Jun 21, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Root canal procedures are a common element of dentistry. They provide a great way to save teeth that have severe decay or damage. Whether or not the tooth is causing pain, it may require root canal treatment for the best results. If this happens to you, seek treatment from a qualified and experienced dentist.
After your procedure, you will be given instructions for caring for yourself during recovery.
There are some typical signs to watch for that you will want to consult your dentist if you notice them during your recovery.
Pain
Most patients only need over-the-counter pain medication following root canal treatment. If you experience pain that these medications do not relieve, ask your dentist for stronger prescription medication. Make sure you follow the directions carefully, including dosages, timing, alcohol or driving restrictions.
Swelling
It is a normal side effect to have some swelling after a root canal procedure. Use ice during the first day of recovery and any longer as directed by your dentist. If swelling worsens or comes back, contact your doctor.
Infection
If you notice a pimple near the affected tooth, call your dentist because it may require an appointment to ensure an infection isn’t starting. This is especially important for an upper tooth to avoid an infection spreading into your sinus cavity. If an infection develops, it is usually treated with an antibiotic.
Loose stitches
If you believe a stitch seems loose, call your dentist to determine if a new stitch is needed. This can occur as a result of eating hard foods too soon, or even just from poking around the area too much with your finger or tongue. Most stitches dissolve on their own, but your dentist will tell you if a follow-up appointment is needed to remove them.
A root canal procedure is often the best way to save a damaged tooth. Don’t hesitate to undergo treatment when it is recommended. If you are alert during recovery and follow the instructions, you should feel as good as new in only a few days.
Schedule your appointment today at our Central Falls dental office.
Jun 28, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular ways to brighten and beautify a dark and dingy smile. Many factors contribute to the discoloration of your smile, including age, the food and beverages you consume, tobacco use, and certain medications.
If you are considering any of the wide array of whitening treatment options, you may have some of the following questions:
- Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening? While most people are candidates for teeth whitening, it is best to consult with your dentist to determine if teeth whitening would be appropriate for you and will help you achieve the results you desire.
- How long will teeth whitening results last? No teeth whitening treatment is permanent, but depending on the type of whitening technique and the care you take post-whitening, you can expect to enjoy the results for six months to 2 years.
- Will teeth whitening treatments damage tooth enamel or existing dental restorations? When used correctly, products that contain 10% carbamide peroxide show no effect on enamel or damage to dental restorations.
- Will my restorations whiten also? Existing restorations will not lighten with whitening treatment and may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade.
- Does teeth whitening create permanent tooth sensitivity? Sensitivity from teeth whitening is temporary. No evidence exists that teeth whitening treatments have a detrimental effect on the health of the tooth’s nerve, which would cause long-term sensitivity.
Advances in dental technology means there are a wide variety of teeth whitening options to achieve the look you desire. Consult with your dental professional to determine which type of whitening treatment would produce the best results. With professional teeth whitening, you can begin to enjoy the benefits of a more beautiful smile in as little as one dental visit.
Jul 7, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Congratulations on your upcoming cosmetic dentistry treatment! You’re on the road toward obtaining the smile of your dreams. Before your appointment, however, it’s important to make any necessary arrangements that will allow you to get home safely and recover quickly and completely, without complications.
If your cosmetic dentistry procedure requires sedation of any kind other than laughing gas, you may not drive yourself home after your appointment. Sedation dentistry, even that which is administered by an IV, is conscious, but it leaves the patient feeling dreamy and sometimes woozy or dizzy, and although you may walk and talk and respond to instructions, you are not alert enough to drive. Driving after sedation dentistry can lead to a terrible accident in which you or someone else may be hurt. Avoid this serious issue by arranging a ride home with a trusted family member, friend or coworker.
It’s important to wear comfortable clothing to your appointment, especially if you’re going to go right home to rest. Teeth whitening or dental veneers are simple cosmetic procedures that require little, if any dental sedation; however, dental implants, crowns and bridges or gum treatments will require sedation and therefore calls for rest at home afterward. Wearing soft clothing can allow you to slip right into bed or to recline comfortably on the sofa to begin your recovery.
Many procedures will leave you with a need to consume soft foods and tepid liquids. Have plenty of yogurt, applesauce or soft cheeses on hand. Milkshakes can be an excellent source of calories and energy following cosmetic dentistry.
Be sure to have plenty of anti-inflammatory pain medication on hand, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. This can ease common post-procedure discomfort.
Ask the dentist for more tips on how to prepare for your particular treatment. Just a little work ahead of time can make your recovery so much more comfortable.
Jul 14, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Is your face aging you, but the idea of cosmetic surgery isn’t appealing? It may be time to consider a smile makeover. If your smile is dark, dingy, crooked, gapped or haggard, it adds years to your appearance. Cosmetic dentistry offers many non-invasive options to restore the youthful appearance of your smile and, as a result, take years off of your looks.
With aging, teeth can shift, darken, become chipped and may even fall out. These issues decrease the volume in your face, thin your lips and alter your bite. Because your teeth support the lower portion of your face, all of these problems combine to create an older appearance. A smile makeover performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist can correct these problems and put the youthful glow back in your face.
Smile makeovers offer a variety of options to correct the dental problems causing your face to age:
- Professional teeth whitening to brighten dingy, dark, or dull teeth
- Porcelain veneers to mask uneven or damaged teeth
- Mini dental implants to restore missing teeth
- Tooth-colored fillings to replace old, dark metal fillings
- Dental crowns to repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Composite bonding to fix the shape and color of a tooth
- Invisalign or SPEED braces to correct crooked or misshapen teeth
When you are looking to improve your facial appearance, cosmetic dentistry offers many attractive alternatives to costly and complicated cosmetic surgery. A smile makeover combines treatments to achieve the goal of subtracting years from your appearance. In cooperation with a qualified cosmetic dentist, you can create a smile makeover plan that will keep your smile from aging you and result in a more refreshed and youthful look.
Jul 21, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
You can find a dental care provider for patients in all age groups at your local general dentist’s office. You and your whole family can receive consistent and skilled treatment for all kinds of oral health conditions. Diagnosing problems, properly treating them, and coordinating any specialized services are all possible through your general dentist.
Why should I visit a general dentist?
One of the unique aspects of general dentistry is its emphasis on preventing disease, which helps you avoid advanced oral problems. A high percentage of procedures at your general dentist are either preventive or diagnostic. If you don’t seek treatment for dental issues early, they can eventually cause pain, money, and more extensive time in the dental chair.
What do general dentists do?
A routine visit typically involves a thorough examination of teeth, gums, and all other oral components. X-rays may be taken and you’ll receive a professional cleaning and opportunity to discuss any dental health concerns. Your dentist will offer advice for oral hygiene at home and may recommend preventive treatments like dental sealants.
What if I have a problem?
If issues are identified during your appointment, general dentists offer a wide range of services for optimum oral health. One of the most common procedures is removing tooth decay and filling cavities. Other treatments are related to gum disease, missing teeth, root canal therapy, broken or loose teeth, and orthodontics. Many general dentists are also experienced in performing cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, or even veneers.
Are general dentists qualified to treat me?
In addition to an undergraduate education, general dentists must successfully complete four years of dental school and pass state licensing requirements. Some also receive specialized training in certain areas like cosmetic dentistry, implant placement, or root canal therapy. Most general dentists also pursue continuing education programs.
When is the right time to see a general dentist?
You should visit your general dentist every six months for preventive services and necessary treatments. This will help you avoid the need to rush to the dentist for sudden severe pain, bleeding, or other issues that may have been caught at your regular checkup.
Jul 28, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Often a tooth that suffers trauma will darken to a shade inconsistent with the remaining natural teeth. To determine if that tooth can be lightened, you should first schedule an examination with your dental professional.
Your dentist will perform x-rays and additional tests to assess if the pulp of the tooth is still alive. A tooth that is vital may respond to external bleaching. In this case, your dentist can make a single-tooth bleaching tray to whiten the affected tooth to a shade that more closely matches the surrounding teeth. A single-tooth tray keeps the bleach from touching the adjacent teeth, resulting in a more evenly colored smile.
If your dentist discovers the nerves of the damaged tooth have died, you may require a root canal treatment. A dead tooth may darken immediately, or the change in color can happen over time. In the case of a tooth that is no longer vital, your dentist may suggest trying to bleach the tooth from the inside.
Bleaching a tooth from the inside is a routine treatment that involves making a small opening in the tooth and injecting the bleach into that hole. When the whitening procedure is finished, you can determine with your dentist if the desired results have been achieved. If the internal bleaching did not whiten sufficiently, your dentist might choose to bleach the tooth externally as well. If the results are still not what you were trying to achieve, your dentist may recommend a tooth-colored veneer or crown to make the tooth blend more naturally with the surrounding teeth.
If you have a traumatized tooth darkening your smile, consult with your dentist to determine the best teeth whitening treatment to restore an even and whiter smile.
