close

Dentist

Dentist

Operculectomy: What Is It and Why Is It Needed in Passaic, NJ

by Abel Lila on

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for the general well-being of the hearts of Passaic, New Jersey. Although some dental phrases might not be recognizable to you, they frequently refer to important procedures meant to maintain the health of your smile. One such procedure that you may not be familiar with is the operculectomy. We shall explore the topic of operculectomy and how an oral surgeon in Passaic, NJ, treats it in this blog post, outlining its definition and the reasons why Passaic needs it.

Operculectomy: What Is It?

An operculum dental operation is intended to treat a particular problem with gum tissue in the oral cavity. The term “operculum” refers to a triangular flap of gum tissue that can partially cover the back of a tooth, typically a molar. This condition most often arises when a person has impacted wisdom.

Why are Operculectomies Needed?

Operculectomy is required to address the following issues.

  1. Pain and Discomfort: An operculum can be very painful, especially if it is infected or inflamed. This may result in chewing or eating difficulties as well as pain in the back of the mouth.
  2. Infections: Food particles and bacteria may become trapped in a pocket formed by the partially covered operculum, which may result in the formation of infections or abscesses. If treatment is not administered, infections in this region may become unpleasant and hazardous.
  3. Swelling and Inflammation: When an operculum is present, the gum tissue around it may swell and become inflamed, making it difficult or even unpleasant to move the jaw or open the mouth.
  4. Impact on Oral Hygiene: The flap makes it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene. It has become a breeding ground for bacteria and plaques, increasing the risk of gum diseases and cavities.
  5. Difficulty with Cleaning: It may be challenging to properly clean the area beneath the operculum. To maintain the best possible dental health, the operculum must be removed because brushing and flossing may not be able to reach these concealed pockets.

Operaculectomy is an essential operation in Passaic, New Jersey, for people with operculum-related pain, discomfort, and oral health problems. Knowing what an operculectomy is and why it is required will help you see the importance of this dental operation in preserving oral health and well-being. If you believe you may benefit from operculectomy, consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to explore options and ensure a healthy, pain-free smile.

read more
Dentist

What Your Dentist Really Wants You to Know About Your Teeth

by Abel Lila on

Your capacity to communicate, eat, smile, and show feelings depends on oral health. It also impacts your relationships with others, sense of self-worth, productivity, and reliability at work and in education. 

That is why seeing the dentist in Leduc, Alberta, regularly is essential for a lifetime of good oral health and beyond.

Here are some things your dentist wishes you knew about your teeth for a pleasant dental visit that will leave you (and him or her) grinning.

There are more than 700 different species of bacteria in the mouth.

Researchers have identified more than 700 distinct species of bacteria in the oral cavity, while the average person harbors about 34 to 72 species at any given time.

The vast majority of these bacteria are actually good, preserving teeth and gums and facilitating digestion. However, certain bacteria can lead to cavities and gum disease.

The good news is that frequent flossing and brushing make it easy to manage the bacteria in your mouth. People can reduce their risk of developing pathogenic germs by avoiding sugary and starchy diets.

See a dentist immediately if your gums are bleeding.

You may have a mild infection if your teeth or gums bleed after brushing or flossing. Regular, gentle cleaning can help strengthen the gum tissue and reduce inflammation. If bleeding persists, however, you should consult your dentist to prevent the infection from worsening.

There is such a thing as overbrushing your teeth.

Think again if you believe vigorously brushing away residue benefits your teeth. Using a stiff toothbrush or applying too much force is counterproductive. Overzealous brushing might remove the protective layer of gum tissue. When this layer is lost, sugar and bacteria can more easily attack the teeth, leading to decay.

Do not brush for too long.

The recommended amount of time spent brushing your teeth is four minutes, but no more.

Two to three minutes is the optimum time for brushing. More than that, tooth enamel might wear away, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

Setting a timer is an efficient method of keeping inside the two-three-minute limit. Set an egg timer or two-minute stopwatch on your phone or tablet.

You can floss incorrectly.

Snapping or pushing the dental floss up between the teeth is a common mistake flossers make. The sharp edges or rough bristles might cause damage to the gums.

To properly floss, the dental floss should be carefully curled around the base of each tooth. Work it against the tooth’s side, down below the gum line, and back up. Do this routinely to keep gum disease at bay.

read more