Types of Teeth

Implants and periodontal therapy are our specialties at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. But to understand the full range of their treatment options, patients must first understand the basic function of their teeth. Adults normally grow thirty-two in total, and each type can have different issues.

The four teeth in the front of the mouth are called incisors. Their flat shape makes them useful for forming speech and they are the focus of most cosmetic care. In a small number of people, the upper lateral incisors may be missing, or the baby versions of the bottom central incisors may fail to fall out as their adult replacements come in. Framing the incisors are the cuspids, or canine teeth, which are sharp and used for piercing. They occupy the part of the jaw arch with the greatest change in rate of curvature and help to maintain facial stability.

The molars and premolars have multiple cusps and are used for grinding food. The premolars only have a single tooth root, but the lower molars have two and the upper ones have three. Wisdom teeth, the molars furthest in back, are often removed in teenagers because of their difficulty erupting and are generally not replaced. Molars are anchored by strong ligaments and are the only teeth capable of withstanding the pressure of chewing. But even they can crack if subjected to grinding during the patient’s sleep.

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

Denture Stomatitis

We’ve placed a lot of prosthetic teeth at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. Many of them were dentures, which may have been attached to implants or allowed to rest on the gum ridges. In either case, we always encourage our patients to maintain their oral hygiene, because if they don’t, they will be at risk of developing denture stomatitis.

Candida species of yeast are always in the mouth, but they are not usually able to cause harm. Saliva contains enzymes that combat them, and people are usually able to keep their teeth clear of debris. But when someone has an upper denture adhered to the roof of their mouth, saliva may not be able to reach the top of the denture. This would allow a yeast infection to develop, creating the red sores we call stomatitis.

A patient isn’t always able to feel when sores have developed, so they need to do frequent examinations of their mouth. An infection is likelier to occur when the dentures are the wrong size, which can also lead to saliva pooling at the corners of the mouth and causing chapping. People with diabetes or who use inhalers are also at increased risk for stomatitis. Patients with dentures should remember to brush the inside of their mouth before putting their dentures in each morning and to make sure that they’re clearing debris away from implant abutments. They should also stay hydrated and might want to consider mouthwash.

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

 

White Spot Lesions

Have you ever noticed odd, chalky white spots on your teeth? Those are signs that enamel is under attack from acid, and if the white spot persists, it means the tooth is in danger of developing a cavity. Dr. Martin Urban’s dental office specializes in restorations and treating gum disease, but we also value prevention and want our patients to recognize early symptoms of tooth decay.

Before enamel is lost entirely, it will weaken and lose some of its comprising minerals. This is when it will appear chalky white. The acid causing the demineralization could be a result of acid reflux disease, but in these cases the chalky discoloration will form a distinctive pattern on the upper back molars. More often, the acid is coming from infectious bacteria, which secrete it as a by-product of metabolizing sugar. The longer sugar remains on the teeth, the more of it bacteria will be able to consume and the more acid they will produce.

A white spot can turn into a cavity in the span of a month. Patients should take them as a sign they need to do more brushing, although not so hard that they damage their gum tissue. They may want to try extra-fluoridated toothpaste and improving their technique. We can help a patient to determine whether a white spot is being caused by an active infection. We also do deep cleanings to remove plaque from the gum pockets, where patients are unable to see it.

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

 

Repairing Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth is an emergency that demands immediate treatment. At the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban, one of our specialties is removing and replacing teeth with durable, attractive prosthetics. Different kinds of implants, crowns, and smaller prosthetics exist for a wide variety of situations relating to the extent of the injury and the patient’s overall condition.

Small cracks are known to dentists as “craze lines” and are considered a cosmetic issue. They, as well as chipping, may be covered with bonding. Like the fillings for cavities, these prosthetics are shaped as they are applied. Larger restorations, such as a crown or partial crown, will have to be shaped based on a physical or digital impression of the patient’s teeth. If a crack went into the pulp, a patient might be referred for a root canal prior to having their crown replaced in order to protect them from infection.

Cracked crowns can be replaced, but if a crack went into the tooth’s root, the entire tooth will have to be removed. Options for replacing it include implants, removable dentures, and fixed bridges in cases when more than one tooth is damaged. Implants that have become unstable also need to be replaced. To avoid cracking their teeth, patients are advised to wear mouthguards during sports and night guards if they clench their jaws in their sleep. They should also avoid using their front teeth for chewing or as tools.

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

 

Mouthguard Usage

Mouthguards are essential for good dental health. At the office of Dr. Martin Urban, we specialize in restorations and often assist people who chipped or lost teeth in sports-related accidents. It’s a shame whenever restored teeth are further damaged by preventable emergencies, so we want our patients to understand the basics of their mouthguard options and how to maintain these crucial oral appliances.

Athletic stores sell one-size-fits-all mouthguards that offer basic protection. People are better off using these than nothing at all, but some people find that their bulkiness obstructs their breathing. Better-fitted mouthguards avoid this problem. Although there are options for having a mouthguard custom-fitted, people whose teeth are still shifting rapidly, such as teenagers and people undergoing orthodontic therapy, might prefer a boil-and-bite model. These models can be adjusted each month at orthodontic examinations and may be shaped to slide over braces.

Formal athletic associations require athletes to wear mouthguards as appropriate, with people who wear braces sometimes being required to wear both upper and lower mouthguards. Dentists also recommend that people wear mouthguards whenever they go jogging, cycling, or skating. Mouthguards and their containers should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and patted dry after each use. Like dentures, they need to be kept out of extreme temperatures to avoid cracking or warping.

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

 

Pregnancy and Gingivitis

Dr. Martin Urban is specially trained to treat patients suffering from gum disease. While it is important for everybody to maintain their oral hygiene, one group suffers from particularly high rates of gum inflammation: pregnant women. Since this population is especially vulnerable, we want them to understand what they should expect and how we are able to help.

Inflammation is how the body reacts to the threat of disease. When bacteria in the gum pockets secrete acid, the gums become inflamed, making cell membranes more permeable to antibodies and preventing the toxins from spreading. But inflammation also makes gums sore, discolored, and easily bruised, resulting in bleeding. When a woman is pregnant (or going through menopause), her body produces large amounts of a hormone called progesterone. This hormone triggers new blood vessel growth and increases blood flow to the gums. As a result, they are much more sensitive to oral bacteria and become inflamed more easily.

There is always a possibility that gingivitis will progress into periodontitis and threaten the integrity of gum tissue. However, this can usually be avoided through regular brushing and flossing. Pregnant women may want to stick to toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but they should be vigilant about removing food debris and acid. We can help them by providing deep cleanings to the gum pockets and using localized anti-bacterial medicines. We can also show them proper brushing and flossing techniques and examine bumps that sometimes develop in gum tissue during pregnancy

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

 

Sealants

Our staff at Dr. Martin Urban, DDS advises our younger patients to get sealants to protect their molars. Sealants are a plastic coating on the chewing surfaces of the molar to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children despite being preventable. It can be difficult for children to brush their molars effectively because of their location.  Sealants help to keep their molars clean and healthy for when their permanent molars come in.

Sealants are applied with a liquid adhesive that is painted right on your tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque or bacteria that can be damaging to your teeth. After sealants are applied, they last for about 10 years and can be replaced when necessary.

It is important to protect your children’s molars at a young age so their permanent teeth develop smoothly and are healthy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment 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