Life lessons are learned in the most surprising places. This is no different for celebrities. Take, for example, Florence Henderson, an actress, singer, philanthropist, author and star of the hit television series, The Brady Bunch. As she told Dear Doctor magazine, her experience with having four impacted wisdom teeth removed — at the same time — “…only made me more aware of how important dental care is.” She continued, “This is why I have always gone every six months for a check up.”
Another important lesson we want to share is the fact that even if your impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) are not bothering you or causing any pain, you may still need to have them removed.
Why? Having a tooth submerged below the gum, pressing on the roots of other teeth is problematic; the tooth should be removed so that you can avoid major dental problems before they occur. For example, it is not uncommon for us to find an impacted third molar pressing against the roots of the adjacent second molar. Furthermore, because the enamel crown of this impacted tooth is trapped below the gum, we sometimes find an infection, gum disease or even cyst formation occurring.
Often, the best time to remove a wisdom tooth is when it is not causing any problems. This is because a painful wisdom tooth or pain in the area of the wisdom tooth may be a sign that significant damage has occurred or is occurring. It is also better to remove wisdom teeth when you are young, as young healthy people with no prior infections at the site provide the best opportunity for us to remove the tooth with no complications.
To learn more about impacted wisdom teeth, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Removing Wisdom Teeth.” Or if you suspect or already know that you have an impacted wisdom tooth, contact us today to schedule an appointment so that we can conduct a thorough examination that includes x-rays. During this private consultation, we will also address any questions you have as well as your treatment options. And if you want to read the entire article on Florence Henderson, continue reading “Florence Henderson.”
Many people have questions about the proper use of antibiotics — especially today, as the overuse of these medications has become a concern. It isn’t necessary for most people to take antibiotics before having a dental procedure. But for a few — notably, those with particular heart conditions and, in some cases, joint replacements — pre-medication is advisable. The question may be even more confusing now, because the standard recommendations have recently changed — so let’s try and sort things out.
First, why would anyone need antibiotics before dental treatment? Essentially, it’s because of the chance that an open wound could allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. For people in good health, the body is capable of quickly containing and neutralizing the bacterial exposure. But people with some types of heart disease, heart transplants, and/or total joint replacements have a greater likelihood of developing a bacterial infection, which can be dangerous — or even life-threatening. The same may be true of people whose immune systems are compromised.
At one time, people with a broad range of heart problems and artificial joints were advised to pre-medicate; today, new research indicates that fewer people need to take this step. Antibiotics are currently recommended before dental procedures if you have:
In addition, not everyone who has an artificial joint needs antibiotic premedication. Instead, your health care providers will rely on your individual medical history to determine whether this step is required in your situation. However, having a compromised immune system (due to diabetes, cancer, arthritis, chemotherapy and other factors) is still an indication that antibiotics may be needed.
The question of whether or not to pre-medicate is an important one — so it’s vital that you share all relevant medical information with your doctors and dentists, and make sure everyone is in the loop. That way, the best decisions can be made regarding your treatment.
If you have questions about premedication before dental treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
The teenage years are some of the most trying years in a person’s life. Nature can seem a bit cruel when you’re a teenager, and the changes that your body is going through can leave you feeling awkward, shy, and insecure. When you’re focused on your changing outward appearance, it can be hard to remember all your other amazing qualities.
Family Smiles Dental Care can help. Let us care for your teeth, and we promise that you won’t have to worry a bit about the appearance of your smile. We offer a range of cosmetic services to keep your teeth looking healthy and bright. With Family Smiles Dental Care, you’ll be smiling for life.
Teeth Whitening for Teens
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure available to patients today, and, when administered by a professional, is incredibly safe and effective. A single treatment can brighten teeth by several shades. If cared for properly, the whitening can last for up to five years.
Braces and Invisalign®
Another common treatment that many teens receive is braces. Braces work wonders when it comes to realignment, but many people find them both cumbersome and painful. Plus, some find that wearing metal wires and brackets on their teeth gives them even more social anxiety than having a crooked smile.
Invisalign® provides the same results as braces without the pain or the unsightliness of brackets and wires. If you have ever thought about receiving orthodontia for your misaligned smile but are concerned about braces, talk to your dentist about Invisalign®.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in the Rochester Hills, MI area, call (248) 853-2222 today!
Protecting one’s smile is important at any age. This is especially true for people who participate in contact sports or other activities where a trauma to the mouth can occur. While we all tend to believe that we are safe and that injuries “only happen to other people,” we could not be further from the truth. Take, for example, Jillian Michaels, an accomplished author, business mogul, wellness expert, trainer and star of The Biggest Loser. She learned this invaluable lesson after breaking her two front teeth as a child and having them repaired with crowns. As Jillian stated in her interview with Dear Doctor magazine, “Now, I generally wear a mouthguard if I am doing anything where my teeth have any chance of being knocked out.”
We feel obligated to educate our patients so that you can make informed decisions about your oral health. This is why we put together the following brief list of research findings.
If feel you and/or your children need a custom-fitted, professionally made mouthguard, contact us today to schedule an appointment. During your private consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination, listen to your concerns, and answer all of your questions as we discuss the best methods for protecting your investment — your own, or your children’s, teeth.
To learn more about mouthguards, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Athletic Mouthguards, One of the most important parts of any uniform!” And to read the entire interview with Jillian Michaels, please see the article “Jillian Michaels — The Biggest Loser’s health and wellness expert talks about her oral health, keeping fit and plans for the future.”
If you’ve been thinking about getting braces, here are the reasons why you should.
While braces may seem like a right of passage for many children and teens, it’s also becoming one for adults, as well. Sure, when we think of braces we often think about the young adult roaming the school halls or eating with friends in the cafeteria; however, we don’t often consider the fact that a lot of adults are also sporting orthodontics. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics found that over the past 15 years, the number of adults wearing braces rose by about 25 percent. No matter your age, if your Rochester Hills orthodontist has told you that braces could improve your smile, it may be time to consider the advantages of getting orthodontic treatment.