Self Care Tips After Receiving A Root Canal – Recover Quickly & Comfortably

What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?

Dental issues can become more critical over time if left untreated. What starts as a slight tooth discomfort or pain can cause sleepless nights, headaches, and the inability to eat food and enjoy life. That is why it’s essential to be able to tell what a dental emergency is and what isn’t. At Riverside Tooth Co., Dr. Sandhu takes dental emergencies seriously and will address your dental emergency as soon as possible to get you out of pain and discomfort. We offer emergency dental appointments to our new and old customers in Riverside. Below is a detailed explanation of what a dental emergency is, identifying common dental emergencies, and how they are treated. WHAT IS A DENTAL EMERGENCY? If you don’t know the common symptoms of a dental emergency, it’s likely that you may not be able to differentiate between a minor problem and a more severe issue. A dental emergency is any serious condition involving your teeth and the surrounding tissues that require immediate treatment to stop bleeding, reduce intense pain, or prevent infection. COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES While dental emergencies are common, not every dental problem constitutes a dental emergency. To receive the dental care you need, you should be able to recognize when to schedule an emergency or regular dental appointment. Some issues can wait until your next dentist’s visit, while others just can’t wait. Emergency cases include: * Extreme tooth pain * Knocked-out tooth * Missing filling * Swollen or bleeding gums * A broken crown * Dental abscess If you experience one or more of these signs, you should see your local dentist as quickly as possible. These conditions are life-threatening, and if not treated early enough, they can impact every aspect of your life. Dr. Sandhu understands that, and that’s why he brings modern comforts and treatments to the Riverside local community. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY? When you identify a dental emergency, you should call a dentist without delay. Explain the problem to the dentist and ask for an emergency appointment. Like most practices, Riverside Tooth Co. reserves several appointments for patients looking for emergency treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your situation, diagnose the issue, and provide the appropriate treatment. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, your dentist will reinsert it. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant or bridge if it cannot be saved. If you have an abscess, your dentist will examine the affected area and remove it, either through a root canal, tooth extraction, or incision & drainage. SCHEDULE AN EMERGENCY DENTAL APPOINTMENT TODAY! At Riverside Tooth Co., we are equipped to offer complete care for life-threatening dental conditions. Get in touch if you have a dental emergency in Riverside, and our dentists will address it right away. Get started by contacting us online or calling our office at (951) 435-8264 to book an emergency dental appointment.

What’s The Difference Between Dental Implants And Bridges?

If you’re missing a single tooth in Riverside, you may be wondering if a dental implant is right for you, or if a dental bridge is a better option. Not sure what the difference is between these two treatments? Find out now in this blog from Riverside Tooth Co., and learn everything you need to know.  WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? Dental implants are made of two parts; an implant and an implant-supported restoration. The implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw, and it’s surgically implanted into your jaw and gum tissue to function as an artificial tooth root. The implant-supported restoration is typically a dental crown, which is attached to the implant to replace your missing tooth, restoring your bite and your appearance. Dental implants have a number of great advantages compared to dental bridges. They are long-lasting, with a lifespan of 30+ years with proper care.  They also look and feel completely natural, and do not require any specialized care. You can treat a single-tooth implant just like a natural tooth, and brush and floss it normally to keep it clean and healthy. However, there are some drawbacks. Implant surgery is invasive, and it takes about 3-6 months to heal from treatment, so this treatment takes much longer than a bridge.  You also must have a strong jaw bone to have a dental implant, so this may not be the best choice if your jaw bone has already weakened due to tooth loss. WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES? Dental bridges are made of two dental crowns, which are attached to healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth. A false tooth (pontic) is attached to these two crowns, and it “bridges” the gap where your missing tooth used to be, restoring your smile and your bite. Bridges have been used for decades, and are a time-tested method of replacing missing teeth. Compared to dental implants, bridges have some key advantages. The treatment is very fast, first of all. You can restore your smile with a bridge in 2 appointments over a period of 2-3 weeks, in most cases, compared to 3-6 months for an implant.  Bridges are also much less invasive, since there is no need to cut into your jaw bone or gums to place an implant. Bridges also have a very secure hold on your teeth compared to alternative treatments like partial dentures, since they’re permanently anchored using two crowns. As far as drawbacks go, a key disadvantage of bridges is that they require two of your healthy teeth to be trimmed. This process is not reversible, so these teeth will be permanently affected by the placement of a dental bridge.  Bridges also have a 5-15 year lifespan, so they do not usually last as long as implants. It’s also somewhat more difficult to clean and maintain a bridge, compared to an implant. WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME? FIND OUT AT RIVERSIDE TOOTH CO!  Still not sure if a bridge or dental implant is right for you? The team at Riverside Tooth Co. is here to help. Dr. Kabir Sandhu can explain each option in further detail, discuss the pros and cons of bridges vs. implants, and make sure you choose the right procedure for your needs. Contact us now online or give us a call at (951) 435-8264 to get started.

What Are The Risk Factors For Periodontitis?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. There are several risk factors that can increase the risk of developing gum disease. These include: SMOKING Smokers are at a much greater risk of developing periodontitis than non-smokers. In fact, smoking is the primary risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Tobacco use of any kind causes significant inflammation of the gum tissues, as well as the narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the gums with nutrients. This limits the body’s ability to fight infections like periodontitis in an efficient manner. Quitting smoking altogether will reduce your risk of gum disease significantly.  GENETICS Genetic factors can play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing periodontitis. Recent studies suggest that some types of bacteria may be passed from parents to children, which can increase their risk for severe gum disease later in life. Others find that genetics may control whether certain patients experience more aggressive forms of periodontal disease than others. A family history of gum disease can make a patient more likely to develop the condition as well. Even though researchers are still exploring the role that genetics play in periodontal disease, it’s clear that identifying risk factors can help prevent the development of this serious condition. MEDICATIONS Certain medications, such as steroids and other immunosuppressants, can be linked to an increased risk of periodontitis. People who take these medications should work closely with their dentist to maintain a high standard of oral health. These medications can come with a wide range of side effects, including an increase in the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth, and swollen gums. All of these factors contribute to an increased risk for gum disease, so it’s essential to speak with your dentist if you’re taking any of these medications. DIABETES Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people across the country, making it one of the most common risk factors for periodontitis. If you are diabetic, it is important to visit your Riverside dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to fight inflammation by slowing down white blood cells in the bloodstream. When these blood cells do not function correctly, they are unable to fight off infections. The gum tissue can become inflamed more easily in diabetics, leading to a greater risk of gum disease. This risk is even greater when blood sugar levels are not under control. STRESS People under stress are more likely to develop periodontal disease. This is because the hormones that are released when your body is under stress can increase your risk for inflammation. You may notice that you have an increased susceptibility to infection when you are stressed, and it is also likely that the recovery time after a bacterial infection will be longer during periods of stress. If you are someone who has been under a lot of physical or emotional stress for a long period of time, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist to discuss your risk of periodontitis. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Riverside Tooth Co at 6886 Indiana Ave Suite B, Riverside 92506, or call (951) 686-2565.

What Is The Difference Between Dentures & Dental Implants?

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth in Riverside, you may be considering dental implants or dentures. But what are the differences between these treatments?  In this blog from Riverside Tooth Co., we’ll explain the differences between these treatments, and how they compare when it comes to versatility, cost, longevity, and oral health benefits.  VERSATILITY – BOTH IMPLANTS & DENTURES CAN REPLACE ONE OR ALL MISSING TEETH Both full and partial dentures are available. Full dentures replace all of your teeth. They require the extraction of any remaining teeth, and fit perfectly over your gums to restore your smile. Partial dentures clip onto your remaining healthy teeth, replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are similarly versatile. You can use one implant to restore a single missing tooth, or several implants to replace a few missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges can be used to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth, and implant-supported dentures can replace the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth.  That means both treatments are very versatile, and either one may be a good option if you are missing one or more teeth. ORAL HEALTH – IMPLANTS PROTECT & PRESERVE YOUR JAW BONE, UNLIKE DENTURES Dental implants use titanium rods that are surgically implanted into your jaw and gum tissue. When you chew or bite, they transmit pressure into the jaw bone, stimulating it and strengthening it, and preventing bone resorption after tooth loss. This keeps your jaw healthy and strong. In contrast, dentures do not do this. The jaw bone under your dentures will continue to deteriorate over time, which can eventually result in changes to your appearance, and require your dentures to be re-fitted. Because of this, dental implants are better for your overall oral health. COST – DENTURES ARE CHEAPER THAN DENTAL IMPLANTS Dentures are typically quite a bit less expensive compared to dental implants, and are almost always covered by dental insurance, while some insurers don’t cover the full cost of dental implants. Whether you choose partial dentures or full dentures, you won’t pay nearly as much for your new smile, so dentures may be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. LONGEVITY – DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST MUCH LONGER THAN DENTURES Despite being more expensive, dental implants actually are a better value than dentures, because most patients are able to keep their implants for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, dentures usually wear out and need to be replaced every 5-10 years.  EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS IN MORE DETAIL AT RIVERSIDE TOOTH CO. Making the decision to get dental implants or dentures isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t go it alone. Contact us online or give Riverside Tooth Co. a call at (951) 435-8264 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabir Sandhu. As an experienced restorative dentist in Riverside, Dr. Sandhu can give you an estimate for the cost of your treatment, compare your options, and help you make the right choice.