Category: Uncategorized

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

dental implantIf you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants may be an option for you through the talented staff at Laurelhurst Dentistry.

Prior to dental implants, patients who were missing a single or a few teeth had only two options for tooth replacement. One option was a removable retainer with false teeth attached to the areas where needed.

The other option was to get a dental bridge. A bridge requires placing crowns over the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and a false tooth is connected in the middle. A bridge is not removed from the mouth once cemented. Bridges do require significant removal of tooth structure from the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. They also require more effort with brushing and flossing to keep them clean and prevent decay.

Advantages to Dental Implants

Dental implants placed at Laurelhurst Dentistry are designed to look, act, and feel like natural teeth. They are placed into the bone, and are not attached to other teeth in your mouth. They are maintained by daily brushing and flossing, like natural teeth.

Dental implants are also beneficial to individuals wearing dentures. Often, two to four dental implants can be placed into the bone which then attach directly to a patient’s denture. This secures the denture firmly into place for improved comfort and function. It also stimulates the jaw bone to help prevent bone loss, a common problem once teeth are removed.

An Evaluation for Dental Implants

If you’re interested in receiving dental implants, your dentist at Laurelhurst Dentistry will complete an examination to see if you’re a good candidate. Issues that affect whether or not dental implants are a good option for you include:

• the presence of adequate jaw bone for implant placement
• tobacco use, can lead to post-operative problems
• periodontal disease, a gum disease affecting the foundation of our teeth, can compromise site placement
• any medications you’re currently taking, since anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to increased bleeding during the implant procedure
• systemic diseases such as diabetes or immune deficiency disorders

It’s also important to note that daily brushing and flossing are vital when taking care of implants and surrounding gums, since they are so much like natural teeth.

The Right Choice for You

You, along with the dentists and staff at Laurelhurst Dentistry, will decide whether or not dental implants are right for you. The first step in making this determination involves setting an appointment with us.

To determine whether or not you’re a candidate for dental implants, you’ll need to provide a complete dental and medical history. At Laurelhurst Dentistry, we will take x-rays which will identify the health of your jaw bone for the procedure. Then the dentist will consult with you regarding the entire implant procedure from start to finish.

Finding out whether or not you’re a good candidate for this procedure is worth the time and effort – dental implants not only change your smile, they can change your life!

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

They say that age brings wisdom. Well this is especially true when it comes to your wisdom teeth. Classified as any of the usual four third molars, wisdom teeth first begin to appear between the ages of 17 and 25. The majority of adults have four wisdom teeth, although it’s possible for a person to develop more or less.

If you are experiencing any discomfort from your wisdom teeth, any of our doctors at Laurelhurst Dentistry can help remove a troublesome tooth. If your wisdom tooth has caused you to develop an infection, surgery to remove the tooth will usually be delayed until the infection has healed, and you may be prescribed antibiotics to help heal the infection more quickly if necessary.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before you undergo a procedure to remove a wisdom tooth, your attending doctor will give you a local anesthetic in the area of the tooth being removed in order to numb any potential discomfort. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used, especially during procedures where a patient is having all of their wisdom teeth removed. Unlike a local anesthetic, a general anesthetic will prevent the patient from feeling any pain throughout the body, and will cause the patient to sleep throughout the entire procedure. The attending doctor will probably recommend that you not eat or drink after midnight on the night prior to surgery so that you can prepare for the anesthetic.

To remove your wisdom teeth, your dentist will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and take out any bone that is covering the tooth. The doctor will separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and then she will remove the tooth. Sometime it’s necessary to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make the removal easier.

After your tooth is removed, you could need stitches to help your wounds heal. Some types of stitches will dissolve over time, while others may need to be removed after a couple of days. If you experience bleeding after the procedure, place a folded piece of cotton gauze over the wound.

What to Expect During Recovery

In most instances, your recovery will only last a few days. To deal with any pain, your dentist can prescribe medication to help make you more comfortable. The following tips can also help you recover more quickly.

• Gently bite down on the gauze pad from time-to-time, and change pads frequently Call us at Laurelhurst if you are still experiencing bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
• Be careful not to bite the inside of your lip, cheek, or tongue while your mouth is numb following the procedure.
• Do not lie flat. This could prolong any bleeding you’re experiencing.
• Try placing an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours following your surgery. You can also use moist heath, such as a washcloth soaked in warm water, for several days following surgery.
• Make sure to relax, as physical activity can increase any bleeding.
• Eat only soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or soup. Gradually reintroduce solid foods back into your diet after a few days.
• Do not use a straw for several days following surgery. Sucking on a straw can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
• Begin rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mixture to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain 24 hours after your surgery. Make your salt water mixture by adding one tablespoon of salt to a eight ounce glass of warm water.
• Don’t smoke for 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion used to smoke is similar to that of using a straw, and could also dislodge a blood clot and slow down the healing process.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

Yes your mouth is small but it plays a giant role in your overall health. In fact did you know that your oral health is an indicator of your overall well-being? Your mouth is full of bacteria, which in most cases is usually harmless, however people who suffer from periodontics disease will recognize that their oral health is an indicator of other body issues. It is important to practice routine oral health care.

People who do not take care of their teeth may not realize they might have other health issues as well. Poor oral health can show in other ways. Poor oral health care which is often linked to many more serious health problems and illnesses is a factor for other diseases.

Cardiovascular issues

Recent research shows that there is a link between heart disease and oral care this is because bacteria is found in the mouth of patients who do have gum disease. Your gums can have swollen gums that will bleed and this releases bacteria into the bloodstream that will hurt and hinder your heart.

Diabetes

Patients who have diabetes also have lower immune system functions, this can put gums that are inflamed or infected at risk because the infection will develop and lead to weakening of the bones around your mouth, which will lead to infections and even tooth loss.

There are certain aspects of taking care of your teeth that have been linked to many other illnesses, but it’s possible to take care of your teeth and avoid other problems.

Taking care of your teeth is a priority and when you do it, it shows. People who have a healthy smile often smile more, and have more confidence. They also generally take better care of the rest of their health. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing daily and visit the dentist regularly.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

The doctors here at Laurelhurst Dentistry understand the types of stress many of their patients find themselves under on a daily basis. That’s why we offer a wide range of anxiety-free dental services in our relaxing and inviting Portland office. Considering how much stress you deal with at work and home, the last thing you need is to feel apprehensive about a trip to the dentist.

Too much stress can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms, including stomachache, headache, and a general feeling of always being on edge; plus such serious long-term health issues as high blood pressure and trouble sleeping. Excessive stress can also cause a number of oral health problems.

The types of problems you can experience due to stress include:

• Mouth sores, including both canker and cold sores
• Grinding your teeth
• Unhealthy eating habits and poor oral hygiene
• Gum disease

So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

Mouth Sores

A small grayish ulcer with a red border, canker sores form in the mouth, either individually or in groups. While health experts aren’t entirely sure what causes canker sores to appear (theories range from bacteria, viruses, or problems with the immune system), they do suspect that stress, fatigue, and allergies can increase your risk of developing them. In case you’re wondering if you caught them from somewhere don’t worry, canker sores are not contagious.

The majority of canker sores generally heal within a week to 10 days. If you experience severe discomfort from canker sores, try using an over-the-counter topical anesthetic. To keep from irritating your canker sores, try not to eat any spicy or hot food, or foods that are highly acidic, such as pineapples, tomatoes, or bananas.

Teeth Grinding

Stress can also make you clench and grind your teeth, often subconsciously during either the day or night. If you already suffer from teeth grinding, stress could make your unfortunate habit even worse. Excessive teeth grinding can lead to a number of problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located where the skull and lower jaw meet in front of the ear.

If you experience frequently bouts of teeth grinding, ask any of the doctors at our office about treatment options that might be right for you. You may need to use a night guard while you sleep, or some other device used to help you stop grinding your teeth.

Poor Oral Health

Experiencing high levels of stress can also affect your mood and cause you to skip brushing and flossing daily. Your overall oral health suffers when you fail to take care of your mouth. If you already experience problems with gum disease, neglecting to brush and floss can make your problems worse than what they already are. If you enjoy relatively good oral health, failing to practice good oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and an increased risk of developing cavities.

Feeling the pressures of stress can also cause you to start practicing unhealthy eating habits, such as eating a lot of sugary foods or drinks. These types of habits increase your risk of developing tooth decay and a variety of other long-term health problems.

To avoid falling into these unhealthy eating habits, just remind yourself of the importance of practicing good dental hygiene. Starting or boosting an exercise program can also help you relieve stress and feel more energized.

Gum Disease

Stress can cause an increase of dental plaque to develop in your mouth, even if the periods of high stress are relatively brief, according to a recent study. Stress can also lead to depression, which could cause you to ignore your oral health. When plaque builds up in the mouth, you have an increased risk of developing gum disease, which leads to tooth loss. Making sure you don’t neglect the health of your teeth during stressful times is imperative to maintaining your oral health.

Posted by Laurelhurst Dentistry

It is October, which means it is almost trick or treat time, but it is also breast cancer awareness month, and here at Laurelhurst Dentistry we care about your overall health. One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is to cut out sugar in your diet. Start by reducing or eliminating sugary drinks, such as soda and carbonated drinks. Many studies prove that the link between sugar can increase your risk of cancer. And we often tell patients to cut back on sugar to improve their oral health.

Sugar is a sweet treat but it can ruin your figure, mood, and teeth. It creeps into many things and adds more than just weight to our bodies. People who eat too much sugar are usually more depressed, often weigh more than those who watch what they eat. Sugar is in most processed foods, and sugary drinks, such as soda and juices.

Our doctors suggest taking steps to remove sugar from your entire families diet as well. To maintain the health of your family replace all sugar drinks, remove soda from their diet, and add more water. We love water because is a natural ingredient that can help boost your energy, cleanse your system and improve your overall health. Plus water is great for your teeth health. When you drink a lot of water, especially after a meal it can wash away stubborn food particles.

Here are reasons you should kick sugar to the curb.

Increase Obesity

Sugary drinks such as soda and processed snack are the largest source of calories in our diet. Did you know that an extra sugar drink each day can increase a child’s risk of obesity by 60%. Make sure your children are not drinking soda pop, which can lead to weight gain and other mental health problems such as low self-esteem and insecurities.

Increase Risk for Diabetes

One or two sugary drinks a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 25% according to Diabetes Care, 2010. The more sugar you consume the higher risk of diabetes. Limit your family’s risk and protect your health.

Increases Tooth Decay

According to the surgeon Generals Report on Oral Health 2000, sugar and acids in soda promote tooth decay. People who eat a lot of candy and drink sugary drinks in general have more tooth decay and cavities than those who do not. This is because of the sugar that causes stains and bacteria build up on the teeth. Our doctor recommends avoiding sugar filled beverages and foods for a healthy smile and happy mouth.