Do you know what to do in the case of a sudden dental trauma? Chances are, since you never plan for an accident involving your teeth or gums, you may not know what to do when an emergency occurs. First, recognize that we are here to help you and understand the urgency of your situation. Next, we encourage you to look over the following answers to patients’ frequently asked questions regarding what to do during a dental emergency.
Could You Be At Risk for Dry Socket?
Tooth extractions are fairly commonplace in modern dentistry. There may come a time when your tooth is too damaged to be saved and the best option will be to remove it. After a tooth extraction, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s orders regarding aftercare, or risk a painful and often debilitating condition known as dry socket. Once this complication has occurred, it will not typically clear up on its own, and you should visit your dentist for immediate treatment. (more…)
Dental Options for Common Smile Problems
Dental issues run the gamut, but some will cause permanent damage to your smile if you don’t take action. When your teeth become that far gone, your prospects for being able to smile confidently any time soon are grim. You are meant to have a full set of permanent teeth. Unlike other species, we don’t grow new teeth when we lose them as adults. There are many ways in which you could end up disappointed with the way your smile looks. Cavities, gum disease, cosmetic problems, misalignments – all of these things can greatly lower your quality of life.
Restorative Dental Procedures
Luckily, there are solutions to every dental issue. Have cavities taken a toll on the health of your teeth? Are you one of the many Americans who has periodontal (gum) disease? Once severe problems like these take hold, eating, chewing, (more…)
Power Eating for Better Teeth
Sugarplums may dance around this time of year, but sugar itself is detrimental to healthy teeth. Any food which contains large amounts of sucrose will increase and intensify the production of plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm which will adhere to your teeth, and eventually turns into tartar when it hardens. Plaque and tartar on your teeth will result in gum disease and tooth decay, over time. Do you think you know which foods to stay away from in order to avoid cavities? Conversely, are you aware of foods which can actually reduce plaque production?
Raw Vegetables
Plaque is a mixture of acid, food debris, and germs. Chomping on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli will actually dislodge and remove food bits while you eat. Nutritional dynamos, cruciferous veggies also (more…)
Quiz: Do I Need Sedation Dentistry?
Do you ever feel anxious or even a little scared of visiting the dentist or oral surgeon? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. To help patients with severe dental anxiety, our office offers the latest in sedation dentistry. With our sedative options, you can enjoy a calm and relaxing visit.
The Trouble with Tooth Abscesses
From stains to cavities, your teeth can go through a lot in a lifetime. When a tooth is cracked or infected, it can sometimes develop an abscess, or pocket of pus, on its root. The trouble with tooth abscesses is that they can make restorative treatment more difficult than usual. When one develops, the symptoms can include fever and swelling around the tooth, as well as severe levels of pain and sensitivity, and treating the condition is the only way to relieve the discomfort. (more…)
Tips for Addressing Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency refers to any sudden pain or damage to the oral cavity. When you experience one of these situations, you should call our office immediately. Leave detailed information so we can call you back and schedule a visit. However, if the problem s potentially life threatening, call 911 or visit the emergency room. In addition, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate the issue before you see Dr. Hofkes.
FAQs: What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
When you lose a tooth or even multiple teeth, you may find simple daily activities, such as eating or speaking, become difficult. In addition, you may feel hesitate to engage in social situations or interact with friends. Don’t let tooth loss have a negative impact on your life, especially when replacement options, such as innovative dental implants, can return your smile to full function and health.
Quiz: Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction?
What are wisdom teeth? Why do they need to be removed? These are two questions patients ask us all the time. Many people are unaware of the significant dangers posed by the third molars. At Cerritos Dental Surgery, Dr. Shawn Hofkes offers solutions for the gentle extraction of the third molars.
Dental Implants in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s
We’ve come a long way since the days when dentists replaced patients’ missing teeth with those of dogs, baboons, and even cadavers (not even kidding). And while there have been remarkable advances in the materials, function, and fit of dental prosthetics and implants, not everyone realizes how many different groups of people can benefit from their use. Dr. Shawn Hofkes, who offers dental implants in Cerritos, CA, debunks misconceptions about tooth replacement options. (more…)
