Hewlett Family Dental Blog

When Wisdom Teeth Don't Hurt Many people often ask if they need to remove wisdom teeth that don't hurt. Keeping your wisdom teeth will require more care when it comes to brushing and flossing those hard to reach areas. So, if your dentist feels they are correctly aligned, there won't be problems biting or chewing, and feels you will be able to clean and floss those teeth, he may tell you to keep them. Your dentist will look at not just your short-term care but your long-term care as well and will talk to you about all options.   Wisdom Teeth Telling You it's Time to Come Out Visible signs that you or your dentist will detect include decay, misalignment, and partial eruption. All of these have grave effects on the teeth. Other signs to look for include: ●    Swollen gum tissue ●    Slight pain in the teeth region ●    Gum disease ●    Tumors ●    Prolonged tooth decay ●   ...

Many people can experience canker sores triggered by certain foods, such as acidic fruits and vegetables: strawberries, pineapples, oranges, apples, lemons, figs, and tomatoes.  Pain caused by canker sores generally lasts only a couple of days, and the sore itself should heal in about a week or two. Helpful ways to speed up the healing process: Use an over-the-counter gel medication or patch. The gel is applied directly on top of the canker sore to prevent further irritation.  You can also use a medicated mouth rinse found at drugstores which will clean the area, relieve pain, and help to stop infection.  A salt rinse solution is a more natural alternative to a medicated mouth rinse but should not be an exclusive replacement if a medicated mouth rinse is necessary. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and use a soft bristled brush to prevent canker sores from becoming infected. Avoid certain foods which are very acidic, salty, or spicy, hot...

Nitrous oxide has been around for decades, but some patients don’t realize it’s still a great option for dental patients and procedures. Nitrous oxide provides conscious sedation at times when full sedation isn’t required, but a local anesthetic isn’t quite enough. It’s one of the safest and most effective ways to get through challenging dental situations. What Is Nitrous Oxide? Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used in dentistry for over a century. The gas is administered via a small mask that fits over the nose and is inhaled by the patient. It’s also known as laughing gas because of the sense of relaxation and even euphoria it can create in patients. Because of its many advantages and overall lack of side effects, nitrous oxide is the most commonly used gas-form anesthetic in the world, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Why Is Dental Sedation Needed? Sedation is a key part of any dental practice, allowing dentists to perform needed w...