X-Rays are commonly used by dentists to see beneath your gums and into your bones. However, x-rays use radiation to create their pictures which can cause anxiety in some people. Radiation can have potentially harmful effects and you can find lots of information online about the dangers of radiation. But are dental x-rays really dangerous? Join us at PRACTICE NAME as we dive into the information about x-rays and radiation.

How safe are dental x-rays?

In short, dental x-rays are considered to be very safe. When performed properly, dental x-rays give off extremely low levels of radiation. Additionally, over the years there have been many improvements to x-ray technology that continue to improve the safety of the procedure.

Just how little radiation do you get exposed to with dental x-rays? A set of 4 bitewing x-rays will expose you to 0.4mrem of radiation. Compare that to the amount of radiation you are exposed to from a variety of things you do in your daily life – drinking water exposes you to 5mrem per year and using natural gas for heating/cooking exposes you to 9mrem per year. You are even exposed to 35mrem of natural radiation from the soil every year.

We also take additional safety precautions to minimize your exposure to radiation during the x-ray. We will have you wear a lead apron to protect most of your body. We also have a leaded thyroid collar that protects the thyroid, which is more sensitive to radiation. If you are pregnant, please let your dentist know so they can take extra precautions or they may decide against taking x-rays at that time to protect you and your fetus.

What are the benefits of dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are very useful and help us diagnose a number of oral health problems that can cause patients pain and discomfort. Letting these issues go unchecked can cause far worse problems than the small amount of radiation received from the x-ray. The problems that we can identify include:

• Tooth decay occurring between the teeth
• Bone loss
• Tumors or other growths
• Changes in a root canal
• Infections between the teeth and gums

If these problems are not promptly addressed, they can lead to serious long-term issues for your oral health.

Overall, the benefits of having x-rays taken vastly outweigh the risks associated with being exposed to such a small amount of radiation. If you have more questions or concerns about dental x-rays, call our Oklahoma City dental office at 405-722-7071 and we will be happy to give you more information.

More On Digital X-Rays Contact Warwick Dental

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that millions of people undergo each year. Although the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, the recovery process can be lengthy and challenging if proper aftercare steps are not followed. At Warwick Dental in Oklahoma City, OK, we recommend following the aftercare tips listed below to help you heal comfortably and quickly after your wisdom tooth removal procedure.

Rest and Take It Easy

It’s essential to rest and avoid any strenuous activities after your procedure for at least the first 24-48 hours. Resting allows your body to recover more quickly. Physical exertion can also cause the blood clot that forms over the surgical site to dislodge, which can lead to dry socket.

Apply Ice Packs

After wisdom tooth removal, swelling is common and applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your cheek for 10 -15 minute intervals. Do not place the ice pack directly onto your skin. Repeat this every few hours for the first few hours after surgery or as needed.

Use Gauze to Control Bleeding

It is normal to experience bleeding after wisdom tooth removal. Bite down gently on a piece of gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding. If the bleeding persists, contact us immediately.

Take Prescribed Medications

You may likely be prescribed pain relievers and/or antibiotics after your surgery. Take these medications as prescribed, and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort, while antibiotics can help prevent infection.

Follow a Soft Foods Diet

After your wisdom tooth extraction, stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods that do not require excessive chewing. Foods like smoothies, soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce are ideal. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that can irritate the surgical site and cause pain.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

While you should avoid brushing the surgical site, it’s essential to keep your mouth clean after your wisdom tooth extraction. Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater several times a day to help prevent infection and promote healing.

Proper aftercare is critical for a smooth and speedy recovery after wisdom tooth removal. Following these essential aftercare tips can help ensure that you heal comfortably and successfully after your surgery. If you have any concerns or questions during the recovery process, be sure to contact us.

Learn More About Warwick Dental More On Wisdom Teeth Removal

Damage to teeth and gums can’t be ignored. It’s always important to act quickly if something is wrong, but some dental issues are more pressing than others. How can you know the difference between a dental problem that needs to be solved soon and a problem that needs to be solved now? At Warwick Dental, we never want our patients to put off a dental procedure when it could lead to lasting harm, so we’ve compiled a list of important warning signs that mean you should get your teeth checked out as soon as possible. After all, you’ve only got so many teeth — it’s best to keep them all in good shape.

1. Broken or missing teeth

It goes without saying that obvious physical damage to your teeth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can experience. If your tooth has been damaged, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately and call us as soon as possible. If your tooth has come out, gently try to put it back into the socket (without touching the root!) or keep it in your mouth to protect it until we can see you.

2. Dental abscesses

A dental abscess is a small collection of pus inside a tooth or gums that is caused by a bacterial infection. If your symptoms include shiny red swollen gums, a fever, or pain that spreads to your jaw or neck, you may have an abscess, even if you don’t see it. Try to see us as soon as possible, but, in the meantime, you can reduce the pain of the abscess by avoiding cold drinks. Use a soft toothbrush to very gently clean the area until we can get you into the office.

3. Lost filling or crown

A crown or filling can become loose or even fall out for a variety of reasons. If you lose a crown or filling, it’s important to try to save it — we may be able to reuse it. Rinse the area with warm salt water and continue to brush the damaged tooth (gently!) until we can see you.

4. Significant pain or swelling in the teeth, gums or jaw

Constant pain or swelling in your mouth is never normal! This symptom may seem vague or common, but it could be a sign of major damage or an infection that could have nasty results if left untreated. Don’t tough it out. Call us and we will decide together whether you need to come in for an appointment.

Ignoring any of these four dental problems could result in the permanent loss of teeth. Infections can even spread to other parts of your body and cause serious general medical issues, so it’s extremely important to get your teeth examined if you experience any dental emergency on this list!

We want your tooth pain or mouth pain to stop.

First and foremost, if you are in pain, we want to help you get some relief. Then we can address any underlying causes to solve the problem using dental best practices. If you believe you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give Warwick Dental in Oklahoma City, OK a call at (405) 722-7071 as soon as possible. We’ll get you an appointment in the near future, so you can go back to your life and leave tooth pain behind.

Invisalign® has completely changed the way people view orthodontic treatment. With the clear aligner system, people can discreetly enhance their smiles. Invisalign® offers a comfortable alternative to traditional braces, but there are other factors to consider when selecting the right orthodontic option. You should discuss your individual circumstances with your dentist before making a decision.

Crooked Teeth

Invisalign® has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for crooked teeth. The clear aligners provide an ideal solution for people to straighten their teeth and feel more confident in their smile.

Overbite & Underbite

Invisalign® is an effective treatment for both an overbite and an underbite. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the bottom front teeth, while an underbite is when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. With Invisalign®, the top or bottom teeth can be moved into the proper position for proper alignment when the mouth is closed.

Cross-bite

A cross-bite occurs when teeth don’t line up properly with the mouth closed. This could be the top teeth in the back of your mouth resting inside your bottom teeth or could be one or more of your top front teeth resting behind your bottom front teeth. Invisalign® can move teeth into the proper positions and treat a cross-bite.

Gaps in Teeth & Crowded Teeth

Invisalign® can be used to treat both gaps in teeth and crowded teeth, where there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth, leading to overlapping or twisting. If left untreated, crowded teeth can cause food to get stuck and plaque to build up, so it is important to address this issue to maintain optimal oral health.

Limitations of Invisalign®

While Invisalign® is an excellent option for many orthodontic issues, it does have its limitations. There are times when it may be best to go with braces. For severe orthodontic issues and intrusion and extrusion, braces often offer the force that is needed. It’s also important to note that Invisalign® continues to get better and better. We can now treat more complex orthodontic situations than we could even a few years ago. If you are interested if Invisalign® is the right treatment option for you, contact Warwick Dental at 405-722-7071.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

One of the hottest topics in dentistry today is the use of dental implants. Implants have certainly revolutionized the field of replacement teeth. If you are considering tooth implants for missing teeth, you need to know the facts. There are pros and cons of dental implants that are carefully weighed by your dentist before surgery can be scheduled.

Research continually shows that dental implants are the best long-term solution to replace missing teeth. However, like any type of surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Cons of Dental Implants

No procedure is right for everyone, including dental implants. While there are some risks associated with dental implants, they are relatively mild. The disadvantages include:

• You have to meet a set of requirements
  • In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria. As the procedure involves anchoring the implant to your jaw bone, if you’ve experienced significant bone loss as a result of losing teeth, there may not be enough for the dental implant to be successful. You also have to be in good health so your jawbone can fully recover.
• The cost of the procedure
  • While dental implants are the best long-term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost-effective. However, dental implants are well worth the price for the comfort, confidence, and natural feel they give you.
• The procedure can be lengthy
  • Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed. Your dentist will then need to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. Once the anchor has been fitted, you’ll need to wait several months while it heals and the surrounding bone grows. The final stage of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

While there are some drawbacks to dental implants, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

• They look and feel like natural teeth
  • Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth. Implants also won’t feel any different from your regular teeth. Since the implants are anchored to your jaw, they’ll feel just as strong as your regular teeth too.
• You can eat and chew with ease
  • Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you can eat what you want! Whether you fancy crunchy snacks, chewy foods, or hot or cold drinks, you can eat and drink without concern — just remember not to overdo the sugary treats.
• Dental implants can last a lifetime
  • Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.
• They’re easy to take care of
  • You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and a healthy diet.
• They prevent bone loss
  • Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.

You can see that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. Dental implants have been proven to be a great option for people who suffer from tooth loss. We always want to make our patients look and feel great, and dental implants are a great way to do that. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call!