Monday, January 3rd, 2022
Dental fillings are typically used to replace missing tooth structures. Generally, they are used to treat enamel defects caused by decay, trauma, or previous restorations.
What if there is severe pain following a filling, or if a prolonged soreness persists? How about a temporary soreness that returns? In this article, we'll discuss what to expect after a dental filling, and when you should call your dentist.
Fillings are used to treat cavities in the mouth. To stop decay and strengthen the tooth, a cavity filling is a straightforward procedure. The procedure can be repeated for multiple cavities in one visit. Dentists select the most suitable dental filling material from several different materials available.
To numb the area surrounding the tooth, a local anesthetic (usually Novocaine) is injected. Before the affected area becomes numb, patients usually experience a pin prick-like sensation.
The decayed parts of the tooth are ground away by the dentist once the area has been numbed. The tooth is then cleaned and filled with filling material. To ensure that the filling does not affect the patient's bite, the tooth is polished and filed.
There is usually no need for follow-up visits after the treatment, and the patient can resume normal activities.
After a filling, some discomfort is to be expected, especially in the first few hours. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel tingling and even twitching.
When the pain does not diminish within a few hours, then there may be a problem with the affected tooth. Occasionally, the pain subsides and then returns. This often means the cavities may have been larger than previously thought, or there may be decay around the filling.
Similarly, the area around the filled tooth may also be sensitive to hot and cold liquids for a short time after the procedure. An uncomfortable sharp pain is usually felt in the sensitive area of the filling. It could mean that there is something wrong with the filling if the pain lingers or if the sensitivity persists after a week.
The procedure of placing a filling can occasionally result in complications, even though it is a common one. To reduce the pain caused by fillings, patients can take a variety of steps. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both available over the counter, can help relieve pain. Cold compresses can also be helpful.
If the home remedies listed above do not alleviate severe pain after a dental filling, individuals should consult their dentist. A dentist may have to redo the filling or find other treatment options to relieve the pain.
Finding a trusted dental office is crucial to exceptional oral health. Brookmere Dental Group has over 20 years of experience. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Vancouver area lead dentist.
Thursday, April 1st, 2021
As kids, we're imprinted with the idea that dentist offices are scary places (I'm looking at you, Finding Nemo). We lose many of our childish fears as we grow up, but this one seems to stick around a little longer.
Why else would only 64% of adults get a dental check-up in 2019?
It's easy to go about our daily lives and forget to focus on our oral health. Unfortunately, skipping these routine visits can lead to serious permanent issues. In the long run, that means thousands of dollars.
Do your mouth and your wallet a favor by scheduling your next dental visit. Don't believe this is important? Read on to discover the five main reasons to schedule a dental check up.
A regular dental check-up every six months allows you to touch base with your dentist. Not only do they inform you of the state of your teeth, but this is your chance to ask questions.
Your doctor is there to help you.
For example, if your smile has always made you self-conscious, you don't have to suffer from that discomfort forever. Treatment options exist, like orthodontics or Invisalign, that completely transform the look of your smile. You can read more about our orthodontic treatment benefits.
Without a dental visit, you may never know how close you are to a better life.
Gum disease and oral cancers are difficult to spot with the untrained eye. Waiting multiple years between check-ups is dangerous because you're letting diseases grow without treatment (unless you have X-Ray vision in which case we'll give you a pass).
Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide. They're preventable in the early stages, so just go get your check-up.
This idea directly relates to the reason above. If you think that oral cancer, periodontitis, and gingivitis sound expensive and complicated, you're right. Treatments for these diseases can blow a big hole in your wallet.
Stop these problems in their tracks by taking a detailed look at your teeth and gums twice a year.
The majority of employers offer dental coverage. If you're paying for it already, why not take advantage of these benefits? They don't roll over to the next calendar year, so use them while you can.
Cleaning your teeth is one of the most memorable parts of a check-up. Did you know that stripping your teeth of plaque does a lot more for your health than just making you feel cleaner?
People with plaque buildup are 65% more likely to have dementia. There are also direct links between plaque and pneumonia, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Your health should be your number one priority. Schedule a dental check-up to reap the benefits we mentioned above. From saving money to preventing serious diseases, there's no reason not to visit us here at Brookmere Dental Group.
Visit our website to view the services available to you and get in touch with one of our professionals. Click here to read our special message to new patients and schedule your appointment today!
There's no boogeyman at the dentist, we promise.
Monday, March 1st, 2021
Have you been experiencing tooth pain but you're too afraid to go to the dentist? You're not alone. Fear of the dentist's office is common. Over 10% of adults are terrified of visiting their dentist!
Many of these fears come from the potential for surgical extraction. People aren't aware that sometimes this procedure is necessary. Are you in need of tooth extraction in Coquitlam?
We're here to talk about when and why your teeth may need to be extracted so you can get rid of some of that fear. Keep reading to learn more.
Having impacted teeth is one of the more common reasons that someone would get a wisdom tooth extracted. These teeth aren't growing in place correctly.
When a tooth is impacted, it means it hasn't been able to erupt from the gums. This is often the result of your mouth being too crowded for an extra tooth.
Impacted teeth can cause further crowding, cracked teeth, or infection (or all three). Getting rid of that tooth won't hurt your smile, and you may have less pain overall after the tooth is gone.
Once you feel that wisdom tooth trying to burst through your gums, you'll be quick to google "tooth extraction near me" to get rid of the soreness.
If your teeth have already erupted, you can still experience overcrowding. Overcrowding means that there's not enough space for all of your teeth to fit the right way. This condition usually requires braces to fix.
Overcrowding makes it challenging to brush all surfaces of your teeth and to floss. This means that it's a health hazard, not just an aesthetic problem.
Sometimes braces and clear aligners aren't enough to fix overcrowding. Getting a quick tooth removal gives your teeth extra space so that orthodontic options are possible.
Your smile may change for a short time, but once your teeth are straightened, you'll never know the difference.
Your dentist wants to preserve your teeth at all costs. This is why they'd instead opt for a filling or a root canal when you visit them with cavities. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible.
Severe tooth decay results in the pulp of your tooth getting an infection. If this infection spreads to your gums, it can cause periodontal disease. Your dentist wants to do everything in their power to prevent this, so extracting the offending tooth is the best option.
If you already have periodontal disease, the tooth may still have to come out. Gum disease often results in loosened teeth.
We understand that the idea of having a tooth extracted is anxiety-inducing. That said, if you're experiencing pain, the extraction will get rid of it.
Expert dentists can remove your tooth without pain, only pressure. While you'll feel some soreness afterward, it's nothing in comparison to what you felt before or what you could feel in the future if your teeth aren't taken care of.
If you think that you need a tooth extraction in Coquitlam, we want to meet you.
Contact us to book an appointment for dentistry services in Coquitlam so we can ease your pain.
Monday, February 1st, 2021
Our teeth are protected by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Over time, however, it can erode.
Take sugary and acidic foods, for example, they can cause the outer layer to degrade over time. If anything, that’s what causes cavities.
The good news is that it is preventable with proper brushing and flossing. Not only that, but regular dental checkups are important as well.
Are you looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? Want to know how often you should get your teeth checked? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more!
There are several reasons why you want to go for regular dental checkups. Here’s what you need to know.
Plaque can build up on your teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Left alone, it will turn into tartar, which is impossible to remove without going to the dentist.
Ultimately, the goal is to remove the plaque and tartar before it becomes a problem.
Oral cancer can be life-threatening if it’s not diagnosed and treated quickly. That's why it's so important to go to the dentist—they’re highly trained to recognize the signs of the disease.
The earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to treat.
Periodontitis is a serious infection that damages the tissues surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, it can cause abscesses and receding gums, the former of which can be life-threatening if the infection travels to the bloodstream.
Fortunately, this can all be prevented with regular dental visits.
Certain things such as impacted teeth are invisible to the naked eye—that is, they can only be seen with x-rays. This is especially true with destructive diseases that show little to no systems but progress rapidly.
Various habits can have a negative impact on your oral health. For example, both biting your nails and chewing ice can damage your teeth.
When you go for a checkup, your dentist will be able to see if there’s any damage caused by these habits. If necessary, they’ll help fix the damage that’s already been done.
As a general rule, you want to go for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Some people, however, may have to go more often.
Some higher-risk groups include smokers, pregnant women, and diabetics. Those who are prone to cavities should also visit their dentist more frequently.
As you can see, there are several reasons why it’s important to go to a dentist regularly. If anything, it's the best way to prevent oral health problems.
Looking for a dentist in Coquitlam? We, at Brookmere Dental, would be happy to help—feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!
