Mary Sturk, Author at Adam Brown Dentistry

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So far Mary Sturk has created 4 blog entries.

Too Much Protein? Your Diet and Your Dental Health

Mary Sturk2024-08-01T21:46:41+00:00August 1st, 2024|Oral Health, Preventative Dentistry, Tooth Infection|

Healthy eating is important for your body and your teeth. It’s summer, and some of us are dieting and working on our beach bodies. And while healthy dieting can have positive long-term health effects including lowering cholesterol, the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks, and increasing energy, it’s crucial to keep your calorie intake balanced. Dentists and doctors alike recommend balanced diets.

Do you remember the food pyramid from your school days? Maybe you saw it hanging at the gym or at your physician’s office? Have you thought about it lately? First introduced in Sweden in 1974, it is a graphic representation (you guessed it, in pyramid form) of the variety of food you should aim to eat daily. Nowadays, the pyramid has been updated and you can learn more about healthy eating at www.myplate.gov. It breaks down how many fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy are optimal.

Protein rich foods may also create acid that can damage enamel

Protein

An all-protein diet has been touted in recent years to help you stay “trim”, but too much protein could potentially create ill-effects on your dental health if not managed well.

The best sources of protein include lean meats, seafood, beans, soy, low-fat daily, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Foods, like nuts and meats are among those that leave debris behind when consumed. Bits of meat, nuts and seeds can all get stuck in your teeth and it’s important to address this as soon as possible after your snacks and meals. Adequately brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal (or at least twice a day) prevents cavities, gum disease, bad breath and more.

There are more health benefits in following a high-protein diet for a short period of time: instead of an all-protein diet, focus on an overall balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.

The Mayo Clinic shares, “For most healthy people, a high-protein diet generally doesn’t hurt when followed for a short time. Such diets may help with weight loss by making you feel fuller. But many health issues may happen if you follow a high-protein diet for a long time. And researchers are still studying the long-term risks of high-protein diets that limit carbohydrates (carbs).”

Adam Brown, DDS knows the summer months are often “go, go, go”, and just as you pack your hat and sunscreen, bring along your toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. Remember to bring these items along on vacation, your day at the pool, at the park, or at a Panthers game. At home, up your routine by adding a water flosser. These come in plug-in and battery-powered models.

A Reminder on Tooth Brushing

Recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA): “Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.” Using ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, lean into this technique: “place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes, brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth, to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.”

Other ways to keep your smile healthy and looking its best while consuming a lot of protein is to drink plenty of water, use mouthwash, floss well and chew sugar-free gum.

Water is important as it will aid in washing away food pieces after you eat and overall, staying hydrated is important for your health, even more so during the hot activity-filled summer months.

Flossing Doesn’t Need to Be “Fussy”: Five Steps

Just as brushing your teeth properly is important to dental health, so is flossing. Follow these steps for a flawless flossing experience (from the ADA):

Break off about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as you move along.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle, rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, slightly away from the gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of the tooth. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, top and bottom. Don’t forget the back side of your last teeth (at the very back of your mouth.)

The Down Low of the Downside of Protein and Your Teeth

Protein rich foods may cause plaque and bad breath if those bits left behind from foods (meats and nuts in particular) are not cleaned out.

Protein rich foods may also create acid that can damage enamel, yet another reason to keep up a good dental cleaning routine.

It’s important to note that protein itself is not bad for your oral health (when practicing good dental hygiene), but the body produces high levels of acid when breaking down protein, which can cause toothy decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. High-protein foods are also high in fat, and that can cause acid reflux and heartburn for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Before starting any diet, consult your physician.

Dr. Adam Brown and his team are committed to your dental health, but remember, what goes into your body can have an impact on your dental health.

Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

The University of Rochester shares this of the “good” and “bad” guys of the food world:

The good guys

Some suggested foods:

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to good home dental care, this is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. After you eat something that has sugars or starches, your saliva begins to reduce the effects of the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate. So it also restores minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them from the bacterial acids.
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva maker. The calcium and phosphates in milk, cheese, and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel.
Green and black teas. These teas both contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. These substances either kill or hold back bacteria. This prevents bacteria from growing or making acid that attacks teeth. Depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.
Sugarless chewing gum. This is another great saliva maker that removes food particles from your mouth.
Foods with fluoride. Fluoridated drinking water, or any product you make with fluoridated water, helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don’t contain a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared foods, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals, also can give fluoride.

The bad guys

Stay away from these:

Sticky candies and sweets. If you eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly. So thumbs down for lollipops and caramels that have refined sugar. The ADA states that chocolate washes off the teeth more quickly than other candies. Dark chocolate (70% cacao) does have some health benefits. Some studies have shown chocolate is not as bad as other sugary treats.
Starchy foods that can get stuck in your mouth. Soft breads and potato chips, for instance, can get trapped between your teeth.
Carbonated soft drinks. These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. They are loaded with sugar. And most soft drinks have phosphoric and citric acids that wear away tooth enamel.
Substances that dry out your mouth. These include alcohol and many medicines. If medicines are the cause, talk with your dental care provider about getting a fluoride rinse, or a fluoride gel for brushing your teeth.

Eat for a healthy mouth

The American Dental Association (ADA) offers these tips to help reduce the risk of tooth decay from the foods you eat:

Eat sugary foods with meals. Your mouth makes more saliva during meals. This helps to reduce the effect of acid production and to rinse pieces of food from the mouth.
Limit between-meal snacks. If you crave a snack, choose something nutritious. Think about chewing sugarless gum afterward to increase saliva flow and wash out food and acid.
Drink more water. Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Floss once a day.

As always, the Adam Brown, DDS team is available to answer your questions and care for your dental health.

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Summer Bugs! Take the Sting Out of Bites

Mary Sturk2024-06-28T22:01:51+00:00June 28th, 2024|Adam Brown DDS, Children's Dental Health, General, Kids Teeth|

Ouch! There are few people who haven’t experienced a bug bite in their life. Be it a bee, wasp, ant or spider-these bites and stings can be painful, itchy and sometimes require medical care.

Getting stung in the mouth by a bee? That sounds unlikely to some, but riding your bike, relaxing on a hammock or reaching for your lemonade are all opportunities for an unwelcome surprise.

Bee in my mouth!

The Buzz on Bee Stings

Bee stings, whether in your mouth or elsewhere, can potentially be a serious situation-especially for those with known allergic reactions. What to do?

The Mayo Clinic shares what to do and look out for if you are stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet.

“Bee stings are a common outdoor nuisance. In most cases, bee stings are just annoying, and home treatment is all that’s necessary to ease the pain. But if you’re allergic to bee stings or you get stung numerous times, you may have a more-serious reaction that requires emergency treatment.”

“You can take several steps to avoid bee stings — as well as hornet and wasp stings — and find out how to treat them if you do get stung.”

The following information is from www.mayoclinic.org:

Symptoms and Reactions

Bee stings can produce different reactions, ranging from temporary pain and discomfort to a severe allergic reaction. Having one type of reaction doesn’t mean you’ll always have the same reaction every time you’re stung or that the next reaction will necessarily be more severe.

To sting, a bee jabs a barbed stinger into the skin. Bee sting venom contains proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system, causing pain and swelling around the sting area. In people with a bee sting allergy, bee venom can trigger a more-serious immune system reaction.

Most of the time, bee sting symptoms are minor and include instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site, a red welt at the sting area, and slight swelling around the sting area. In most people, the swelling and pain go away within a few hours.

Some people who get stung by a bee or other insect have a bit stronger reaction, with signs and symptoms such as: extreme redness, swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two. Moderate reactions tend to resolve over five to 10 days. Having a moderate reaction doesn’t mean you’ll have a severe allergic reaction the next time you’re stung. But some people develop similar moderate reactions each time they’re stung. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about treatment and prevention, especially if the reaction becomes more severe each time.

Stung in the Mouth? Seek Immediate Help.

Let’s hope you don’t get stung at all, but if you do, the reaction to being stung in the mouth can be much worse than other parts of your body. More than likely, your lips will be the “landing zone” for an unwanted sting, but should you be stung inside your mouth, nose, or throat area, seek immediate help.

Mouth and throat tissues are much looser and more sensitive than skin. A sting in this area can cause rapid and dramatic swelling, potentially blocking airways and hindering breathing. If you have been stung in the mouth or throat, seek immediate medical attention.

As the mouth is well-supplied with blood vessels, venom from a sting can enter the bloodstream quicker. This can worsen allergic reactions for people with bee sting allergies.

John Hopkins also recommends calling 911 or your local emergency medical service (EMS) for immediate care if you are stung in the mouth, nose, or throat area, or if any other serious symptoms happen.

Emergency medical treatment may include the following:

Intravenous (IV) antihistamines
Epinephrine
Corticosteroids or other medicines
Lab tests
Breathing support

Severe allergic reactions!

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. A small percentage of people who are stung by a bee or other insect quickly develop anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue
A weak, rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness or fainting
Loss of consciousness

People who have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have a 25% to 65% chance of anaphylaxis the next time they’re stung. Talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist about prevention measures such as immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) to avoid a similar reaction in case you get stung again.

Multiple bee stings

Generally, insects such as bees and wasps aren’t aggressive and only sting in self-defense. In most cases, this results in one or perhaps a few stings. In some cases a person will disrupt a hive or swarm of bees and get multiple stings. Some types of bees — such as Africanized honeybees — are more likely than are other bees to swarm, stinging in a group.

If you get stung more than a dozen times, the accumulation of venom may induce a toxic reaction and make you feel quite sick.

Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, headache, vertigo, convulsions, fever, dizziness or fainting.

Multiple stings can be a medical emergency in children, older adults, and people who have heart or breathing problems.

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) also shares the dangers of anaphylactic and allergic reactions:

Anaphylactic reactions include swelling of the mouth or throat, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, and shock. These types of reactions typically occur within minutes or even seconds of being stung and are very rare. It is estimated that less than 1% of the population will have an anaphylactic reaction. Immediate medical attention is required.

Anaphylaxis, if treated in time, usually can be reversed by epinephrine (adrenaline) injected into the body. Individuals who are aware that they are allergic to stings should carry epinephrine in either a normal syringe (sting kit) or an auto-injector (Epi-Pen) whenever they think they might encounter stinging insects. Epinephrine is obtainable only by prescription from a physician.

The average person can safely tolerate 10 stings per pound of body weight. This means that although 500 stings can kill a child, the average adult could withstand more than 1100 stings.

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. It is important to seek medical care if an allergic reaction is suspected. Symptoms can begin immediately following the sting or up to 30 minutes later and might last for hours. It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting that is not life-threatening. Symptoms can include hives, feeling nauseous or lightheaded, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure and swelling in areas other than the general sting site. For example, if stung on the left hand and the right hand or neck shows swelling you should seek medical attention immediately. Oral antihistamines can help minimize the symptoms.

How to Treat a Bee Sting (from the American Academy of Dermatologists)

To treat a sting from a bee, wasp, or hornet, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

Stay calm. Although most bees usually only sting once, wasps and hornets can sting If you are stung, calmly walk away from the area to avoid additional attacks.
Remove the stinger. If the stinger remains in your skin, remove it by scraping over it with your fingernail or a piece of gauze. Never use tweezers to remove a stinger, as squeezing it can cause more venom to release into your skin.
Wash the sting with soap and water.
Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. However, if the swelling moves to other parts of your body, such as your face or neck, go to the emergency room immediately, as you might be having an allergic reaction. Other signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, nausea, hives, or dizziness.
Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings are painful. Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain. Always follow the directions on the label and use the correct dose.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, bee stings don’t require a visit to your doctor. In more-severe cases, you’ll need immediate care. Call 911 or other emergency services if you’re having a serious reaction to a bee sting that suggests anaphylaxis, even if it’s just one or two signs or symptoms. If you were prescribed an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others), use it right away as your doctor directed. If symptoms don’t go away in a few days, contact your doctor.

Seek prompt medical care if you’ve been swarmed by bees and have multiple stings.

Reduce Your Risks of Getting a Bee Sting

Take care when drinking sweet beverages outside. Wide, open cups may be your best option because you can see if a bee is in them. Inspect cans and straws before drinking from them. Tightly cover food containers and trash cans.
Clear away garbage, fallen fruit, and dog or other animal feces (flies can attract wasps).
Dress to avoid bee stings. Wear closed-toe shoes when walking outside. Don’t wear bright colors or floral prints, which can attract bees. Don’t wear loose clothing, which can trap bees between the cloth and your skin.
When driving, keep your windows rolled up.
Be careful when mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation, activities that might arouse insects in a beehive or wasp nest. Have hives and nests near your home removed by a professional.

If a few bees are flying around you, stay calm and slowly walk away from the area. Swatting at an insect may cause it to sting. If a bee or wasp stings you, or many insects start to fly around, cover your mouth and nose and quickly leave the area. When a bee stings, it releases a chemical that attracts other bees. If you can, get into a building or closed vehicle.

Spider Bites

“Most spider bites cause only minor injury. Bites from a few spider species can be dangerous.”

The following information is from www.mayoclinic.org:

Seek medical care right away if:

You were bitten by a dangerous spider, such as a black widow or a brown recluse (both are found in North Carolina).
You’re unsure if the bite was from a dangerous spider.
You have severe pain, stomach cramping or a growing wound at the bite site.
You’re having problems breathing or swallowing.
The area of inflamed skin is spreading or has streaks.

Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day to help prevent infection. Apply a cool cloth over the bite for 15 minutes each hour. Use a clean cloth dampened with water or filled with ice. This helps reduce pain and swelling. If possible, raise the affected area. Take a nonprescription pain reliever as needed. If the wound is itchy, an antihistamine might help. Examples are diphenhydramine or cetirizine. Or try calamine lotion or a steroid cream.

For pain and muscle spasms, your healthcare professional might prescribe pain medicine, muscle relaxants or both. You might also need a tetanus shot.

You can usually identify a black widow spider by the red hourglass marking on its belly. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite can include inflamed skin, pain and swelling, severe stomach pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, shaking or sweating.

The brown recluse spider has a violin-shaped marking on its back, but this mark can be hard to see. Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite can include an initial mild pain, fever, chills and body aches, a sore with a purple or blue center and a ring around it.

Your Summer Tool Kit

For those who know they have allergic responses, keep your emergency epinephrine autoinjector handy. Know how to use it and instruct others how to use it and where it is located.

Keep a first aid kit with you at all times. Pack one in your beach bag, or with your sports equipment, in your purse or in your car. Going on vacation? Don’t forget your first aid kit! Make sure, no matter where you put it, that you can get to it quickly in times of emergency. Your first aid kit should include basic items such as a variety of adhesive and rolled bandages, nitrile gloves, CPR barrier, instant ice pack, tweezers (for those stingers and removing other insects-like ticks), scissors, hydrocortisone, antibiotic cream and a thermometer. If you are hiking or rock climbing, you’ll need more items specific to that activity. For bug bites, include acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for pain and inflammation), an anti-itch over-the-counter product and perhaps add diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl) for the itching and swelling. For the younger kids, make sure you have products suitable for them. Build your own kit or buy one ready made from organizations like the American Red Cross or from your local drug or grocery.

Have Fun this Summer, But Pay Attention

Know your surroundings, should you have an emergency, can you tell the 911 operator where you are? It may seem easy, but if you are at a lake, park or a destination new to you, it might be tricky. Some remote areas may have no cell coverage. Plan ahead and pay attention to signs and landmarks. Keep your mobile phone charged when heading out. That may seem easy, but we’ve all forgotten to recharge from time to time.

The team at Adam Brown, DDS wants you to have safe outdoor adventures and looks forward to seeing your smiles soon!

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Tooth Extraction Explained at Carolina’s Dental Choice

Mary Sturk2020-07-16T16:56:44+00:00April 17th, 2019|Dental Insurance, Dental Trends, Oral Health|

Our team at Carolina’s Dental Choice knows that the word “extraction” can cause anxiety and even fear in some people. Many of us have had this procedure done, sometimes multiple times, and the reason a tooth needs to be extracted varies from patient to patient.

What Is Dental Extraction?

A dental extraction (also called exondontia or informally, tooth pulling) is the removal of teeth from the socket (dental alveolus) in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed for a wide range of reasons, but most commonly because a tooth is unrestorable due to decay, periodontal disease, or dental trauma.

Tooth decay is the softening of your tooth enamel and refers to the damage of the structure of the tooth caused by acids that are created when plaque bacteria break down sugar in your mouth.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

Traumatic dental injuries most often occur as a result of an accident or sports injury. The majority of these injuries are minor, such as chipped teeth. Occasionally though, a tooth will dislodge or even get knocked out completely.

Extraction Procedure

Typically, when undergoing a tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before the procedure.

Common forms of local anesthesia are Novocaine and more popularly, Lidocaine, which is injected after the dentist numbs the area with an external numbing agent. Here are all the common forms of anesthesia:

Local Anesthesia—this is when medication is injected into the mouth to numb the area to be treated and block the nerves that transmit pain. This type of anesthesia is commonly used during fillings, treating gum disease, or preparing teeth for crowns.
Sedation—this method is usually administered by inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It can also be administered orally in the form of a pill taken prior to the dental procedure. This form of anesthesia is commonly combined with a local anesthetic to help relieve anxiety and reduce pain.
General Anesthesia—this is the strongest form of anesthesia available for dental procedures and involves intravenous medications that produce a temporary loss of consciousness. General anesthesia is usually only used during oral surgery procedures.

You may have also heard of I.V. sedation and wondered if it were for you. Intravenous (I.V.) sedation has become more common and works well for those with fear of the dentist and dental procedures. It is also ideal for patients whose fear of dentistry has led to a large amounts of dental work needing to be completed. I.V. Sedation is also used for outpatient procedures, like colonoscopies. Referred to as “twilight sleep,” you will wake with little or no memory of the procedure. Anesthesia is given via the I.V. and recovery requires someone take you to/from the procedure.

If the extraction involves an impacted tooth, the tooth may be broken into pieces before it is removed. An impacted tooth is a tooth that, for some reason, has been blocked from breaking through the gum. Sometimes a tooth may be only partially impacted, meaning it has started to break through.

Your dentist will perform x-rays and thorough examinations before this stage and will explain the procedure and any other possible options. Often, with impacted teeth, there are no symptoms and only an x-ray will discover it.

Another reason teeth are extracted, especially in youth and young adults, is to make room in the mouth before planning to straighten remaining teeth. Teeth may also be extracted if they are so poorly positioned that they cannot possibly be straightened. A less common reason to extract a tooth is as a cheaper alternative to filling or placing a crown on a decayed tooth.

If you or your child has a condition where a tooth extraction might be called for, please call Carolina’s Dental Choice at (704) 289-9519 to schedule an appointment.

The number of Americans missing at least one tooth is more than 120 million, so it’s not at all unusual to be missing one or more teeth for a variety of reasons, including those listed above.

What’s the deal with Wisdom Teeth?

One of the most common procedures is the removal of the “wisdom teeth.” What is this procedure and why do these teeth often need to be removed and what are the benefits? According to www.mayoclinic.org:

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom.

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection, or other dental problems, you’ll likely need to have it pulled. Wisdom tooth extraction may be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon.

For many, the first use of dental anesthesia is during extraction of wisdom teeth (the four hindmost molars that come in during young adulthood), which can cause issues including moving other teeth around.

To prevent potential future problems, some dentists and oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if impacted teeth aren’t currently causing problems.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth erupt normally — just as their other molars did — and cause no problems.

Many people develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don’t have enough room to erupt into the mouth or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt only partially or not at all.

An impacted wisdom tooth may:

Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone
Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone

Problems with impacted wisdom teeth. You’ll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as:

Pain
Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone
Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst)

Preventing future dental problems. Dental specialists disagree about the value of extracting impacted wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems (asymptomatic), because it is difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth. However, here’s the rationale for preventive extraction:

Symptom-free wisdom teeth could still harbor disease.
If there isn’t enough space for the tooth to erupt, it’s often hard to get to it and clean it properly.
Serious complications with wisdom teeth happen less often in younger adults.
Older adults may experience difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery.

What to expect after a Dental Extraction

Immediately after an extraction, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. You may receive a prescription for a mild pain killer or antibiotic, but in most cases, over-the-counter medications will manage pain. Do not eat solid foods or smoke for 48 hours. Stick with soft foods like yogurt, soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (avoided fruit seeds). The soft tissue takes about 3-4 weeks to heal.

Keep an eye out for any signs of acute bleeding, pain, or swelling. This could indicate an infection.

Beware of Dry Socket

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful dental condition that sometimes happens after you have a permanent adult tooth extracted. Dry socket is when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed.

Normally, a blood clot forms at the site of a tooth extraction. This blood clot serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot also provides the foundation for the growth of new bone and for the development of soft tissue over the clot.

Exposure of the underlying bone and nerves results in intense pain, not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the side of your face. The socket becomes inflamed and may fill with food debris, adding to the pain. If you develop dry socket, the pain usually begins one to three days after your tooth is removed.

Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of third molars (wisdom teeth). Over-the-counter medications alone won’t be enough to treat dry socket pain. Your dentist or oral surgeon can offer treatments to relieve your pain.

Signs and symptoms of dry socket may include:

Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction
Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket
Visible bone in the socket
Pain that radiates from the socket to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of your face as the extraction
Bad breath
Unpleasant taste in your mouth

When to see a doctor. A certain degree of pain and discomfort is normal after a tooth extraction. However, you should be able to manage normal pain with the pain reliever prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon, and the pain should lessen with time.

If you develop new or worsening pain in the days after your tooth extraction, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Expected Costs

The cost of a dental extraction can vary depending on your dentist’s fees and the scope of work. In some instances, extractions (such as wisdom teeth that are impacted) may need to be handled by a dental surgeon under anesthesia.

According to Member Benefits, who tracks the cost of dental work throughout the country, the cost of dental extraction (per tooth) can range from $75-$300 for a non-surgical extraction, and upwards of $650 for a single surgical extraction. Additional costs could include x-rays and exam fees.

If you have dental insurance, it will take a bite (no pun intended) out of your bill. Depending on your policy, it may cover up to 50% of the cost. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we work with a variety of Dental Insurers, as well as, Medicaid. Our staff will help you understand the costs involved and file the insurance paperwork for you. If you don’t have insurance, we offer an In-House Dental Savings Plan that allows patients to receive treatment at a discounted price.

Carolina’s Dental Choice also welcomes new patients. Whether you have just moved to the Monroe/Charlotte area, are transferring your care from another practice, need to establish care with a dentist, or find yourself suddenly in need of dental service, we look forward to partnering with you for the benefit of your oral health.

As we’ve explored, the reasons for a dental extraction are varied. There is no need to be in pain or discomfort, or even embarrassment, if you feel you need help with dental issues. Our staff is ready to help you find solutions for your dental needs.

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The 411 on 3D Imaging at Carolina’s Dental Choice

Mary Sturk2018-11-05T14:28:46+00:00November 5th, 2018|Dentist Office Monroe NC|

3-D Imaging Device-New Advances in Imaging Making a Difference

3D head Scanner, 3 dimensional digital device, Charlotte NC, Carolina"s Dental Choice

The X Factor

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923) was a German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, in 1895 produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. (Wikipedia). He demonstrated that the rays could pass through human tissue, yet not bone and teeth. Bone and teeth would appear as “shadows” and he learned to make images from these. Like Pierre Curie, Röntgen refused to patent his discovery, instead wanting society as whole to benefit from his work, he even donated his Nobel Prize money to his university.

X-rays are a form of energy, similar to light and radio waves. X-rays are also called radiation. Unlike light waves, x-rays have enough energy to pass through your body. As the radiation moves through your body, it passes through bones, tissues and organs differently, which allows a radiologist to create pictures of them. The views these images are on photographic film or on monitors similar to a computer display.*

X-ray examinations provide valuable information about your health and help your doctor or dentist make an accurate diagnosis.*

The use of x-rays in dentistry of a living person in the United States took place in 1896. Advances in dentistry and the availability of the equipment grew and x-rays became part of the normal dental routine in the 1950s.

3-D Imaging

3-D imaging has become more popular as machines have become more advanced and more available in the medical community. Popular for ultrasounds, mammograms, and other uses, they are helping doctors and dentists better diagnose health issues, while making it easier on the patient. This is truly technology changing lives.

Dental CBCT (3-D) systems have been sold in the United States since the early 2000s and are increasingly used by radiologists and dental professionals for various clinical applications including dental implant planning, visualization of abnormal teeth, evaluation of the jaws and face, cleft palate assessment, diagnosis of dental caries (cavities), endodontic (root canal) diagnosis, and diagnosis of dental trauma. (www.fda.gov)

Also known as, dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and described by as “a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. Your doctor may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.” Adding, “this procedure requires little to no special preparation.” *

More about Cone Bean CT:*

Cone beam CT is not the same as conventional CT. However, dental cone beam CT can be used to produce images that are similar to those produced by conventional CT imaging.
With cone beam CT, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images, also called views. CT scans and cone beam CT both produce high-quality images.
Dental cone beam CT was developed as a means of producing similar types of images but with a much smaller and less expensive machine that could be placed in an outpatient office.
Cone beam CT provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses. It does not provide the full diagnostic information available with conventional CT, particularly in evaluation of soft tissue structures such as muscles, lymph nodes, glands and nerves. However, cone beam CT has the advantage of lower radiation exposure compared to conventional CT.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we use Planmeca 3-D imaging device to help diagnose our patients. Not all damage and disease is visible during a routine dental examination. We strive to limit our patients exposure to radiation. That’s why we make the process quick and painless!

The 3-D Planmeca imaging device is the newest X-ray procedures. Instead of using standard X-ray film, 3-D digital images are produced on the computer screen where we can view them, store them or print them. 3-D imaging take a fraction of the time and uses less radiation.

This technology offers up a profound representation of anatomy, thus offering new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment. These advances assist with many forms of dentistry, including: endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, implantology, dental and maxillofacial surgery.

The benefits for the patient include:*

Cone beam CT scans provide more information that conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning.
CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time.
No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a CT examination.
X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.
Non-invasive, there is no need to bite down on a mold or piece of plastic.

Benefits for the dentist include:*

The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.
A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more complete evaluation.
Surgical planning for impacted teeth.
Accurate placement of dental implants.
Determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
Locating the origin of pain.
Planning orthodontic issues.

What can you expect?

Like traditional x-rays, you’ll be asked to sit very still. While seated, the x-ray source and detector will sweep around you in unison providing a 360-degree rotation (or less, as needed). This typically takes 20-40 seconds for a full scan, and less if the scan if for a specific area only.

Jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and other metal objects may affect the images and should be removed in advance. You might also be asked to remove hearing aids and any removable dental work and piercings.

This is a painless procedure and results are quickly available for treatment planning.

The 3-dimensional digital device at Carolina’s Dental Choice combines three different types of 3-D data with one X-ray unit! This will save our patients time and additional discomfort associated with traditional X-ray units. As with all procedures, we’ll work with you and determine if your dental insurance covers this technology.

*Radiological Society of North America, Inc.

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