Chewing and swallowing can be challenging after wisdom tooth extraction. The presence of gauze pads and a sore mouth may make eating seem unappealing, but maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for your healing process. When a tooth is extracted, a clot forms to aid in the healing process. Disrupting this clot can hinder healing, so it’s important to stick to a soft-food diet. Additionally, spicy, acidic, or hard-to-chew foods can cause discomfort and delay healing.
For the first one or two weeks after your extraction, plan on sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods. This doesn’t mean eating only Jello throughout your recovery! Some healthy food options suitable for post-extraction recovery include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Milkshakes
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Pancakes
- Eggs
- Canned fruit
- Beans
- Pasta
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Fish
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Macaroni and cheese
Avoid using a straw during recovery, as the suction can dislodge the clot in your gums and complicate healing. Some foods may still be too chewy, so it’s important to gauge their softness. For example, pasta or macaroni can be overcooked to make it easier to chew, and soups can be blended to eliminate chunks of vegetables or meat. Always follow your oral surgeon’s aftercare and dietary guidelines, and don’t rush back to normal foods until your mouth is fully ready.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Sicklerville dental office to schedule your consultation!
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure that dentists perform today. It can have a dramatic effect on your smile at a smaller cost than other cosmetic procedures. You can whiten your teeth yourself using at-home techniques, but often professional whitening with your dentist’s help achieves the fastest and most effective results. Let’s examine the whitening options provided by most dentists to help you evaluate what might work for you.
Whitening at your dentist’s office:
The dentist applies a whitening product to your teeth containing higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide than what is available in at-home kits. Heat or light may be used also. This technique produces quick, uniform results, but it does sometimes cause temporary gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. This method is expensive, ranging between $500 to $1,200.
Home whitening supervised by your dentist:
A customized mouthpiece will be created by your dentist for you to fill at home with whitening gel, which contains a lower strength of hydrogen peroxide than the in-office gel. You wear the mouthpiece at home for several hours each day, and your dentist supervises the whitening with regular checkups. This method is convenient and less expensive at $300 to $500, but it produces slower results than in-office methods.
Repeating the process:
Whichever type of teeth whitening technique you might choose, remember that it isn’t a permanent repair to your teeth. You will need to repeat the process every year or two. The length of time between treatments will increase if you don’t smoke and avoid foods that are known to stain your teeth, such as coffee and red wine.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Sicklerville dental office.
Wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended to address existing dental problems or to prevent potential issues in the future. Some common problems associated with wisdom teeth include:
- A small jaw that cannot accommodate the eruption of wisdom teeth, leading to impaction (where the tooth becomes stuck in the jaw, often under the edge of an adjacent tooth).
- Partial eruption of wisdom teeth, which causes a flap of gum tissue to grow over the tooth. This can trap food, bacteria, and germs, leading to infection, swelling, and pain.
- Impacted teeth causing more serious issues such as acute infection, damage to surrounding teeth, bone damage, or the development of cysts.
- Wisdom teeth growing at awkward angles, such as sideways, forward, or backward.
Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent:
- Crowding in the back of the mouth.
- An impacted wisdom tooth that remains stuck in the jaw without ever erupting.
- Painful gums or infections caused by gum flaps.
- Gum disease or tooth decay in the wisdom tooth or surrounding teeth.
You may consider having your wisdom teeth removed at a younger age for the following reasons:
- Younger patients have less developed roots and less dense jawbone, making the extraction process easier.
- Most wisdom tooth problems arise between the ages of 15 and 25.
- If you have a medical condition that may worsen over time, removing your wisdom teeth early may promote better healing.
While wisdom teeth extraction is rarely harmful, there are risks associated with any surgery. If you’re concerned about the procedure, speak with your dentist to address any questions or issues you may have.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
When a tooth becomes damaged, whether from decay, trauma, or deep cavities, the pain, sensitivity, and difficulty with eating or sleeping can make daily life uncomfortable. In some cases, the damage extends to the pulp inside the tooth, which houses nerves and tissues, causing even more pain. At this point, your dentist will likely recommend root canal treatment rather than tooth extraction to save your natural tooth.
Most dental professionals strongly advise saving the natural tooth whenever possible. Tooth extraction can create a variety of complications, such as a gap in your smile and shifting of surrounding teeth. Root canal therapy offers a less invasive solution and can restore full function to the tooth without the need for extraction.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when a tooth’s pulp has been damaged beyond repair. In such cases, a dental filling may not be enough to fix the issue. The procedure involves carefully removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the tooth thoroughly, and filling it with a special material to prevent further damage. A dental crown is often placed over the tooth for extra protection, completing the restoration.
Choosing tooth extraction as an alternative to root canal therapy is generally more invasive, costly, and time-consuming. The recovery period from an extraction is typically longer, and it requires diligent care to avoid infection. Additionally, without the tooth in place, your other teeth may start shifting, affecting your bite and making activities like speaking or eating more difficult.
To find out which option is best for your situation, it’s important to consult with a trusted dentist. They will explain the available treatments and guide you toward the best choice for restoring your oral health and preserving your smile.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Sicklerville dental office!
Plaque is your mouth’s enemy. It is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and produces acid as it mixes with sugar from foods and drinks you consume. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Plaque can also form under your gums and affect both the gum tissue and the bones supporting your teeth.
So how can you avoid getting the plaque that causes these problems? Here are some helpful tips.
Brush
Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all of your tooth surfaces, as well as your tongue.
Floss
As much as many people don’t want to, flossing your teeth every day is important in getting rid of plaque between your teeth and at your gum line.
Eat healthy foods
Some foods help keep plaque off your teeth. Munch on apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other raw vegetables and fruits. Crunchy foods like these will help clean your teeth while filling you up and giving you helpful nutrients.
Avoid junk food
On the other hand, limit the amount of junk food that you eat. Sugary drinks and foods introduce sugar into your mouth that will stick to your teeth and lead to plaque formation.
See your dentist
Even if you practice good oral hygiene, some amount of plaque usually forms. It hardens to become tartar, which can only be properly removed by your dentist. Dental checkups every six months will help you keep plaque under control, and a healthy smile on your face.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Sicklerville dental office to schedule your consultation!
If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile due to stained, imperfect, or damaged teeth, consider visiting a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover. Research has shown that people with beautiful smiles are often perceived as more successful, trustworthy, and approachable. While these are obvious benefits, rejuvenating your smile through cosmetic dentistry offers other advantages as well:
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Helps Prevent Tooth Loss and Reduces Risk of Infection – Straight, smooth teeth without gaps are easier to clean, which lowers the risk of dental issues.
- Creates a Healthier, More Youthful Appearance
- Restores Strength and Functionality – Enhances the durability of teeth.
- Makes Brushing and Flossing Easier
- Increases Motivation for Good Oral Care
- Delivers Natural-Looking Results – That complement your facial features.
At our Sicklerville dental office, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to enhance your smile and overall oral health. Your smile makeover will be personalized to suit your needs and may involve some or all of the following procedures:
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Dental Implants and Bridges
- Braces or Invisalign
- Gum Contouring
A smile makeover typically combines two or more treatments to achieve the desired outcome. Many procedures are non-invasive and can be completed in just one office visit, though some may require multiple appointments.
Thanks to advanced dental technology, you no longer have to settle for a less-than-perfect smile. Schedule a consultation with a qualified dental professional today to learn how a smile makeover can help you enjoy the benefits of a brighter, more confident smile.
Contact our Sicklerville dental office today to explore our smile makeover options.
