Swelling after Extractions

We’ve provided lots of people with replacement teeth at the office of Dr. Martin Urban, but sometimes teeth need to be extracted before new ones can be put in. When a tooth is severely compromised or causing overcrowding, a patient may be glad to be rid of it. But they will likely have to deal with some swelling after the procedure, so they should know what to expect.

When a tooth is extracted, the empty socket will briefly be exposed before the blood clots and seals it off. The immune system will trigger inflammation at the extraction site to prevent the migration of harmful bacteria and to concentrate while blood cells. Swelling following a simple extraction is usually not as severe as following one in which incisions were made, but the patient should try to minimize it by applying cold packs. A cold pack should be applied for no more than fifteen minutes at a time, with fifteen minutes allowed to pass between applications.

Swelling should peak within three days. A patient should call for advice if it does not. After swelling has peaked, they may try reducing it with heat packs, again using the fifteen-on, fifteen-off rule. The patient should schedule an emergency appointment if they are in pain or the extraction site turns black or white, but in most cases, the swelling completely recedes within a week. Follow-up examinations are common at this point.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Acid Reflux

It’s the time of year for feasting, and for that, the teeth better be in good working order. We’re proud to have provided many people with dental restorations at the office of Dr. Martin Urban, but artificial teeth have to be protected from acidic erosion, just like natural ones. Tooth decay is one potential source of harm, but there is another party-goers should beware of: acid reflux.

Sometimes, the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus accidentally opens, allowing acid to escape upwards. When this happens more than twice a week, it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The burning sensation of acid in the esophagus is misleadingly called heartburn. Stomach acid is highly corrosive, and when it enters the mouth, it wears away enamel. Natural teeth being eroded by acid reflux will turn a chalky color and become more sensitive, with the inward-facing sides of the upper teeth being the worst affected. Plastic dentures can also be eroded, requiring them to be replaced.

Acid reflux can often be prevented by changes in lifestyle such as the cessation of smoking. Patients are also advised to avoid eating before bed or while reclining and to limit their intake of alcohol, red meat, spice, onions and garlic, chocolate, and citric acid. Saliva helps to combat acid, so patients might want to ask their doctors about switching away from medications that cause dry mouth.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is primarily used to treat receding gums, especially where tooth has been exposed. When plaque and bacteria build up at the gum line, the gums start to pull away from the teeth and stretch, forming little pockets around the buildup. Even when these little pockets are cleaned out, they remain at the gum line and cause the gums to recede. Dr. Martin Urban, DDS can help you correct this by repairing deficient gums with a gum graft. 

A gum graft procedure consists of harvesting healthy tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transferring it to the site that needs reinforcement. This gives the deficient gum a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the graft.  Gum grafting can be performed when receding gums become unsightly, or to cover teeth that have been exposed by receding gums and become much more sensitive.  If you think you could benefit from a gum graft, please contact us.

To learn more about gum grafting and all the other treatments provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.