Why You Might Need a Root Canal

If the cause of your teeth pain is serious decay or infection in the tooth pulp, our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. may recommend a root canal. A root canal is a multi-step dental procedure that involves removing the infected tooth pulp (and sometimes the nerve) from a tooth, and sealing it to protect against future teeth pain.

Not all types of teeth are indications for a root canal. But signs of infection severe enough to require a root canal include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration (darkening) of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

Root canal therapy helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limit the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

The Purpose of Oral Cancer Screening

At Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer at an early stage – when cancer or lesions are the easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening and factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use of any kind


• Heavy alcohol use


• Previous oral cancer diagnosis


• History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer

During your dental visit, our doctors can talk to you about your oral health history and examine your oral cavity for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck.

If you have questions about oral cancer screening, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

 

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal. At Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. our doctors can discuss the position and health of your wisdom teeth and provide extraction services if necessary. 

Impacted wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of skin called an operculum may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. Wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly and biting properly with their opposite teeth and able to be cleaned as part of daily hygiene practices. 

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal. At Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. our doctors can discuss the position and health of your wisdom teeth and provide extraction services if necessary.

Impacted wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of skin called an operculum may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. Wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly and biting properly with their opposite teeth and able to be cleaned as part of daily hygiene practices.

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

 

Dental Health Basics

Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, our staff at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. encourage you to practice good oral hygiene every day. In between your six-month dental checkup your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques? Follow these steps to protect your oral health.

• Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have to ensure that you’re spending enough time on your oral care routine.


• Use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth.


• Buy American Dental Association (ADA) approved dental cleaning tools and toothpaste.

If you already notice red, inflamed, swollen gums, the good news is that being diligent about your home dental care routing and getting regular dental checkups can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early signs of gum disease.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.