At Blue Stone Dental we want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last ones in the series of teeth. If they erupt, they come out at the age of 16 to 24 years old. They can be very useful for chewing if they are well aligned. However, in most cases, they do not come out completely, staying impacted in the jaw and should be extracted.

Origin of the Expression “Wisdom Teeth”

It is thought that those teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they appear in the mouth very late, much later than the other teeth, at an age where people have more wisdom than when they were children, when all the other teeth erupt.

Indications for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

There are several situations where Dr Corley or Dr Lauck advise to extract wisdom teeth, whether following an infection, or to avoid future complications.

When the jaws are not wide enough to allow the wisdom teeth to erupt in an alignment that is useful for chewing.
When the wisdom teeth are partially erupted, since this allows bacteria to penetrate around a tooth and cause an infection. Partially erupted teeth are also more susceptible to cavities and gum disease since they are more difficult to clean.
A misalignment of the wisdom teeth can squish or damage the second molars since maintaining a good oral hygiene is difficult in this area, making these teeth more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease.
To reduce the risk of cysts formation that can appear around an impacted tooth.
The best time to extract wisdom teeth is at the end of adolescence, since the roots may not be completely formed, making the treatment less complicated.

Sometimes a wisdom tooth does not come out completely, creating an extension of gum called an operculum. While eating and chewing on food, this operculum can be irritated and infected causing a pericoronitis. This condition has signs of redness, intense pain, a bad smell and a difficulty of opening the mouth.

If the operculum does not disappear, it is recommended to extract the wisdom tooth to prevent complications of the pericoronitis.

Under certain conditions, if the wisdom tooth has erupted, but an operculum is still present, it is possible to make an operculectomy, which means the removal of the extension of the gum without extracting the tooth.

Recovery during the First 24 Hours

• Prolonged bleeding. The bleeding stops soon after the extraction, but some blood might seep out up to 48 hours after the procedure. The bleeding can be controlled by placing cotton gauze in the extraction area and by closing the mouth to create a pressure. A wet tea bag can also replace the cotton since the tannic acid that it contains helps the formation of blood clots. Spitting and rinsing should be avoided for the first 24 hours to not dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
• Pain. There can be pain for a few days; therefore pain killers that the dentist prescribes or recommends should be taken.
• Swelling. If the extraction is complicated, there could be swelling of the face and even change of color of the skin. To reduce the swelling, a bag of ice should be placed on the face for ten minutes, every half hour.
• Foods. Soft, lukewarm foods should be eaten during the first 24 hours. Hot drinks and alcoholic drinks should be avoided.
• Hygiene. Brushing the teeth should be continued but the extraction site should be avoided.

Recovery after 24 Hours

• Swelling. After applying the ice for the first 24 hours, heat should be applied by using a hot and wet towel. The maximum swelling is reached after four days and decreases slowly after.
• Water and salt. Rinsing with warm water and salt should be started 24 hours after the procedure. Rinsing is recommended after each meal and before bedtime.
• Stitches. Usually an appointment with Dr Lauck or dr Corley is booked a week following the extraction of the wisdom teeth to verify the recovery and to remove the stitches.
• Smoking. It is important to refrain from smoking during the 48 hours following a tooth extraction to avoid severe complications.
• The complete recovery takes three months. However, after one or two weeks, gums will heal enough to be able to comfortably use the mouth in the extraction area.

Possible Complications

• Dry socket. Following the extraction of a tooth, a clot forms on the bone cavity. Sometimes, this clot is dislodged or takes more time to form, creating a condition called dry socket. This situation is characterized by intense pain, a bad taste in the mouth, and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth. It is emphasized by smoking. Dry socket is a temporary condition that lasts a few days and can be relieved by the placement of a dressing soaked in eugenol by a dental professional.
• Paresthesia. Very rarely, during the extraction of a tooth, the nerve is touched, causing a loss of sensitivity that usually affects the tongue or the bottom teeth. The loss of sensitivity is rare, and generally temporary, though exceptionally could be permanent.

Dr Rebecca Lauck and Dr. Jay Corley have been treating young adults comfortably and safely for years using sedation dentistry for the removal of wisdom teeth. College break time is a very popular time for teens to have this procedure completed. No loss of time from important school work and with an easy recovery time left to enjoy the rest of break. Reserve your appointment now for the Summer break.

At Blue Stone Dental we want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

Blue Stone Dental was happy to see our patient and writer Wendy Moon today for her cleaning. Please click on the links below to see her latest novel and support our local talent. Congratulations Wendy!

Available Now on
Amazon.com
and
BarnesandNoble.com!

Aphrodite’s Aphrodisiac is an Erotically Entertaining Romance with a Mythological Twist!

Aphrodite’s Aphrodisiac

On the verge of financial ruin, Thyia Maneates draws on one last insane idea, and prays to Plutus, the mythological God of Wealth. She truly believes she’s lost her mind when voices from above speak to her, but the need to save her company, her livelihood, and her home, leave her no other choice, but to consider Plutus’ bargain. In order to save her current way of life, she must follow through and extract a proposal out of Demetrios Kutras, her ex-lover, and the man who has come to town to shut her down.

Demetrios Kutras is back in Thyia’s home town, but he hadn’t realized the company he was there to close down, belonged to her. Three long years had passed since he’d taken off and he’d regretted every minute of leaving her. At the time, his personal circumstances had forced him to go. But he knew before he even saw her, that he desperately needed her back in his life again. Would she talk to him after all this time? What the hell, he took stock in the fact that she didn’t have much choice. Suddenly, Demetrios wasn’t so downtrodden about his prickly mission.

What neither of them know is that Eros, the god of love, is sitting in on prayer for Plutus, and he’s in the mood for fun!

Click here to purchase at Amazon.com:

Click here to purchase at BarnesandNoble.com:
www.barnesandnoble.com

Wendy Moon’s Bio:

A Little bit about me:

Growing up a Navy brat that moved often from state to state, I found friends and adventure as an avid reader of romance and mystery novels. When I discovered the genre of Romantic Suspense, I was in Heaven. 

Finally, I decided to try my hand at writing novels myself. Like many of my dear writing friends I’ve gained along the way, I have discovered that getting published is not an easy feat, but I know now I can’t stop the crazy characters running around in my head, so onward and upward I go. I write Romantic Suspense and am now trying my hand at an Erotic Romantic Suspense\Paranormal Series among other projects.

I am a member of RWA and have previously been a member of DARA, NTRWA, Yellow Rose RWA, and RWA Mystery/Suspense Chapter Kiss of Death. I live in Texas with my wonderful husband. I have two grown sons, who keep trying to move back home.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

Soda or Pop – It’s Teeth Trouble by Any Name

It’s called “pop” in the Midwest and most of Canada. It’s “soda” in the Northeast. And it goes by a well-known brand name in much of the South.

People across North America use different words to identify a sugary, carbonated soft drink. But however they say it, they’re talking about something that can cause serious oral health problems.

Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar by products in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities. In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss.

Sugar-free drinks, which account for only 14 percent of all soft drink consumption, are less harmful¹. However, they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.

We’re Drinking More and More
Soft drink consumption in the United States has increased dramatically across all demographic groups, especially among children and teenagers. The problem is so severe that health authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have begun sounding the alarm about the dangers.

How many school age children drink soft drinks? Estimates range from one in two to more than four in five consuming at least one soft drink a day. At least one in five kids consumes a minimum of four servings a day.²

Some teenagers drink as many as 12 soft drinks a day³.

Larger serving sizes make the problem worse. From 6.5 ounces in the 1950s, the typical soft drink had grown to up to 20 ounces by the 1990s.

Children and adolescents aren’t the only people at risk. Long-term consumption of soft drinks has a cumulative effect on tooth enamel. As people live longer, more will be likely to experience problems.

What to Do
Children, adolescents and adults can all benefit from reducing the number of soft drinks they consume, as well as from available oral care therapies. Here are some steps you can take:

• Substitute different drinks: Stock the refrigerator with beverages containing less sugar and acid such as water, milk and 100 percent fruit juice. Drink them yourself and encourage your kids to do the same. Water is the best.
• Rinse with water: After consuming a soft drink, flush your mouth with water to remove vestiges of the drink that can prolong exposure of tooth enamel to acids.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse: Fluoride reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel, so brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Dr Lauck or Dr Corley can prescribe a higher fluoride toothpaste. We use Neutramax which contains a neutral fluoride.
• Get professionally applied fluoride treatment: Trillene, Sharon or Sheila can apply fluoride in the form of a varnish. You don’t need to wait to eat or drink and the flavors are great.

Soft drinks are hard on your teeth. By reducing the amount you drink, practicing good oral hygiene, and seeking help from Blue Stone Dental, you can counteract their effect and enjoy better oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

¹Harnack L, Stang J, Story M. Soft drink consumption among US children and adolescents: Nutritional consequences. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999;99:436-444.
²Gleason P, Suitor C. Childrens diets in the mid 1990s: Dietary intake and its relationship with school meal participation. Alexandria, VA: US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation;2001.
³Brimacombe C. The effect of extensive consumption of soda pop on the permanent dentition: A case report. Northwest Dentistry 2001;80:23-25.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

Published April 22, 2012NewsCore

Temporomandibular disorders, more commonly referred to as TMJ disorders or just TMJ, are a group of conditions that affect the muscles around the jaw and related joints. TMJ is actually the abbreviation for the joint that connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (skull). You can feel the joints move when you place your fingers in front of your ears and open and close your mouth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMJ disorders are the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal conditions after chronic low back pain. TMJ disorders affect 5 percent to 12 percent of the population, and women are twice as likely to experience TMJ disorders as men. Most people who have TMJ experience temporary but recurring pain that may go away on its own. However, some cases result in long-term problems.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of TMJ include headache, face pain and aches in and around your ear. People with TMJ may also experience a sense of dizziness or imbalance and feel like their ears are clogged or ringing. TMJ disorders usually limit jaw movement and make chewing painful or difficult. Your jaw may also make a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth. However, jaw-clicking without the presence of pain is common and alone does not mean a TMJ condition.

See a medical professional if you experience continuous pain or if the range of motion of your jaw is limited. Your doctor, dentist or an ears, nose and throat doctor can diagnose TMJ. Some conditions and diseases, including whiplash, arthritis and gum disease, can cause TMJ-like symptoms. Medical professionals can complete a full dental evaluation, or use X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to recognize TMJ or jaw irregularities.

Causes
According to the NIDCR, researchers have yet to determine the definite cause of TMJ disorders and the most effective form of treatment. Any jaw trauma could play a role in TMJ. Other theories include a bad bite or misalignment of the teeth and habitual gum chewing or nail biting. Teeth grinding and clenching, possibly caused by stress, are often associated with TMJ disorders. Holding the phone between your jaw and shoulder and poor posture can strain your neck and face muscles, which may cause pain.

Treatment
TMJ symptoms may come and go, and there are simple ways to handle the pain
Minimize the use of your jaw and rest it by making a conscious effort not to stretch your mouth too wide if you have to yawn. Avoid chewing gum and biting your nails, and eat soft food. You can also learn exercises to stretch, relax and massage your jaw area. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief. You can also apply ice to the sore spots. Antidepressants and muscle relaxers may relieve jaw pain. Sleeping with or wearing a mouth guard, bite guard or stabilization splint can prevent you from grinding your teeth at night and reduce pain.

Many people tense their jaw and clench their teeth when they are stressed. Learn and practice healthy stress management techniques like yoga, deep breathing and meditation. Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy may help with stress relating to underlying issues. In general, exercising regularly may help body’s ability to tolerate pain. You could choose to get corrective dental surgery as a last resort, but it could worsen symptoms.

At Blue Stone Dental we want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth here are a few facts you should be aware of:

-Dental implants should be placed after periodontal disease, or bone loss, is well controlled.

-Dental implants are metal fixtures which will never get a cavity.

-Dental implants are still prone to bone loss or periodontal disease.

-You need regular cleanings to make sure your dental implant stays in place for a long time -If you clench or grind your teeth, dental implants might not be the right for you. If you explored all the options and you still would like to get implants a nightguard might be a good option to protect your investment.

-Your diabetes has to be well controlled for the dental implant to be successful. -If you have osteoporosis, you can still be a good candidate for dental implants.

-The lower jaw requires a minimum of two dental implant for good denture retention.

-The upper jaw usually requires four dental implants for good denture retention.

-The dental implant denture retention can be adjusted as needed after dentures have been fabricated

Dr. Jay Corley

Replacing a Single Missing Tooth

In the past, replacing a missing tooth meant either wearing a removable prosthesis that would fill in the gap of the missing teeth or shaving down the adjacent teeth and placing a fixed bridge. Today dental implants allow us to fill in the space without modifying any other tooth. Placement of a dental implant within the jawbone and restoring it with a beautiful crown provides the patient with a very esthetic and long lasting solution

Replacing Multiple Teeth
Dental implants can be used to replace several and even all the missing teeth. Depending on the condition of the existing teeth and overall bone support, the missing teeth can be replaced with either a removable dental implant supported denture or a fixed bridge anchored on dental implants. Implants provide needed stability for a complete denture, which enables the patient to look great and function with confidence.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure, which may be required either after tooth extraction, before dental implant placement as in a sinus lift, or during dental implant placement. In this section Dr. Jay Corley will discuss the purpose of a bone graft, the different types of materials used for grafting as well as the cost of bone grafting. Purpose of a Bone Graft The main purpose of bone grafting is to preserve or increase the amount of the bone that is present in the surgical site. Bone grafting is commonly completed after tooth extraction or during a sinus lift procedure. After the grafting material is placed it is resorbed by the body and replaced with our natural bone. This will either stabilize or slightly increase the level of bone. After a tooth is removed and the extraction site is allowed to heal on its own, the vertical height of bone will naturally decrease due to alveolar bone resorbtion. By placing a bone graft we are able to stabilize the alveolar ridge, the bone that holds the teeth in place, which means that after the tooth extraction site heals the bone height should be similar to pre-extraction levels. Bone grafting during a sinus lift procedure will increase the amount of bone available for dental implant stabilization. Without the graft, part of the dental implant can sit in the nasal sinus cavity without any support. This could lead to potential failure of the dental implant in the future. Another common use of bone grafting is to fill in any structural bone defects during implant placement surgery. This allows Dr. Corley to smooth out the bone circumventing the dental implant. A less common use of bone grafts is to repair any defects in the natural bone, which occurred either naturally or were caused by the surgeon.

Graft Material
Lets discuss possible sources of a graft and the variety of bone grafting materials available on the market today. One of the most common sources of a bone graft is the actual patient that is undergoing dental surgery. This type of graft is called autogenous. The bone can be obtained from the oral cavity or other sites in the body. The patient is an excellent source for grafting material because there is no risk of an immune reaction to the patient’s own tissue. However, this usually means that surgical trauma is inflicted on another part of the patient’s body.
Another type of grafting material is undecalcified freeze-dried bone or decalcified freeze-dried bone. Both of these are considered allografts, which means the source is the same species as the recipient. Cadaver bone is the source of the graft. It is important to mention that numerous steps are taken to eliminate viral infectivity of the sample.
Bovine-derived bone is a very popular and effective graft material. It is classified as a xenograft because the source is a different species than the recipient. It is also important to mention that the bone is chemically treated and sterilized. It has been used very effectively in correction of bony defects. The last type of graft product is a non-bone graft material. These include but are not limited to dura, cartilage, cementum, dentin, plaster of Paris, plastics materials, coral-derived materials and ceramics. Sterilized Plaster of Paris has showed a lot of promise. The other substances do not offer a reliable substitute to natural bone graft materials.

Cost of a Bone Graft Cost of a bone graft can vary greatly. The cost is usually determined by the type of graft placed and the type and amount of grafting material used. The actual price can vary from $200 to $1200 and higher. Dental implant patients sometimes will question the necessity of a graft in the dental implant placement procedure. Even though the bone grafting can increase the cost of dental implant placement considerably the benefit of a healthy and stable dental implant over long term is definitively worth the cost.

At Blue Stone Dental we want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.

Why is my dentist recommending braces for my 7 year old?  This seems very young.

This is known as Interceptive Orthodontics and begins around age 6-8. At this age adult teeth are erupting and orthodontic problems become apparent. Also, the jawbone is still growing. By utilizing orthodontic appliances at this age the dentist is able to influence the jaw development in order for the child to avoid extraction of adult teeth later or require jaw surgery.

Two conditions that require early intervention are cross bites and protruding front teeth. A cross bite can cause the jaws to grow unevenly.  Front teeth that stick out may be fractured or injured in an accident, such as a fall.

At Blue Stone Dental we want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office.

© 2012, Sharon Dolak. All rights reserved.