When is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Most dentists agree that wisdom teeth should be taken out when the dental roots are 2/3 developed. This usually coincides with the adolescent years when there is less risk of nerve damage and young patients also tend to heal faster. Another reason this is an excellent time is because removing the wisdom teeth will also clear the way for any future orthodontic procedures.
The teeth found in the very back of the mouth on both sides, in the upper and lower rows, are the molars. The first ones come in around age 6, and the next ones are present around age 12. The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are usually ready to emerge between the ages of 16 and 21. Unfortunately, even though the third set of molars are fully functioning teeth, when they are ready to appear, there may no longer be room for them.

Some people have room for the third set of molars and they cause no problems. However, for many, it is necessary to remove them.

• When the wisdom teeth begin to poke through the gums, they should come out. Even though surprisingly, in some cases, this may not be causing the patient pain, it increases the risk of bacterial infection.
• Removing them is also necessary when they are expected to grow in and crowd the existing teeth, which will cause them to shift.
• Sometimes, a wisdom tooth becomes inflamed and a fluid-filled sac will surround it. This causes swelling and the surrounding tissue and bone matter may be affected.
• Even when the other two sets of molars and the permanent teeth are in place, wisdom teeth that show no signs of coming in should still be removed before they become impacted or trapped in the jaw.
• Wisdom teeth that have come in but prevent the patient from being able to brush and floss properly should be extracted.

If you have questions or concerns about wisdom teeth, it is best to visit your dentist for a thorough evaluation. Call Dr. Simon Melcher at 919-782-0548 or visit his website. You can also learn more here: Dental Treatments - Wisdom Teeth

What is a Root Canal?

Did you know that just like an orange, your teeth contain something called pulp? The pulp that is inside your teeth contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Should the pulp or nerves within a tooth become inflamed or infected, a root canal treatment may be the best way to eliminate the problem.

The painful inflammation within dental pulp or nerve tissue can be the result of a few things. A deep, untreated cavity is one cause. A patient who has had a repeated number of dental procedures may develop diseased pulp within one or more of their teeth. Of course an injury resulting in a cracked or chipped tooth could lead to this type of problem. There is also the possibility that you may have injured a tooth and be unaware of it. That’s because not all injured teeth cause pain or exhibit signs of trauma.

If your dentist or endodontist determines that the pulp or nerve tissue is inflamed or diseased, the next step may be to remove it. A dental professional’s goals will be to save the tooth and alleviate a patient’s discomfort. Ignoring the problem could lead to painful swelling, bone loss, and infection. A root canal is the procedure that will alleviate all that!

During a root canal, the diseased tissue will be cleaned in an effort to save as much of it as possible. After the tissue is evaluated, the dentist will then clean and seal the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canal. To prevent the occurrence of further problems, a rubberlike substance called gutta percha, is put into the tooth’s root canal. To preserve as much of the tooth as possible, it is often fitted with a permanent crown.

If you think you may need a root canal or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melcher, please visit our website or call us at 919-782-0548.

What are Dental Implants and How do they Work?

Anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth due to injury or periodontal disease may be an ideal candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are permanent devices implanted into a patient's jaw in order to substitute a natural tooth root. They can be used to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place and they rely on the jawbone for support.

There are two types of dental implants: Endosteal (which are inserted into the jaw bone) and Subperiosteal (placed on top of the jaw bone). Endosteal is the most commonly used type of dental implant and can be a great alternative to dentures. Subperiosteal implants are generally used in patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures or those who have minimal bone height.

While dentures are less costly, many patients are choosing implants instead of dentures due to their more natural appearance. Because dentures are removable, patients who use them also have to deal with applying fixatives, which don't always create a secure bond, causing discomfort and embarrassment if the dentures should come loose while eating or speaking.

Depending on your situation, your dentist may advise dental implants, but an ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:

• Good general and dental health.
• Adequate bone in their jaw.
• Have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

If you would like to learn if dental implants are the right choice for you, contact Dr. Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh: 919-782-0548

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Dental Implants in Raleigh NC

What are Dental X-Rays Used For?

Periodically, Dr. Simon Melcher and the dental staff at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh will want to take X-rays of your teeth in order to catch any possible issues that may be hiding under the surface. Radiographs (X-rays) help your dentist determine the presence of a number of dental problems. Some of these problems include periodontal disease, abbesses and abnormal growths such as tumors or cysts.

In addition to uncovering the issues mentioned above, X-rays will allow your dentist to pinpoint the location of cavities and other conditions that may be too subtle to see during a visual exam. Without periodic X-rays, patients are more likely to experience serious dental problems. This is because early detection is the key to preventing a more serious issue later on.

Some patients are nervous about getting X-rays, due to radiation exposure. Although radiation can be harmful if a person is exposed to it in high levels, rest assured that our team is trained to follow all safety precautions when taking X-rays. By using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, we are aware of which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation.

To learn more about dental X-rays or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melcher, please visit our website at www.TheRaleighDentists.com or call us at 919-782-0548.

Is Fluoride Harmful to My Health?

Last year, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prompted many Americans to question the health benefits of fluoride. Despite raising a few eyebrows, the research did not uncover anything that would link significant health risks to fluoride.

It seems the CDC concluded that 2 out of 5 adolescents developed streaks or spottiness on their teeth, caused by ingesting too much fluoride. In rare, extreme cases, some young teens even experienced pitting on their tooth surface, but these cases were so mild that they were only detectable by a dentist. This most likely occurred not from routine dental procedures, but by ingesting fluoride from other sources - namely, drinking water. Most water supplies in the U.S. are fluoridated, which means they are purposefully treated with fluoride.

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout nature. You won't just find it in water; it's also in soil, air and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Once the child's teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes re-mineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is visible.

While ingesting too much of anything can cause adverse reactions, it is extremely rare to experience any health issues related to fluoride. Dental fluorosis is the most common affliction associated with excessive fluoride intake (note the keyword here is EXCESSIVE). Dental fluorosis is characterized by mottled, chalky white or brown appearance on the teeth.

It has been theorized that, over many years, too much fluoride can lead to other health problems, but many of these reports are unfounded. The highly reputable organizations in our country such as the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry continue to recommend fluoride, especially for children.

If you take it upon yourself to research this topic, make sure you are careful about where you get your information. Your best resource is to ask Dr. Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry.  Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548

News Sources:

MSN Healthy Living - A Little Fluoride Goes a Long Way
CBS News- Fluoride is Good For You, We Mean Bad for You

Related Post:

Does Bottled Water Contain Fluoride?

Are Silver Fillings a Danger to My Health?

When you get a cavity, which is essentially a small hole in your tooth caused by decay, dentists use special materials to fill it. The material used in dental fillings has advanced over the years, but silver fillings have been a common choice for dentists for a long time.

Although there are alternatives available, silver fillings are not harmful to a patients health.

The silver filling material is a mixture of mercury, a silver alloy, tin and copper. Known as dental amalgam, the use of this mixture has been a controversial topic, namely due to the fact that it contains mercury, which can be toxic when ingested in significant amounts. Although scientists speculate that it is possible for mercury to leech into the mouth from a silver filling, several studies have concluded that the amount that could be released is not enough to pose a significant health risk. In fact, the release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food, air and water.

Nevertheless, many patients are turning to alternative restoration materials. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins. Dental composite resins are probably the most popular type of restoration material available today, due to their more natural look. Some dentists favor composite resins because they are more easy to manipulate, are insoluble and are insensitive to dehydration. Also, composite resins are fairly inexpensive when compared to other materials.

If you have concerns or questions regarding your fillings, feel free to contact Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant & General Dentistry today. Call 919-782-0548.

Our hours are Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Alternatives to Dentures

If you have little to no non-restorable teeth, you may be thinking that dentures are the only option. Not so! With advances in dental treatments, many offices now provide implant and support choices for their patients.

Strategically placed implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the look and feel of real teeth.

The dental implants are small appliances that are inserted into the upper and lower jaws in order to help restore the mouth by replacing individual missing teeth or supporting an existing bridge or denture. Dental implants are becoming the popular alternative of choice to dentures, due to their many advantages.

Advantages of implants over traditional dentures:

• Reduces movement of dentures, bridges, crowns and other dental work.
• Facilitates proper chewing.
• Provide support and improved stability for removable dentures or fixed bridge work.
• More closely resembles the "feel" of natural teeth.
• Enhances the patient's self-confidence, as speech and appearance are often improved.

Although dental implants are becoming a popular alternative to traditional dentures, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Talk to us today about your best options for tooth restoration: 919-782-0548