Going to the Dentist to Pull a Tooth.

Question: I never had a tooth pull before but one of my back teeth needs to be pull and I am worried about having it done. I am not sure what to expect will I be in a lot of pain during and after. I want to ask questions but I do not want to bug the dentist or get him upset with me for asking stupid questions.

Answer: When going to the dentist and you are unsure of what to expect. Try going to your dentist appointment a little early. Ask the dentist to explain to you what they are going to do in order to pull your tooth. Do not let them pull it until you understand the process. Do not worry about the dentist getting upset, a good dentist will take the time to go over all your questions until you can feel okay with the dental work needed. Also there is no stupid question if you do not know the answer. If your dentist dose not know that you have concerns or worries they can not address them with you. By doing this you will feel better about having the work done and not so worried about it.

How may times you are supposed to brush and floss your teeth a day?

Question: I brush my teeth before I go to bed and floss at least three to four time a week. I do not always remember to floss every day. My mom complains I need to brush and floss more but why I do not have any cavities.

Answer: It is best suggested for good oral and dental hygiene habits that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss daily. Though if you do eat something that leaves a film on your teeth or food bits between your teeth, brushing or flossing afterwords is a good idea even if it means brushing three times in a day.

For people who do not have the time or desire to make their own solution, some manufacturers offer retainer cleaners, these products are normally an affordable option.  Yet it is important to follow the directions on the packaging. A few types require the use of a sonic cleaning machine or overnight soaking. Others should not be used on certain types of retainers, or for people with sensitive teeth or gum disease.

An orthodontist may be able to recommend a retainer cleaner that meets your individual needs.

When I was younger I did not take good care of my teeth and gums and got gingivitis. However now I am brushing two to three times a day flossing once or twice a day and using Listerine after brushing my teeth. I also see my dentist two the three time a year depending on what is needed. Yet I like to know if there is anything else I need to do to control or avoid getting gingivitis again that I am not currently doing.

Answer: You stated that you are bushing your teeth two to three times a day. That you also floss at least two times a day and you are using Listerine mouthwash after brushing, as well as seeing your dentist for the required cleaning. I think you are covering all your bases very well. There is not much more you can do. I know that there are some mouthwash that will indicate that they have gingivitis protection maybe look for that.

How Can I Get Over Dental Fear.

Question:  I had a really bad a dentist that hurt me while doing a filling.  After that going to the dentist really scares me. I tend to avoid going even for check up and cleanings.

Answer: I do not know how long ago you had that experience at the dentist. However, this might help you to know that most dentist now will numb your gums before doing dental fillings. It is also a good idea to explain to your dentist about your fears. Dentist are not in the business to cause any one any unnecessary pain. They would not stay in business very long if they were. However if they know about your fears or concerns they can be a little more cautious when treating you.

Mouthwash is designed to help fight against plaque, bacteria, and other deposits in the mouth. It can also clean a retainer if other options are not available.  However, using mouthwash to clean a retainer every time is not ideal and may not clean it thoroughly enough. Mouthwash, containing alcohol, can also dry out both a retainer and the mouth.

If no other options are available, people can try dipping a retainer in non-alcoholic mouthwash for 2-3 minutes, rinsing with cold water, then gently brushing with a soft toothbrush.

Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction.

Question: I had two of my wisdom teeth removed three days ago and my jaw still hurts when I try to eat or open it too wide. I worry that I may be getting dry socket since I was told that hurts for a long time and it been three days now.

Answer: Pain after wisdom extraction is normal and for some it does take longer to recover then others. From how you are describing your pain it seems more like a jaw pain then pain from the extractions. This may be because of having your mouth open for a long period of time when they did the extraction. Sometimes because of that your jaw can hurt for a longer period of time. As for it being dry socket. From my understanding dry socket would be very painful, since you are exposing a nerve. So off hand I would say you may not have to worry about it being that. But go see you dentist anyway have him/her confirm what the real issues are so that they can treat you for it.

My Gums Are Pink and Brownish

Question: I brush my teeth twice a day and floss daily I see my dentist at least twice a year and have no cavities. However my gums are mostly pink but in some spots they seem light brownish is that okay?

Answer: It sounds like you are taking really good care of your teeth and gum health. The fact that you are seeing a dentist and he/she has not commented on the color of your gums might be because they are just fine. You may want to directly ask you dentist about your gum color the next time you go in for a check up.

Baking soda is a safe, all-purpose disinfectant which can control bacteria without harming your mouth. Baking soda may also help whiten retainers that have yellowed. It helps to controls bacteria without harsh chemicals and can prevent a retainer from developing pH imbalances that harm the mouth.

To use baking soda: People should create a paste that is half water and half baking soda. The mixture should be thick enough to stick to the retainer. Then scrub the retainer gently with the mixture and a soft toothbrush, just as you would with toothpaste. Residue should be removed by rinsing the retainer, thoroughly.

More people are heading to the emergency room with dental problems. The increase people going to the emergency room with dental problems is largely driven by young adults who do not have dental benefits, according to the ADA Health Policy Resources Center. The number of dental emergency room visits in the U.S. increased from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010, according to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The survey also showed dental ER visits as a percent of total ER visits increasing from 1.06 percent in 2000 to 1.65 percent in 2010—a change HPRC cites as statistically significant.

There are many possible reason for having sensitive teeth. One of the reason why you may have sensitive teeth could be that you have a receding gum line that exposes part of your tooth root that is not covered by your tooth enamel. The tooth root which is exposed has tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center. So when you have hot or cold items it reaches the nerve in your tooth, which can then results in the pain you may feel. The same thing can happen if you have a wearing down of your tooth enamel. Make sure to talk to your dentist about any prolong problem of teeth sensitively

Denture cleaner is safe to clean a retainer with, from time to time, particularly if no other option is available. Over time, however, denture cleaner can turn a retainer yellow.  To clean with denture cleaner, people should rinse the retainer and then allow it to soak in the denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. After taking it out, they should then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush.  If the retainer tastes like denture cleaner afterward, rinsing should continue until it no longer does.

You want to clean your retainer, by gently brushing with a soft-bristled brush, every time you brush your teeth. Note: A more extensive cleaning should be done at least once a week.

Here are some signs that your need to clean your retainer:

* The retainer smells or tastes bad
* There is a film on the retainer
* The retainer looks cloudy
* It has been more than a week since it was cleaned
* There are white spots on the retainer.

* Another sign that a retainer needs cleaning is it keeps breaking or cracking. Just as bacteria can damage the teeth, they can also damage a retainer.

Note: If someone suddenly begins getting cavities, tooth sensitivity, or other oral health problems, there may be a problem with their retainer. If this occurs, they should review proper retainer care with their dentist or orthodontist, and ask them to check the retainer fits properly.

Generally speaking, most people would never consider going days without brushing their teeth. Yet, too many retainer wearers can go for long stretches of time without cleaning their devices.

The same bacteria that build up on teeth can also grow on a retainer. As a result, putting an unclean retainer in your mouth is like applying a bacteria and plaque-laden solution to the teeth and gums.

Daughter Crown Fell Off.

Question: My five year had to have three crown put on this year, one of them just came off. My daughter did not have a good experience last time and I am wondering if the dentist will numb her. I hoping since I saved the crown it can just be re-cemented. Her dental appointment is in two days from now.

Answer: Generally speaking as long as there is not any additional damage to the tooth in question, your dentist should be able to just re-cement the crown back onto the tooth.

Question: Two days ago I went in for my regular dental cleaning, check up visit.  My dentist told me that I needed to have a deep cleaning.  I told him I would look into it and see if I can afford to have it done after speaking with my insurance company.   I called my dental insurance company that stated that without the ADA codes they could not tell me my cost for the service.  I told them it is just a deep cleaning but they said it was not enough information for them to tell me cost.  What are ADA codes and where do I get them?

Answer: You would get the ADA codes from the dentist that you are going to. There are many different types of deep cleaning codes depending on what your dentist feels would be best for you.  That is why some insurance company will not quote out a rate for dental services without knowing the ADA codes. The insurance company does not want to give you the wrong cost information. To give you an idea of codes for periodontics dental work I listed some of those codes for your review.

4210 Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, per quad
4211 Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, per tooth
4250 Mucogingival surgery, per quad
4260 Osseous surgery, per quad
4341 Periodontal scaling & root planing, per quad
4355 Full mouth debridement
4381 Delivery of chemotherapeutic agent
4910 Perio maintenance (following active therapy)
4999 Initial perio charting for moderate or advanced cases

According to a study carried out at the University of Helsinki, Finland, a common periodontal pathogen may delay conception in young women. This finding is novel: previous studies have shown that periodontal diseases may be a risk for general health, but no data on the influence of periodontal bacteria on conception or becoming pregnant have been available.

Shopping Out Your Dental Insurance and Plans Options 

Shopping for dental insurance and or a dental plan can get to become over whelming if you are not sure what is best for you and your dental needs.

Dental Discount Plans: A discount plan is really great if you have current dental needs that have to be address right away. Such as a toothache. Since most dental discount plans start the next business day from signing up. Thus allowing you to see the dentist right away as well as reducing your dental costs.  A additional benefit with a discount plan is that you get discounted saving off on dental services that may not be covered under most dental insurance plans. Such as Whitening, Veneers and Implants to name a few.  Note However: A dental discount plan is not dental insurance, therefore it is not a filed product with the department of insurance. You must stay within the network of providers . Only the network dentist have agree to reduce or discount their cost to you as a plan member.

Dental HMOs insurance: DHMO refers to a dental health maintenance organization These insurance plans, also known as “capitation plans,” operate like their medical HMO cousins. This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care to enrolled patients through designated provider office. Generally speaking HMO do not have waiting periods, yearly maximum limitations or deductibles. Like a dental discount plan you have to go to dentist that participate in the plans network. There is no out side net work coverage.  companies that sell HMO dental insurance plans are regulated by state insurance departments. What was stated is generally how each type of plan works. However, each plan is different that is why it is important to read and understand the plans terms and conditions before making your final choice.

How Much Would a Bridge Cost and is it Permanent?

Question: I am missing a few teeth and I want to get a bridge. What is the normal cost for a dental bridge and do they stay in your mouth or do you take them out?

Answer: Cost factors very greatly depending on how many teeth you are replacing and what types of material you are using.  Also cost can very depending on where you live. I would suggest to find a dentist that is willing to give you a free consultation. That way you can get a more accurate cost quote for your dental care needs.  Dental bridges are fixed and not removable where as partials can be taken out. Talk to a dentist to see which is right for you and which best fits into your budget.

While root canals are effective in saving a tooth that has become infected or decayed, this age-old procedure may cause teeth to become brittle and susceptible to fracture over time. Now researchers at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, have developed a process by which they can engineer new blood vessels in teeth, creating better long-term outcomes for patients and clinicians.

Their findings published online today in the journal Scientific Reports.