Silver Spring Dentists Discuss the A to Z of Wisdom Teeth, PART 4

This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on wisdom teeth. Throughout the course of this series, Silver Spring dentists have addressed the following frequently asked questions:

1. What are wisdom teeth?

2. Why are they necessary?

3. How do I know if I have them?

4. What are some of the problems commonly associated with the emergence of wisdom teeth?

5. What is the procedure followed to extract wisdom teeth?

6. What is the post-operative healing experience like?

Now we shall look at some final issues surrounding the recovery process (after the 24 hour mark) and some additional bits of advice, courtesy of an experienced dentist in Silver Spring MD.

The Recovery Experience: After 24 Hours

1.You should stick to a diet of very soft foods for the first few days after you’ve had oral surgery. This will give your wisdom teeth sockets a chance to heal.

2. Avoid alcohol as it thins the blood and can encourage bleeding. It also interacts badly with narcotic pain medication.

3.“You should absolutely continue to brush your teeth. After 24 hours you can gently brush the area immediately around the site of your wisdom teeth, although it will probably still be quite tender,” says the Silver Spring dentist.

4. Avoid commercial mouthwash, as they can be too harsh on your healing gums. Instead, mix some salt and warm water and rinse your mouth with it after meals and before you go to bed at night. Salt water is excellent for cleaning wounds and preventing infection.

5. “After the first 24 hours, you should apply a heat pack to the cheek outside the site of your former wisdom teeth,” says the dentist in Silver Spring MD. “As with the cold packs, you should apply the heat in a cycle of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.”

6. Many Silver Spring dentists make use of self-dissolving stitches, so you may not need to return for their removal a week later. Your dentist will advise you accordingly.

7. If you notice any problems that persist for longer than a week, such as moderate to sever pain and swelling and/or terrible bad breath, do not hesitate to contact your dental healthcare provider. 

Are There Any Potential Complications I Need to Be Aware Of?

With the right post-operative care, you should be able to avoid infection and heal successfully from wisdom teeth extraction. Having said this, there are two complications that can arise after having this procedure done, so you should be aware and seek prompt treatment should you notice their symptoms...

Dry Socket

“Dry socket occurs when the blood fails to clot or else the clot has been dislodged,” explains the Silver Spring dentist. “When this happens, the empty tooth socket is left wide open for bacteria and food debris to become trapped. Healing is delayed and patients can notice persistent pain (that can be mild to severe) and terrible halitosis, or bad breath. Dry socket can be treated by placing anti-bacterial and blood clotting medications in the tooth socket.”

Part - 3

Dentists in Silver Spring MD Discuss the A to Z of Wisdom Teeth, PART 3

This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on wisdom teeth. In Part 2, we spoke to some experienced dentists in Silver Spring MD, who explained the various problems and complications that can be caused by the emergence of misaligned and impacted wisdom teeth. Because these problems are not uncommon, many people end up having their wisdom teeth extracted, either as a solution or a preventative measure. In this article, we shall take an in-depth look at the procedure involved in the extraction of wisdom teeth, as well as what Silver Spring patients can expect from their post-operative recovery experience.

The Procedure Involved in Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s totally normal for people to be terrified at the prospect of oral surgery, but according to dentists in Silver Spring MD, the removal of wisdom teeth is typically quick and completely painless. How is this possible? In cases involving a straightforward tooth extraction, the gums immediately surrounding the tooth will be completely numbed and, if required, you will be gently sedated so that your experience isn’t traumatic at all.

Silver Spring dentists commonly make use of oral sedatives (such as Valium or Xanax), “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. In more complex cases of wisdom teeth removal, a general anesthesia may be administered, in which case you’ll wake up with the procedure already complete. 

The Recovery Experience: The First 24 Hours

“Every patient has a different recovery experience,” say dentists in Silver Spring MD. “Additionally, the speed of recovery depends on a host of factors, including the nature of the extraction procedure required. Obviously, a straightforward treatment typically comes with a quicker and easier recovery period, while wisdom teeth requiring surgery may see a patient spending a few days out of action.”

In either case, here’s the typical prognosis for recovery in the first 24 hours:

1. Bleeding

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted and you have recovered from the effects of anesthetic, you will be allowed to return home to rest. Although the sites of your wisdom teeth will be sutured, they may continue to bleed lightly for a few hours. “Placing some clean gauze over the tooth socket and applying gentle pressure to it by biting down should control and stop the bleeding,” advises a Silver Spring dentist. “You can also use a moist tea bag because the tannic acid effectively encourages the formation of blood clots, which hastens the cessation of bleeding.”

What should I do if I continue to bleed heavily?

Call your dentist immediately. Also, to allow the sites of your wisdom teeth to heal, try not to spit or rinse in the first 24 post-operative hours. “Patients should avoid drinking out of a straw or any other activity that requires sucking action, such as smoking, as this may disrupt clotting and cause bleeding again, or worse, a condition known as dry socket.”

2. Swelling

It’s not uncommon for the face to become quite swollen around the site of tooth extraction. Pressing an ice pack against the cheek helps to reduce swelling. “Do this for 10 minutes and then take a 20 minute break,” advise dentists in Silver Spring MD.“Repeat this process for the first 24 hours as much as possible.”

3. Medications

You will be sent home with analgesics, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), which should help to control any post-operative pain and discomfort you may experience. If you have undergone more invasive surgery to have wisdom teeth removed, your Silver Spring dentist may prescribe you a stronger course of pain medications. If you were previously given antibiotics to address infection of the gums surrounding an emerging wisdom tooth, you should complete the course.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more about the recovery experience Silver Spring patients can expect, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Silver Spring Dentists Discuss the A to Z of Wisdom Teeth, PART 2

This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on wisdom teeth. In Part 1, Silver Spring dentists explained that they are the third set of molars, which typically emerge from the jawbone between age 18 and 25. It was also explained that, owing to the fact that our jawbones have become smaller and slimmer over the millennia, wisdom teeth seldom emerge without complication for the overlying gums and neighboring dentition. As a result, dentists typically recommend their extraction before they have a chance to cause a patient pain or do permanent damage.

In this article, we shall be looking at the various problems wisdom teeth can cause for Silver Spring residents before moving on to the procedures behind their extraction.

Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth

As it was explained in Part 1 of this article series, our modern day jaws are typically too small to accommodate a third set of molars, which is why so many people experience dental problems when they emerge. These problems range in severity and some include:

Wisdom teeth misalignment: "It's not uncommon for the third molars to emerge at an angle away from or towards the second molars”. “We’ve also had patients whose wisdom teeth have emerged from the gums horizontally! This can apply pressure to the entire dental arch, causing overcrowding. Badly aligned wisdom teeth can also damage the jawbone, the adjacent teeth and the nerves, causing much pain for the patient.”

Impacted wisdom teeth: “Wisdom teeth can become trapped underneath the second molars, effectively preventing them from fully emerging from the jawbone and/or gums,” explain dentists from Silver Spring. “By preventing the timely emergence of the tooth, bacteria have more of an opportunity to settle into the folds of the gum tissue that has split open. This increases a patient’s risk of infection and painful abscesses, the symptoms of which include jaw stiffness, severe pain and sensitivity and even general sickness. Impacted wisdom teeth are also more vulnerable to tooth decay and the surrounding gums to infection and disease.”

For these reasons, dentists in Silver Spring will keep a careful eye on emerging wisdom teeth (both from visible examination and X-rays) to ensure that a patient is not susceptible to these problems. In many cases, a dentist will opt to extract wisdom teeth to prevent risks in the first place.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Does the Procedure Entail?

The method followed to remove wisdom teeth really depends upon their positioning and the stage of their emergence from the gums and jawbone. If a wisdom tooth is emerging with relative ease and has fully erupted from the gums, a straightforward tooth extraction procedure can be performed in a Silver Spring dentist’s office and with only a local anesthetic. On the other hand, if a wisdom tooth is misaligned and/or impacted – i.e. still contained within the jawbone – a more complex procedure will be needed to remove it. In these cases, a quick and painless surgery is often recommended.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read more about the procedures required to extract wisdom teeth and the recovery experience Silver Spring patients can expect, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

Silver Spring MD Dentists Discuss the A to Z of Wisdom Teeth, PART 1

This four-part article series provides an in-depth review of wisdom teeth, what they are and what the procedure and recovery process involves in their removal.

Sometime during your late teenage and early adult years, you may notice some discomfort, pressure, pain and/or sensitivity developing toward the back of your mouth. You may notice that the gums feel stretched over a mound, or that they have split open to make way for what feels like an emerging set of new teeth. 

Well, they are new teeth! They’re your wisdom teeth and according to Silver Spring MD dentists, they’re the third and final set of molars anyone gets in their life. Wisdom teeth can be somewhat of a pain during their emergence, but if aligned correctly, they can become an asset to your digestive system. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth more often emerge from the jaw imperfectly and this misalignment can cause considerable problems for the rest of your dentition. 

For this four-part article series, we sat down with a dentist in Silver Spring to find out about wisdom teeth, what they are, why they’re necessary and everything you may have wanted and needed to know about the extraction procedure and recovery. Since almost everyone gets wisdom teeth and may experience similar problems, it’s important to understand the answers to these questions.

What Are Wisdom Teeth And Why Are They Necessary?

“Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, which typically emerge from the jawbone between age 18 and 25,” explains the Silver Spring MD dentist. “The interesting thing about wisdom teeth is that they are an evolutionary remnant from a time when our jaws were larger and more robust as a result of our tougher and more fibrous diets. We don’t really need our wisdom teeth anymore, because our diets consist of softer and more processed, cooked foods, so it’s only a matter of time before they become phased out by our continued evolution. However, in the meanwhile, they’re there and they can be problematic for people.”

This begs the question: why are wisdom teeth so frequently a problem? And why are some people born without them?

“Over the millennia, our jaws have evolved to match our diets. Since we no longer live on grasses, seeds, bulbs and other tough, fibrous foods, our jaws have become smaller and more gracile,” explains a dentist in Silver Spring. “Our smaller jaws can’t accommodate a third set of molars or at least not without consequence for the rest of your teeth, which is why most dentists recommend their extraction before they’ve even had a chance to fully emerge from the jaw.”

“The fact that more and more people are being born without wisdom teeth or with only two upper or lower wisdoms supports the hypothesis that they are an evolutionary remnant and are being phased out.”

Do I Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you aren’t experiencing any of the common symptoms associated with the emergence of wisdom teeth, then it’s really impossible to know whether or not you have them without an X-ray. You should visit your Silver Spring MD dentist at least once per year for a general check-up, but if you or your child is in his or her late teens and/or early twenties and hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, you should book an appointment. Your dentist will take X-rays of your jaw and dentition to determine, amongst many other things, whether you have wisdom teeth and whether or not they will emerge without complication.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about wisdom teeth, the various problems they tend to cause and the procedure involved in their extraction, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

The Dentist in Silver Spring Explains TMJ Disorders, PART 4: Treatment Options, Continued

This four-part article series provides an in-depth explanation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), looking at causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In our previous article, the third installment of the series, an experienced oral surgeon in Silver Spring began discussing the various conservative treatments there are to alleviate the pain, stiffness and discomfort associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

When used collectively, these therapies offer a solid starting point and, in most cases, a conclusive solution to the problem. If, however, the basic treatment approach is not successful, the dentist may recommend a more aggressive treatment approach, such as ultrasound, radio wave therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or trigger-point injections. Surgery is a last resort and is usually reserved for severe cases of TMD.

In this article, the final installment of the series, a Maryland dental implants specialist will explain what these more aggressive treatment methods are.

Alternative TMD Treatment Approaches:

1. Ultrasound supplies the joint with a deep heat that alleviates stiffness and pain.

2. Radio Wave Therapy increases blood flow to the joint via gentle electrical stimulation. This helps to relieve pain.

3. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) makes use of gentle electrical currents to relax the facial muscles and joint, thus providing relief.

4. Trigger-point Injections directly supply painful and tense facial and neck muscles with pain medication.

Surgery for TMD

“A last resort treatment for temporomandibular disorders is surgery,” explains the dental expert in Silver Spring. “Only once we have exhausted all other treatment options will be recommend surgery, predominantly because the outcomes of this treatment cannot be reversed.”

There are three main kinds of TMD related surgical procedures and the one recommended to Silver Spring residents depends upon their particular problem.

1. Arthrocentesis

An arthrocentesis is a simple and straightforward procedure that can be performed in the office of a skilled dentist. It’s usually recommended to Silver Spring residents who have experienced a sudden onset of TMD symptoms, such as lockjaw or restricted opening. These patients will not have a significant history of TMD. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and involves the irrigation and sterilization of the affected joint.

2. Arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. The dentist will first determine the cause of TMD by examining the joint and surrounding area via a small incision and a special dental light and tiny camera. He or she will correct and realign the disc and joint and remove and inflamed tissue (if present). This procedure only involves a small, minor incision and so is far less invasive than open joint surgery. It also has a shorter recovery time.

3. Open Joint Surgery

“In certain severe cases of TMD, open joint surgery may be necessary in order to provide the patient with permanent respite from the painful symptoms of this condition,” explains a Maryland dental specialist. “No dentist recommends surgery lightly, so it’s only after much deliberation that he or she will decide to proceed with open joint surgery.”

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves the complete exposure of the joint, unlike an arthroscopy, which only requires a small incision. The exact procedure followed to provide treatment depends on cause of TMD, for example, the deterioration of the bone comprising the joint or the presence of growths and tumors. The dentist in Silver Spring will advise you accordingly and explain what you can expect prior to the procedure.

Silver Spring Cosmetic Dentists Explain TMJ Disorders, PART 3: Treatment Options

This four-part article series provides an in-depth explanation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), looking at causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the articulating joint between the jawbone and temporal plate of the skull. In our previous article, the second installment of the series, an experienced dentist and orthodontist in Silver Spring MD described the various symptoms of TMD before explaining the various checks dental healthcare specialists do in order to diagnose the condition. In this article and the next, we shall take an in-depth look at the treatment options facing Silver Spring residents with TMD.

The Treatment Options for TMD

“Treating TMD is far more complex than simply taking a course of prescribed medication,” explains a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “The kind of treatment we recommend also depends substantially on how severe a patient’s condition is. Usually, the best approach is to begin with conservative therapy, which should appease the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, surgery may ultimately be required.”

In this article, an orthodontist will explain the non-surgical treatment approaches. In Part 4, the final installment of the series, we’ll look at the surgical options.

Basic Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment

Most Silver Spring cosmetic dentists agree that the best way to treat TMD is to begin with a combination of conservative therapies. The goal of these therapies is to reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviate pain and eliminate the source of stress or strain aggravating the TMJ.

Adjust Your Diet: Refrain from eating hard, crunchy foods (hard candy, crisps, raw vegetables, ice, caramels) and foods that require you to stretch open your mouth to fit. Rather, stick to a softer diet (yogurt, soup, cooked vegetables, mashed potato, fish, etc.) for a few weeks or as recommended by your dentist. Cut smaller bites and chew gently. You’re trying to rest the TMJ and give the swelling and inflammation a chance to subside.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply an ice pack to your temple for approximately 10 minutes. Your orthodontist will show you how to perform some easy jaw stretching exercises, which you should subsequently do. After stretching, press a warm, moist towel to the same temple region for five minutes. Repeat this procedure two to three times a day.

Medication for the Symptoms: The orthodontist in Silver Spring may prescribe you some pain medications (for example, Aleve, Advil or Motrin) to help alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with TMD. You may also be required to take muscle relaxants, especially if the cause behind your TMD is determined to be teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Nighttime Night Guards and Splints: Wearing a mouth guard at night when you are more likely to grind and clench your teeth prevents the damage these bad habits have on the biting surfaces of the teeth, as well as lessening the stress it puts on the TMJ. A mouth guard or splint (which is worn all the time and not just at night) will also position the teeth correctly, eliminating the joint strain caused by a bad bite.

Resting the Jaw: “Simply resting the jaw joint by avoiding extreme movements, eating soft foods and keeping yawning to a minimum, you can give the TMJ a chance to heal, thus reducing pain and inflammation” explains the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “Other habits to avoid include resting your chin on your hand or cradling a telephone between your ear and neck. Bad posture can also exacerbate TMD. Sit up straight!”

Seek Treatment for Dental Problems: If a bad bite is to blame for your TMD, you may need to seek corrective dental treatment for crooked or missing teeth! Balancing the biting surfaces of your teeth will eliminate any strain on the TMJ caused by a bad bite.

Keep Your Mouth Slightly Parted: For as long as possible during the course of the day. This will reduce the pressure on the TMJ and prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To find out what the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist has to say about what surgical treatment options are available for TMD, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series!

Silver Spring Dental Healthcare Professionals Explain TMJ Disorders, PART 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis

This four-part article series provides an in-depth explanation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), looking at causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders that affect the articulating joint between the jawbone and temporal plate of the skull, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In our previous article, the first installment of the series, an experienced Silver Spring dental healthcare practitioner explained to us what TMD is (temporomandibular disorder) and what’s likely to cause it. It was also explained that Silver Spring residents between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to suffer from it, as are women.

Side Note: Why the gender bias? TMD is linked with stress. Emotional/psychological strain tends to cause people to grind their teeth, tighten their facial muscles and clench their jaw, which puts strain on the joint and can lead to the inflammation of the surrounding muscles. Perhaps men are more adept at releasing stress and tension, while women tend to “bottle it up”. This is pure conjecture, but good food for thought.

In this article, the second installment of the series, a dentist in Silver Spring MD runs us through the symptoms of TMD before explaining how this condition is diagnosed.

The Symptoms of TMD, Continued

You may have TMD if you have noticed one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Pain, discomfort, stiffness or tenderness in the jaw joint, your neck and shoulders, your face and in or immediately around the ear. This discomfort may become especially apparent when you articulate the TMJ, such as when you eat, speak or yawn.

2. Dizziness, hearing problems and tinnitus, a ringing sound in the ears.

3. There’s a popping, grating or clicking sound in the joint when you articulate your jaw. “This isn’t necessarily accompanied by discomfort or tenderness, although it can be,” explain Silver Spring dental healthcare specialists.

4. Difficulty opening your mouth wide. You may also on occasion find your jaw locking or getting stuck in position.

5. A feeling of muscle fatigue in the face and neck.

6. Chronic headaches, earaches, toothaches, neck aches and pain in the upper shoulders.

7.  Facial swelling on one or both sides of the face.

8. A feeling that your upper and lower jaws are not meeting properly, resulting in an uncomfortable bite.

How Do Silver Spring Dental Practitioners Diagnose TMD?

As it was previously explained, the exact cause of TMD is not always clear, which can make it tricky to identify. Many patients are led to believe that they have other medical problems, since the symptoms of TMD manifest in a great number of areas on the body and not only the joint. As such, they might not seek the help of a dentist in Silver Spring MD. Additionally, there are a host of other conditions (gum disease, sinus problems and toothache) that come hand-in-hand with similar symptoms, so diagnosis needs to be done carefully and precisely.

Silver Spring dental practitioners typically follow this procedure in diagnosing TMD:

• Take down your detailed medical history to make sure your symptoms aren’t likely the cause of any other medical condition.
• Examine both of your TM joints for any tenderness and/or pain.
• He or she will listen to the joint while you open and close your mouth to make sure they can’t hear any grating, clicking or popping sounds.
• He or she will assess the movement of the jaw, looking out for stiffness, limited motion.
• Your facial muscles and bite alignment will also be examined.
• Some Silver Spring dental professional make use of full face Cone Beam CT scans to take an uncompromised look at what’s going on beneath the muscle and soft tissue.
• In severe and persistent cases of TMD, an MRI may be needed to provide the dentist with a better view of the soft tissues in the face and jaw. This enables him or her to see if the joint is in the proper position and whether or not it is the likely cause behind the pain and discomfort the patient experiences.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out what the dentist in Silver Spring MD has to say about what treatment options are available for TMD, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series!