Tooth Extraction Care

If you have too much teeth or is suffering from a great toothache, a tooth extraction may be needed.                         

A tooth extraction procedure may be the first step to align your teeth. If there are too many teeth and your bite then becomes too big for your mouth, your dentist will recommend removing a tooth or two.

If you suffer from a great deal of tooth decay and the infection is too big, removing that may be an option. Tooth extraction should be the last option if you suffer from tooth decay. Remember that your natural tooth works best, talk to your dentist if there are other possibilities to save your tooth. Tooth extraction is recommended when the infection is so severe that taking antibiotics or a root canal is not enough. The tooth extraction procedure also helps prevent the increase of infections

Your dentist will use a general anesthesia to lessen the tooth extraction pain.  This is needed especially if you have more than one tooth set to be removed. The anesthesia, apart from lessening the pain, will also make you drowsy and sleepy during the tooth extraction procedure.

For tooth extraction aftercare, stitches may be needed to the spot where the tooth had been removed.  Avoid scouring the area with your tongue. Bite down a cotton gauze pad to relieve and stop the bleeding.  Before the gauze pads become too drenched with blood, change them.

Also part of tooth extraction aftercare, take some painkillers that has been prescribed by the dentist to help with the pain. Avoid smoking and eating solids.  Go on a liquid diet and as much as possible eat only sift foods such as pudding, ice cream, and gelatin. Slowly take in solid foods

Tooth extraction should be done as soon as possible. You may opt to obtain an implant, dental bridge or dentures to fill in the removed tooth.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best Torrance dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com 

Dental Care Tips During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, best practice a great family dental care. Here are some dental care tips for you and your baby.

The Basics. Make sure to practice basic dental care such as brush at least twice a day and use floss for healthy gums and teeth.  Spit excess toothpaste so that the fluoride will work better.

Photo from google

Let her know. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant.  The first trimester and second half of the third trimester, critical times when the baby is growing, are times when you should lessen your visits to the dental office.  Schedule an appointment to the dental clinic only because of emergencies, such as bleeding gums. Other light treatment for gum disease can be done after the delivery.

Visiting the dental office. If you have a scheduled dental care treatment, plan it on the second semester. Your routinary dental visits should not change just because you are pregnant. Having healthy gums and teeth are important as pregnancy often escalates risk for periodontal disease such as pregnancy gingivitis.

X-ray warning. With today’s technology, x-rays are safer than in the past, however it is best still to avoid dental x-rays during pregnancy.  If an emergency dental procedure calls for x-ray, your dentist will use great precaution if you told her that you are pregnant. 

Photo from google

Morning sickness. If you are experiencing pregnancy sickness, side-step brushing as this oral hygiene practice can easily wear away the  top surface of your enamel. Opt for a bland-tasting toothpaste if morning sickness is making you gag and is stopping you from brushing.  Ask your dentist for referred brands.

Hormonal change. Pregnancy triggers hormonal change in your body. One specific part that it affects are your gums, and this builds up the risk of developing periodontal gum disease.

         Photo from google

Avoid too much sugar. Cravings are natural when you are pregnant, however curb your sweet diet as this may cause tooth decay, especially for you who is pregnant and is more prone to periodontal diseases.

Eat healthy. This is not only for you, but also for the baby growing inside of you.  About three months in to pregnancy, your baby’s teeth start to develop. Make sure to eat dairy food such as cheese and yogurt.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best Torrance dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com 

Root Canal Recovery

The success rate of root canal surgery is at 95 per cent. Many teeth that have had root canal treatment often last a lifetime.

Root canals in general are successful, thus not causing any complications. However, there are instances when after-effects or complications may arise.

Photo from google

First few days. For the first few days after the root canal surgery, the tooth canal may be more sensitive as the tissue may be inflamed. If you feel any discomfort or pain, over the counter pain medications may work as a means for root canal recovery.

Need for restoration. Often a tooth that has undergone root canal surgery may turn more brittle than other teeth.  There are dentists who recommend that a dental crown may be placed if the tooth that has undergone treatment is a back tooth. Also note that the final step of a root canal procedure will include your dentist placing restorations on the tooth.

Beware of root canal infection. Root canal treatments involve baring the tissues and insides of the tooth. There are times when bacteria will also develop causing more gum inflammation, pressure, and pain. If this happens, a procedure called apicoectomy may be needed.

Photo from google

Other dangers of root canal treatment include your dentist leaving some parts of the pulp unclean. There may also be an undetected crack in the root of the tooth. A root canal infection may also arise if a defective dental restoration that will let bacteria into the tooth. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best Torrance dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com