Signs of a Problem After a Tooth Extraction: When to Call the Dentist

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Your permanent teeth may be meant to last you for all of your years, but there can be cases when a permanent tooth has to be pulled. Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures, but these procedures can come along with a few risks after the procedure is done. Get to know what to look for after the tooth is pulled that could signal that something is wrong.

The extraction site will not stop bleeding.

After a tooth is extracted, the body will get to work by forming a clot in the opening. This clot is meant to stop the bleeding; however, there can be situations that prevent the clot from forming. Excessive bleeding can lead to what is referred to as a dry socket, which can be really painful.

You have extreme pain at the extraction site after the localized anesthetic has worn off.

It can take a few hours for the numbing agent the dentist used during treatment to wear off. Once it does, you may feel some pain and tenderness at the extraction site. However, if you are feeling extreme pain, it is important to reach out to the dentist’s office for advice.

There is a green or yellow discharge coming from the extraction site.

Green or yellow discharge from an extraction site can mean an infection is developing. It is important to closely monitor this issue and contact the dentist right away if the discharge does not subside quickly after rinsing your mouth, if you feel nauseous, or if you have a fever.

You notice major swelling and develop a fever.

Any time you have a tooth extracted, there can be some swelling involved. However, if the swelling becomes more than localized and if that swelling is accompanied by a fever, it could be a sign that you are developing an infection.

Contact Us About Tooth Extractions in Dayton, OH

Healing properly after a tooth extraction means properly monitoring the site and working with the dentist if you see problems. To schedule an appointment for tooth extraction in Dayton, OH, reach out to us at Gamber Family Dental.

 

Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Child?

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If you’re like most parents of young children, you may have heard others talking about dental sealants designed for use on children’s teeth. If you’re wondering if sealants can make a positive impact on your child’s dental health, here’s what you need to know:

Sealants Cover the Back Molars

Sealants cover the back molars of the teeth because this area is the most likely to be damaged as the result of improper brushing techniques. Young children often lack the fine motor skills necessary to do a thorough job of brushing and flossing their teeth, and the back teeth are full of grooves, ridges, crevices, and other areas that provide a prime breeding ground for bacteria.

Sealants Are Made From Medical-Grade Resin

Sealants are made from the same type of medical-grade resin that is used to manufacture modern tooth fillings. The only difference is the consistency. Sealants have a runny texture so that they can be easily applied to the surface of the teeth. The dentist will use specialized equipment to dry the sealant after its applied.

Sealants Are Safe

Sealants are absolutely safe. The only possible downside is that they may chip over a period of time, but the sealant can be easily reapplied if this happens.

Sealants Work

Sealants provide an effective physical barrier between the tooth enamel and bacteria. Studies suggest that those without dental sealants are three times more likely to suffer from tooth decay and cavities than their counterparts who have had dental sealants applied by their dentist.

Sealants May Save You Money

It’s estimated that the use of dental sealants reduces dental care costs significantly — after all, there’s far less likelihood of having to pay to have cavities repaired. It’s estimated that dental sealants may reduce dental care costs in the United States by as much as $3 million dollars. The average dental sealant lasts from between three and five years and can last as long as 10 years with proper care.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Dayton, OH, at your convenience for more information on helping your child achieve the best possible dental health.

What Kinds of Stains Can Be Removed with Professional Teeth Whitening?

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Your smile says a lot about you and your health. If you have teeth that are stained and yellowed, it can give people the wrong impression about who you are. One of the most common questions about professional teeth whitening is what kinds of stains can be removed from the enamel of the teeth. Here is a look at some types of stains that tend to respond well to professional whitening procedures and some stains that do not.

Responds Well: Coffee or Tea Stains

Coffee and tea drinkers can develop brownish stains on the enamel of their teeth, especially if they drink a lot and do not brush their teeth after each drinking instance. Thankfully, stains that are the result of drinking a lot of coffee or tea can actually respond really well to professional whitening. Likewise, stains caused by drinking soda, eating brightly colored foods, and other similar actions are usually easier to remove.

Does Not Respond Well: Age-Related Stains

Age-related stains on the teeth tend to be more intrinsic. The interior of the tooth may be changing colors due to natural breakdown as you age, which makes the entire tooth look darkened or gray. Unfortunately, professional whitening alone does not usually help with this type of stain. However, there are other procedures that may help.

Generally Responds Well: Tobacco Stains

Smoking can be really hard on your teeth, but if you do get regular cleanings and brush and floss as you should, it can help deter stains. If stains do develop, it is best to seek professional whitening right away. Early stains can usually be removed, but stains that have been around for a while can be harder to eliminate fully. It is always a good decision to stop smoking for the health of your teeth because stains are the least of your worries as a smoker.

Let’s Talk About Teeth Whitening in Dayton, OH

If you are not happy with stains and discoloration on your teeth, it may be time to consider professional whitening. Contact us at Gamber Family Dental to learn more about the types of whitening services we can provide and how they will work to brighten your smile.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

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As a parent, you are naturally concerned about your child’s dental health. One of the most common questions parents ask dentists is when should their child have their first dental appointment. Usually children should have their first dental appointment as soon as their baby teeth start coming in. At this point in their development, it’s important that your child’s teeth are adequately looked after to ensure that their teeth are growing properly. During this first visit, your child’s dentist will also look at the overall condition of your child’s gums and oral health. This will be a good indication of the likelihood of future issues.

How a Child’s Teeth Can Develop Problems

Humans will develop their first teeth within six to twelve months of being born. Unless your child is exhibiting signs that they have trouble swallowing, then a dentist appointment is not necessarily needed before the first tooth erupts through the gum line. That’s not to say that youngsters don’t have dental problems. Common teeth issues at this stage include tooth decay and baby teeth not falling out as they should, to make way for permanent teeth. Baby teeth cavities are not to be taken lightly, either. This is an indicator that the child’s dental hygiene isn’t as good as it could be. It’s also a sign that there may be too much sugar in the child’s diet.

How to Prevent Problems With Your Child’s Dental Health

Many parents ask the dentist how they can help prevent dental problems for their child. One of the best ways is to limit the consumption of sugary drinks. Remember that even though apple juice and orange juice have vitamins, there is also a considerable amount of naturally-occurring sugars in these beverages. Most dentists recommend not letting the child continually drink from a bottle of fruit juice.

At your child’s first dental appointment, talk to the dentist about ways in which you can help your child’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Your dentist will be able to offer many tips for keeping your child’s oral hygiene in top shape!