Lake Pointe Dental Care

In my practice, I hear dozens of questions every day about dental implants from concerned (or simply curious) patients.  Every one of those questions is a good question and I always try to provide an equally good answer.  To help you better understand an upcoming dental implant procedure, we’ve compiled a top-five list of the most common questions about dental implants that we field in our office every day:

1.  Can dental implants get cavities? 

No.  Because the implant-restored crown is an artificial (not natural) material, it cannot grow cavities, phew!  However, you still need to have regular gum care and cleanings around the implant site just like you would for a natural tooth.

2.  Can implants slip or fall out like dentures?

No.  The artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the permanent titanium post that is set in the jaw.  They will not slip around or fall out like you may have experienced with dentures.

3.  Can I sleep with my dental implants in?

Yes!  They are practically “permanent”, unlike dentures.  You do not need to remove and soak them overnight.

4.  Aren’t dental implants more expensive than bridges and dentures? 

It depends.  If you are talking about just a few teeth, implants may be cheaper over time than bridges because they last longer.  However, if you need a whole row of teeth replaced, dentures may be a less expensive option for you.  Each case is unique, however, so be sure to call us for a proper consultation.   We are here to help you understand your costs and benefits so that you can make an informed decision.

5.  How long will my dental implants last?

If implanted and cared for properly, dental implants can last for many decades or possibly even a lifetime.  Some implants have been in patients for over forty years!

Don’t see your question on our list?  Contact us today for quick answers! 

One of the most common procedures done in our office is tooth extraction. The removal of teeth can be necessary for a number of reasons, including:

• Joint problems in your jaw
• Shifting teeth
• Too much damage to tooth to be repaired
• Baby teeth that don’t fall out
• 3^rd molars (Wisdom Teeth) impacted (wedged between the jaw and another tooth or teeth)
• May be needed to create room for other teeth (such as when you’re getting braces)

Prior to Surgery

In preparation for surgery, we will obtain a full medical and dental history, as well as a list of all medications you take. This includes any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs, as well as any medications you are allergic to.

An x-ray is then taken to assess the best way to remove the affected tooth.

You may be required to take antibiotics before or after surgery, depending on the duration of the surgery, or if you have a specific medical condition. We will discuss this with you if necessary.

Day of Surgery

At the time of surgery, your oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth or teeth to be extracted with a local anesthetic, specifically numbing the affected tooth or teeth, your jawbone and the surrounding gums.

During the simple extraction process it is common to feel a lot of pressure. The affected tooth is firmly rocked back and forth so as to loosen it for removal. You should not feel any pain, just pressure. If, for any reason, you feel pain, please notify your oral surgeon immediately so that they can administer more numbing agent.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a slightly more complex procedure that occurs when a tooth has not yet broken through the gum line, or has not yet fully grown into the mouth. When a surgical extraction is needed, your oral surgeon makes a small incision into your gum in order to access the affected tooth. From here, the procedure is similar to a simple extraction. Your oral surgeon may stitch the incision site if necessary.

After Oral Surgery

After the extraction you will be asked to bite down on a piece of gauze for 20-30 minutes. This pressure helps to form a blood clot in the extraction site, a crucial part of the healing process. Be careful not to dislodge the clot.

It is common to have a small amount of bleeding 24 hours after surgery. We will provide you with detailed instructions after your procedure, but here are some important things to remember:

Medications/Pain Management

• Take pain medication as prescribed and recommended by your oral surgeon
• Research has shown that taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil and Motrin (NSAIDs) greatly decrease pain after an extraction
• Using an ice pack on your jaw can reduce swelling. 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off is standard for the first 24 hours. A warm compress can be used if your jaw is sore after the swelling has gone down

Eating/Drinking

• Eat soft and cool foods for the first few days
• Avoid hot foods and alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours
• Chew food away from the extraction site
• Do not use a straw or spit after surgery. This can cause the blood cut to dislodge, greatly delaying healing

Brushing/Cleaning

• Avoid brushing the area around the extraction site for the first 24 hours
• Avoid using antiseptic and commercial mouth rinses – they can irritate the extraction site
• 24 hours after surgery you can rinse with warm salt water after each meal and before bedtime (1/2 teaspoon in one cup of warm water)

Healing

The extraction site will generally close up in about 2 weeks time, but it can take three to six months for the bone and soft tissue to regrow. Remember, tooth extraction is a common procedure and our caring team has years of experience helping patients through this easy treatment.

It’s easy for people to not realize what they have until it’s gone. Imagine what it would be like if you were missing one of your front teeth? You’d probably be a bit embarrassed smiling and talking, and eating would feel pretty abnormal as well. The good news is that taking preventative measures to protect your smile can diminish the chances of you having a toothless smile.

Wearing a mouth guard when playing sports decreases the risk of injuries to the mouth or jaw. Some sports players don’t like to wear mouth guards because of the inconvenience of their appearance while wearing one, but more injuries can happen when not wearing a mouth guard that can affect your appearance in a much more inconvenient way. Here are five reasons why you should always protect your pearly whites when participating in any contact sports or collision sports where unexpected contact can happen:

1. Protection Against Tooth Fractures

Mouth guards protect your teeth from chipping and breaking. Even though tooth fractures can usually be saved, why go through the risk when wearing a mouth guard can save you all the trouble.

2. Protection Against Tooth Replacement

Wearing a mouth guard is a cushion for your teeth, so if a ball hits your face your teeth don’t receive a crushing force. However, if a ball hits your mouth without a mouth guard, it can result in completely breaking or ruining your tooth, leaving you with a toothless smile and an emergency call to our office. Having a gap in your smile due to an accident that could have been prevented isn’t worth it.

3. Protection Against Soft Tissue Injuries

Some contact sports involve quick impacts that could leave you biting through your tongue or lips! A mouth guard can prevent soft tissue injuries by creating a soft resistance from teeth contacting your lips and tongue.

4. Protection Against Concussions

According to the American Dental Association, mouth guards could help reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. A properly fitted mouth guard decreases the likelihood of sustaining concussive injury because the padding between the mandible and the maxilla can lessen the force of the mandible pushing up on the skull near the brain, which causes a concussion.

5. Protection Against Jaw Fractures

Wearing a protective mouth guard protects you from jaw fractures. Impact to the neck or jaw could result in serious injury, but with the protection of a mouth guard during an impact, it reduces the likelihood of jaw dislodgment or neck trauma.

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that mouth guards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year! Using a mouth guard won’t only help prevent you from dental and jaw injuries but can also prevent damage to braces or other orthodontic work. If you’re ready to take the step to save your smile when playing sports, contact us for more information about mouth guard protection.

Did you know that 50% of the bacteria in your mouth live on the surface of your tongue? Also, a tongue cleaning is the single most important step you can take toward diminishing bad breath.

We all know just how important brushing and flossing is to our oral health, and sometimes tongue scraping takes a seat behind these important steps. However, tongue scraping is just as important! The best way to rid you of bad breath is by scraping the smelly bacteria off. While scraping off tongue bacterium sounds somewhat gross, imagine all the bacteria just sitting on your tongue!

The tip of your tongue is less likely to harbor odor-producing bacteria since it constantly comes into contact with your hard palate when eating and speaking. The friction and contact creates a cleansing action that prevents debris build up. However, the back of your tongue only touches your soft palate, and results in a build up of bacteria. Even if you stick out your tongue while looking in the mirror, you’ll see white, or even a brown colors on the surface of the back of your tongue.

Brushing your tongue is better than not paying any attention to your tongue, but there are other much more effective ways to get your tongue to be squeaky-clean. If you do choose to use your toothbrush, gently move the toothbrush from back to front and along the sides. Try to brush as far back as possible to get all the gunk on the back of your tongue. Be careful, you might find that you have an active gag reflex, but don’t worry there’s a good chance it will diminish over time.

Another option is using a tongue scraper. Many people find that scraping the tongue is much more effective than brushing. You can either purchase a tongue scraper in the toothbrush aisle of your local drugstore, or even use a spoon from home! Just moisten the spoon, turn it upside down and place it at the back of your tongue and drive it forward. You’ll notice that using a tongue scraper/spoon has less of a tendency to gag.

Daily tongue cleaning is a well-established practice in many cultures, however is much less spoken about in the US and Canada. Since cleaning your tongue is relatively easy and quick, we recommend that the tongue be cleaned both morning and evening. According to studies, practicing good tongue cleaning is especially good if you have significant stress, as tongue coating tends to increase during stress. In addition to your tongue cleaning, be sure to brush and floss your teeth daily!

Many of us have had a tooth pulled before by our dentist or oral surgeon; whether it was a tooth that couldn’t be saved or your wisdom teeth. While getting a tooth pulled isn’t the most enjoyable experience, it’s important to understand the risks that could evolve during the recovery. When pain becomes intense and isn’t relieved a few days after surgery, there’s the possibility that it could be a symptom of dry socket.

Dry Socket, also known as Alveolar Osteitis, is the inflammation of the alveolar bone and usually occurs where the blood clot fails to form or gets lost in the socket. While the percentage of those who develop dry socket is rare—about 2%-5% of people—it’s rather important to know why it happens and to determine if you may be more prone to it.

Someone who doesn’t have dry socket would see a dark blood clot near the area where the tooth was pulled. An area that might have dry socket wouldn’t be dark, but rather just whitish bone.

Some of the most common symptoms for Dry Socket are:

• Aching and throbbing pain in the area of the socket
• Pain near the ear, eye, temple, and neck
• Bad Breath
• Bad Taste in the mouth

You’re more likely to get dry socket if one of the following applies to you:

• Smokers
• Have a pre-existing infection in the mouth
• Practicing poor oral hygiene
• Those who have gotten Wisdom Teeth pulled
• If you have a greater-than-usual trauma during the extraction surgery
• If you use Birth Control pills
• Have a history of dry socket after having teeth pulled

After learning the harmful symptoms of dry socket, it is no surprise that you may want to take any precautions to avoid it. Dr. Farmer suggests the following post-operative instructions:

• Take recommended medications
• Avoid hot fluids for 1-2 days after oral surgery
• Drink cold fluids, as they facilitate with formation and prevent the disintegration of the socket
• Avoid smoking!
• Do not drink through a straw, the pressure leads to an increased chance of clot instability.

While dry socket can be painfully unpleasant, it is easily treatable. Treatment usually includes a combination of cleaning and packing the infected area. Some patients may also need antibiotics for the socket as a preventative measure. The pain should then decrease about 4-5 days after and is typically healed in less than two weeks. If you believe you have developed dry socket from your tooth extraction, contact our office for specific treatment details.

The Green Goblin of oral hygiene is an influx of cavities in one’s mouth. Most patients are aware that brushing and flossing is the central defender of cavities. However, few people know about these foods, drinks, or tips that may help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

1)   Cheese- Evidently, being cheesy isn’t always a bad thing. Casein, a protein included in cheese, increases calcium levels in the mouth. Because teeth already partially consist of calcium, salvia calcium helps mineralize teeth, which prevents cavities. This does not mean to eat 5 cheese sandwiches a day. However, cheese and crackers every now and then wouldn’t hurt. In fact, it might help!

2)   Sugar Free Gum- Believe it or not, chewing sugar free gum has been doctor recommended to avoid cavities for years. The reason – sugar free gum consists of a sugar substitute called “xylitol.” This isn’t the same teeth-rotting sugar substitute included in diet soda. Xylitol prevents cavities because bacteria cannot use it to grow or produce acid. Bacteria uses many components within the mouth as opportunities to spread, but xylitol is not one of those components.

3)   Dark Chocolate- Perhaps indulging isn’t as guilt-stricken as one would think. It turns out that dark chocolate contains cocoa beans with strong antioxidants that can prevent tooth decay. Tannins, the component in dark chocolate that give it its bitter taste, prevent oral bacteria from sticking to one’s teeth. The polyphenols in dark chocolate not only limit bacteria, but also work to cease bad breath by neutralizing microorganisms. Remember that DARK CHOCOLATE – not milk chocolate or white chocolate – is the cavity killer. Probably not a smart idea to add a Hershey’s bar as a side to your meal.

4)   Using a Straw- Carbonated beverages are never a wise choice regarding oral health. However, there is a way to limit cavity growth while consuming soda: using a straw. Using a straw and while not letting the soda hit your teeth reduces the chances of tooth decay and cavities. However, the best way to avoid cavities regarding soda is NOT DRINKING SODA.

5)   Red Wine- *For the 21+ only* While many believe that wine is an unfavorable drink for teeth due to the stain left behind, one study suggests otherwise. It was found that wine has many components that actively prevent tooth decay and cavities. This isn’t saying that one should excessively drink wine, and isn’t even proof that red wine is effective in fighting cavities. It merely says that wine consists of cavity fighting components.

Most patients see dental implants as a procedure that is perfect for replacing one or two teeth. They don’t, however, conclude that a dental implant surgery is the solution for missing an entire row of teeth. In this instance, most people are still reverting to the outdated methods of receiving dentures. But there is actually an efficient way to obtain a mouth full of secure teeth through the dental implant process. This new technique is called “implant supported dentures,” which gives patients new reasons to smile.

A Team of 4 is Stronger Than 15 Individuals

I know what you’re probably thinking. “Wouldn’t it be a long, grueling process to take in 15 or so dental implants in the same surgery?” That is hard to argue with. A mouth with 20 dental implants drilled into it seems like too many metal rods for one person to own. They probably wouldn’t be allowed on airplanes. This is why oral surgeons now have a procedure where they use 4 titanium implants to connect an entire row of teeth. Picture it as 4 pillars with metal bridges connecting them. On the metal bridges is were the fully customized row of teeth will be placed.

Too Real to be Called Artificial

The word “artificial” is misleading when describing the new set of teeth. These teeth are now permanent, and will be treated the same as natural teeth. They need to be well maintained as regular teeth do, and cannot be taken out. It is impossible to distinguish implant-supported dentures from natural teeth. Even oral surgeons would have trouble picking apart the differences. Most patients are concerned with not being able to enjoy food like they used to. These new rows of teeth know when they encounter hot and cold food, and can still bite through the roughest of surfaces. Ultimately, “new and improved” is an acceptable replacement for “artificial” when describing implant supported dentures.

The Time is Now

The oral surgeons who are trained at this process are able to have the patient’s teeth completed in roughly 2.5 hours. This surgery leads to lifelong fulfillment of having a lively smile, so this may be the most productive 2.5 hours ever spent. When the entirety of one’s mouth looks like it’s ready for a makeover, implant supported dentures are the key to rebuilding.

Although she’s an enthusiastic aficionado of the martial arts, Jillian Michaels — fitness guru, television personality and popular author — hasn’t had a dental accident in years. That’s because, these days, she always wears a mouthguard when she’s participating in a potentially dangerous activity. But she wasn’t always so lucky: a childhood accident at the swimming pool made it necessary for her to have her two front teeth replaced with crowns.

We certainly recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard as your first line of defense! But if an accident does happen, crowns are a good option for tooth restoration. What exactly is a crown? Sometimes called a cap, it’s simply a custom-made replacement for the visible part of a tooth that has been damaged. Crowns can be made of tooth-colored porcelain or dental ceramics, metal alloys, or porcelain fused to metal.

If the roots of the affected tooth are healthy, crowns can be an excellent restoration option; if damaged, a dental implant may be required.

Most dental implants consist of two parts: a screw-shaped post made of titanium metal, which sits under the gum line, and a lifelike crown, custom-fabricated to match your own teeth. The post, which is implanted in a minor surgical procedure, will actually fuse with the underlying bone in your jaw. This occurs during a healing period of a few months, after which the crown is attached. The success rate for this procedure is over 95% — the highest of any tooth-replacement option! 

Either way, we can evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most effective restoration option. Contact Dr. Farmer today to schedule a consultation!

Have your gums ever bled when brushing them? Bleeding gums is one of the first tell tale signs of periodontal disease when brushing or flossing. Many people experience bleeding gums when practicing oral hygiene but simply assume it is from brushing too hard or not flossing enough. However, bleeding of the gums is not normal and should be considered a red warning sign of gum disease. In order to actually bleed just from brushing your teeth and damage healthy tissue, you’d have to be brushing extremely hard. If your gums regularly bleed when brushing your teeth, we recommend calling Dr. Farmer for an oral cancer exam.

Curious about what other warning signs might be? We’ve listed them for you below:

The Warning Signs:

-Bleeding gums during/after tooth brushing or flossing
-Red, swollen, or tender gums: changes in the appearance of gum tissue or sensitivity to gums is another common symptom. Some cases may also lead to receding gums when the tissues are very thin.
-Persistent bad breathe: besides bleeding gums, bad breath is one of the most common signs. Bad flossing habits can lead to plaque collecting in the area between teeth making them especially prone to gum inflammation. Another symptom similar to this is a bad taste in the mouth that won’t go away.
-Loose or shifting teeth: for some that have Periodontal Disease and are unaware, they may experience movement or migration of their teeth. The rate of movement will depend on the particular type of gum disease you may have. This can make major changes to the way your teeth fit together and your smile overall.

Gum disease can progress painlessly, producing few of these obvious signs, even in the later stages of the disease. While many of the symptoms of gum disease are typically subtle, Dr. Farmer recommends an oral cancer screening during regular check ups with your Dentist or Periodontist. This serious dental disease, which pertains to the mouth, lips and throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options include:

-Removal of plaque and calculus through scaling
-Medication
-Surgery in order to stop or minimize the progression

If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact Dr. Farmer to schedule a consultation and learn more about the disease.

You already know how important I am to your oral health. That’s why you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.

However, are you aware of how much bacteria lives on your toothbrush? Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can have as many as 10 million germs and bacteria! But, don’t let this statistic scare you away from brushing. These bacteria aren’t a huge threat to your teeth according to Everydayhealth.com, because its been researched that these germs don’t make people sick. That’s because toothpaste is made with an anti-germ component.

So what is your toothbrush trying to tell you to help prevent all these germs?

1. Keep me clean and dry!

It’s important that you use your toothbrush correctly. Always make sure to rinse it in tap water and give it time to air dry. Germs need moisture to survive, so as long as you give your brush enough time to dry before using it, you should be fine. Make sure not to leave any toothpaste or debris in the head of your brush, rinse it well!

2. Store me upright!

When you’re at home, store your toothbrush upright in a cup or toothbrush holder. This allows it to air dry, which will help kill those germs.

On the road? When traveling make sure to keep your toothbrush in a travel holder, that way it isn’t rolling around uncovered and collecting bacteria in your bag.

If you really want to be in the clear you can soak your too

thbrush in a toothbrush sanitizer or in mouth wash. Another alternative to kill germs is dipping your toothbrush in boiling water for 5-10 seconds.

Don’t ever attempt to microwave or dishwasher your toothbrush, these appliances will damage your toothbrush!

3. Don’t brush where you flush!

Try to store your toothbrush as far away as possible from the toilet. This is because each toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air and I’m sure you don’t want that near your open toothbrush! We recommend at least 3 feet!

4. I only want one owner!

Don’t share! Forget what your kindergarden teacher told you about sharing. When it comes to toothbrushes, it’s an absolute no! No matter how close you may be to that person, whether it’s your sibling or spouse, don’t ever use their toothbrush.

5. It’s time for us to say Goodbye!

The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush about every three months.

This also depends on the wear of the bristles. Some people brush with a heavy hand and therefore their bristles may wear out sooner. It’s important to judge when it’s time for a replacement based upon the bristles, so don’t mark it in your calendar, just keep a look at your bristles. If you have children be sure to check their

brushes regularly because they will probably need to be replaced more often.

6. Let me remind you!

Some toothbrush brands such as Oral-B feature color changing bristles. That way after a few months of use your reminded that it’s time!

You can also pick up the habit of replacing your toothbrush the first day of every season.   That way you’re replacing it four times a year, with an average of 3 months per a brush.