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Covid-19 has led to delays of so many activities, one of them is going to the dental clinics for oral checkups. As a result, children and adults whose dental problems would have been taken care of in a dental office now have to wait to see a dentist. When delayed, these problems become worse, needing more treatment. Hence, dentists advise people to brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene. By doing so, they will prevent themselves from getting oral infections and problems like a tooth cavity.

Also, parents are advised to take home remedies to protect their children’s teeth during this pandemic. If your pain persists, make an appointment to see your dentist near you for treatment. By controlling the things we eat, especially sugary foods, will help you keep your mouth protected. During this time, use any approved toothpaste that can kill oral bacteria. Here is an overview of why it is important to maintain good oral hygiene during the pandemic.

Why It Is Important to Have Good Oral Health During Covid 19

By keeping high oral hygiene, you’ll prevent yourself from oral infections, having bad breath, and protect your tooth from rotting out because of decay. In children, tooth decay has been a common oral problem, but it is preventable by limiting your children from taking substances with much sugar. When one gets tooth decay, it will continue to get worse unless it’s treated. Please book an appointment with our dentist at Anchorage Dental Arts, who will provide high-quality services and give you some tips to prevent your tooth from further decay. In addition, making sure your mouth is clean and protected all the time will prevent you from getting infections associated with other health problems like asthma and pneumonia. Such infections can lead to diseases like:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is a disease associated with structural problems, diseased vessels, and blood clots. Research shows that oral bacteria can cause stroke, heart valve complications, and even heart failure.
• Endocarditis. This is an infection that occurs when germs from elsewhere in the body travel through the blood and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart. The infection involves heart valves.

How to Protect Your Oral Health

Practicing good oral health prevents you from many dental problems. Some of the healthy oral hygiene practices include:

• Avoiding sugary and junk food: These foods have acids that damage your tooth enamel. The more you get exposed to sugary foods, the more your teeth become susceptible to damage and start chipping and cracking gradually. This leads to cavities that cause holes in your teeth.
• You should brush twice a day: Brushing helps in reducing the number of bacteria around your teeth. By regularly brushing your teeth, you prevent yourself from getting gum disease and tooth decay. Also, help your children brush their teeth regularly using toothpaste with fluoride.
• Keep your toothbrush clean: Always rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with clean tap water after brushing. Then let it dry in the air. This helps in preventing microorganisms from spreading on your toothbrush. Our Cordova dentist recommends that you rinse your toothbrush with a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide solution that helps kill bacteria. Also, avoid storing your brush in a closed container which can cause the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day: It helps remove food or any particles stuck between teeth. This reduces the risk of having tooth decay or gum disease.
• Replacing your toothbrush more often: It is advisable to replace your toothbrush after every three months. But if you get any symptoms of coronavirus, make sure you replace your toothbrush immediately. Throw away the toothbrush that you’ve been using to avoid the bacterial from getting to the other toothbrushes in your home. Also, store your toothbrush on a clean surface in an upright position.
• Routine dental checkups: Our professional dentist in Anchorage, AK, will check your oral health for any issues during your checkup. The dentist will take you through dental cleaning by removing any plaque buildup. This is important because it’ll help keep your gum and teeth healthy.

For more information call or visit our office today. We look forward to attending to your dental problems.

Infections can spring up in your gums due to various reasons. Most gum diseases start as inflammation of the gums( also called gingivitis). The swelling of a person’s gums can be a result of bacterial growth on the dentition. Bacteria do not just develop on the teeth all of a sudden. It occurs when has unhygienic practices like not brushing or flossing the teeth daily. Not all cases of gingivitis eventually lead to periodontal diseases. It is prevented if the gum inflammation is treated.

Periodontal disease is a gum infection characterized by discomfort in the gums and also swollen gums. The existence of bacterial growths on the teeth is the reason for this condition. Most people that forget to clean their teeth are at risk of this infection. There is discomfort to gums that first leads to gingivitis and then gum disease If not treated immediately. The build-up of plaque and tartar makes the teeth lose in their sockets. The innermost surface of the gums begins to form enlarging spaces which end up leading to tooth loss. You should be conscious of your dental health to detect problems as soon as they occur. This article talks about the symptoms and treatments for gum diseases.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontal diseases occur on the gums. It can lead to tooth destruction of the tooth, sore or painful gums, bleeding gums, and the inability to chew food well due to pain. Some factors make the treatment of gum infections hard. These issues are sometimes self-inflicted. Some examples include;

1. Excessive smoking which weakens the body system and the gums as well.
2. Genetic vulnerability.
3. Family history.
4. Use of certain medications.
5. The problem of hormonal changes in females.
6. Diabetic individuals and even having AIDS or HIV.

Do you have a dental case involving your gums? Are you feeling the pain of swollen gums? Or do you need assistance concerning your dental disease? You can see dentists at Anchorage, AK, and get medical remedies to save your dentition from damage

Destruction of one’s dentition is an event that disfigures individuals. Therefore, one should be sensitive enough to know when the dental structure is suffering from an early stage of bacterial infection. It is to make treatment can start from the onset.

You can also visit dentists around you in your vicinity. Try not to leave your dentition for too long without cleaning it. You should also try and go for dental checkups where the physician can do a proper deep dental cleaning for you. It helps to evacuate all the debris which have accumulated on the dentition over time.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms That Show That One Has A Periodontal Disease?

Gum diseases display an array of symptoms in individuals. The infections always give signs of progressive development. It does not just get full-blown all of a sudden. But what are these symptoms that show the presence of a gum infection?

1. Having red and inflamed gums as opposed to the healthy pink color of gums.
2. Bleeding from one’s gums after brushing. The gums become tender to one’s touch.
3. Some people complain of having bad breath if they have periodontitis.
4. Chewing food becomes difficult because of the pain from the gums.
5. The gums begin to recede. Also, some people complain of bad taste in their mouths.
6. The teeth become irritated and loose in the sockets on the gums. It occurs due to the formation of pocket spaces within the gums by the rampaging bacterial infection. It is what makes the teeth no longer firm in their socket.

Cordova dentists play crucial roles in managing this dental situation. Do you want to know more about how this dental issue is doctored? Get educated as you read on.

What Are The Medical Remedies For Gum Diseases?

The diagnostic procedure is non-invasive and often painless. The doctor then determines the best means of treatment for the disease’s situation.

The type of treatment given depends on the extent of damage done to the teeth. In most cases, the attending physician advises that individuals maintain a proper and regular hygiene routine. The doctor might also suggest that you change some lifestyles behaviors like smoking and frequently drinking alcohol.

The treatments offered may range from surgical or invasive processes that aid in the reattachment of the gums to the teeth to non-invasive methods that prevent the spread of bacterial infection.

As an individual, you should follow the following measures;

1. Brush and floss daily.
2. Avoid jaw clenching and maintain good oral health.
3. Try to quit smoking. It can have adverse effects on your general health as well.
4. Eat a balanced diet at all times.

Losing your adult teeth can have many consequences on your oral health, aside from lowering your self-confidence when you smile. You may even experience challenges when it comes to speaking and chewing, depending on the number of teeth you have lost. Thankfully, there are restorative dental procedures that can help replace your lost teeth. An example is dental implants.

However, when you have lost your teeth, do you know that a bone grafting surgical treatment is necessary before you can think about A restorative procedure? Usually, bone grafting is necessary after tooth extractions and any other kind of tooth loss.

What Is Bone Grafting? 

It is a surgical procedure that focuses on restoring the health of the bone tissue in your oral cavity. A dental expert will use transplanted bone, which is called a bone graft. The graft will then help to repair and rebuild the damaged bones in your oral cavity, usually due to bone tissue degeneration. Bone degeneration happens after one has lost natural teeth.

Technically, the role of the jawbone is to hold your teeth in place. This function remains true from the very first time you grow teeth.

When you lose your adult permanent teeth, therefore, the jawbone remains inactive. This inactivity allows the tissue to break down and disintegrate. Therefore, should you require a tooth replacement procedure requiring dental implants, you cannot get it without a bone grafting surgery.

​Bone grafting after extraction is necessary because it prepares your mouth to receive dental implants. In essence, the surgery helps restore the health of your jawbone.

When Is Bone Grafting Necessary in Dentistry? 

Other than in preparation for getting dental implants, bone grafting is done:

1. When you have development defects in your oral cavity
2. When you have advanced gum disease, that is, Periodontitis. The infection affects even the bone tissue, therefore, causing damage to both your gums and your jawbone.
3. After dental trauma or face injury
4. When you have been without teeth for a long time

What Does A Bone Grafting Surgery Entail? 

It involves taking bone grafts from a human donor or from the back of your jaw to use for restoring the jawbone. Sometimes, the dentist can opt for synthetic bone grafts, which will equally get the job done. How the procedure unfolds also depends on the type of bone grafting surgery you undertake. The process involves the following steps:

1. Sedation and numbing – sedation for bone grafting is paramount because of the invasiveness of the procedure. The medication used will help you remain calm and relaxed. For the most part, you will be at the edge of consciousness, which will prevent you from remembering everything that happens to you during the procedure. Thanks to local anesthesia, you will be comfortable throughout your treatment.
2. Bone grafting – the bone of focus for this procedure is the alveolar bone. It depreciates after tooth loss and can be recreated using bone grafts. The bone graft obtained for your process is usually placed right into the socket of your mouth. In other cases, the block of bone graft is placed then secured in place with small titanium screws.

​Is Bone Grafting Surgery Painful? 

​Bone grafting surgeries can be painful without employing sedation dentistry. However, you will get through your entire procedure without experiencing any pain and discomfort, thanks to sedating drugs and local anesthesia. After your procedure, your dentist may prescribe some pain medication that will help you manage the soreness that comes about after the numbing wears off.

Is Bone Grafting Safe? 

Bone grafting surgeries have been performed several times in dentistry with high success rates. The procedure is considered safe enough to be performed as an outpatient procedure. After your surgery, you will need about 3-5 months to heal properly before any other dental work can be done in your mouth.

However, people recover differently. Some patients may need longer than five months to have the bone graft fuse well with their natural bones. Still, how you care for your mouth is crucial since you do not want to have an infection in your wound. It is why you need antibiotics to prevent any infection thereof. Ensure you adhere strictly to the guidelines your dentist gives you post-surgery.

How we smile, talk affects our self-esteem, and having issues in the oral region plays a major role. Fortunately, bone augmentation procedures like bone grafting can help restore the density and volume of your jawbone, and a dental implant too can help improve your smile. Such is the power of cosmetic or restoration surgery.

A dental bone graft is a procedure done to increase the amount of bone in a part of the jaw where the bone has been lost or where additional support is needed.

This article talks about why one may need one, the different types, the procedure involved, and the risks.

When May I Be Needing A Bone Graft?

Most of the time, if you have suffered a tooth or teeth loss due to trauma or any other cause, or gum disease like periodontitis, it may cause your bone loss to affect the way your face looks. You may start to have sagging facial features because there’s not enough bone left to support them.

Hence, bone grafting helps to restore your appearance and also ensures that any tooth replacements you get stay in place.

Types Of Dental Bone Grafts.

There are a few different kinds of dental bone graft, some of which are:

Block Bone Graft.

This is a good option if you have a serious bone loss that needs to be addressed, and in this type of bone graft, your dentist will use bone from the back of your jawbone, near your wisdom teeth.

Socket Graft

This type of graft is gotten at the same time as you get a tooth extracted to prevent bone loss usually associated with adult tooth loss.

Sinus Graft.

This bone graft is useful for those who have lost some of the molars on the upper row of teeth. A sinus lift restores the sinus to normal while repairing the gap with a bone graft instead.

Bone Grafting Procedure.

The process involves the removal of a piece of bone from another part of a patient’s jaw or body and then transplanting it into the jawbone. Alternative options today however include obtaining bone samples from a cadaveric source or an animal source to replace the missing bone. These options are also just as successful. It takes a long time for the transplanted piece to heal but once the jawbone does heal, the implant process moves forward, starting with the placement of the titanium dental implant into the jawbone. This second stage also may take up to several months to heal. Finally, once healing is complete, the periodontist will place the abutment, an extension of the implant’s metal post, into the jaw. Again, time must be allowed for the soft tissue to heal. After healing, molds of the teeth and jawbone are taken, and the procedure of inserting the final tooth or teeth can take place.

Is Dental Bone Grafting A Risky Procedure?

No. Bone graft risks are relatively low. Is a dental bone graft painful?. No.

Although it can be time-consuming as well, patients may experience typical discomfort after surgery, such as gum or skin swelling or bruising and minor bleeding, these common side effects dissipate quickly. There are also some diet restrictions, such as only being able to consume soft foods while the mouth heals, following each stage of the bone graft and implant procedure.

Wrapping Up

Dental bone grafts are done to help prevent long-term oral health issues associated with tooth loss and gum disease, and it is also done to provide sufficient bone material to support dental implants. It is a common procedure, which is usually safe and well-tolerated. But when complications develop, see your dentist as soon as possible. Signs of trouble can include: pain that persists or worsens several days after the procedure, redness and increased swelling around the gums, persistent tingling or numbness, or a feeling that the implant is loose.

Do you have a missing tooth? Then having a dental bridge is one of the best solutions of the many available. This article will discuss what a dental bridge is, its procedure, and what not to eat after a successful procedure.

A dental bridge is a perfect fit for patients missing one or more teeth. It can cover a gap between the teeth to give the perfect smile makeover and improve overall oral health. The artificial tooth (Pontic), which can be made from porcelain, metal, gold alloys, or ceramic, is held in place by bracing.

What are The Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

It would give back the patient a nice smile makeover. It would help to retain the shape of the patient’s face. It helps to keep the remaining teeth in position. It improves mouth care and overall oral health. It helps to improve the patient’s speech pronunciation. It helps to distribute the force from chewing evenly.

The Procedure of Getting a Dental Bridge.

The success of having dental bridges is dependent on two dental visitations.

Firstly, the dentist would examine the mouth and treat any underlying gum disease or tooth decay. He would then have to carry out a small adjustment on the healthy teeth on the two sides of the gap by sharpening them to give room for the bridge. The dentist would then have to use a mound to take the teeth impression sent to the lab to create a fitting bridge.

A temporary bridge might be given to the patient to help protect the Sharpened teeth and gum while waiting for permanent bridges to be ready. When ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is tried on the sharpened teeth to see if it fits. If everything is perfect, then the bridge would be cemented in place by the dentist.

Food to Avoid After Getting Dental Bridge.

Sweet and Sugary Treats

While Sugary or sweet food may not directly affect the bridges, they are artificial; you should be wary of sugary effects on the teeth supporting the bridge or adjacent to the bridge. If cavities affect these teeth, it becomes difficult for the bridge to stay in place and require a replacement.

Hot and Cold Beverages

Patients are allowed to have beverages after getting a dental bridge but not in extreme temperatures. Cold or hot drinks could cause teeth sensitivity which may destroy the crown’s bond to the teeth. Therefore, it’s best to take beverages only at mild temperatures or as advised by the dentist.

Teeth Staining Drinks

The artificial material used in manufacturing the dental bridge is susceptible to stains. Over time exposure to stain can lead to the discoloration of the bridge. Unfortunately, stains in dental bridges can not be whitened, and the only way out is to get a replacement bridge which will be time and resource consuming. The types of drinks to avoid include cola, wine, and black tea.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like candy can be detrimental to a new dental bridge. Sticky or sugary particles hidden or stuck underneath or between the bridges can be very harmful as bacteria carriers could breed on these particles and weaken the new bridge. Also, continuous and consistent chewing of sticky foods can move the bridge out of place.

Hard Foods

Hard foods require reasonable pressure to crush them, and this pressure can damage or fracture the bridge’s structure, and a replacement bridge would be required. So, you should avoid foods like popcorn kernels, chips, raw carrots, and hard candies after a dental bridge to make it lasts longer.

These are some of the food you can avoid maintaining your dental bridge to make sure it lasts for a long time. However, if you need a bridge or feel you need a replacement due to the current being too discolored, you should immediately book an appointment with your dentist. However, if you do not have a personal dentist and want a reputable dentist to help you with the procedure, you can visit any dentist in Anchorage or Dentist 99503 to help you fix a good bridge.

Crooked and misaligned teeth have existed since humanity. People affected by the problem could seek orthodontic treatment with metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth. As dentists called them, braces successfully helped many people achieve a smile makeover with some challenges when undergoing the treatment. People could not maintain their oral health in excellent condition because the braces did not allow them the freedom. It is why many people with crooked and misaligned teeth refrained from having their teeth straightened because they were embarrassed at wearing the braces.

In the 90s, a revolution of sorts took over orthodontic treatments when Align Technologies introduced Invisalign clear braces to change orthodontic treatments forever. Invisalign aligners allow people to get straighter teeth without metal braces on their teeth. People merely had to wear the virtually invisible clear aligners developed from dental-grade plastic to have their teeth straightened faster than traditional orthodontics. Undoubtedly people were happy with the new introduction, and the numbers have multiplied to reach nine million currently.

What Did the Revolutionary Treatment from Invisalign Provide People?

Invisalign introduced an orthodontic treatment devoid of metal braces, replacing them instead with virtually invisible clear aligners. People seeking treatment for mild to moderate cases of underbites, overbites, open bites, crossbites, gapped teeth, crooked and crowded teeth no longer had to contact orthodontists to have the issues corrected.

Invisalign’s manufacturers thought it beneficial to train dentists for providing this traditional treatment instead of relying on orthodontists. As Invisalign clear aligners were devoid of metal brackets and wires, they eliminated the need for monthly adjustments from orthodontic specialists because people merely had to replace their existing aligners with a new set. The dentist in Anchorage is a trained Invisalign provider helping people straighten their teeth to achieve their smile.

The most significant revolution introduced by Invisalign was the freedom to remove the aligners from their positions on the teeth for eating and drinking and to maintain excellent oral health. The three changes provided people the freedom to have straighter teeth without metal and wire braces, enjoy the foods they love, and maintain excellent dental hygiene. It is why more adults are currently seeking orthodontic treatments from the family dentist Anchorage than living with their crooked or misaligned teeth.

All Freedom without Restrictions — How Is It Possible?

No orthodontic treatment discovered this far is free from restrictions, and Invisalign is not an exception. People desiring to straighten teeth with Invisalign are required to adhere to some stipulations the dentist in Anchorage specifies immediately after assessing the patient’s mouth for suitability of treatment with Invisalign.

During the initial appointment for the assessment, the dentist takes digital impressions of the patient’s teeth using state-of-the-art technology and allows them to see how their smile appears after the treatment. The images are for the manufacturers to custom make the aligners specifically for the patient’s mouth. The patient receives the first set of aligners in a few weeks with the dentist’s instructions to wear them over the teeth for 20 to 22 hours every day.

The aligners are removable and must be removed when eating or drinking anything but water and brushing and flossing teeth. The aligners must remain on the teeth throughout the day and night except for the minor aberration.

Depending on the complexity of the patient’s situation, they may need approximately 30 sets of aligners with replacements arriving every two weeks from the manufacturers. Patients don’t require monthly adjustments as each set of aligners are customized to straighten your teeth by applying pressure. Patients must visit the Anchorage dentist once every six to eight weeks to assess their progress and collect their fresh set of aligners. Besides these restrictions, patients have the freedom to continue with their treatment having clear aligners on their teeth even when socializing with people because they remain invisible to everyone.

Why Isn’t Invisalign Treatment Suitable for Everyone?

As mentioned earlier, Invisalign treats mild to moderate dental imperfections affecting people, but those with complicated cases must contact orthodontists for traditional treatments tested to deliver success.

The introduction of Invisalign clear aligners has not relegated orthodontists to the background. Invisalign provides an alternative to traditional orthodontics but has some limitations people must understand. Treatments from orthodontists remain the best for treating any or all dental imperfections or even jaw deformities. Invisalign is merely another form of straightening teeth without a mouthful of metal.