Although your third molars are called wisdom teeth, they don’t hold any magic solution to creating a more aware human being. What they can do is cause difficulties in maintaining a solid arch of teeth. The most common cause of wisdom teeth removal is due to a condition called an impacted third molar. This condition relates to the third molar not being able to erupt properly, which can cause pressure on your other teeth. Dr. Hofkes answers some FAQs on wisdom teeth. (more…)
A Battle Between The Sexes During Men’s Health Month
June marks Men’s Health Month, a 30 day awareness extravaganza, nation wide, focusing on the wellness of boys and men alike. Shifting the focus onto the male population in June from the women in May raises quite a few questions for everyone. Who has better health awareness? Which are the healthiest? Who keeps up with their oral health more consistently? Well, the numbers are in. Women, on average, schedule, attend, and keep up with their oral health over men two-fold, according to a study completed by the American Dental Association. (more…)
Do you Take Bisphosphonate Drugs?
Many women are concerned with bone loss as they get older. Over the years, general physicians have started prescribing a certain class of drugs called bisphosphonates which are proven to combat bone density conditions such as osteoporosis. Intravenous bisphosphonates are prescribed for patients with certain types of cancer likely to lead to bone loss. In high potency forms, bisphosphonates have even stopped malignant cells from growing in some patients. Unfortunately, powerful and affective drugs often come with side effects. In the case of bone density drugs, this could prove disastrous to your dental health.
Bisphosphonate Drugs
Bisphosphonates adhere to the surfaces of bones directly beneath you bone cells (osteoclasts). This class of drugs bind with the osteoclasts which halts the process of bone degeneration. Bone density is then improved, which eliminates the high risk for bone breaks and fractures that are so often a concern as we age. The benefits seen from bisphosphonate medications have been seen in patients sometimes several years after the drug has last been ingested. Cancer patients or women with osteoporosis often have weakened bones and poor bone density. Bisphosphonate treatments allow patients to go about life without worrying about easily fractured bones.
BRONJ
Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) is an unfortunate side effect of certain bone density medications. The death of a portion of jawbone is the result of this highly unpleasant reaction. Symptoms such as localized pain, swelling of gingival tissues, loose teeth, and exposed bone are all signs that you should get to the dentist immediately. If you notice these symptoms in conjunction with taking bisphosphonate drugs, take fast action. BRONJ isn’t a common occurrence, but it does happen, and the faster it is treated, the better prognosis.
About Shawn Hofkes, DDS
With advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and certification in oral and IV sedation, Shawn Hofkes, DDS is qualified to provide comfortable, advanced dental care from our state-of-the-art dentist office in Cerritos, CA. To schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
Tooth Extraction Is Not Extinct
Tooth extraction may seem like a thing of the past with modern dental technology. The numerous dental procedures for saving teeth seem to no longer warrant tooth removal. Add to that, the philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry–the belief that saving as much natural dentition is optimal for the patient’s future dental health. Tooth removal, however, is still a treatment dentists offer. Therefore, you wonder what would cause a dentist to remove a tooth. There are circumstances when removing a tooth is the healthier option, particularly for people with chronic health issues. Your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, can educate you on the reasons tooth removal might be the right treatment for you.
Roots Canals, Implants, Crowns, Oh My…
There are so many types of dentistry and dental procedures today–cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, general dentistry, restorative dentistry–all offering a myriad of different treatments. Then there is oral pathology and oral surgery. Have you ever wondered what it all means? What is oral surgery? What is oral pathology? Your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, received advanced training in oral surgery, and in today’s blog, he will give a brief overview of both.
What’s Causing Your Toothache?
Your tooth right? Not so fast. Toothaches are usually caused by deep decay reaching into the pulp of the tooth, commonly referred to as “the nerve.” Other sources of a toothache are inflammation of the gums due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. But, what if you are experiencing a toothache without apparent decay or other dental problems? Some toothaches can be of non-dental origin. If you are experiencing a toothache, contact your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, for a thorough evaluation of your dentition, supporting gingival (gum) tissue, and bone to determine if your pain is non-dental related.
What Happens When I Develop a Cavity?
At some point in our lives, most of us will develop a cavity. In fact, only less than 2% of the population is immune to dental caries. While tooth decay is widespread, this doesn’t mean cavities aren’t a serious dental health issue. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking treatment for a cavity is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Is It Wise To Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth often present problems. That is why wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed dental surgeries. Because wisdom teeth erupt after the jaw is already formed, there is often a lack of space to accommodate them. Therefore they may grow in crooked, crowd other teeth, cause cheek or gum irritation, or even damage your jawbone. In the past it was a matter of course to remove wisdom teeth, but today every case is different. If your child–or you as an adult–is having difficulty with your wisdom teeth, contact your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, to discuss whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you.
Q&A: Smile Restoration with Ceramic Crowns
Despite the strength of our teeth, our smiles aren’t immune to damage. Everything from trauma to advanced tooth decay can compromise our tooth structure. In many cases, you may require a dental crown to return your tooth to full function and health. With ceramic crowns, we can place a metal-free restoration that looks completely natural.
What Is Gum Grafting?
Are your gums bleeding, red, or swollen? Do they feel tender to the touch? Are they receding? Periodontal, or gum, disease is on the rise. This may be due to the aging population, or perhaps, in today’s economy people are taking shortcuts regarding their dental care. Whatever the reason, periodontal disease has been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes. It’s been indicated that our dental health affects the health of our whole body, so dental care should not be ignored. If you have red, bleeding, or sore gums you may be suffering from periodontal disease. Contact your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, to discuss whether gum grafting is right for you.
