Pediatric
Teething
Babies are as individual in their teething as they are in everything else they do. It's not uncommon for some babies to drool for weeks before their first tooth comes in. For others, teeth just seem to appear without much fuss at all. Quite often, a baby will have sore or tender gums that tend to make them irritable. To help soothe any sore spots, gently rub them with a clean finger or the back of a small cold spoon. Teething rings also work well. Try and avoid teething biscuits since many of them contain sugar and shouldn't be offered.
Some parents worry that their child's teething is either too early or too late. There is absolutely no link between when the child's teeth are coming in and how strong the teeth will be. Most babies begin to get primary teeth after the age of four months, usually six to nine months. Be sure to examine all of your baby's teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull white spots or lines. These can be signs of nursing bottle decay. If a bottle is left in an infant's mouth for a long period of time and it contains anything but water, decay can occur more rapidly.
Sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in the dental plaque to form acids that attack tooth enamel. Each time your child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for at least 20 minutes. When your children are awake, their saliva tends to carry away the liquid. But during sleep, the saliva flow decreases, and these liquids pool around the child's teeth for long time periods, bathing the teeth in acids. If your baby needs a bottle for comfort before falling asleep, fill the bottle with plain water. Regardless of your child's age, if you notice anything unusual in your baby's mouth, seek dental care immediately.
Losing Baby Teeth
The process by which a child loses their baby teeth is a simple one. At about age six, the roots of the baby teeth begin to dissolve; as this happens, the teeth begin to get loose. A baby tooth may wiggle about for quite a while before the tooth actually falls out. It is not abnormal for the permanent tooth to make an appearance with the baby tooth still in the mouth. If, however, the baby tooth does NOT fall out soon after the permanent tooth breaks through, notify your dentist. An over-retained baby tooth may interfere with the normal development and alignment of the adult tooth.
Baby teeth are also responsible for guiding the permanent teeth into their proper position in the jaw. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to an accident or decay, it is important that the space be held open. Usually, this is done with a little device called a space maintainer. If this space is not held open, the tooth underneath may have problems growing in later on. Baby teeth generally come out when they are ready without any complications. Notify your dentist of any problems or questions.
Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a normal reflex of a baby. Simply put, it relaxes and comforts them. The need for sucking usually comes to an end between the ages of two and three. But for some, prolonged and vigorous sucking after the age of four can cause problems with normal dental development. If you are concerned your child's sucking may cause dental problems, visit your dentist and discuss the matter. He or she can tell you the best method for weaning your child from the habit.
All About Our Teeth
We are born with two sets of teeth: primary, or first, and secondary or permanent. The primary teeth are also called deciduous, as are trees, which lose their leaves every fall. Deciduous teeth begin to appear at about four to nine months. Twenty teeth make a complete set, and all are in by age three. The permanent teeth start to erupt at about age six, and all are present except the wisdom teeth between the ages of twelve to fourteen. The twelve-year molars are the last to grow in until the wisdom teeth start to break through from age 17 to 25. Including wisdom teeth, we have 32 teeth. Few people, however, have room for all 32 teeth, which is why wisdom teeth may need to be removed.
The front teeth that cut your food are called incisors. Side teeth that shred food are called premolars or bicuspids. The back teeth that chop food are called molars. Since our second set of teeth is the set we are supposed to keep for the rest of our lives, it is important that they be given proper care. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing, as well as routine checkups by your dentist, will do much to safeguard your smile.
Preventative Dental Care
Initial Visit
At your initial visit, you'll receive a comprehensive exam performed by your dentist. Our professional staff will work to help alleviate any anxiety you're feeling and make you as comfortable as possible.
Top-Quality Care for Over 60 Years
Our dental office has been family-owned for over 60 years. Our family offers you affordable services and convenient hours that fit into your busy life. Call us at (216) 661-2422 for an appointment. Evening and weekend appointments are available!
Comprehensive Oral Exams
Examination of Diagnostic X-Rays:
Detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss
Oral Cancer Screening:
Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
Gum Disease Evaluation:
Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of Tooth Decay:
Tooth surfaces will be checked for decay
Examination of Existing Restorations:
Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Dental Cleaning
Dental cleanings are usually performed by a registered dental hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam.
Removal of Calculus (Tartar)
Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. It forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
Teeth Polishing
Remove stains and plaque that are not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
ROOT CANALS (ENDODONTIC THERAPY)
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials which will restore your tooth to its full function with a protective crown and post.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Long Lasting Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment is highly successful and long-lasting, although, on occasion, a tooth will require to be retreated.
Signs of a Root Canal
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Hurts to bite on the tooth
- Sometimes no symptoms are present.
Reasons You Should Seek a Root Canal
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
Oral Surgery & Tooth Removal
If you and your dentist determine that you would benefit from having a tooth removed, we'll schedule an appointment for oral surgery. You can be assured of receiving the best dental treatments because the same caring professionals you know from your regular dental exams and teeth cleaning are a part of the same staff that will be performing your surgery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or "third molars," that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 18 and 25.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may also grow in sideways, emerge only part way through the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay, or infection, or as a preventive measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including
Damage to Nearby Teeth
Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), and possible bone loss.
Disease
Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
Infection
Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and swelling.
Tooth Crowding
It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can pressure other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn't universally accepted by all dental professionals but can be a possible consideration by your dentist.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthetic. After the tooth is removed, we will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Some pain and swelling may occur, but will normally subside after a few days. You should call our office, 216-661-2422, if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever.
Composite Fillings
If you've chipped or broken a tooth, you may consider composite fillings. A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be filled with a composite filling.
Types of Filling Materials Available
You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of teeth.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are long-lasting but not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are durable and will last many years, giving you the benefit of a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
You May Need Composite Fillings For
- Chipped teeth
- Closing the space between 2 teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Worn teeth
- Reshaping a malpositioned tooth
Teeth Whitening
Would you like a brighter smile? It's easy to get with tooth whitening (or bleaching). It is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically and be monitored by your dentist periodically.
Evaluate Your Existing Restorations
Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc., with your dentist.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every few years, and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for Tooth Whitening
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown-stained teeth
Have Whiter Teeth in Two Weeks
This type of whitening usually requires several visits. At your first appointment, impressions will be made of your teeth. These will be used to fabricate custom, clear, plastic trays.
At your 2nd appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. Periodic appointments will be scheduled to evaluate your progress.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are the most comfortable and natural procedure to rebuild and replace damaged and missing teeth. Then you may want to discuss dental bridges with your dentist at Family Dental Care.
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. The "traditional bridge" is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that cover two anchoring teeth (support teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth).
Durable, Long-Lasting Bridges
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years. However, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a Fixed Bridge
- Replace missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Maintain facial shape
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable to a more natural fixed bridge
Protect and Strengthen Your Tooth Structure with a Crown
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encloses the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Durable Crowns that Match Your Existing Teeth
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored crowns) is the most popular. They are very durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match what nature provided, giving you a natural, long-lasting, beautiful smile.
You may need a crown for broken or fractured teeth or for large fillings.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
You can enjoy corn on the cob or eating an apple again with high-quality dentures. When you visit our office, you can discuss your options with your dentist to determine what your best alternative is.
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
Two Types of Dentures—Complete and Partial
There are two types of dentures—complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevents other teeth from shifting.
Conventional or Immediate Dentures
A complete may be either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed, and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 6 to 12 weeks. During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, comfort adjustment will usually be required.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years when they are taken care of properly; however, they may have to be readjusted, repaired, relined, or replaced due to normal wear and tissue shrinkage.
Reasons You May Need Dentures
- Complete denture—loss of all teeth in an arch
- Partial denture—loss of several teeth in an arch
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion
Dental Implants
If you are missing teeth, another option is to have an implant. An implant is used to restore your teeth to a near-natural condition. They can be used to replace a single or several lost teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and is the anchor that will ultimately support a new tooth or multiple teeth.
Dental Implant Benefits
It is superior to a fixed bridge since it will eliminate the need to crown other healthy teeth. It may also eliminate the need to wear removable partial dentures.
Dentures With Implants
Today, the replacement of teeth with complete dentures or removable partial dentures can be enhanced with the use of dental implants to add support and retention. This adds to the life of the dentures and helps to maintain the bone that supports the teeth, which is commonly lost over time with conventional dentures. Other advantages of implants for patients with dentures are stability, increased patient comfort, and confidence.
Dental Emergencies
If you have what you believe is a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately at (216) 661-2422. We try our best to get you in the same day if possible so that we can address your situation right away.
Toothache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. Under no circumstances should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen is recommended. Please contact us for an appointment if the pain persists more than a day.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room, or contact us for an immediate appointment.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. Do not remove any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue. Call for a comfort appointment. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Seek immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see your dentist immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, repeat with gauze or a damp teabag for an additional 15 minutes.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, give us a call.