Why Invisalign Is The Top Choice For Teenagers’ Orthodontic Journey

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The emergence of Invisalign® has revolutionized the way teenagers approach teeth straightening. Gone are the days when clunky metal braces were the only option. Invisalign, a modern and discreet alternative, has swiftly become the first choice for teenagers seeking orthodontic treatment. Its blend of effectiveness, convenience, and aesthetics has captured the hearts of both teens and parents alike.

Let’s dive into why Invisalign stands as the top choice for teenagers embarking on their journey to a straighter smile.

1. Aesthetics: Embracing Confidence

One of the most compelling reasons teenagers opt for Invisalign is its aesthetic appeal. Traditional metal braces, while effective, can impact self-esteem due to their noticeable appearance. Teenagers are often self-conscious about their appearance, and the prospect of braces can add to those feelings.

Invisalign’s clear and virtually invisible aligners provide a solution to this problem. Teens can smile, laugh, and interact without the fear of drawing unwanted attention to their braces. This subtle approach allows them to maintain their confidence and self-esteem throughout the treatment process.

2. Removability: Freedom to Enjoy Life

Teenagers lead dynamic lives, juggling school, extracurricular activities, social events, and more. Invisalign aligners offer the flexibility that traditional braces simply cannot match.

The aligners are removable, allowing teenagers to eat their favorite foods without restrictions and maintain their oral hygiene routine with ease. This feature also enables them to participate in sports and musical activities without worrying about the discomfort or potential injuries that metal braces can cause during impact.

This freedom resonates with teenagers, as it allows them to maintain their normal routines and passions without interruption.

3. Comfort: Saying Goodbye to Irritation

Metal braces are notorious for causing discomfort and irritation. Wires and brackets often rub against the cheeks, lips, and gums, leading to sores and sensitivity. Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth, BPA-free plastic, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth, minimizing the risk of irritation. This level of comfort is a significant factor that makes Invisalign the preferred choice for teenagers who want to avoid the discomfort associated with traditional braces.

4. Minimal Lifestyle Disruption: Blending In

Teenagers are often concerned about their appearance and how it affects their social interactions. Invisalign aligners allow them to blend in seamlessly with their peers, eliminating the potential awkwardness of having a mouth full of metal. This minimal lifestyle disruption is particularly important during the crucial teenage years when fitting in and feeling accepted are high-priority concerns.

5. Digital Technology: Engaging the Tech-Savvy Generation

Invisalign treatment is powered by advanced digital technology. Using 3D scans and computer simulations, orthodontists create a precise treatment plan tailored to each teenager’s unique needs. This resonates well with the tech-savvy generation, as they appreciate the use of cutting-edge technology in their orthodontic journey.

Additionally, Invisalign’s digital approach allows teenagers to visualize their treatment progress and expected results, fostering a sense of engagement and excitement throughout the process.

6. Predictable Results: Encouraging Compliance

Invisalign aligners are designed to be changed every one to two weeks as teeth gradually shift into their desired positions. This treatment method encourages teenagers to be more compliant with the process, as they can see their progress over time. As aligners are replaced at regular intervals, teens can watch their smiles transform, providing them with a sense of achievement and motivating them to continue their treatment as directed by their orthodontist.

Is Invisalign right for your teenager?

Invisalign has redefined the landscape of orthodontic treatment for teenagers, offering a plethora of advantages that traditional metal braces cannot match. From its discreet appearance to the comfort it provides, Invisalign aligners cater to the unique needs and preferences of the teenage demographic. The combination of aesthetic appeal, removability, comfort, and minimal lifestyle disruption makes Invisalign the top choice for teenagers who are seeking a modern, effective, and convenient solution to their orthodontic needs.

By addressing the concerns and priorities of teenagers, Invisalign empowers them to embark on their journey towards a straighter smile with confidence and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Invisalign clear aligners aren’t right for all teenagers.

Parents know their children better than anyone else. To determine if clear aligners are the best option for your teen, ask yourself these questions:

  1. What orthodontic issues need to be addressed?
  2. Is my child responsible enough to keep up with the aligners?
  3. Can I trust my child to wear the aligners at least 22 hours per day?
  4. Will your teen properly care for their teeth while wearing the aligners?

Schedule An Initial Consultation

Does your teen have crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth? An underbite or overbite? Invisalign may be their best option! Contact our friendly dental team today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your teen’s orthodontic treatment choices.

Dental Crown Care : Tips To Ensure Your Crowns Lasts Many Years

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Quality dental work is an investment in your long-term oral health. If you have a dental crown, you’re familiar with the financial investment, as well. Protect your investment by taking good care of your oral health, and your dental crown may last for over a decade.

These tips will help you care for dental crowns, as well as your natural teeth, so they last for years to come.

Address a Poor Fit

At first, most dental work feels a bit unnatural. However, if after a week your new crown still feels like it doesn’t fit properly, call our office. We’ll schedule a time for you to come in so that the dentist can evaluate, and if needed adjust, the restoration.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to protect your new crown, as well as your overall dental health, is to practice excellent dental hygiene daily. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush after breakfast and before dinner, for approximately two minutes per session. Floss once daily, at a minimum, and preferably before your evening brushing.

To further improve your oral homecare routine, use a tongue scraper. This tool gently removes plaque, bacteria, and debris from the surface of the tongue. You can also purchase alcohol-free, fluoridated mouthwash to rinse after brushing. Topical fluoride will help deter the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

Attend Checkups and Cleanings

In addition to daily homecare, you should visit us for a comprehensive oral checkup and cleaning every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Checkups allow us to evaluate your natural teeth and gums, as well as dental work. Since dental work is not intended to last forever, sometimes fillings, crowns, and bridges need replacement. If our dental team finds cause for concern, we’ll explain our findings and present you with treatment options.

At your professional dental cleaning appointments, we will check your gums for pockets, which would indicate the presence of gum disease. The hygienist will remove all plaque, tartar, and debris from on and between your teeth, as well. Dental cleanings also present a good opportunity for you to ask questions about your oral homecare routine and products. For instance, if flossing is difficult, the hygienist may recommend an alternate way of flossing that better suits you.

Should we detect gum disease, you may require a deep cleaning, which involves scaling teeth and planing teeth roots. This process removes tartar and infection from below the gum line, while also eliminating rough ridges where tartar builds up. Once the teeth’s crown and roots are clean, gum tissue can begin to reattach to the teeth. Gum disease is a chronic condition, linked to increased risk for many systemic health issues. Treatment is imperative to secure both oral and overall health.

Break Bad Habits

Chewing on ice, fingernails, pen caps, pencils, and other objects can damage teeth, as well as dental crowns. If you habitually chew, try chewing sugar-free gum.

Furthermore, do not use your teeth as scissors, pliers, or a bottle opener. Teeth are tools, but only for chewing, biting, pronouncing sounds, and smiling. Be sure to use the proper tools for the job at hand.

Avoid These Foods

Some foods are notorious for damaging teeth and dental work. Protect your crown by saying no to these foods:

  • Hard, crunchy foods: popcorn kernels, hard candy, seeds and pits, nuts, hard vegetables, ice
  • Sticky foods: taffy, caramel
  • Tough foods: steak, crusty bread

Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding is often recognized by either the dentist or a patient’s sleeping partner because it often occurs while the patient is asleep. If your teeth show undue wear, crazing, or cracking, the dentist may diagnose you with bruxism, which is the clinical name for clenching and grinding teeth.

Bruxism is bad for natural teeth and dental crowns. Our jaws are extremely strong. When you clench or grind your teeth, hundreds of pounds of pressure are placed upon your molars. As a result, they break. If you suffer from teeth grinding, the dentist will recommend that you wear a nightguard to keep your upper teeth from contacting your lower teeth while you sleep.

Schedule a Checkup or Consultation Today

If you’re concerned about an existing crown or have been informed that you need a new dental crown, our dental team will be happy to evaluate your oral health and make a recommendation. Since teeth do not heal naturally like the rest of the human body, professional dental care is the only path to restoration. Cavities, chips, cracks, and enamel erosion will worsen without intervention, so call us today to schedule your checkup or consultation. Our dental practice is accepting new patients, and we look forward to seeing you smile!

Happy Oral Health Month! Here Are 5 Tips For The Whole Family

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Oral health month is the perfect time for families to reevaluate their oral hygiene routines, schedule dental appointments, learn new ways to care for their teeth and gums, and create oral health goals. Cavities, gum disease, and bad breath affect people of all ages, but with proper care, these issues can be almost completely avoided.

So, if you’re ready to get your oral health back on track, now is the opportune time! Check out these five oral health and hygiene tips for the whole family.

1. Find a dentist you can trust (with your smile and your child’s smile!).

Patients are more likely to visit the dentist when they are comfortable at the dentist’s office. For parents, choosing a dentist for their child is paramount to creating healthy teeth and gums and oral hygiene for a lifetime (no pressure!).

When searching for a dentist for you and your child, think about what is most important to you. This could include a dentist who offers particular services, prioritizes patient comfort, uses the latest dental technology, and a dentist who is known to build relationships with their patients.

For children, parents should seek out a family dentist or pediatric dentist, depending on the child’s particular needs. A family dentist, as opposed to a general dentist, regularly treats children and will likely have a more kid-friendly dental office and approach. Pediatric dentists only treat children, so scheduling appointments for the family may be more inconvenient. However, children with severe or abnormal oral health issues may benefit from having a pediatric dental specialist in their corner.

2. Know which foods help and which ones hurt oral health.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can be a great way to improve your oral health:

  • Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in calcium, which is important for strengthening teeth and bones.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
  • Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are also great for your teeth, as they contain calcium and other minerals that can help strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and fight oral bacteria.

It is important to be mindful of the foods we consume as some can harm our teeth and gums. Sugary and starchy foods like candy, cookies, bread, and chips stick to teeth and cause tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks can erode tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity and cavities. It is best to limit these types of foods and opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that can help strengthen teeth and gums.

3. Learn proper brushing and flossing techniques.

How you brush and floss your teeth is just as important as the actual act of brushing and flossing your teeth. In fact, if you aren’t brushing and flossing properly, you may not be reaping all of the benefits.

Proper brushing involves brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste. Technique matters, too though. When brushing, place the brush at a 45-degree angle and gently move the brush in a circular motion across each tooth. Be sure to clean the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth and to brush along the gum line. Finally, brush your tongue.

To achieve the best results when flossing, it is important to use a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long. Then, wrap the floss around your index fingers and use your thumbs to guide the floss between your teeth. Gently slide the floss up and down against the side of each tooth, making sure to clean both sides of each tooth. Be sure to also floss beneath the gum line, but avoid snapping the floss against your gums.

4. Make oral hygiene fun for your child!

Does your little one hate brushing and flossing? Thankfully, there are several ways to make this process more enjoyable for both of you!

  • Buy a fun toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Take your child to the store and let him or her pick out their oral hygiene tools and products. They will be excited to use their favorite tv character, color, or flavor every day to clean their teeth!
  • Allow them to watch a video while brushing. Find a two-minute music video or educational video for your child to watch while he or she is brushing to make the time go by faster.
  • Offer a weekly or monthly reward. If your child brushes and flosses every day for a week or month, offer to take them to the store to buy a toy or treat.

When it comes to oral hygiene for kids, it’s best to think outside the box! Talk to our team during your next visit about more ideas for helping your child enjoy taking care of their teeth.

5. Determine your smile goals.

What do you dislike about your teeth? Whose smile would you like yours to mirror? These questions can help you determine your smile goals. Whether you want to achieve optimal oral health, correct imperfections, or make a small cosmetic change, our team can create a comprehensive smile makeover plan that meets your needs.

Schedule Your Dental Appointment

Begin your journey to a healthier and more beautiful smile this Oral Health Month by scheduling a dental cleaning and exam appointment. Call our office today! We look forward to meeting you.

Root Canal Awareness Week – Everything You Should Know!

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Root canal therapy (RCT) is one of the most feared dental procedures, but it shouldn’t be! During Root Canal Awareness Week, we want to share information about RCT to help our patients who need endodontic therapy feel more at ease about their treatment.

“Root Canal” Defined

First things first– let’s make sure we understand the basic terms. Technically speaking, the root canal is the pulp or inner part of the tooth, not a procedure. The tooth is made up of two main parts: the crown and the root. The root is the part of the tooth that is below the gingiva, or gum tissue. Inside the tooth is the pulp (also called the root canal) which contains blood vessels, nerve tissues, and other cells. When an infection invades the pulp because of a crack or decay, it must be removed to relieve pain and stop further damage.

Root canal therapy (RCT), or endodontic therapy, is the name of the procedure that removes an infection from the root canal.

Signs or Symptoms You Need RCT

Without visiting an experienced dentist it’s impossible to know if you actually need root canal therapy. However, the American Academy of Endodontics states that these symptoms might indicate that you need root canal therapy:

  • Acute pain while chewing and biting
  • Pimples on the gum tissue
  • A cracked or chipped tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the substance has been removed
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Deep decay or darkening of the gums

The Root Canal Therapy Procedure

Endodontic therapy is completed in three simple steps: cleaning the root canal, filling it, and adding a crown or filling. Treatment can take one, two, or up to three appointments.

1. Cleaning the root canal

Using very small instruments, the dentist makes a small access point in the tooth’s crown to remove the diseased and dead pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. Then, the dentist shapes the space for the filling.

2. Filling the root canal

Next, the dentist uses gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, to fill the root canals. To ensure the pulp chamber is completely sealed, a strong dental adhesive is used.

3. Adding a crown or filling

Finally, the dentist will place a temporary crown or filling over the tooth while the patient’s permanent restoration is being made. In the next week or so, the patient will return to the office to have the permanent crown placed.

Care and Expectations Post Treatment

Following treatment, dentists send their patients home with specific care instructions to manage pain and keep the tooth from damage. Some of these root canal therapy post-operative instructions include:

  • Wait until the numbness wears off before eating
  • Do not bite or chew with the treated tooth
  • Eat soft foods until you are comfortable with tougher foods
  • Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle with the root canaled tooth
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication when needed

It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort after endodontic treatment. Mild sensitivity and swelling or inflammation are also common in the first couple of days. These symptoms should respond well to over-the-counter pain medications.

However, the following symptoms should be reported to our team immediately:

  • Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth
  • Severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days
  • An uneven bite
  • An allergic reaction to medication
  • A loose or broken crown or filling
  • The return of symptoms experienced immediately following treatment

Endodontic Therapy vs Extraction

When possible, it’s best to preserve the natural tooth. Our teeth help us chew and speak properly, help us maintain our facial features and a strong jawbone, and keep other teeth from shifting. This is why many dentists will recommend root canal therapy over an extraction.

Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved. A severely decayed tooth will likely need to be extracted. Our dental team will provide you with various methods of replacing the tooth, including dental implants.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, make an appointment with our experienced and trusted dentist today. Whether you’re experiencing the symptoms of a diseased tooth or not, a dental exam and cleaning appointment can provide important insight into your oral health.

Our team is prepared to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health by providing personalized, compassionate care. Call our office today to schedule an appointment!

In Honor Of Dental Hygienists Recognition Week

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To our dental hygienists, we appreciate you more than words can express! You work hard and show up with a smile every day to create a positive experience for our team members and our patients. Our offices couldn’t run without you!

For patients, it may seem like the dental hygienist’s role is simply to clean teeth. However, hygienists have several daily responsibilities that play an essential role in the patient’s health and well-being as well as support the dentist and other team members.

Here are the primary responsibilities of dental hygienists:

1. To review the patient’s dental and health history

Your medical history can help the dentist and hygienist determine the best treatment options for your smile. Before beginning any sort of treatment or exam, the hygienist reviews your dental and medical history by looking at your chart or asking a series of questions. This process gives insight into:

  • previous dental work and medical conditions,
  • changes in overall health, medications, or allergies,
  • and oral health risks

It can also help avoid medical emergencies.

2. To screen patients

With a quick scan of the head, neck, and mouth, dental hygienists can spot signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential concerns. This screening is extremely important in spotting oral health problems in their earliest stages and informing the dentist so they can create a personalized treatment plan.

3. To perform dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health at any age. Dental hygienists must be patient and detail-oriented to ensure they clean the inside of the patient’s mouth completely. Here is what a dental cleaning entails:

  • Removing plaque and tartar: Using a small mirror and scaler, the hygienist moves from one tooth to the next removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and between the teeth.
  • Gritty toothpaste cleaning: Next, the hygienist will use a gritty toothpaste (with the flavor of your choice) and a high-powered electric toothbrush to remove any leftover tartar. The gritty consistency scrubs and shines the teeth.
  • Flossing: A professional flossing also helps remove any leftover plaque and tartar. During this part of the process, the hygienist cleans deep between the teeth and can locate any trouble spots where the gums are bleeding or seem irritated.
  • Rinse: Using a liquid fluoride mouth rinse, patients swish the liquid around and spit it out. The hygienist may use the saliva ejector to remove it.
  • Fluoride treatment: The final step of the cleaning process is the fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps protect the teeth against cavities and this special concoction can fight against cavities for several months. Hygienists place the gel or paste into a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth and stays for one minute. Once removed, a varnish is painted onto the teeth and hardens immediately.

4. To take dental x-rays

Dental x-rays help dentists and hygienists spot oral health issues in the earliest stages, which is key to successful treatment. Whether a patient needs an x-ray depends on his or her health records, age, and risk for oral disease.

5. To apply preventive treatments

After a dental cleaning, the hygienist may recommend and apply preventive treatments like fluoride treatment and dental sealants or recommend preventive measures like a mouth guard.

6. To teach patients about good oral hygiene

Patient education is an essential component of being a dental hygienist. They understand the link between oral health and overall wellness, so they focus on teaching patients of all ages how to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

The hygienist will recommend brushing techniques, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and other oral hygiene products and habits to help their patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

7. To document each patient’s care and treatment as it is performed

Dental hygienists are often the liaison, or middle-man, for the dentist and patient. As such, he or she reports everything they have found during the screening, x-rays, and cleaning, and all treatments they have performed on the patient to the dentist. They also discuss their findings with the patient and briefly explain what the dentist might recommend.

Additionally, hygienists are responsible for maintaining patient dental records so that documentation of care and treatment is always available.

Come Meet Our Friendly Dental Hygienists!

Want to see our hygienists in action? Call to schedule your dental cleaning and exam appointment today. And don’t forget to thank the hygienist at the end of your appointment! They deserve it.

It’s Dental Assistants Recognition Week

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The first week of March is Dental Assistants Recognition Week, and our dental assistants are especially worth celebrating. Our office wouldn’t run as smoothly without them and our patients wouldn’t feel as welcome, relaxed, or comfortable during their visits!

Dental assistants have numerous responsibilities in a dental office. On a daily basis, they provide excellent patient care, support the dentist, and complete various technical duties, all with smiles on their faces. Continue reading to learn more about what it takes to be a dental assistant and why we appreciate ours so much!

What do dental assistants do?

Dentists rely on their assistants to provide their patients with an excellent and comfortable experience by completing various tasks, including:

  • Assisting fillings, crowns, extractions, and other procedures
  • Taking and pouring molds of the mouth
  • Surgery prep
  • Answering patient questions
  • Preparing exam rooms
  • Operating equipment and monitors
  • Administrative tasks
  • Cleaning operatories after procedures
  • Cleaning and sterilizing equipment

Needed Skills

Dental assisting isn’t for everyone. It takes a special person with special skills. We’ve chosen the best of the best to work in our office.

Here are a few of the most important skills needed to be a great dental assistant:

Technical Skills

Dental assistants help dentists before, during, and after procedures to help things go as smoothly as possible. To do that, they must

  1. be able to take X-rays, blood pressure readings, and dental impressions,
  2. have knowledge of advanced dental procedures and the order in which they are conducted,
  3. and have knowledge about different dental tools, materials, and equipment, as well as how they are used and how to maintain them.

People Skills

Dental assistants need people skills. After all, their entire job is to serve patients, many of whom suffer from dental fear and anxiety. A dental assistant is often the first face a patient sees when they walk into the office.

Our assistants strive to make every patient feel safe and comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors. Here are some of the patient-facing tasks they perform:

  • Walk the patients to the operatory and prepare them for their cleaning, exam, or procedure
  • Discuss the patient’s medical history
  • Listen to the patient’s fears, questions, and concerns
  • Communicate oral hygiene and care instructions once the procedure is complete

Admin Skills

On top of technical skills and people skills, our dental assistants must have admin skills. They often conduct computer-based work, office management tasks, scheduling appointments, making phone calls, dealing with billing issues, and monitoring and ordering supplies.

We are so proud to have dental assistants who take on all these responsibilities with a great attitude!

Education

The path toward becoming a dental assistant is different in some states (so if you’re interested, be sure to check your state’s requirements!).

Usually, a person will take classes at a college or technical program for one or two years. At the end of the program, the person receives a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. The next step, in 39 states, is to take a licensure test through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Throughout this process, aspiring dental assistants are also subject to criminal background checks and/or drug and alcohol testing. These must be passed to obtain their license or certificate and employment.

To be able to take X-rays or perform coronal polishes, he or she may need additional training or certifications.

Once all of this is complete, they can begin working as a dental assistant!

We love our dental assistants!

To our dental assistants, thank you for all that you do. You take on some of the most important tasks behind the scenes, and you take on the responsibility of being the first face our patients see. Our jobs are easier and our patients are well taken care of because of your hard work and dedication. We appreciate you!

Come Meet Our Team

Want to see our dental assistants in action? Schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment at our office today.

Can You Benefit From A Tooth Extraction?

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In a perfect world, your natural teeth would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, our world isn’t perfect, and tooth loss happens. Sometimes tooth loss occurs because of a car accident or sports injury, but other times a necessary tooth extraction is the cause.

Dentists typically recommend extractions as a last resort to help patients avoid additional health issues. You may benefit from a tooth extraction if you have any of the following oral health problems:

  • Trauma
  • Dental decay
  • Gum disease
  • Crowded teeth
  • Lingering baby teeth
  • Impacted wisdom teeth

Continue reading to learn more about these issues and how tooth extraction can help. If any of these problems ring true for you, contact a trusted local dentist to discuss your treatment options.

Trauma

Sometimes, a tooth cannot be repaired because of severe trauma. Common dental traumas include sports injuries, such as taking a ball to the face, car accidents, and biting into hard or crunchy foods.

These traumas can lead to chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth that cannot be repaired by a dental restoration. If not removed, the damaged tooth may become infected. In this case, a dental extraction is necessary to reduce pain, infection, and the need to remove more teeth in the future.

Dental Decay

Teeth become severely decayed when tartar and plaque build-up on the tooth and eat away at the enamel. Over time, the buildup weakens the tooth, creating a cavity. Cavities should be treated right away. In the early stages, a fluoride varnish can restore the enamel, but as time goes on, fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy may be needed.

However, if the cavity is left untreated, infection is likely to develop. Symptoms of a severely decayed tooth include intense pain, swelling, and redness. At this point, tooth extraction is often necessary to stop the infection from spreading.

Gum Disease

A buildup of plaque and tartar along the gum line can also lead to gum disease, also called periodontal disease. This infection of the gums has three main stages:

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Periodontitis
  3. Advanced Periodontitis

Gingivitis only affects the gums, making them red, swollen, and sensitive. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the bones and tissues around the teeth. During the advanced stage, the bone and gum around the teeth begin to deteriorate, loosening the tooth.

To preserve the surrounding teeth, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. Then, the dentist will create a treatment plan to keep the disease from causing more damage.

Crowded Teeth

If you have crowded teeth, it may be because your jaw is too small to fit all of your teeth. In this case, removing a tooth can provide the space your other teeth need to move into their proper positions, with the help of braces of course! This is an example of removing a healthy tooth to benefit the rest of your smile.

Straight teeth aren’t just for looks. They make cleaning your teeth and gums easier, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Lingering Baby Teeth

By the age of 12, most people have lost all of their baby teeth. However, if a tooth shows no signs of falling out by the time the tooth below it is ready to erupt, tooth extraction is necessary.

Extracting the tooth can help the child avoid pain, swelling, and infection. Without an extraction, the permanent tooth may be negatively impacted, resulting in changes in contour and color.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the teeth grow crooked because of a lack of room in the jaw. The tooth pushes on the neighboring molar, often leading to red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. The person may also experience jaw pain and difficulty opening their mouth.

In this case, wisdom tooth extraction is necessary to avoid dental damage and infection.

Learn If a Tooth Extraction Is the Best Option For You

When it comes to your oral health, take no chances. A tooth extraction can help you avoid infection, dental pain, and various oral and overall health problems. If the thought of dental surgery makes you fearful, discuss your concerns with your dentist and ask about sedation dentistry.

Contact our friendly dental team today to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options.