mouth. An ill-fitting dental bridge can also irritate the gums, as it may rub against them or create spaces where food and bacteria can become trapped. This can lead to inflammation, soreness, or even infection.

How to care for your dental bridges?

After getting tooth bridges in Salt Lake City, UT, keeping them in good condition is crucial.

  • Keep your bridge clean and in good shape. Brushing after each meal and at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential.
  • Do not chew hard candy or gum because it can damage the teeth and gums over time.
  • Avoid hot beverages and foods, which can damage the ceramic or gold surface of the bridge, causing it to chip off or wear down quickly.
  • Get regular visits with your dentist if you have a dental bridge because this will help them check on any problems that may arise.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Warm Family Dentistry for more information about dental bridges procedures and how to care for them.

What Happens If a Tooth Infection Spreads to the Jaw?

What happens if tooth infection spreads to the jaw

Tooth infections generally start as a toothache. If you leave the sore and throbbing tooth untreated, it can attract infections. If you ignore the condition and do not get it treated, it can spread to other parts of your body, including your jaw.

Tooth Infection Symptoms

An infected tooth can exhibit many symptoms such as throbbing tooth pain, throbbing pain in the jaw, ear, or neck on the same side of the tooth pain, pain worsening after lying down, sensitivity to pressure in the mouth, temperature sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, swelling in the cheeks, fever, bad breath, awful taste in the mouth, and tender and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Signs of Tooth Infection Symptoms Spreading to the Body

Infections in an untreated tooth can spread in any part of your body to become life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of conditions in the tooth spreading include feeling unwell with dizziness and fatigue, running a fever with flushing skin, sweating, and chills, dehydration including a reduction in urination, confusion, and darker urine.

Besides the above, you may have swelling in the face making it difficult to open and close your mouth, swelling that impedes breathing and swallowing, rapid pulse rate, lightheadedness, diarrhea, vomiting, and an increase in the rate of breathing.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

You must seek medical attention if you have a high fever of 103° Fahrenheit or higher accompanied by chest pain, mental confusion, atypical light sensitivity, difficulty breathing, seizures or convulsions, unexpected skin rashes, persistent vomiting, and pain when urinating. In such situations, it is best to seek medical attention immediately to relieve the problem.

How Do Teeth Become Infected?

Your tooth becomes infected when bacteria penetrate the tooth from chips, cracks, or cavities. Your risk of tooth infections increases if you don’t maintain excellent dental hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once, having a high-sugar diet with carbonated drinks, or having a dry mouth resulting from aging or adverse side effects of medications.

When Is a Dental Visit Necessary?

Every toothache isn’t an emergency or causes severe health concerns. However, it is best to get treatment for a toothache before it worsens. You can call emergency dental Salt Lake City for a same-day appointment if your toothache persists for over 24 hours and is accompanied by other problems like fever, swelling, challenges breathing and swallowing, red gums, painful chewing or biting, et cetera.

If you have a broken or knocked tooth, you must call emergency dentistry in Salt Lake City, UT, for an emergency appointment to have the tooth reinserted into its socket.

While waiting to see your dentist, you can use OTC medications for pain relief and avoid hot or cold foods and drinks while refraining from chewing on the side of the face with a toothache and eating only soft and cool foods.

When you avoid treatment for a tooth infection, you allow it to spread to your jaw or other body parts. The bacteria from the infection spreads to your bloodstream, making you vulnerable to various medical problems unrelated to your tooth. It also makes you prone to receiving treatments from different medical professionals instead of dentists for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In addition, you may even have to get the tooth extracted and seek expensive replacements to cover the empty gap between your teeth to avoid the consequences of tooth loss.

If you remain adamant and do not get the infected tooth treated, you may have to deal with multiple issues with your body affecting your heart and risk a fatality in severe circumstances.

Preventing infections in your tooth is not challenging if you take appropriate care of your teeth by brushing them with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing them at least once, avoiding tobacco products and reducing your intake of sugar, and seeking professional dental care every six months when the dentist examining your mouth can detect infections and offer treatments for them immediately.

When you leave a tooth infection untreated in your mouth, it eventually spreads to your jaw and beyond, creating complications that need more than mere fillings or root canals. You may confront a situation that you find challenging to manage because it might overwhelm you.

If you have an untreated infection in your tooth causing the problems described above, Warm Family Dentistry can help you identify and eradicate the disease before it is too late. Consult them today to avoid visits to different medical professionals, which becomes inevitable if the condition spreads to your jaw.

Does Invisalign Make Your Teeth Yellow?

Invisalign are clear aligners used to straighten and align teeth. They are removable and are worn for 22 hours each day. Invisalign works similarly to braces; the only difference is that Invisalign can be removed at any time, while braces can’t. In addition, Invisalign is replaced every once in two weeks, while braces can stay in place for up to 3 years. Invisalign aligners don’t cause the yellowing of teeth. However, some habits, like smoking when your Invisalign is off, can cause teeth staining. Additionally, not brushing your teeth properly can lead to a buildup of plaque when you are still undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Conditions Fixed By Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is helpful in fixing the following conditions:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Gapped teeth

However, not every candidate is suitable for Invisalign treatment. Patients require testing to determine if they can get Invisalign treatment.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The treatment depends on the patient. Some patients wear the aligners for 18 months, while others wear them for up to 2 years.

Benefits of Invisalign in Salt Lake City, UT

There are numerous advantages of having your Invisalign treatment done by a professional dentist. They include the following:

  • Cleaning them is simple
  • Fewer visits to the dentist as you wear them yourself
  • They enhance your appearance
  • They are more comfortable than braces
  • They can be worn by adults and children alike
  • They make your teeth straight
  • Invisalign alignments aren’t colored

Is Invisalign Painful?

The Invisalign aligners don’t cause pain. However, they may be uncomfortable before you get used to them. Additionally, they are more comfortable than regular braces as no wires are sticking out.

Can Invisalign Be Used With Braces?

Sometimes, your dentist may use braces and Invisalign during treatment. Sometimes, braces might not bring the expected results. Hence dentists use Invisalign to correct the problem.

Invisalign VS Traditional Braces

Both options are practical and serve different purposes. In addition, both treatments have distinct advantages, and the dentists conduct tests to determine an ideal choice for you. Invisalign is the better option for you in that:

  • They are barely noticeable- unlike braces, Invisalign are almost impossible to spot, and you don’t have to hide your smile like with braces.
  • Invisalign doesn’t cause discomfort – the only pain is before you get used to them, but traditional braces may scratch your cheeks due to the metals sticking out.
  • Invisalign is removable and washable- they are easy to remove and clean; braces, on the other hand, can only be removed by dentists

    Braces, too, have some advantages over traditional Invisalign, and they include the following:

  • They are more cost-efficient than conventional braces- due to their beautiful and stylish appearance, Invisalign costs more than braces
  • Lifestyle choices- Using Invisalign as a smoker is terrible as it can stain the adhesive used to hold the Invisalign to your teeth.
  • Braces adjust easily to your teeth since they are well-fitted by dentists. On the other hand, Invisalign can take some time to get used to.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

You can get an Invisalign at any age. The other good thing about Invisalign aligners is that they are not that conspicuous, and you can go about your daily activities comfortably. Traditional braces are easily noticeable and may make one uncomfortable at work since they draw a lot of attention.

Is Invisalign a Good Option For You?

It is, as it’s a way of treating your teeth without it appearing too obvious like when using braces. Moreover, they are so comfortable that you forget you have them on.

Conclusion

Invisalign treatment is a great way to shape your teeth, fill gaps and restore your smile without altering your look. In addition, they are easy to clean and wear. With Invisalign alignments, you no longer worry about your smile or confidence. However, you should consult with your dentist about whether you are the right fit for the treatment. Does Invisalign have yellow teeth? The short answer is no. However, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can leave a yellow taint on your teeth.Book an appointment today for Invisalign treatment by our specialist in Warm Family Dentistry. We guarantee you that you’ll have your dream set of teeth and that perfect smile you have been waiting for!

Can Dental Implants Be Removed?

Dental implants have approximately a 95% success rate. Most dental implant patients have enjoyed the benefits of these restorations for years. However, like any other treatment, implants have risks that may necessitate their removal. Read on to learn about implant removal by the dental implant dentist near you.

Reasons for the Removal of a Dental Implant

Dental implants are durable teeth replacements that rarely need to be removed. They are fixed into the jawbone and fuse with it permanently. However, in rare cases, the implant specialist will remove the titanium posts. Below are a few reasons for the removal of dental implants in Salt Lake City, UT.

  1. An infection known as peri-implantis can occur at the implant site. It leads to swelling and inflammation of the tissues around the implant. The dentist will remove the implant to relieve the painful symptoms and prevent jaw bone loss at the site.
  2. The titanium post may not fuse with the jawbone resulting in loose dental implants. This occurs if the dentist does not properly place the implants in the jawbone. They can also become loose if you do not follow the dentist’s instructions during and after recovery.
  3. The dentist may remove your implant if you get severe gum disease. Removing them prevents the spread of infection.
  4. If the dentist places an implant near or over a nerve, you will have nerve damage. They will remove the implant to ease the discomfort caused by the injury.
  5. Implants placed on the upper jaw pose the risk of sinus problems. The dentist will remove the implants and treat the sinus issues if this occurs.
  6. The dental crown over the implant can become loose after dental trauma or several years of use. When this happens, the implant is exposed and can be infected or damaged. Your dentist will remove the implant and replace it later with a fitting crown.

How Are Dental Implants Removed?

Removing dental implants is more involved than placing them. This is because the post may be firmly attached to the jawbone, or you may have an infection at the site. Fortunately, the implant specialist dentist in Salt Lake City, UT, makes the procedure easier.

First, they will comprehensively evaluate the area gums and jawbone. It helps to determine the cause of the complications or implant failure. The results of the diagnosis will help them create a suitable treatment plan. They will then discuss the options after implant removal to restore your smile.

The specialist will administer anesthesia and a sedative to prevent pain and anxiety. Next, they will detach the crown and connector from the implant. If necessary, the dentist will remove small parts of the bone around the implant for easier removal. Then, they will latch a special tool to the implant and twist it slowly, bringing it out of the jaw.

Once the small post is removed, the dentist will instruct you on caring for your mouth. For example, they will ask you to avoid brushing your teeth or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours. They will also change your diet for a few days during recovery. In addition, they will give you medications to treat or prevent any infection.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Although dental implants have some risks, the benefits outweigh the risks. Some of the advantages of implants include the following:

  1. The teeth replacements improve your facial appearance. If you are missing teeth for a long time, the jawbone deteriorates, causing your cheeks to appear hollow. Implants help correct the sagging, making you look younger and more attractive.
  2. They are durable and can last for a lifetime. Also, they require little and inexpensive maintenance compared to other restorations.
  3. Implants restore full dental function, improving oral, emotional and physical health. They also boost your confidence and self-esteem.
  4. Dental implants are the best options for missing or damaged teeth. They replace the lost teeth without interfering with the rest of the teeth.
  5. You do not have to worry about cavities on your implant.

Are you considering getting dental implants but are afraid of the risks? Then contact us at Warm Family Dentistry. Our team has vast experience and uses the right techniques to avoid complications. If there is a need for implant removal, they will perform the procedure carefully and offer you a suitable alternative.

5 Ways to Manage Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Ways-to-Help-Manage-Temporomandibular-Joint-Disorders

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

It is a condition affecting the jawbone and surrounding areas. Its acronym is TMD. The disorder affects the connective joint linking the jawbone to the skull.

What Causes TMD?

Various factors can affect your jaw health and abuse TMD. The common causes of TMD are:

  1. Bruxism – is excessive teeth grinding, usually at night when you sleep. It places unnecessary pressure on your jaw and teeth, which may cause dental pain in your jawbone.
  2. Dental trauma – a traumatic injury around your face does not only cause bone fractures. Instead, you can suffer TMD after a dental-related injury.
  3. Arthritis in the joint
  4. Clenching your teeth when stressed, anxious, or depressed.
  5. Sinuses problems
  6. Failed dental work – if you’ve had a dental filling or a tooth implant, they can cause jaw pain if they fail or were done wrong.

How to Know You Have TMD

Many patients do not know about TMD until they visit their dentists. The reason is that the condition can mimic many other dental issues. Some of the symptoms of TMD are:

  1. Pain or tenderness in your face
  2. Migraine headaches
  3. Jaw lock – difficulty closing your mouth, so it gets stuck in the open-mouth position. It is common after yawning or laughing loudly.
  4. Popping, clicking, or grating sounds in your jaw when you move your mouth.
  5. Ear pain, hearing problems, and tinnitus.
  6. Swelling on the affected side of the mouth
  7. Tooth pain – the discomfort emanates from the joint and spreads to part of your mouth. Therefore, it may feel like you have a toothache.

How Do You Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

If you are wondering how you can treat the temporomandibular joint disorder, visit our offices at Warm Family Dentistry. Never treat dental issues alone when you can access professional help from a dentist near you. The problem is that you cannot correctly treat yourself unless you have an accurate diagnosis for your problem. In many cases, tooth decay and gum disease can feel the same as TMD. Only after diagnosis can you begin the proper treatment for TMD, including the following:

  1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – alleviate swelling and pain. A good example of such a drug is ibuprofen.
  2. Oral appliances – your dentist can customize an oral appliance for night usage. The appliance is called a night guard to help treat bruxism.
  3. Redoing dental work – your dentist may have to redo initial treatments like dental fillings or implants.
  4. Replacing lost teeth – sometimes, losing teeth places unnecessary pressure on your jaw due to unevenness. Placing dentures, getting dental bridges, or dental implants can restore your evenness and overcome jaw pain.
  5. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy – is a low-level electrical treatment that helps relax your jaw muscles to alleviate pain.
  6. Surgery – sometimes dentists may have to result in surgery to treat TMD. It is especially the case after dental trauma that displaces the disc between the ball and socket of the temporomandibular joint. However, dentists recommend surgery as the last option, usually after other treatment options have failed.

Tips for Managing TMD at Home

When you have TMD, you should be more intentional about dental care at home, even after TMD treatment. Some tips for Managing TMD are:

  1. Eat soft foods only – it avoids placing pressure on your jaw trying to chew hard and crunchy foods. If you must eat hard foods like apples and carrots, break them into small pieces to reduce straining your bite and hurting your jaw.
  2. Cold compress – wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and place it against your cheek on the affected side. The cold will alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
  3. Maintain the resting position of your jaw – the more you move your jaw, the more likely you are to worsen the matter.
  4. Change your sleeping posture – ensure you are not placing weight on the affected side of your jaw when you sleep. You may need to sleep on your back for a while until your jaw gets better.
  5. Quit bad oral habits – like biting fingernails, chewing gum, or chewing hard non-food items are bad for your teeth and jaw.

My Dental Bridge Cracked: What Should I Do?

A broken tooth can be a major source of self-consciousness and embarrassment as one goes about life. But when the tooth is part of a dental bridge, it brings an added element of financial worry and confusion about how to repair it.

So if you’ve broken or fractured your bridge, don’t worry. Our team at Warm Family Dentistry knows just what to do.

What is a Dental Bridge?

This is a special type of dental implant that replaces multiple missing teeth. A dental bridge is usually secured via a crown on each abutment tooth while first serving to close the gap.

A broken dental bridge can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, like a chipped or broken tooth can. It might also be expensive to replace or repair if one doesn’t have dental insurance. Fortunately, a replacement or repair is usually possible.

What Causes a Dental Bridge to Break?

A dental bridge is normally made of a metal frame coated with porcelain or ceramic. Although usually sturdy, these materials can weaken due to improper oral hygiene. Dental bridges can also crack or chip in the same way that a normal tooth might. In addition, experiencing a blow to the tooth due to accidents or a fall can break even a false tooth, as can hard foods and candies.

A dental bridge may sometimes break when the abutment teeth break or fracture. In this case, a bridge normally remains whole but can no longer function properly.

There are other possible reasons why your dental bridge might break:

  • Long missing teeth gap: The longer you have a gap, the more false teeth are used and the greater the deflection and stress on your dental bridge. The deflection of a dental bridge can cause the dental bridge to break. So the longer the gap of missing teeth, the greater there’ll be a deflection of your dental bridge.
  • Teeth clenching and grinding: This can make your dental bridge weak and susceptible to breakage.
  • Improper dental hygiene: Natural teeth that support your dental bridge are prone to tooth decay and periodontal disease. This can reduce the stability of the dental bridge and make it break easily.
  • Poor oral habits: Having habits like opening soda cans and chewing on a pen with their teeth can fracture and break your bridge.
  • Injury: Getting hit in the face or falling on an object can break the dental bridge
  • Dental laboratory errors in the fabrication: This might occur due to mistakes during fabrication, such as poor dental material selection or low bridge thickness. Also, it might be due to the wrong fabrication technique affecting your dental bridge’s longevity.

What to Do if a Dental Bridge Breaks

If your dental bridge breaks, you should remain calm and see your dentist immediately. Although a broken bridge may not be painful in the same way a broken tooth might, the break allows bacteria to enter the dental bridge, which causes problems over time.

When getting dental bridges in Salt Lake City, UT, your dentist will discuss your options for replacement and repair depending on your dental bridge. For example, if the break is only a minor fracture, it might be repaired by dental bonding.

However, this may stain over time because it uses a different material than heat-fused porcelain. Another option might be a partial or a full veneer, depending on the type of damage to your bridge.

Normally the best option is to replace the dental bridge entirely. This ensures that your bridge is as strong as it can be and that no bacteria are trapped.

Caring for New Dental Bridge

Having good oral care habits increases the longevity of a dental bridge. For example, brushing twice daily helps prevent plaque, cavities, and the care of the abutment teeth. Also, your dentist might often recommend a special flossing tool that cleans the gap between the replacement tooth and your gum. So ensure you ask your dentist about the special flossing after you get your dental bridges in Taylorsville, UT.

If you think your dental bridge might need repair, now you know the scoop of dental bridge repairs. If you have any sensitivity around the teeth or notice any cracks or chips, you should check in with your dentist. It’s also essential to see your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth under the dental bridge stay healthy.