Dental Blog
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An Essential Guide on Calculus |
Posted on 4/26/2021 by Karl Olson |
| One of the main reasons why people hide their smiles is because of yellow teeth. Although it is still a debate how white teeth should be, many people's teeth become yellow because of calculus accumulation. Not only do teeth with calculus have an unpleasant appearance, but they also are at high risk of gum disease which can lead to a plethora of other health issues. What is Calculus? Calculus is also known as tartar and forms when plaque accumulates and hardens on your teeth. Plaque is a biofilm that starts to form on your clean teeth within 24 hours. If you do not brush and floss your teeth every day to remove this thin layer of plaque, it will calcify in two or three days, turning into stubborn calculus. Calculus has a hard surface and provides more surface for the bacterial plaque to stick to. More plaque means more cavities and more risk of gum disease. Therefore, your first priority should be to ensure plaque does not have the chance to harden onto your teeth. People who smoke or drink caffeinated drinks are more at risk of plaque since they are more susceptible to stained teeth which can provide a better surface for bacteria to stick. Types of Calculus There are two types of calculus: supragingival and subgingival. Supragingival calculus forms along and above the gum line and can be seen as a yellow or tan deposit on the surface of your teeth. On the other hand subgingival calculus forms below the gum line in the pockets between your gum and teeth. This plaque may be brown or black in color and is not visible to the naked eye unless your gums have already started to recede. How Can Calculus Be Removed? Once formed, calculus cannot be effectively removed at home. At Olson Family Dental, Dr. Karl Olson and Dr. Matthew Olson will clean your teeth and gums via a debridement process. We will use an ultrasonic device to dislodge large pieces of calculus from your teeth. We will also irrigate your teeth to wash away the tartar. The remaining residue will be removed from your teeth and gum line with the help of scalers. If your tooth roots are exposed, we will polish them to make them smooth so that bacteria won't be able to stick to them again. If the plaque has entered more than five or six millimeters into the gum pockets, we may need to perform a pocket reduction surgery, a minimally invasive surgery, to remove the plaque and allow the gums to heal. Why Is It Important to Remove Calculus? Calculus not just causes oral issues, it can have serious negative consequences for your overall health, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, taking small and simple precautions can help you prevent calculus build up. That is why we strongly recommend visiting us twice a year for your routine daily checkup so that we can ensure all is right with your oral health. If you suspect you have plaque or are concerned about your oral health in any way, call us at (203) 838-3132 to schedule an appointment with us.... Read more... |
Whatis a Tooth Impaction? |
Posted on 4/12/2021 by Karl Olson |
| Tooth impaction occurs when a tooth does not erupt properly or cannot erupt because it faces an obstruction in the form of another tooth, tissue, or bone. The reason for obstruction can also be a result of the tooth erupting at an odd angle, which puts those factors in its path. The most commonly impacted teeth are wisdom teeth, which have to be removed at some point to avoid them becoming infected or causing other disruptions. Symptoms of Tooth Impaction Tooth impaction is sometimes symptom-free and goes entirely unnoticed until a problem emerges. On other occasions, impacted teeth are extremely painful and need to be immediately extracted to offer relief. Following are some common symptoms of tooth impaction: Treatments for Tooth Impaction The typical treatment for an impacted tooth with symptoms is extraction. If the tooth is not positioned oddly and can be removed in one go, the dentist performs the procedure under local anesthesia. If the tooth position is more complicated and will have to be removed in parts, the patient is referred to an oral surgeon who performs the surgery using general anesthesia. Surgery can sometimes cause jaw fractures, so the ideal situation is for a regular extraction to take place. Additionally, people who do not experience any symptoms do not need treatment so the impacted tooth is left as it is. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tooth impaction or suspect that one of your teeth might be impacted, please visit Dr. Karl Olson and Dr. Matthew Olson at Olson Family Dental to get examined and treated. If you are looking to learn more about the treatments for tooth impaction, call us today at (203) 838-3132 to schedule a consultation.... Read more... |
How to Clean Your Dental Implants |
Posted on 3/22/2021 by Karl Olson |
| The success of dental implants largely relies on oral hygiene. Once you've gone through the procedure to improve the appearance of your teeth, it's time to ensure that your implants last a lifetime. So, when it comes to dental implants, you need to pay extra attention to maintaining good oral hygiene. Dental Implant Risk Factors As you eat or drink, plaque accumulates on your teeth and gums throughout the day. As this plaque builds up, it exposes your mouth to the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making way for harmful bacteria. Since your dental implants are fused with your jawbone, it is important to ensure that you maintain the health of your gum line to ensure that implant's stability. How to Clean Your Dental Implants Your dentist will recommend many cleaning tips when it comes to caring for your dental implants. In most cases, you are required to treat your dental implant just like you would treat your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day on a regular basis is key to keeping your dental implants clean. It is recommended that you use a fluoride toothpaste to prevent any bacteria from further affecting your teeth. Flossing should also be a part of your dental hygiene routine as it helps get rid of any food remnants from your mouth. Also, you must also rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to keep your gums healthy. Don't forget to visit your dentist regularly to keep a check on your dental implants. Caring for your dental implants isn't that difficult – a good overall oral health routine should suffice when it comes to maintaining your implants in top-notch condition. If you wish to schedule an appointment to get dental implants or any other dental procedure, call us at (203) 838-3132 where our experienced team of dental professionals can help you!... Read more... |
Our Mission WorkThe doctors have participated in multiple missions trips to the Dominican Republic to perform extractions for children in schools who have never seen a dentist.Learn More |
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