How Could Removing a Tooth Be Good?

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It’s good to take care of your teeth and gums to help avoid the need for removing a tooth from decay, and a dentist often has methods for saving a natural tooth. Yet, there are cases where a tooth extraction is a positive thing that will help your mouth and oral health, and tooth extraction doesn’t always equate to poor oral hygiene. Here are positive reasons for tooth extraction and how it can help:

Tooth Damage

In many cases, a tooth can be saved if it’s damaged from various causes, such as cracking or decay. But if the damage has gone too far—which means past the gum line or past the point where a root canal or antibiotics solve the problem—it’s necessary to remove the tooth. In this situation, extraction can prevent damage from progressing. For example, the damage could lead to infection, which can potentially spread throughout the body, and removing the tooth provides a solution. Sometimes, extraction is the best course of action for people with a weakened immune system to avoid the chance of infection from a damaged tooth.

Tooth Crowding

The mouth can have more teeth than it can fit or teeth that are too large for the size of the mouth. This problem doesn’t have anything to do with oral hygiene, but it can cause the need for a tooth extraction. Removing the tooth gives the benefit of creating extra room and preventing problems to the bite and oral health. In applicable cases, removing teeth allows an orthodontist to align the teeth in the best way possible.

Teeth Under the Surface

Another issue is when teeth aren’t able to break through the gum line. This generally happens because there isn’t enough room for the new tooth to squeeze into, usually occurring with the wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth. Leaving the impacted tooth alone has the potential to lead to dental problems, such as gum disease, pain, or tooth decay. Removing the tooth can prevent problems and ensure there’s enough space for the rest of the teeth.

The best way to know if tooth extraction would help is to talk to your dentist. A dentist can discuss the pros and cons of all of your options.

What are Veneers?

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Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin caps that are placed over the natural teeth to improve the way they look. With veneers, the size, shape and/or color of an individual’s teeth can be changed.

Who Would Choose to Have Veneers Placed?

Veneers can improve an individual’s smile, which usually helps increase his or her self-confidence level.

Anyone who has teeth that are:

  • Misaligned.
  • Discolored.
  • Chipped.
  • Damaged.

Veneers can also address extra space between the teeth. Veneers closely mimic natural teeth. They even have all of the ridges and grooves that are present on natural teeth. Maintenance is as simple as brushing twice a day and flossing at least once.

Types of Veneers

Veneers are one of the easiest and most universal methods chosen to improve the appearance of the teeth. There are a variety of veneers available and the best choice will depend on the patient’s end goal.

Porcelain Veneers

These are the most popular option because they are considered permanent and they look the most like natural teeth. To have porcelain veneers placed, the patient will require two appointments. During the initial appointment, the dentist prepares the teeth and then takes an impression. This impression is used to create the patient’s custom-tailored veneers. Once the veneers are created, the patient returns to the office to have them applied.

Composite Resin Veneers

Since these are a quicker option than porcelain veneers, only requiring one appointment for application, composite resin veneers are sometimes referred to as direct veneers or direct bonding. They are a reliable option for an improved smile and are also custom sculpted to fit the patient’s teeth.

Instant Veneers

Instant veneers are pre-made, which is why they are less expensive than the other customized options listed here. Since these are pre-made these veneers will not match the patient’s teeth exactly. These veneers do not last as long or look as natural as porcelain or composite resin veneers do.

Removable Veneers

Removable veneers are a mix between porcelain veneers and instant veneers. These veneers are custom sculpted to match the patient’s teeth and they can be removed at any time. Removable veneers are made of dental resin and they are very durable. Eating and drinking with these veneers is fine, as long as they are properly cleaned afterward.

Come visit Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry to see if veneers are the right choice to unlock your gorgeous smile! To schedule an appointment, please call 1-513-648-9900 or you can use our online request form by clicking here.

Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Your Dentist: Things to Know

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It is estimated that around 22 million people in the United States have sleep apnea. This health condition can lead to not breathing periodically while you sleep, which can be incredibly dangerous in some cases. You may not consider seeing your dentist for help with sleep apnea, but a dentist may be able to help.

Sleep Apnea and Its Link to Snoring

Snoring occurs with sleep apnea due to the relaxation of the soft tissues at the back of the mouth and in the throat. Even though not everyone with sleep apnea snores and not all snorers have sleep apnea, snoring is one of the most common indicators of the condition.

How the Dentist Can Help

The dentist can take a look at your mouth’s positioning when you are in certain positions and determine if there is a chance that you have sleep apnea. Or, you can simply talk to the dentist about your symptoms and any diagnosis you have already gotten from your doctor. The dentist can create a custom-made mouth appliance that you wear at night that helps hold your jaws in the proper position to keep the soft tissue at the back of your throat in place. This can open up the airway and help you avoid problems with snoring and stopping breathing while you sleep.

Wearing a Night Appliance: Tips to Remember

Once you have been given a mouth appliance for sleep apnea, remember these tips:

  • Brush your teeth before putting the appliance on for the night to prevent the accumulation of bacteria as you sleep
  • Wet the appliance before placing it in your mouth to help it glide in easily
  • Wash your appliance every morning and store it in its protective case
  • Talk to your dentist if anything about the appliance is causing you discomfort

Talk to Us About Potential Help for Sleep Apnea in Cincinnati, OH

Sleep apnea can disrupt sleep patterns and even be a threat to your health. Therefore, talking to your dentist to find out if there is something they can do is always worth it. If you would like to know more about how we may be able to help with sleep apnea, reach out to us at Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry for an appointment.

 

Common Myths About Dental Sealants

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Even though permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are a lot of foods we eat, and things we do that can leave our teeth prone to deterioration and decay. The molars, or the teeth along the back of the jawline, are most at risk. Dental sealants are an effective solution to deter instances of decay. However, many myths get in the way of people seeking this form of dental treatment. Here is a look at some common myths associated with this protective treatment and the myths you should know.

Myth: Dental sealants are only suitable for pediatric patients.

Even though dental sealants are most often used on pediatric patients, this does not mean that the treatment is only fitting for children. Yes, children tend to need more protection from decay because they are not the best about brushing, flossing, and general oral hygiene. However, adults who are prone to decay can benefit just the same. Further, dental sealants can be a good way to protect teeth from stains.

Myth: Dental sealants aren’t that effective.

When applied appropriately, dental sealants are highly effective at thwarting issues with decay and stains. The material is so effective, that some research suggests sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by as much as 80 percent. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 who don’t have dental sealants may have as many as three times as many instances of decay in their molars.

Myth: Dental sealants contain compounds that aren’t good for you.

Dental sealers can contain different compounds depending on what product the dentist uses in their office. Almost all sealant products are plastic-based and do contain minimal amounts of BPA, but the amount is so fractional that it is 100 times less than what you would be exposed to just by handling a basic receipt or using certain cosmetics. Further, there are no known side effects involved with the treatment.

Reach Out to a Dentist in Cincinnati, OH About Dental Sealants

Overall, dental sealants are a valuable component in modern-day dentistry, and the advantages for all people are obvious. If you would like to know more about dental sealants and how they can help you protect your smile, reach out to us at Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry for an appointment.

Is My Teen a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

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Your teenager needs braces, but they are adamant that they want the invisible version like Invisalign instead. Not every patient is a good Invisalign candidate, but many are. How do you know if your teen’s Invisalign preference is a good idea specifically for them? Here are a few things to consider before you talk to the dentist about what your teen prefers where braces are concerned.

How responsible is your teen?

When you opt for Invisalign braces, you are given a series of aligners that have to be changed periodically. Furthermore, the prescribed aligners have to be worn for most of the day. Since these braces can technically be taken off, it is important that you have a teenager who is responsible enough to wear the aligners when they are supposed to and change their aligners as directed by the dentist.

What kind of bite problems does your teen have?

Invisalign braces work well for a lot of different bite problems, but it is not the best fit for every type of issue. Some problems that can be corrected include:

  • Slight overcrowding of the teeth
  • Gaps in between certain teeth
  • General crookedness of the bite
  • Slight underbite and overbite problems

If your teen has more severe problems, such as a major overbite or crossbite, these issues may not be best for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate bite problems.

What is the primary reason your teen wants invisible braces?

Does your teen want invisible braces because they are self-conscious about what they will look like with traditional braces? Is your teen interested in braces that can be taken off as needed? Talk to your child about why they would prefer to have Invisalign over regular braces. Discuss these thoughts with the dentist when you go in for an initial consultation. It is important for the patient to have correct expectations with treatment.

Find Out More About Invisalign in Cincinnati, OH

For teens who have specific bite problems, can be responsible for their oral health, and make good candidates, Invisalign can be a logical solution for alignment issues. If you would like to know more about Invisalign treatment in Cincinnati, OH, reach out to us at Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry.