Dry Socket

When patients need to have teeth extracted, they’re in good hands at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group. Our doctors are skilled in saving teeth, but when extractions are necessary, the process is usually quick and easy. There is, however, one common complication which we require patient co-operation to prevent: a dry socket.

When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone is briefly exposed at the base of the empty socket. Usually, a bit of blood will congeal into a clot, protecting the socket from dryness and infection during the few days it takes to close. However, there are medications which interfere with clotting, which is why we request that patients disclose their medical information to us. It is also possible for the clot to be torn loose or to dissolve prematurely. Patients are advised not to sip through straws or smoke following an extraction for this reason.

While some soreness is expected, patients should request an emergency appointment if they are still in great pain forty-eight hours after the extraction. Complications are likelier to occur if the extraction required an incision and suturing, but patients should not wait until the follow-up when their sutures are scheduled to be removed if they suspect something is wrong. We have antibiotics and wound dressings to treat a dried socket, should one occur, and will monitor the patient’s recovery more closely.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge ST. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Drink More Water

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and you can get your daily dose of it through drinking water. Our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., understand that patients need their daily sugar fix, but those sugary beverages you’re washing down your meals with are doing more harm to your smile than good.  Staying hydrated with H2O is not only beneficial to your overall health, but to your smile as well, allow us to explain why.

Saliva is made of 99% percent water and in order to keep it flowing, you have to drink more! When the mouth is low on saliva, dry mouth will occur. Dry mouth increases the risk of developing tooth decay because saliva is our primary defense against it. Additionally, water cleans the mouth with every sip, so if you aren’t able to brush and floss after a meal, water will wash away the food particles that cause bad breath and plaque buildup. By drinking more water you can maintain a healthier smile and save yourself from needing invasive dental procedures down the line.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene, please 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 Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Air-Abrasion Technology

At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., our doctors utilize the latest advances in dental technology, such as air abrasion. Air abrasion allows our doctors to prepare teeth for composite fillings and bonding procedures. It also works best to repair chipped or fractured teeth and to remove stains and spots caused by discoloration. Additionally, air abrasion is a drill-less technique, which is beneficial to patients because there is little to no pain associated with this technique.

Patients don’t need to fear the dental drill with air abrasion technology. This is because the air abrasion technique uses a stream of particles that are aimed at the stained or decayed portion of the tooth. During air abrasion, our doctor will use an instrument that works like a mini sandblaster to wash away small areas of tooth decay. The procedure is safe and generates no heat, pressure, or vibration, so there is less discomfort for the patient.

If you have questions or concerns regarding air abrasion, please 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 Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Why Would a Child's Breath Smell Bad?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is something we help our patients avoid at Bridge Smiles Dental Group. In most cases, the culprit is a bacterial infection or build-up and can be reversed through oral hygiene. However, in children, there are some other factors to consider.

The mouth’s natural defense against bacterial build-up is saliva. So in people with dry mouth (xerostomia), bacteria increase. Children can easily become dehydrated while playing and need to regularly drink water. Those who breathe through their mouths are especially at-risk and need to learn to breathe through their noses for their sleep quality, as well as their breath. Medications for ADHD and anxiety can also cause dry mouth, and if they cannot be switched, children may try chewing sugar-free gum to produce more saliva.

Even without dry mouth, bacteria often build up in the tongue and need to be regularly brushed out. The tonsils are another common place for bacteria to grow. Nasal drip also provides bacteria with a food source, and while it is usually caused by a sinus infection, parents of very young children should be aware that it can also be caused by something stuck in the child’s nose.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge ST. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit BridgeSmilesDental.com.