Month: September 2017

There are a few reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted: poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, because it’s damaged, to make room in a crowded mouth, or to prepare for other dental procedures. When it comes to tooth removal, there are two main types of dental extractions that you’ll come across: simple and surgical. But what’s the difference, and when might you need each one? Here’s what you need to know about the two types of tooth extraction before your dental surgery.

Simple Extraction

A simple tooth extraction is when a tooth has already grown up past the gum line. This is the most common type of tooth extraction and is the easiest to perform. Your dentist will simply grab the tooth with forceps and remove it from your mouth while you’re numbed up.

Surgical Extraction

Surgical tooth extractions are a bit more complicated. These occur when your dentist needs to make an incision into the gum to remove the tooth, such as for wisdom teeth or a tooth that has not yet emerged past the gum line. Sometimes, your dentist will need to cut the tooth into several pieces in order to remove it more easily.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

The procedures for both types of tooth extraction are similar. The difference is that surgical tooth extraction might sometimes require a stronger type of anesthesia and might also have a longer recovery time. With both extractions, it’s important to be gentle with the area during the healing process so that the socket can heal completely.

Whether you need to have a simple or surgical tooth extraction, both are extremely common dental procedures with a low risk of complications. If you need to have a tooth removed or would like to in order to be fitted with dentures, implants, or a bridge, call Bella Smiles to make an appointment today!

Bad dental habits might be crippling your oral health without you even realizing it. No matter how much you brush and floss your teeth, these habits can spell disaster for your overall dental health. Here are three common bad habits and the dental issues they can cause.

Chewing Ice

So many people like to chew ice without realizing how bad it is for your teeth. It doesn’t take much pressure to crack or chip your tooth, and biting down on an ice cube can do more damage than you might think. Not only that, but the ice shards can puncture your gums and cause scrapes or cuts to the soft tissue in your mouth.

Try to sip soda or water through a straw to reduce the contact the ice has with your teeth, helping you cut back on the temptation to chew on it.

Biting Your Fingernails

While your nails are probably not hard enough to crack or chip your tooth on their own, the constant chewing motion wears away the enamel of your teeth and makes them more susceptible to damage in the long run.

If you have trouble breaking the habit, try painting your nails with a bad-tasting nail polish to make you more aware. You can also try putting Band-Aids over your fingertips to prevent yourself from reaching the nail.

Over-the-Counter Dental Bleaching

Store-bought whitening treatments might work, but the side effects aren’t worth the risk. The chemicals they contain can cause tooth and gum sensitivity that’s not always reversible. Using these treatments too frequently can cause additional damage to your teeth. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, opt for a professional, in-office procedure to get the best results without the side effects.

At Bella Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. Call our office to book an appointment for a checkup or cleaning today!