That may seem like a silly question but with today’s advanced dental technology there are so many ways to save teeth, do dentists ever really need to pull them? The answer is, yes. There are still reasons that a patient may need a tooth extraction. However, today, tooth extractions are only performed when all else fails (not counting wisdom teeth, of course). In today’s blog we discuss why dentists still pull teeth.
Are Wisdom Teeth Dangerous?
Wisdom teeth, or your third (and last) molars, typically erupt anywhere from the late teens to early twenties. Surprisingly, that’s actually how they got their name, “wisdom” teeth, because this age range is know as the “age of wisdom.” Regardless, however, they do not indicate anything about your actual intelligence. In fact, they could cause more harm than good, especially when they come in misaligned since they can affect any surrounding (and otherwise healthy) teeth. In order to protect your oral health, your dentist may recommend extracting these teeth – because they can be dangerous in certain instances. (more…)
3 Tips To Fight Oral Cancer
While there is a lot of misinformation out there about cancer and prevention – there are a few things we know for sure. First, to prevent (and fight) cancer, you’ll need a strong immune system. The best way to achieve that is to make sure you’re getting all of the proper nutrients each day. Next, knowing the risks to contracting oral cancer can help to avoid becoming considered “at-risk.” However, with oral cancer, age is one of the biggest risk factors – and while we can’t control getting older, we can control our unhealthy lifestyles and habits (like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol). (more…)
What Causes You To Snore?
Snoring is common and doesn’t always indicate a health problem, however – it can definitely be annoying, especially if it’s keeping those around you awake throughout the night. When your snoring becomes persistently loud and disruptive, then it is often an indicator of a larger problem – a sleep disorder. This kind of snoring is typically a common symptom of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that hinders your oxygen intake during your sleep cycle. While there are several factors that may cause you to snore, such as congestion – if it’s a persistent problem, it’s likely sleep apnea. (more…)
How To Prepare For Oral Surgery
Any kind of surgery can seem scary, we know oral surgery is no different. Fortunately, unlike other surgeries, undergoing an extensive dental procedure is typically an outpatient procedure – meaning, you’ll get to go home afterwards. Knowing what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery can help you to prepare and quickly recover. For example, because your oral surgeon will use anesthesia during the procedure – you’ll likely feel very groggy when it wears off after the surgery, so you’ll need alternate transportation home. If you’re coming up on a scheduled oral surgery, you may want to know how to best prepare. (more…)
Cruise Around The Sea Life Of California
Spring is officially here! The weather is finally going to start warming up, especially this week – it looks like the perfect time to cruise around the harbor of Long Beach, California. Only a short 30-minute drive away from Cerritos, CA – your family is sure to enjoy the afternoon filled with fun and a beautiful view of the California marine life. If you haven’t gotten out of the house lately, now is the perfect time – you won’t want to miss it! The weather is supposed to be full of sunshine and clear skies after tomorrow, are you ready to plan your trip to the harbor?
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Sleep Apnea: Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes you to have breathing cessations while unconscious, involves undergoing a sleep study. However, the most obvious symptoms often occur during the sleep cycle – leading many sufferers to postpone doctor’s appointments or relay broad symptoms to their doctor that can indicate more common medical conditions. Even though sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed), it can still lead to serious health complications if left untreated. If you’re considered “at-risk” or are experiencing common symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional. Treatment has become easier and more comfortable than ever, thanks to modern dentistry! (more…)
Should Your Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?
Believe it or not, there are more wisdom teeth that are removed than left in the mouth. There are many reasons behind this – but, it ultimately comes down to the damage they could cause to your oral health. Most people have at least one wisdom tooth (or third molar) – although, there are rare cases where some people don’t have any. While they can be an asset to your mouth, they aren’t actually as necessary anymore. The foods we chew are much softer than the coarse food our ancestors had to eat – but now, our jaws have since decreased in size and don’t always allow enough space for these teeth to properly come in. (more…)
Sedation Dentistry: Comparing Your Options
If you find yourself postponing your dentist appointments because of your anxiety or fear – you could be a great candidate for sedation dentistry. Commonly referred to as “sleep” dentistry, the use of sedatives before (or during) your dental procedure can drastically increase your comfort level – sometimes even leading you to fall asleep. Your dentist will look at a couple factors in determining which method of sedation would be best for you; the procedure you need and the level of your anxiety or fear. Both methods will relax you and take the edge off – but, just as each patient’s severity of anxiety differs, the options your dentist offers vary in strength. (more…)
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Your healthy, natural teeth are typically meant to last for life with the right care and maintenance. While modern replacement teeth are more lifelike than they’ve ever been, most cannot mimic your teeth’s strength, stability, and integration with your jawbone and oral structures – except dental implants.
Crafted from biocompatible titanium, dental implant posts are small, root-like anchors that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of lost teeth. By offering the closest replicas to the structures of your teeth, dental implant posts can last for life, and the supported restoration for up to 15 or more years. (more…)
