5 Common dental Emergencies That Require Immediate Care

 Oral health is commonly perceived to be over during routine dental checkups. Not many people understand what dental emergencies can look like, requiring them to visit an emergency dentist in Portsmouth. Therefore, it's important to know what kind of dental injuries require immediate medical attention versus those which can be dealt with later in your New Hampshire dentist’s normal business hours.

Dental emergencies can take any shape and form and require you to act fast to prevent any further damage. So, if you find yourself facing any of the following, visit an emergency dentist immediately.

Severe Toothache. Toothache is usually taken as a common ailment that heals itself. However, if you are feeling excruciating pain in your teeth, it could be the result of an abscess or exposed nerve. So, do not ignore a throbbing headache, severe pain, or swelling in your jaw or neck.

Chipped or Knocked Out Tooth. Losing a tooth can be quite shocking, especially if there were no signs of a loose tooth or a known gum condition. So, don’t panic if you suddenly chip a tooth while biting into something hard or got your tooth knocked out in an accident. Instead, seek emergency dental care to prevent further damage.

Lost Crown. If you are undergoing dental treatment, and notice that you have lost filling or a crown, do not ignore it until your next visit. Instead, call your dentist in New Hampshire promptly and make an emergency visit to contain the issue before the need for extensive treatment arises later.

Swollen Jaw. Patients undergoing dental treatments may experience a swollen or numb jaw. However, if you feel that your jaw is swollen, have a mild fever, or have trouble swallowing, it could be a sign of a worsening infection that needs urgent dental care.

Bleeding Gums. Similarly, bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal diseases or undetected gum infection. So, visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment for better oral health.

Seacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants clinic offers emergency dental services in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. So, do not delay treatment and consult with our specialists at the earliest.

What is Sinus Lift Surgery and How Will It Affect Your Appearance & Breathing?

 Has a missing tooth hit your confidence so severely that you are even afraid to smile fully? And on consulting with various dentists, the discussion is identical - that you are not an eligible candidate for dental implant treatment due to significant bone loss. Well fortunately, there is hope for you - a Cosmetic procedure called Sinus Lift which makes dental implants in the upper jaw bone possible.
 
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift or sinus grafting surgery is an approach of cosmetic dentistry performed to ensure the success of a dental implant even with bone decay or bone loss due to any gum disease. During a sinus lift procedure, a bone graft is added to the narrow jaw and the large maxillary sinuses to create a foundation for the implants to be inserted later.
In brief, sinus lift surgery adds a new bone to the upper jaw near the area of your molars and premolars. The bone used in this procedure may be taken from your own body (i.e., from your upper or lower back jaw), from a cadaver, a cow bone, or even a synthetic one. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane is surgically moved upward or “lifted” and then the bone is placed in the gap of the jawbone.
 

Will this procedure affect breathing or appearance?
While it is common for patients to experience a stuffy nose immediately after the surgery, long-term breathing problems are zero to rare. In fact, patients have reported improved breathing functions and enhanced facial structure after a sinus grafting surgery as the jaw bone gaps are filled.
Moreover, the appearance of a person will definitely be affected after this procedure, but for the better. The goal of this cosmetic procedure is to facilitate the success of dental implant treatment. Hence, once the whole procedure is complete, problems associated due to a receding jawbone are completely elevated, giving you the confidence to smile broadly.
 
Hence, it is best to consult a specialist who will make a treatment plan custom-made for your health. Seacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants is a forefront center for advanced dental procedures performed by experienced surgeons. So, consult with our team of experts for any of your dental concerns.

Is cosmetic laser gum treatment a good option to improve your smile?

 It might be medically necessary for some people to get laser gum surgery if they are suffering from any specific gum problems. However, a person may consider a cosmetic laser gum surgery to improve their smile’s appearance (if they feel unhappy with it). If you have excessive gum tissues, it can adversely affect your smile’s aesthetics. In fact, many people feel self-conscious about having uneven gums or a gummy smile. So, if you want to change your smile, laser gum reshaping might be the best solution for you. (It is recommended to consult with an expert dentist in New Hampshire to determine if you should opt for laser gum reshaping.)

What is laser gum reshaping treatment?

Laser gum reshaping, or contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure. In laser gum reshaping, advanced technology equipment is used to correct the gum line, remove excess gum tissue, and eliminate gum pockets. Gum reshaping was traditionally performed with a scalpel. However, nowadays, laser gum reshaping is becoming a more popular method as it is way less painful and has a quicker recovery time. It also eliminates any harmful bacteria causing periodontal diseases and reduces the risk of infection.

During the laser gum reshaping treatment, a numbing solution is applied to ensure the patient feels no pain or discomfort. Next, the dental surgeons carefully reshape the gum line to create an even appearance. This method involves minimal bleeding and dramatically changes the appearance of a gummy smile.

So, if you want to improve your smile’s appearance, it is recommended to consult with a dental specialist for laser cosmetic dentistry solutions in NH. The laser treatment can be effective to treat various gum conditions such as:

Uneven Gums: Laser gum reshaping and contouring is a highly effective technique used to correct uneven gums and make the teeth look even.

Excessive Gum Tissue: If your gums appear larger and make you self-conscious about smiling in public, laser gum reshaping might be the ideal choice for removing excessive gums and giving your smile a beautiful appearance.

Smaller teeth: Sometimes, overgrown gum tissue can cover the teeth and make them look smaller. Laser gum reshaping can be used to make the teeth look more proportional by reducing the gum tissue around the teeth.

Gum diseases: The laser gum treatment can also be used to treat certain gum diseases, such as reducing gum pockets, adjusting the gums for crown lengthening, and treating various periodontal problems.

Laser gum treatment is a good option for a range of dental problems. So, if you want to get rid of your gummy smile, schedule a consultation with an expert dentist in New Hampshire to determine if it will be the ideal option for you. Contact our team for any queries.

Your Prep Guide Before a Dental Implants Procedure

 There are many ways to cover the space of a missing tooth to avoid loosening the teeth’ structure. Out of them all, in New Hampshire, dental implants are becoming the most opted choice for the myriad benefits this procedure offers. A dental implant procedure is performed by inserting artificial tooth roots. These implants bond with your jawbone, allowing the dentist or oral surgeon to place replacement teeth called crowns over it.

Although a lengthy procedure requires 2-3 sittings, dental implants are the most comfortable replacements of a natural tooth with relatively any upkeep. Moreover, adding to their pros, they last a good decade at least.

So, if you’ve fixed the date for your dental implant surgery and want to be well-prepared for it, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow.

In the week before the procedure. When visiting a dentist, the first thing that comes to mind is whether you’ll be allowed to eat solid foods or not? After getting full mouth dental implants in New Hampshire, you won’t be able to. So, meal prep with semi-solid but nutritious foods like soups, porridge, smoothies, etc., for at least a couple of days post-surgery.

The day before the procedure. Get a lot of rest. Avoid heavy exertion with any physical activity. And you should floss and clean your teeth and mouth thoroughly before. Another point, although optional, is to arrange for a ride to the clinic. You won’t be groggy or in severe pain, but it is better not to drive and relax afterward. So, maybe ask a friend or book a cab.

On the day of the procedure. Wear comfortable clothes, for you’ll be spending at least a couple of hours in the chair. Also, ask your dentist if they will put you under general anesthesia with an IV or just local. Have a big breakfast because you’ll have to fast for at least 12 hours post-procedure. However, you can’t have any food at all that day if you’re going to be under general anesthesia. So, clarify this with your surgeon at least a week before.

Lastly, stay calm throughout the procedure. It is a painless surgery but you may need pain medications after it. Dentists at Seacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants ensure that you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout your full mouth dental implants procedure in New Hampshire.

Why Go for a Guided Bone Regeneration Procedure?

 Tooth loss brings with itself a whole set of problems. Gum diseases seem to be the biggest one. Increasing numbers of Americans over the age of 50 are reporting signs of gum diseases daily. The most common symptoms of potential gum infection are:
Pain or discomfort while chewing;
Bleeding gums;
Persistent bad breath
A buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth
Red, tender, or swollen gums.

Thankfully, periodontics has the perfect solution for patients complaining of gum diseases. A Guided Bone Regeneration Procedure is being opted by many patients in Portsmouth. This is a crucial first step to heal misshapen and decaying jaw-bone to provide it with the needful strength before a dental implant can be affixed. A GBR Procedure aims to remove the bacterial infection from the gum tissue to facilitate the regrowth of a healthy jawbone.

When seeking treatment for a gum infection after tooth extraction, it is highly likely for your dentist to recommend a GBR Procedure for the following advantages it offers:
Bone regeneration. With the aim of healing the jawbone for a dental implant, this treatment recuperates the bone by blocking further infections. This is achieved with the help of a membrane lining the bone so it doesn’t cover the gums, which might hinder its regeneration.
Implant ready. Once the bone has regained its natural strength and structure, it acts as a healthy foundation for the implantation procedure to fill the missing tooth gap.
Teeth protection. As the jawbone is a connected whole, once the decay starts at the root, it will eventually affect the healthy teeth and gums. Thus, a guided bone regeneration Procedure helps stop the infection from spreading by restoring the natural strength of the jawbone.
Perfect smile. Any oral infection impacts both the vital functions like chewing food and speaking, but more so our confidence to smile broadly. Gum diseases make the teeth more prone to falling prematurely. A bone regeneration, in such cases, prevents further discomfort and restores the natural teeth and smile.

If you are considering undergoing a guided bone regeneration procedure, consult with the best dentists in Portsmouth, NH, at Seacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants to achieve the perfect oral health.

Is gum grafting needed before dental implant treatment?

Gums protect your teeth and teeth roots from decay and infections. If you lose a tooth or suffer from gum disease, gum recession and bone loss may occur. It affects the aesthetics of your smile as well as exposes tooth roots, and makes them vulnerable to diseases and infections.
A gum grafting procedure is required to stop the progression of gum recession, bone loss and improve the appearance of your smile.

Gum grafting offers many cosmetic benefits such as a balanced and even gum line, reshaped excess gum and bone tissues, and restoring a beautiful smile. In addition, if you have a missing tooth for a long time, you may need gum grafting to support a dental implant. So, if you are considering getting a dental implant treatment in New Hampshire, it is highly recommended to consult with a dental expert to learn your treatment options.

What is a gum grafting procedure?

The gum grafting procedure is specifically developed to repair and restore receding gums by harvesting the gum tissue from another place in the mouth and placing it at the affected location. During this procedure, the surgeon will carefully remove a part of the gum tissue and attach it to the area where tooth roots are exposed. The gum graft may take a few weeks to months to properly integrate with the target area and strengthen the jaw for a dental implant.

Once the base is strong enough to support a dental implant, the surgeon will install the artificial tooth root in your jaw for dental crown installation. However, nowadays, some surgeons conduct gum grafting and dental implants procedure at the same time. It will depend on your tooth condition and the severity of the receding gums problem. If there is not enough bone to support the implant in your mouth, there will be a higher risk of implant failure without gum grafting. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a dental expert to explore your cosmetic dentistry options in NH.

If you suffer from gum recession, gum problems, or missing teeth, get in touch with our dental experts for professional consultation regarding a dental implant treatment in New Hampshire.

Who is eligible for full-mouth dental implants?

 Dental implants are the most effective way to replace a broken or missing tooth. In fact, even if a person has lost most of their teeth, a full mouth dental implant procedure is often the most preferred option to restore their teeth and smile. So, if you have lost more than half of your teeth due to old age or periodontal disease, you might be eligible for full-mouth dental implants in New Hampshire.

How is a full-mouth dental implant procedure different from single tooth dental implants?

During the single tooth dental implant procedure, the implant is installed to replace one missing/damaged tooth. It provides appropriate support for the adjacent teeth and prevents bone shrinking. On the other hand, replacing each tooth one by one can be a long and expensive procedure. Therefore, special dentures are made for permanent installation in the jawbone during a full mouth dental implant procedure. These are affixed on the gums with posts installed on 4-5 places in the jaw. They act similar to natural teeth, and unlike dentures, they are securely placed, so there is no risk of these slipping out accidentally.

Full mouth dental implants are considered a superior method of full teeth replacement rather than dentures. Although dentures are cheaper and removable, they require more maintenance and cannot prevent jawbone deterioration. Also, there is always a risk of dentures accidentally slipping out, which can be embarrassing for people in social situations. On the other hand, permanent dentures with dental implants keep the teeth in place. It increases the person’s chewing ability and stimulates jawbone growth. It also maintains jawline strength and helps avoid jowls and turkey neck.

Full mouth dental implants require little maintenance and provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. These are custom-made to fit your mouth’s shape perfectly, so they are much more comfortable than dentures.

If you are looking for reliable cosmetic dentistry solutions in NH for missing teeth or want to know whether you would be an eligible candidate for full mouth dental implants in New Hampshire, contact our team for a consultation.