dental surgery

Aftercare Tips for Dental Surgery

Posted on by Eden Rise Dental Clinic

There are several reasons why you may require dental surgery, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, tooth extraction and certain gum treatments, and no matter which treatment you undergo, it’s important to implement proper aftercare. By following these aftercare tips, you’ll be on your way to a speedy recovery.

Take pain killers correctly

After major dental surgery, most of the time you’ll be prescribed with a dose of painkillers. Don’t let the residual effects of anaesthetic fool you into thinking you don’t need pain killers, and take painkillers pre-emptively as advised by your dental surgeon, rather than waiting until the pain has already set in. If you’re taking over the counter pain killers, be sure to avoid aspirin, as it acts as a blood thinner which can worsen bleeding.

Take it easy

Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to take a couple of days off work for recovery. During the first few days after dental surgery, avoid doing heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. When lying down, try to keep your head elevated to limit excess swelling and bleeding. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during your recovery.

Control bleeding and swelling

Depending on your type of surgery, your dentist may have advised you to prevent excess bleeding using gauze pads. You should apply these pads to the affected area and change them as advised, and apply ice packs externally to reduce swelling, however it’s important to remember some bleeding and swelling after surgery is normal and to be expected.

Mind what you eat and drink

Stick to soft foods for the first few days after surgery and avoid hot food and drink while your mouth is still numb, as you won’t be able to properly gauge whether it’s cool enough to consume. Even once you’ve moved back to solid food, avoid excessively tough or crunchy foods for another few weeks.

Keep your mouth clean

It’s advisable not to rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery, however once this period has passed you should gently rinse with a saline solution, particularly after eating. Start brushing again as advised by your dentist, but be careful not to come into contact with the wound.

If you experience any problems during the recovery period, or you want to enquire about a dental procedure, contact Eden Rise Dental on (03) 9702 6111. Our friendly dentists have a wealth of experience and will ensure the appropriate aftercare.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Fact Sheet

Posted on by Adam Ioannidis

Is that jaw pain driving you up the wall? The thought of getting surgery isn’t exactly appealing but you can’t avoid it forever. Sooner or later you are going to have to deal with your wisdom teeth. In the long run, you’re better off nipping it in the bud. Left too long you can cause serious and permanent damage to your oral health. Don’t worry, the process isn’t that complicated or painful. in this blog, we are laying out the facts about wisdom teeth removal to put you at ease.

 

What are wisdom teeth?

 

Wisdom teeth are molars that emerge later on in life, usually in your late teens to early twenties. There are usually four that slowly form during your adolesce in the back of your upper and lower jaw. While wisdom teeth are normal and natural, we don’t actually need them. So if they start causing you problems when coming out then you will need to get them removed.

 

Do I need to get them removed?

 

Wisdom teeth will need to be removed for several reasons. When there isn’t enough room for them to come through it can move your teeth causing discomfort, pain, decay and misalignment. Sometimes a wisdom tooth will erupt at a bad angle leading to decay, infection and gum disease. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are coming through see your dentist and they can determine if you need to have them removed or not.

You will need to get them taken out if:

 

  • There is an infection
  • There is not enough room
  • The wisdom tooth is coming through at a bad angle
  • There is a risk of disease

 

When do I get them taken out?

 

Before your dentist can determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed you’ll need to get an X-ray. Once your dentist can see how far along the wisdom teeth are then you can discuss the next steps. Generally, earlier is better, before your wisdom teeth starts affecting your oral health. In terms of age, most people get them removed around the late teens to mid-twenties because recovery is faster.

 

Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia?

 

Depending on how your wisdom teeth are coming out, you might need to go under general or local anaesthesia. Most of the time you will be under local and you will be awake for the process. For more complicated removals that need a little more finesse, you will need to go under general. This is something you will need to discuss with your dentist and surgeon. If any aspect of anaesthesia concerns you bring it up with them.

 

How are they removed?

 

The way wisdom teeth are removed depends on its position. Most extractions will involve an insertion into the gums, widening the socket to remove the tooth and, if necessary, a small part of the bone will be removed. The surgery will take up to 45 minutes and is routine. For more complicated removals you will probably be put under general anaesthesia. Rest assured, your surgeon and dentist will explain exactly how they are going to remove your wisdom teeth.

What should I expect during recovery?

 

When you are organising your surgery it is a good idea to clear away at least a week for recovery. You will experience swelling, you may look like a hamster for a day or two before the swelling does down. Keep up your fluids… sometimes if you don’t drink enough water you get something called dry socket. This happens when the blood clot covering the exposed bone is dislodged making the wound especially sensitive.

 

Things to avoid during your recovery:

 

  • Avoid smoking as much as possible. Smoking can cause complications, dry socket and even lead to infection. You should at the very least not smoke twenty-four hours after your surgery.
  • Drinking through a straw. The suction you create can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
  • Eating hard and crunchy foods
  • Wash or rinse your mouth the day after the surgery
  • Eat hot foods straight over your surgery
  • Skip taking your antibiotics

 

Things you should do:

 

  • An ice pack will help with the swelling
  • Eat soft foods that don’t need a lot of chewing like soup
  • Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least four times a day
  • Keep track of your pain medication and antibiotics
  • Write down the recovery instructions your dentist gives you
  • Keep an eye out for infection

 

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can feel overwhelming and a little frightening. Just remember that it is a routine surgery and you’ll be in good hands. If its high time you talked to a dentist about your wisdom teeth, Eden Rise Dental offers wisdom teeth removal. Our friendly staff will be happy to schedule an appointment for you – simply call (03) 9702 6111.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Posted on by Adam Ioannidis

Not sure if you need restorative dentistry? If you are looking to repair and restore your smile then the answer is yes. Restorative dentistry is about returning function and structural integrity to your teeth. It may sound a lot like cosmetic surgery, and in many ways, they overlap. However, restorative dentistry is focused on the health of your smile whereas cosmetic is more about appearance. In this blog, we are going through the main restorative procedures to help you figure out if restorative dentistry is what you need.

 

Do I need restorative dentistry?

 

Are you looking for cosmetic or restorative dentistry? Often they come hand in hand, but if you have a health issue then you probably need restorative dentistry. You probably need a restorative procedure if you have:

  • Missing teeth – Having a missing tooth can negatively affect your confidence and the health of your smile. With a large gap, your teeth will start to move causing sensitivity, decay and gum disease.
  • Discolouration – Most of the time, stained teeth are fixed with cleaning. If the enamel is damaged enough you might need a little more done. If you getting brown spots on your teeth then it is high time you visit your dentist.
  • Fractures and chips – If your tooth is fractured then it is susceptible to further damage. Not only is it painful, if left untreated it can lead to infection and decay. A restorative procedure will prevent any further deterioration and make your tooth look brand new.

 

Dentures

 

Dentures are used to replace missing teeth. They are realistic replicas that you can remove and put back in.. A partial denture is for a few missing teeth that will clip onto your remaining teeth. If you are missing a whole row, top or bottom, you’ll need a full denture that you place over your gums. They do take a while to get used to. There is a little bit of discomfort at the beginning and eating can feel strange, but they are worthwhile. If your bones are too fragile for implants, dentures are a perfect alternative. They are part of restorative dentistry because they keep your remaining teeth from moving and protect your gums.

 

Veneers

 

Veneers are often considered to be a cosmetic luxury, however, they are a practical option to maintain a healthy smile. If your teeth are worn, broken, uneven, stained or are too far apart then you might need veneers. If you’re not sure what veneers are: they are a prosthetic made to look like teeth that are then bonded to the front of your teeth. To get veneers you first need to get them coloured and measured. Then, in your next session, your dentist will remove some enamel and then cement the veneer onto your tooth.

 

Crowns

 

Unlike veneers, a crown will cover your whole tooth. Usually made from porcelain, a crown is coloured to match your teeth before it covers or replaces your tooth. They are considered restorative dentistry because it helps makes your smile healthy as well as beautiful. You will probably need a crown if you’re missing a tooth, have a fractured tooth, have a misshaped tooth or your tooth needs protection from fracturing.

Implants

 

Implants are used to replace missing teeth. Not only will it restore your smile, it will also stop your teeth from moving and creating gaps. The missing tooth is replaced by a crown and is then secured in place by a small titanium screw. An implant is a durable option as it can last up to twenty-five years. The procedure may not be suitable for you if you don’t have healthy gums or if your bones cannot support it. Your dentist can help determine if getting an implant is the best option for you, so make sure you consult a professional before making a decision.

 

Bridges

 

Dental bridges are for replacing one tooth or two teeth by literally bridging the gap. The false tooth is attached to two crowns then placed over the remaining teeth. This requires removing some of the enamel so the crowns can be cemented into place. A bridge will make your smile look seamless and keep your teeth from drifting out of place. It’s also a great option if your gums have receded or if your bones are too fragile to get an implant. Bridges need to be replaced more frequently but it will cost less.

 

While restorative dentistry will give you back your confident smile, it’s also about giving your teeth structure, integrity and protection. If you need a tooth replaced, Eden Rise Dental can help find the right option for you. There is a wide range of services from dental implants to general dentistry. Our friendly staff will be happy to schedule an appointment for you – simply call (03) 9702 6111.

 

Your Step by Step Guide to Root Canal Treatment

Posted on by awdadmin

Root canal treatment is necessary to treat severe tooth decay in which the tooth has become infected or abscessed and the decay has progressed from the enamel to the dentin layer, eventually reaching the nerve structure of the tooth (also called the pulp). The nerve structure of the tooth begins to die, which leads to an infection at the tip of the root, causing pain and swelling. A root canal treatment, performed by a qualified dentist, is the only way to treat the severely infected tooth without removing it. In this week’s blog, we tell you exactly what to expect during a root canal treatment.

Preparation

The first step of a root canal treatment is preparation of the mouth and tooth. First the tooth and surrounding tissues will be numbed with anaesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is numb, your dentist may also place a dental dam (a small sheet of rubber used to isolate the affected tooth) over the tooth to keep it clean and dry throughout the procedure.

Drilling

Next, your dentist will drill a small hole through either the biting surface (if the tooth is a back tooth) or through the rear surface (if it’s a front tooth). Through this hole, your dentist will have access to the root canals and pulp on the inside of the tooth. They will use small files to clear away the infected and/or dead pulp tissue. Once the tissue has been removed, your dentist will shape the walls of the root canals so that they can be properly filled, and the chamber may be irrigated with water to remove any remaining tissue. Your dentist may also apply an antimicrobial solution to the chamber to kill any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of further infection.

Filling

Once the chamber has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, your dentist will fill it with a rubber-like substance called gutta percha. The access hole will also be sealed with a temporary filling.

Crown

After a few weeks, you will complete the treatment by having a permanent crown attached to your tooth, acting as a permanent seal. The crown will protect your tooth against further infection and will restore the appearance of the tooth.

Root canal treatment seems like a scary procedure, but with a careful and patient dentist and adequate pain medication, you will recover in no time at all. Eden Rise Dental offer root canal treatments, along with other emergency dental services from our Berwick dental practice.

Everything you Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth

Posted on by awdadmin

Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars (back teeth) to come through, usually during a person’s late teens or early-to-mid-20s. There are usually two wisdom teeth in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, however some people have less than for and some have none at all. In this blog, we take you through some of the problems that can be caused by wisdom teeth and how to deal with them.

wisdom teeth

Common problems related to wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth usually aren’t a problem for most people, however they can sometimes come through on an angle, pushing into the gums or teeth beside them. This is called impaction, and can result in misalignment, sensitivity and/or infection. Impaction can also occur when wisdom teeth fail to come all the way through, usually because the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate them. Sometimes this will cause a flap of gum tissue to grow over them, which can easily trap food and become infected. Wisdom teeth can also cause overcrowding, making it harder to clean your teeth and interfering with chewing or speech.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

If problem wisdom teeth become infected, they will need to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. However, if infections are recurrent, the teeth may have to be removed. People with secondary health issues, especially compromised immunity, should be especially wary of infections. Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection can include red, inflamed gums near the wisdom tooth (sometimes with pus), pain and swelling, sore and swollen lymph glands under the jaw, difficulty swallowing or opening and closing the jaw, and fever.

Removal of wisdom teeth

The best way to figure out whether wisdom teeth will need be removed is to undergo an x-ray administered by your dentist or orthodontist. Some wisdom teeth will not cause problems and can be left to come through naturally, while some may require a small cut in the gum (done by your dentist or oral surgeon) to help them come through. If wisdom teeth need to be completely removed, this will be done either under local or general anaesthetic, and the wounds will be stitched up. Problem wisdom teeth are best removed early, before they can cause damage.

Eden Rise Dental are a family friendly Berwick dental surgery. If you need advice on your or your child’s wisdom teeth, or want to book in a removal, contact us today on (03) 9702 6111.