Dental Fillings Are Essential After Treating Cavities

We complete dental fillings every single day. They are the single most used procedure, with everyone from children to grandparents needing to get cavities repaired at some point. When you come in for dental fillings we believe that you should leave with one and an assurance that the tooth will not easily experience decay again. To do this, we will carefully remove all the decay, and then we will work to remove any of the enamel that may have become damaged by the decay.  Finally, we will fill the hole that has been created, also known as the cavity.

Many of our patients, except our very young ones, know that decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth which forms a thin film of plaque over the teeth. When sugary or starchy foods are introduced, this bacteria secrets acids. These acids eat at the tooth until a cavity is formed. What most people don't realize is that your teeth actually fight against decay and are able to make minor repairs to themselves using calcium and phosphate in the saliva, water, and fluoride. It is only when the tooth is depleted of these essential minerals, after repeated assaults by the acids on the enamel, that the bacteria is able to create a cavity and a need for dental fillings.

When it comes to dental fillings, we are always interested in improvements in technology that will make them better for patients. If you remember, it was not that long ago that most fillings were made of metal which made it obvious which teeth previously had cavities. We now offer white dental fillings that can be used, allowing us to inexpensively repair more prominent teeth while also giving you the clean white look that so many patients craved. The science behind dentistry continues to evolve. In 2012, the University of Maryland Dental School came up with a new cavity filling system that was designed to fill the cavity, but also to kill any residual bacteria that may have survived the cleaning, and was also said to help the tooth regrow some of the tissue that had been lost in the fight to the bacteria. The use of silver nanoparticles, in addition to ammonia, made the primer, the bonding agent, and the filling itself involved in the process of killing off any bacteria that remained.

While this particular method remains in clinical trials, it is an example of the kind of innovation being tested in laboratories across the country with the goal of making dental work less necessary. If we are able to help the natural order of enamel in re-growing and regenerating itself, combine that with a system that kills all bacteria, and provide you with the means to avoid cavities in the future, it will be a huge accomplishment for the dental world. In our dental office, we will continue to watch as this new technology develops and to provide you, our patients, with the best possible dental care.

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What to Eat After Your Tooth Extraction

We perform tooth extractions on a regular basis for those that are needing to have their wisdom teeth pulled.  This third set of molars can create a variety of problems since most people do not have enough room in their mouth for them.  If you have worn braces, wisdom teeth can move your teeth out of alignment.  If they grow in crooked, they can be uncomfortable.  If they are impacted, they will be difficult to clean.  Regardless of what challenges you are having, we can remove them by either pulling them out directly or performing oral surgery.  Both of which will be done under anesthesia so that you can remain comfortable the entire time.
After your tooth is extracted, your gums will be sensitive and your jaw and face will feel sore.  Simultaneously, you are likely to experience some swelling.  When you do, an ice pack and ibuprofen can be used to reduce the swelling and help you to feel more comfortable.  For the first few days, you will need to be careful with what you eat and avoid anything that is hard or crunchy and can scratch your gums.  This means no chips, crackers, toasted bread or anything that is hard and abrasive.  You will also want to stay clear of anything that is too difficult to chew, requiring significant force.
While you will need to adjust your diet, it is important that you continue to eat a healthy diet that is full of essential vitamins and minerals along with protein. This requires some creativity, but it is essential for giving your body the tools it needs to recover quickly.  Here are some foods that we suggest you try after having tooth extractions.

• Oatmeal.  You can eat oatmeal or cream of wheat after having oral surgery.  Use whole milk instead of water so that you receive more protein. 
• Eggs.  Scrambled and hard boiled eggs are good for you, easy to make and easy to chew.  They are incredibly soft and can be eaten throughout the day. 
• Smoothies.  Blending up your food into a delicious smoothie is an excellent way to get servings of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  Add in some protein powder and yogurt for a more balanced meal or snack. 
• Cauliflower.  This is a popular vegetarian alternative to meat.  Once cooked, cauliflower is very soft and it holds flavors well, making it perfect to sauté with your favorite spices. 
• Sweet Potatoes.  A superfood, sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to make. Bake it in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then eat it. They taste fabulous and are perfectly soft, making them easy to eat with a meal or as a snack.
• Tofu.  You can eat tofu with your dinner as a substitute for your standard meat dish. 
• Single snacks.  Since crackers and chips are off of the menu, buy single servings of pudding, applesauce, and yogurt to snack on.  
• Soup.  Throw your favorite veggies into a pot and make a homemade soup. You will get the nutrition that you need and the veggies will be soft enough not to irritate your gums.

After your tooth extractions, you will need to restrict your diet for a few days but once the swelling goes down, you should be able to resume your normal diet.  We will provide you with more detailed instructions when you come in for your appointment.

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