Tag: winchester dentist

What You Should Expect After A Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove damaged or infected tissue from inside the root of a tooth. During this procedure, the dentist removes the pulp from within the tooth’s root and cleans, disinfects, and seals the area. Root canals are often recommended when there is an infection in the root of a tooth or when there is severe pain and swelling due to an abscess. If a root canal is not performed, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health issues.

What To Expect After A Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort in the area where the procedure was performed. This discomfort should subside within days. You will be given antibiotics to help prevent any further infections, and you may need to take over-the-counter pain medications as well. Your dentist may also recommend putting a crown on top of your tooth to protect it from further damage. In addition, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and brush your teeth twice a day to help maintain the root canal treatment.

1. Pain and Swelling

It is normal to experience pain and swelling after a root canal procedure. However, this pain should be minor and subside over time. If you are still experiencing severe pain after several days, contact your dentist for advice. You may need to take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen in order to reduce the discomfort and swell around the root of your tooth.

2. Protection of Your Tooth

Once your root canal has healed, you must protect your tooth from further damage by putting a crown on top. This will help protect your tooth’s root from further infection and damage. Your dentist will be able to explain the different types of crowns available and help you choose one that is right for you.

3. Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist may recommend that you come back for follow-up appointments after your root canal treatment to check on the progress made by the procedure. During these appointments, your dentist will inspect your root canal area and make sure it is healing properly. This helps to ensure that your root canal is a success and that there are no further problems or infections in the root of your tooth.

Conclusion

A root canal treatment can be a simple and painless way to save an infected or damaged tooth. After the root canal is complete, practice good oral hygiene and protect your root with a crown to ensure it stays healthy and strong. Contact your dentist immediately for further advice if you experience severe pain or swelling after your root canal treatment.

Expect After A Root Canal Treatment

Q: Will I be in pain after my root canal?

Answer: It is normal to experience some minor pain and discomfort after a root canal procedure. However, this should subside within days of the procedure and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications if needed.

Q: How do I protect my root from further damage?

Answer: Your dentist may recommend that you have a crown put on top of your root to protect it from further damage. This will help to ensure that the root remains strong and healthy.

Q: When should I come back for a follow-up appointment?

Answer: Your dentist may recommend that you come back for follow-up appointments after your root canal treatment to check on the progress made by the procedure. These appointments help to ensure that your root canal is a success and that there are no further problems or infections in the root of your tooth.

What Happens If I Do Not Get a Regular Dental Checkup?

Regular visits to the dentist for regular dental checkups are crucial for keeping your mouth healthy. Regular checkups help to identify and treat existing issues, such as cavities, gum disease, plaque build-up, and other problems that can lead to more serious conditions. However, many people fail to keep up with regular appointments due to cost or time constraints. Unfortunately, neglecting regular checkups can seriously affect your oral health.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Regular Dental Checkup?

If you don’t visit a dentist near you for regular checkups, several issues can arise:

1. Plaque Build-Up

The most common consequence of not visiting the dentist regularly is plaque build-up. Plaque is made up of bacteria and forms on your teeth when food particles and saliva mix. If left unchecked, plaque can cause serious damage to your gums and tooth enamel. Regular dental checkups are necessary to remove any built-up plaque before it causes lasting damage to your mouth.

2. Cavities & Tooth Decay

Plaque buildup can also lead to cavities if it isn’t removed in time. Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, cavities can cause severe pain and even lead to tooth loss. Visiting the dentist regularly is necessary for identifying any signs of cavities in their early stages so they can be treated before they do serious damage.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when plaque isn’t removed between your teeth and gums. The buildup causes inflammation and infection of the gums, which can eventually cause tooth loss if it’s not addressed in time. Regular checkups are a vital part of keeping gum disease at bay.

Conclusion

Maintaining regular dental checkups is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and preventing serious complications like cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss. It’s important to visit the dentist regularly so that any existing issues can be spotted and treated in their early stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I visit the dentist for a regular checkup?

Answer: The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups. Depending on your oral health needs, your dental team will recommend how often you should come in.

Q: What happens during regular dental checkups?

Answer: During regular visits, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth for any signs of existing issues or developing problems. They’ll also clean and polish your teeth to help remove plaque buildup and freshen up your breath.

Q: Are regular dental checkups really necessary?

Answer: Yes, regular dental checkups are essential for keeping your mouth healthy and preventing serious conditions like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Visiting the dentist regularly is the best way to ensure that you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Dental Implant Post-Operative Instructions To Avoid Pain

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While dental implants and the surgery accompanying them are considered safe and effective, it is important to take good care of your new implant and follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure successful healing and optimal long-term results. This article will discuss what you can expect during recovery after getting a dental implant and some tips for keeping your implant healthy afterward.

Dental Implant Post-Operative Instructions

After having a dental implant treatment, it is important to be mindful of any potential risks or complications that may arise. Being aware of post-operative instructions can help you avoid any problems and ensure successful healing.

1: Rest & Relaxation

It is important to rest after the surgery and not over-exert yourself for the first few days. Your mouth may be tender or sore, so it’s best to take a few days off work (if possible) and get plenty of sleep. Make sure to keep your head elevated at night with pillows if needed.

2: Avoid Strenuous Activity

Avoid any strenuous activity, as this can cause increased bleeding or disruption in healing. Stop immediately if you experience pain during light activity, and contact your dentist immediately.

3: Eat Soft Foods

Immediately following surgery, it is important to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods during the first few days of recovery. Also, avoid using a straw, as sucking on drinks can disrupt healing.

4: Regular Check-Ups & Cleanings

Getting regular check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year is essential. This will help your dentist assess the health of your implant and ensure that it is functioning properly.

5: Avoid Chewing on Hard Items

Avoid chewing on hard items such as ice or hard candy to protect your dental implant from wear or damage. Using caution when biting into hard foods can also minimize risks.

6: Brush & Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is essential, just like natural teeth. Brushing removes plaque buildup and helps prevent cavities and decay around the implant site. Flossing cleans in between teeth to remove food particles that brushing may have missed.

Conclusion

Dental implants offer a successful and lasting way to replace missing teeth. With proper post-operative care, your implant should heal quickly, and you’ll enjoy its benefits for many years. Following good aftercare habits such as regularly visiting the dentist, avoiding hard items, and brushing/flossing can ensure that your dental implant remains healthy and functional in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my dental implant last?

Answer: If taken care of properly, a dental implant can last for many years – up to 25 or more!

Q: How soon after surgery can I eat normally?

Answer: It is important to begin with, soft foods immediately following surgery and then gradually transition back to your regular diet as you heal.

Q: What if I experience pain or discomfort?

Answer: It is normal to feel some soreness and tenderness around the implant site, but any excessive pain should be reported to your dentist immediately. Taking over-the-counter medications can help with any mild discomfort.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and its Causes

Millions of people suffer from tooth sensitivity, but many don’t understand what it is or why they have it. If you’ve ever experienced a sudden sharp pain in your teeth when consuming hot or cold food, you are likely dealing with tooth sensitivity. Let’s look at the most common causes of this common condition.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common condition that causes discomfort or pain when exposed to temperature extremes, such as eating hot or cold foods and drinks or even breathing in cold air. It typically involves a sharp, sudden jolt of pain which quickly subsides when the stimulus is removed. This pain may be due to exposure of dentin (the layer under the enamel of teeth) by receding gums, worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), gum disease, dental procedures such as bleaching or filling cavities, or other dental problems.

5 Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Let’s look at the most common causes of this common condition.

1. Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is decay. When tooth enamel erodes away, it exposes the inner layers of the teeth, which are much more sensitive than enamel and can cause pain when exposed to temperature extremes or other irritants. Decay happens for several reasons, including poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, smoking, or drinking alcohol. If left untreated, decay can cause cavities, worsening tooth sensitivity and leading to further damage.

2. Gum Disease

Another common source of tooth sensitivity is gum disease, which occurs when plaque buildup results in infection and inflammation of the gums around your teeth. This can cause receding gums that expose parts of your teeth that are normally protected by enamel and dentin layers, leading to extreme discomfort when exposed to certain foods and beverages. Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits and lifestyle factors such as smoking and eating unhealthy foods.

3. Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can also lead to sensitivity because cracks allow bacteria and other substances to enter the inner portion of the teeth where nerves are located. The cracks may be visible or microscopic – either way, they can create openings for bacteria and irritants to enter and trigger an uncomfortable reaction in your teeth. Cracked teeth occur due to improper oral care habits like grinding your teeth while sleeping or hard foods such as ice cubes that damage healthy enamel layers.

4. Grinding Habits

Grinding your teeth is another habit that can increase tooth sensitivity because it wears down enamel layers over time; this exposes sensitive areas underneath the surface that become vulnerable to pain when exposed to cold temperatures or acidic foods/drinks. To prevent grinding-related problems, consider investing in a mouth guard that fits comfortably over your teeth so you won’t grind them while sleeping at night (an activity we often do without realizing it).

5. Aging & Wear & Tear

As we age, our dental health changes too; enamel wears away with age leaving us more prone to developing cavities and gum disease – both of which increase our chances of experiencing painful episodes related to tooth sensitivity. In addition, everyday wear & tear on our teeth from brushing too hard or using abrasive products can accelerate these issues even more, so it’s important to practice good dental hygiene habits now to avoid future problems later on down the road!

Final Words

Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem, but there are ways to prevent it from getting worse over time through proper oral care practices like brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossing regularly; avoiding acidic foods/drinks; visiting your dentist regularly; wearing a protective mouth guard while sleeping; avoiding smoking/alcohol use; reducing sugar intake, etc., all play an important role in maintaining healthy dental hygiene habits! With some simple lifestyle changes combined with regular dentist visits, you’ll be able to keep those pearly whites safe from painful episodes related to tooth sensitivity!

FAQs:

Q. What are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

Answer: The most common symptom of tooth sensitivity is a sudden shooting pain when exposed to certain temperatures such as hot or cold food and drinks, ice cream, or cold air. Other possible symptoms include a tingling sensation in the teeth when eating sweet food or drinking acidic beverages like soda; sensitivity to brushing and flossing; and tenderness when touching the affected area.

Q. How Can I Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

Answer: Depending on what’s causing your sensitivity, there are several treatment options available from simple at-home remedies to more involved professional treatments. For mild cases at home, you can try using special desensitizing toothpastes containing potassium nitrate which blocks off nerve pathways in sensitive areas and reduces inflammation. You should also pay close attention to your brushing technique – use gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled brush instead of scrubbing back and forth – as well as any possible dietary changes you need to make if acidity levels in food or drinks may be playing a role. For more severe cases it’s best to consult with your dentist who may suggest one of several professional treatments such as fluoride varnish applied directly onto the affected area combined with desensitizing agents like calcium phosphate paste to strengthen diminished enamel structure and reduce discomfort associated with sensitivities.

Top 6 Treatment Options For Cracked Or Chipped Teeth

Are you suffering from a cracked or chipped tooth? Whether it’s because of an injury, wear and tear, or something else, we understand that this can be very stressful. The good news is that several treatment options are available to help you restore your smile and get back to feeling like yourself! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different methods for addressing cracked or chipped teeth so that you can decide which option is right for you.

What Are The Common Treatment Options For Cracked Or Chipped Teeth?

The best dentists in Winchester have come up with the six most common treatment options used for chipped or cracked teeth.

1. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and easy treatment that can repair minor chips and cracks in teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to your damaged tooth, which is then hardened with a special light. This treatment method is relatively inexpensive and non-invasive, making it an attractive option for many patients. 

2. Veneers

Dental Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that fit over your teeth’ front surface to hide imperfections like chips and cracks. They are usually made from thin layers of porcelain, which bond directly onto the front surface of your tooth in order to restore its natural shape and color. Veneers look very natural and provide excellent protection against further damage to the affected tooth. 

3. Dental Crowns

Crowns are one of the most common ways to repair cracked or chipped teeth because they provide strong protection against further damage while restoring the appearance of your smile. Crowns are made from porcelain or metal, depending on your needs. They cover the entire visible part of your damaged tooth to protect it from any additional damage while blending in seamlessly with your other teeth. 

4. Dental Fillings

Fillings involve placing a filling material into a decayed or damaged area in order to seal off any cracks or chips that may have occurred due to decay or trauma. This treatment helps prevent further decay while restoring functionality and strength to the affected areas of your mouth. Fillings can be made from various materials such as composite resin, gold, amalgam (silver), etc., depending on what works best for each individual case. 

5. Root Canal Treatment 

Root canal treatment is often used when extensive damage due to cracking or chipping reaches below the gum line into the root canal system. During this procedure, the infected root canal tissue is removed before being replaced by a crown or filling material to restore strength and functionality back into your mouth while sealing off any remaining infection caused by trauma or decay. 

6. Dental Implants

In cases where extensive damage due to cracking/chipping cannot be treated using any other methods mentioned above, then dental implants may be recommended as an alternative solution. This type of treatment involves surgically placing an artificial titanium post into your jawbone, which acts as an anchor for an artificial “tooth” made from either porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic materials. Dental implants offer long-lasting results when properly cared for, often lasting 15 years or more.  

Final Thoughts

Understanding what treatments are available for cracked or chipped teeth can help ensure which option suits your needs the best! From simple bonding procedures to complex root canal therapies, there’s always something available out there that will help bring back that smile, no matter how extensive (or minor) your dental emergency might be! So don’t hesitate; if you have recently experienced an injury involving one of your teeth, consult a dentist nearby to be aware of which treatment option to choose.

What You Should Know About Sinus Lifts

Sinus lift surgery, which raises the sinus floor and develops bone for the implantation of dental implants, can assist to correct this condition. Several procedures can be utilised to elevate the sinus and allow new bone to grow. An incision is made to expose the bone in one common approach. The bone is then sliced into a tiny circular. This bony component is raised into the sinus cavity, like a trap door, and the space behind it is filled with bone graft material. Your periodontist can discuss your graft material alternatives, which can restore missing bone and tissue.

 What Is a Sinus Lift? 

When there is less bone width between the upper jaw bone and the maxillary sinus, which is located on either side of the nose, a sinus lift is used to push the maxillary sinus skin upward and make space for bone graft material to be used to reconstruct the bone. The bone remodelling treatment is utilised when the upper maxillary molar or premolar is absent. In that instance, the base of the maxillary sinus extends and thins the bone. As a result, a sinus lift is a highly beneficial operation in such patients to recover bone space for implant insertion.

What is the purpose of a sinus lift?

  • Periodontal diseases cause bone loss in the upper posterior area.
  • Missing teeth for extended periods resulted in no bone remaining for implant insertion.
  • The maxillary sinus is excessively large, and there is insufficient bone width for the implant. The size of the sinuses grows larger with age.
  • For individuals who have lost their upper back teething jaw and do not have enough bone for an implant.

Procedure

Sinus lift surgery can be performed in a variety of ways. The best technique for you may be determined by how much bone you presently have in your jaw, the type of bone transplant used by the clinician, and the prospective approach for future dental implant implantation. The following are some of the fundamental steps:

  • To keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, you may be given oral or intravenous sedatives, or a dentist may numb the area with a local anaesthetic.
  • To expose the bone, the surgeon will find and create incisions into the back area of your gum tissue.
  • Your surgeon will cut a small amount of bone, being careful not to cut through the sinus membranes.
  • Your surgeon will raise the membrane by lifting the sliced part of the bone into the sinus cavity.
  • In the newly raised area, your surgeon will place bone transplant materials. This could be bone from another part of your body or synthetic bone material. Before the procedure, you and your doctor will have discussed the best option for you.
  • Sutures will be used by the surgeon to close the incisions in your gums.

What precautions should be followed after the sinus lift?

  • Don’t blow your nose: Instead of using strong pressure, lightly rub your nose.
  • Avoid Sneezing: If you sneeze, keep your mouth open and don’t compress your nose too hard.
  • Avoid Sucking: Never consume beverages with a straw. Smoking should be avoided.
  • Playing a wind instrument should be avoided: Balloons should not be blown up.
  • Avoid undertaking exercises such as pushing or lifting: Lifting or pushing things weighing more than 20 kg is not permitted.

We hope this site has answered your question concerning what Sinus lift is. Sinus lift surgery can prepare the way for the insertion of dental implants. So, if you’re seeking the best dentist in Winchester, VA for sinus lift surgery, come to Smiles of Virginia. Give us a call right away!

What Are The Advantages of Getting Sinus Lift?

What is Sinus Lift?

Our teeth are held together by the bones of our upper and lower jaw. The jawbones play a crucial role in helping us bite and chew various kinds of food. They also maintain the proper facial structure. Bone loss in the jaws is one of the very common oral issues. It happens for a wide range of reasons. The reasons can range from gum diseases to tumors and cysts in the jaws. 

Therefore, it is essential to provide an adequate amount of stimulation to the jawbones. Numerous people have lost a tooth in the upper or lower jaw which has resulted in bone loss. In these current times, any kind of dental issue can be solved like advanced orthodontic treatments like Sinus Lifts. 

But what is Sinus Lift? Sinus Lift can be defined as a dental procedure that is performed by dentists or orthodontists to improve the bone mass in the upper jaw of the patient. Now let us take a look at who are the possible candidates for this procedure. 

Who Is An Ideal Candidate for This Treatment?

If you are ever told by your dentist that you do not qualify for dental implants because of bone loss in the upper jaw, you can be a potential candidate for a sinus lift. Due to the position of our sinus cavity, it is very challenging for orthodontal surgeons to place dental implants in the rear end of our upper jaw. In addition, having these issues can also make you ideal for a sinus lift:

  • Having engorged sinuses.
  • Suffering severe facial injury or trauma.
  • Having an advanced stage of gum disease.
  • Tooth loss by accident.
  • Undergoing tooth extraction procedure on the upper jaw several times. 

The Advantages of Sinus Lift

There is no doubt about the importance of a sinus lift treatment and why it is required for some patients. Now let us get to know about the various advantages of the Sinus Lift treatment:

  • Lessens The Risk of Serious Damage In The Sinuses: If the wall of the maxillary sinus is too close to the upper section of the mouth or too thin, then inserting dental implants may cause severe damage to it. This issue can easily be solved by getting a sinus lift treatment.
  • Repairs Damage from Tooth Loss and Gum Disease: Sinus lift can make the jawbones stronger by adding more mass to it. In some of these sinus lift procedures, a natural or synthetic bone graft is used to replace the missing bone material.
  • It Makes Getting Dental Implants Possible: Sinus lifts opens a wide range of possibilities for patients suffering from bone loss in the jaws. It helps them to qualify for treatments like dental implants. 

 

Finally, we hope that our blog has helped you in knowing about sinus lift treatment and its advantages. If you need advanced dental services in Winchester, VA, then please visit our Winchester dentist at Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center. We use advanced technology to treat a wide range of dental problems. 

What Are The Benefits of Full Mouth Reconstruction?

What Do You Mean By Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Our oral health is connected to our overall health and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of your teeth at home and also through professional means.  But how do you fix the problem of damaged and decayed teeth in both of your upper or lower jaws? Is there any way of solving this kind of issue? Dental surgical treatments like full mouth reconstruction or restoration can easily solve these problems. This procedure is highly recommended for people born with severe facial deformities that affect their teeth and gums. 

It is also required for individuals who have suffered severe oral and facial injuries in an accident. But what exactly is a full mouth reconstruction treatment? Full mouth reconstruction can be defined as a surgical procedure or a set of procedures that brings back the proper functioning of a person’s teeth and gums. It is also capable of eliminating problems like neuromuscular problems, headaches, and neck aches. 

 

Who Is An Ideal Candidate for This Treatment?

Several factors can make a person suitable for this surgical procedure. They are as follows:

  • Headaches and issues in the jaw and facial muscles due to severe cases of malocclusion.
  • Severe damage and decay to full sets of teeth both in upper and lower jawlines.
  • Serious injury or trauma to the teeth and gums.
  • Hard and soft tissues that are fractured due to an accident.
  • Teeth that are extremely worn out as a result of the long-term consummation of acidic foods and beverages.
  • Teeth that have suffered major damage due to teeth grinding or bruxism.

 

The Procedures Needed for This Treatment

It is crucial to consult your dental surgeon to know the specific procedures that are needed before undergoing full mouth reconstruction. They are as follows:

  • Periodontal cleaning and teeth cleaning.
  • Gum Contouring
  • The lengthening of your dental crowns.
  • Reduction of your natural oral structure.
  • Surgery to reposition your jaw.
  • Placement of temporary dental restorations 
  • Soft tissue or bone graft.
  • Other orthodontic procedures. 
  • Implant placement and restoration. 
  • Placement of permanent dental restorations like dental bridges, crowns, and veneers.

 

The Benefits of This Treatment 

While full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation treatment is considered as a cosmetic procedure for many people, it also has some significant health benefits:

  • It gives you a new mouth and a beautiful smile.
  • It removes all plaque and tartar as well as bacterial colonies from your teeth and gums.
  • Averts serious gum diseases.
  • It also adds to the bone mass of the jaws by bone grafting.
  • It can even cure issues related to TMJ. 

Therefore, we hope our blog has helped you to learn about full mouth reconstruction treatment and its benefits. If you need the best reconstructive surgeries in Winchester, VA, then please visit us at Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center. We ensure an enjoyable experience for the first visit of your family members. 

Tooth Extraction: Basic Guide & Recovery

Tooth extraction or exodontia is a fairly common procedure and most of us have to get at least one tooth pulled out at some point in our lives. However, the phobias and paranoias associated with the procedure are endless and justifiably so. Let us take a look at this article which provides a step-by-step analysis of the entire process and try to rid ourselves of the anxiety.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

There are a wide array of reasons as to why your tooth needs to be pulled out. One of the main reasons could be a crowded mouth and removal of teeth could lead to perfect alignment. Serious dental infection is also one of the leading causes of tooth removal. Your dentist can also recommend a tooth extraction surgery if you are suffering from periodontal disease. Now that we know the most common reasons let us delve deeper into the basics of the tooth extraction procedure.

Sedation Dentistry

Numbing the site of the tooth extraction is done even before the tugging and pulling out of your tooth starts. The location of the tooth determines if you will receive an intravenous anesthetic or a general neuroleptic. In case you are given the local anesthetic or the injection, then you might be instructed to not eat or drink anything eight hours before the procedure. To avoid any serious complications we would recommend you to provide your entire medical and dental history to your dentist and also specify any medication you are under. Our team of dentists will discuss the options with you and help you select the best sedative dentistry service for your case. Put your mind at ease and you are all set to begin the procedure.

The Extraction Process

Once you have been sedated and your gum tissue is adequately numb, our Dentist in Winchester and the team will attempt to loosen the teeth. When it is sufficiently loose from the ligaments and the jawbone, our team of dentists will perform the extraction using forceps. These are simple extractions and they are generally smooth and hassle-free. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, could be a bit complicated. If the tooth is impacted then the dentist can solve the issue easily with small incisions. You are only supposed to feel pressure throughout the entire procedure. In case of any pain or discomfort let your dentist know. In such cases, your sedative could be tweaked to numb the area further.

Steps to Hasten the Recovery

The recovery process could take anywhere from two to three days to a week. If the pain persists you are advised to contact your dentist immediately and request painkillers. 

Gently biting the gauze pad: 

Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will place a sterilized gauze pad to prevent bleeding and preserve the blood clot which has been formed. You are supposed to firmly but gently bite it and change it once it is completely covered in blood. Keep it for as long as your dentist advises you to do so. Oftentimes the edges of the gum will be closed up with self-dissolving stitches which will fasten the recovery process and prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Avoid rinsing your mouth for the next 24 hours to avoid conditions leading to a dry socket.

Cold Compressions: 

The application of ice packs can minimize the swelling and lead to a faster healing process. Using cold compresses for ten to twenty minutes has been seen to reduce pain.

Eat soft food:

Beverages and edibles of jelly-like consistency will be your best friend during the recovery process. Ingest soft food like yogurt, pudding, or even soup till the pain subsides and you can again chew properly. 

 

Additionally, avoid smoking and give a lot of rest to your body for the next two days. Occasionally rinse your mouth with saline water after 24 hours of the extraction procedure. If you have any further questions related to extraction then consult a dentist near you immediately. And if you are looking for a dentist in Winchester, VA then please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

7 Signs To Visit Your Emergency Dentist

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and without any prior warning. Suppose you are playing baseball one minute and the very next minute you have a broken tooth. What would you do then? Rush to your emergency dentist and let them fix your tooth in no time. Take a look at this article to get a better insight on when to avail emergency dentistry services.

Dislodged tooth

A completely knocked-out permanent tooth can cause excruciating pain and is a major cause of concern. To manage the pain and reinsert the broken tooth you need to visit your emergency dentist without any delay. Steer far away from at-home remedies and treatments and let emergency dentistry do its magic.

Bleeding Gums

Mysterious bleeding could be an early sign of undiagnosed periodontal disease. If your gums are bleeding continuously and you are experiencing swelling and pain along with it, then rush to your dentist at your earliest convenience. Do not let the bleeding persist and treat it at its inception. 

Metallic taste in your Mouth

Does your mouth taste like metallic pennies? A sudden metallic taste in your mouth could indicate that your metallic fillings are damaged. It could cause serious damage to your oral health if left untreated. Save yourself from a potential root canal treatment. Visit your dentist immediately and prevent bacterial infection in your mouth 

Tremendous Toothache

If you are suffering from unexplained toothache and the pain is consistent then we would advise you to take the assistance of emergency dentistry services. If the pain is mild then you could wait it out and try home remedies. If the severity increases then rush to your nearest dental clinic. Pain coupled with fever and headache could be a sign of an abscessed tooth and requires immediate attention

Swollen jaw

An inflamed mouth could be caused due to several reasons. It could indicate an infection, gum disease, or sometimes be an early indicator of oral cancer. To ascertain the reason you should visit your emergency dentist and chalk up an effective treatment plan.

Loose Tooth

Your permanent pearly whites are not supposed to be moving once they have matured. Tooth mobility could be a symptom of serious underlying problems and it is better to choose emergency dental care in such situations. A quick oral exam or an x-ray can detect the problem and avoid further complications.

Persisting Canker Sore

Canker sores are small gashes inside your mouth. They are pretty common and aren’t usually a cause of concern. However, if they don’t heal in two weeks then it is time to visit your nearest dental clinic. Oftentimes, they could be the breeding ground for oral infections and you should avoid that at all costs.

Now that you know when to opt for emergency dentistry, feel free to reach out to our Emergency dentist in Winchester at Smiles of Virginia whenever required. If you are looking for emergency dental care around Winchester, VA then contact us without any hesitation and choose from our wide range of emergency dentistry services.