DentalCare monthly updates

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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19/Jan/2022

Wisdom teeth are the large teeth in the very back of your mouth that grow in during your late teens or early twenties. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but most people will get four in total. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow in straight, but sometimes they can cause problems. Your dentist might recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are decayed, or are causing pain, infected, or crowding. It is often best to be proactive when it comes to wisdom teeth – removing them before any problems may occur. Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction usually takes about 4 to 7 days. If the tooth is under the gum, then healing may take longer. We can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is something you or your loved one should have done. It is best to do so sooner rather than later.


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06/Dec/2018

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is normally painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

The sooner you treat gum disease the better.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects nearly half of adults over 30 years old in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.


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06/Dec/2018

Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are usually placed on the chewing surface of the permanent back teeth, or the molars and premolars. These sealants help protect the back teeth from decay.

The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves — “fissures” — that make them vulnerable to decay. These fissures can be deep, are difficult to clean, and can be more narrow than a single bristle of a toothbrush. Plaque builds up in these areas, and the acid from bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can develop. Fluoride helps prevent decay and helps protect all the surfaces of the teeth, dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved and pitted areas by providing a smooth surface covering over the fissured area.

The first dental sealant to be placed is usually on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum. This tooth grows in behind the baby teeth. If the chewing surfaces of these teeth are sealed, the dental sealant will help protect the tooth. Except for the wisdom teeth, which come through much later, the molars and premolars continue to erupt until eleven-thirteen years of age and the chewing surfaces of these teeth can be sealed after they have erupted beyond the gum.


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06/Dec/2018

Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular exam, we will:

  • Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
  • Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
  • Perform a thorough teeth cleaning

Your regular exam will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Each regular exam includes a detailed teeth cleaning, in which we will clean, polish, and rinse your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque that have built up on the tooth’s surface.

We suggest visiting our office every six months to give yourself the chance to talk to the doctor about any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.

Immediately after a cleaning, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual due to the removal of tartar and plaque that once shielded your teeth. But in most scenarios, this sensitivity will pass within a day or two.


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06/Dec/2018

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Closing space between two teeth.
  • Cracked or broken teeth.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Worn teeth.

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.


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06/Dec/2018

Root canal treatment — also called endodontics – is a set of specialized procedures designed to treat problems of the soft nerve tissue inside the tooth. While it’s often stereotyped as an unusually painful treatment, in most cases the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It’s actually one of the most effective ways of soothing tooth pain.

A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells — which explains why intense pain can always be a risk during a procedure. In time, the pain may go away… at least temporarily. Without any treatment, however, the infection will not disappear. It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.

How do you know when you need a root canal?

Sometimes, the pain you feel makes it an obvious need. If you feel constant and severe pain and pressure in your mouth, or noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in your gums, then it’s clear you need an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. Another symptom of pulp tissue damage is sharp pain when you bite down on food. Lingering pain after eating foods that are really hot or really cold is also an indication of potential trouble. If any of these symptoms arise, you need to have an examination as soon as possible.


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06/Dec/2018

Dental extractions are a common dental practice that consist of removing a tooth from its socket. Both the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth, and the tooth roots are removed. Teeth that have fully erupted are generally removed through a process called simple extraction, which involves using specialized tools to lift or pull the tooth from its socket. Teeth that haven’t yet erupted are removed surgically, often with the patient under IV anesthesia to prevent discomfort and trauma. If necessary, the extracted tooth can later be replaced by a dental implant or bridge.

Dental extractions are usually performed as a last resort when teeth are too badly damaged to be saved, or when leaving a tooth in the mouth will cause more harm than good. There are four primary reasons why you might need to have a tooth extracted.

-Tooth Decay
-Tooth Damage
-Dental Abscess
-Misalignment or Crowding



Paul J. Berger, DDS

At Sonora Dentist, we offer exceptional dental services to families in Sonora and surrounding areas and pledge to maintain a high standard of safety, quality, and comfort for all patients. Dr. Berger and his team are dedicated to providing complete family dental care delivered with friendly and responsive personal service.


Office Information:

Phone:
(209) 533-9630

Email:
sonoradentist@mlode.com

Address:
13945 Mono Way
Sonora, CA 95370


Office Hours:

Monday
8am – 5pm
Tuesday
8am – 5pm
Wednesday
8am – 5pm
Thursday
8am – 5pm

Office Location:



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