Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

-An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding.

If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.

Here are other reasons:

1. Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
2. Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow the permanent teeth to come in.
3. People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
4. People receiving radiation to the head and neck may need to have teeth in the field of radiation extracted.
5. People receiving cancer drugs may develop infected teeth because these drugs weaken the immune system. Infected teeth may need to be extracted.

Some teeth may need to be extracted if they could become a source of infection after an organ transplant. People with organ transplants have a high risk of infection because they must take drugs that decrease or suppress the immune system.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in. They commonly come in during the late teens or early 20s. They need to be removed if they are decayed, cause pain or have a cyst or infection. These teeth often get stuck in the jaw (impacted) and do not come in. This can irritate the gum, causing pain and swelling. In this case, the tooth must be removed. If you need all four wisdom teeth removed, they are usually taken out at the same time.

Here are some tips to follow to make recovery easier:

• Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing.
• Don’t smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously.
• Avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours.
• Follow the diet your dentist suggests.

For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently. If you experience swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag and call your dentist right away. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don’t clean the teeth next to where the tooth was removed.

Remember, when having an extraction, today’s modern procedures and follow up care (as recommended by your dentist) are there for your benefit and comfort.

Woodhaven Dentistry

Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.
Richard Martin, D.D.S.

5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax

If you are missing only a few teeth scattered over either arch (upper or lower teeth), or even if you have a minimum of two teeth on both sides of the arch, then you can most inexpensively replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture (RPD). There are several types of RPD’s. All of them use standard plastic denture teeth as replacements for the missing natural teeth. The differences between them are the materials that are used to support the denture teeth and retain the RPD in the mouth.

 A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Types of Partial Dentures

There are two types of partial dentures: fixed and removable type. The type of partial denture is prescribed on the basis of the health of the teeth surrounding the gap.

1. Fixed Partial Dentures

*These are also known as dental implant bridges, and involve the permanent attachment of artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under gum tissue via a dental implant bridge. These dental bridges are preferred over the removable type, due to their striking resemblance to natural teeth and comfort level. However, their implantation requires healthy teeth for support. They also are harder to clean, as compared to the removable type. Moreover, since they cannot be removed, they are susceptible to inflammation, bad breath and other oral problems. This fixed partial denture is expensive and is recommended for replacing one or two missing teeth.

1. Removable Partial Dentures

*This type as the name implies, refers to partial dentures that can be removed and placed back as and when desired. They are also known as removable dental bridges. They feature metal framework along with metal clasps, artificial teeth and resin base material. They fill the gap between natural teeth, with a false tooth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. The tooth denture is connected by a metal framework which keeps it in place. Those possessing diseased, injured or partial tooth loss can opt for these removable dentures. There are several types of removable partial dentures, which use the same standard plastic denture teeth for the dental partials. They differ only in the materials used to support the denture teeth in place.

The different types of partial dentures are:

• Flipper Partial Denture:

This type is the least expensive of all the available partial dentures. Acrylic material is used to create the pink plastic denture base, which is the standard material used for all removable partial dentures. Onto this base is attached the false teeth to fill the gaps. Wrought wire clasps are cured into the base, whose role is to clasp the natural teeth and keep the denture in place.

Initially a person may find wearing these dentures very uncomfortable. Talking and eating may become cumbersome. Nevertheless, one gets used to these flippers after sometime. To reduce trouble while eating, one should remove the denture before eating. This way food won’t get stuck in the denture. Moreover, the denture is at no risk of damage, by hard food items.

• Cast Metal Partial Denture:

This type comprises cast metal frameworks and is more advantageous as compared to the flipper type. They are strong, rigid and durable, thus, are considered for the long run. Modern frameworks are cast from chrome cobalt (strong alloy), which is less likely to break. The metal used in these dentures is not seen to cause any allergies.

These partial dentures are attached to the teeth in a very stable fashion. The denture rests on the teeth and not on the gums, as in the case of flippers. This stability is achieved by slightly altering the natural teeth surface so that the dentures can fit properly. However, this modification will in no way alter the way the teeth bite into each other or their grinding function.

• Flexible Framework Partial Denture: 

The application of nylon-like materials to the fabrication of dental appliances, is a recent advance in the dental industry. The metal parts and the pink acrylic base is replaced by this nylon-like material. This material is unbreakable and colored pink to resemble the gums. This type of denture blends well with the tissue of the palate and is not noticeable to the opposite person.

Moreover, since this nylon-like material is quite thin and flexible, it is used to build clasps as well. This solves the problem of clasp visibility. Thus, people who are uncomfortable wearing the conspicuous metal dentures, find this type more appealing.

The clasps in these dentures rest on the gums instead of the teeth, unlike the cast metal type. This can lead to sore spots. Nevertheless, these dentures require no alteration of the teeth structure, on which they rests and are quite stable.

• Nesbit Partial Denture:

This type of denture is made to replace one or two lost rear teeth and can be used as a temporary or permanent tooth replacement. These dentures can be legally built only out of flexible framework material variety. The single tooth removable partial denture is referred to as Nesbit.

Unlike the earlier denture types we’ve looked at, this type does not have the region of acrylic or nylon-like material crossing over the arch. Small, flexible material clasps fit around the teeth adjacent to the gap. So the entire weight of the denture rests on the two teeth besides the gap. This results in extreme pressure application on the clasped teeth. Therefore, dentists don’t recommend this type.

In terms of cost, it is an inexpensive dentures type. However, this type of denture is only recommended for temporary purpose. The reason being, this denture is so small, that it can be accidentally swallowed. However, with the new flexible framework material, even if it is accidentally swallowed, it is not prone to cause harm. Nevertheless, they are not good permanent options.

• The Cusil Partial Denture:

This is a full denture with holes, thereby allowing the remaining natural teeth to protrude through. This acrylic denture is lined with a rubber gasket which grasps the teeth. Cusil partial denture is primarily meant for people, who have lost maximum teeth and want to salvage the remaining few, for as long as possible.

Here are tips for caring for your dentures:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
• Don’t let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you’re not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
• Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
• See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself this can damage them beyond repair.

 Maintaining proper dental care and hygiene, is necessary to avoid tooth related problems that lead to complete dentures. Follow the instructions given by the dentist, regarding denture care diligently and in case any damage occurs, take the denture to your dentist immediately. Do not try to repair it yourself. Keep visiting the dentist regularly and happy smiling!

Grand Prairie Dentist

Contact Us:

223 Main.
Suite #30
Grand Prairie, Tx 75052

Telephone: (817) 259-XXXX

What are Digital X-Rays?

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are essential, diagnostic tools that provide information not visible during a dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden problems and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

What the X-Ray can Reveal?

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
• Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

In the progressive field of dentistry, technologies and treatment techniques are continually redefined and reassessed. The dental community upholds a tradition of life-long learning, ensuring that our patients have continued access to the highest available standards of care. Our commitment to providing high quality care makes the safety of our patients and the dental team a priority. The technologies and equipment that we select must also be efficient, cost effective, and safe for the environment.

The addition of digital dental x-ray technology has met and exceeded the rigorous standards relating to our commitment to safety and quality. Dental x-rays, also referred to as radiographs, are a vital component to your comprehensive and periodic examinations. They enable dentists to detect decay (cavities) below the surface of the enamel and between the teeth. Restorations such as fillings, crowns, and root canals can be evaluated for defects and new decay. Periodontal disease, bone loss, and tarter buildup can be detected and addressed with x-rays. Developmental conditions, cysts, and dental implant procedures depend upon x-ray technology for proper evaluation and treatment.

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for a few years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken (check-up).

Who needs more frequent or regular radiographs? 

• Children – Many children need X-rays every six months to one year, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.
• Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings – All the conditions that helped create the caries to begin with continue, making it necessary to check for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.
• Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar – Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that’s perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular X-rays.
• People with periodontal (gum) disease – Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.
• People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia – Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.
• People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.
• Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

The safety benefits of digital radiography are not limited to patients. Dental team professionals benefit from lessened exposure to radiation with digital. In addition, they no longer need to spend time in an enclosed space with toxic chemicals as they develop film X-rays or refresh or dispose of film chemicals. My team members have commented about how much safer our office is since we installed digital radiography.

Also safe for the environment, digital technology reduces the need for disposable packaging, printing materials, and caustic developing solutions. The images are saved directly to the computer or formatted for email purposes; a virtually paper-free process.

The use of digital x-rays provides valuable information for both our dental team and the patient. Still, safety is a high priority, and digital x-rays provide a higher level of safety compared to traditional methods. Feel confident in selecting a dentist who makes your safety a priority by using digital x-ray equipment.

Tarzana Endodontics

5567 Reseda Blvd.
Suite 100
Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: (818) 319-4340