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When you have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or a dental hygienist, you may have a lot of questions. How frequently do you require exams and cleanings in Phoenix, AZ? What exactly is cleaning? And what can you eat after you’ve had your teeth cleaned? We’ve all heard the secret to healthy teeth: brush regularly, floss regularly, and limit sugar intake.

Food particles that remain on our teeth feed the bacteria that live in our mouths. Bacteria produce acid from digestion when food is abundant. This acid then eats away at the enamel, resulting in tooth decay. That is why it is critical to brush your teeth after eating. Strong teeth and healthy gums can help you avoid a variety of diseases.

Foods to Avoid After a Dental Cleaning

After you’ve had your teeth cleaned or have plaque-free teeth, avoid eating anything that could get stuck in your gums. Chips, nuts, popcorn, and sticky and chewy foods like chocolate with caramel and dried fruits are examples of these foods.

Foods that Can Cause Gum Disease

Any food that has a high chance of getting stuck in your gums is bad for you when your teeth and gums are sensitive. These include chips, popcorn, nuts, and chewy and sticky foods like dried fruits and chocolates

Acidic Foods that May be Harsh on Your Gums

Any acidic food or drink, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles, fruit juice, and red wine, is harsh on your mouth after a thorough dental cleaning. Spicy and heavily seasoned foods may also cause discomfort in your mouth.

Foods that Are Possibly Too Large for Your Jaw

Hamburgers, for example, will make you open your mouth wider. They may be too large for your jaw to handle, requiring you to bite/chew more forcefully. Avoid putting strain on your teeth while they heal. You can eat as much as you can tolerate, but be gentle with your mouth for the next 48 hours.

Food that is Simple to Chew and Swallow

They are not difficult to rinse out. Choose soups, pasta, soft-cooked rice, yogurt, eggs, banana, mashed potatoes, and other similar foods. Food and nutrition are essential for quick healing.

Foods to Avoid After a Dental Cleaning

It is fine to eat foods that are easy to swallow and will not irritate sensitive gums and teeth. Soups, soft-cooked rice, bananas, mashed potatoes, eggs, and soft bread are examples of these foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush any debris from your mouth.

If you continue to feel a sensation in your mouth, contact the dentist near you to have it checked. While you are free to eat whatever you want after a dental cleaning, there may be some foods you should avoid. Some foods to avoid for a while after cleaning include:

1. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a great breakfast option as long as they aren’t too hot. They are high in protein and don’t take much effort to chew.

2. Soup

Not only is soup simple to prepare and consume, but it is also high in nutrients. Plus, adding soft vegetables makes it healthier! To avoid discomfort, make sure the soup is smooth and not too hot before eating it.

3. Sweet and Mashed Potatoes 

Mashed potatoes are high in nutrients and easy to chew and swallow. Also, sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help in the prevention of oral disease.

4. Ice Cream

Who does not enjoy ice cream? With this treat, you’ll forget about your discomfort! Because ice cream is cool and soft, it does not require as much jaw muscle to eat. It can help to reduce any natural swelling in the mouth caused by the treatment.

5. Smoothies 

Fresh fruits are ideal for a delectable smoothie. Blueberries, for example, have more antioxidants than any other fruit. It will boost the immune system and prevent gum diseases.

6. Pasta or Noodles

Noodles or pasta is an excellent post-dental-treatment meal. Make sure to cook them until they are very soft and ready to eat.

7. Pancakes

Pancakes are simple to prepare and are always a good choice if your teeth are sensitive after a dental procedure.

Visit Healthy Smiles Today

To keep up your dental examination, you should visit our office regularly. If you’re wondering how long you should wait to eat after a teeth cleaning, the best thing to do is ask your dentist. We eagerly await your response.

Root canal therapy is a procedure where the infected or damaged inner core of the tooth, called the pulp, is removed, and the inside of your tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. The pulp may be affected by decay, infection, or trauma. This procedure is intended to save the original tooth and restore it to full function.

A tooth extraction is a procedure that completely removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is generally done when your tooth is too decayed to be repaired using a root canal. It may also be done if a tooth is impacted or misaligned. When getting a root canal, you can expect the dentist to numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. They will then use a small drill to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth with a specialized filling material. The entire procedure typically takes between one and two hours.

When getting a tooth extraction in Phoenix, you can expect your dentist to numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic. They will then use a special tool to loosen the tooth and remove it from its socket. After the tooth has been removed, the area will be cleaned, and sutures may be placed to help the socket heal. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

Root Canal: Procedure and Aftercare

After numbing the area, your dentist will open the affected tooth and remove the diseased or dead pulp. After the pulp has been removed, the pulp chambers will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that no bacteria remain. Following that, the pulp chambers will be filled with “gutta-percha,” a dental material that will replace your damaged pulp. Finally, to help restore the tooth’s appearance and strength, a crown may be placed on top of it. Depending on your specific situation, your root canal may necessitate multiple visits.

It is normal to experience pain for a few days following your procedure. This pain can either be a dull ache to sharp or acute pain, but it should be manageable with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If your pain is too severe for home treatment or goes away and then reappears, consult your dentist at Healthy Smiles.

Procedure and Aftercare for Tooth Extraction

If the tooth needs to be extracted, YOUR Phoenix Dentist will numb the area so that you won’t feel any pain and discomfort during the procedure. They’ll then use an elevator lever-like device to loosen your tooth while it’s still in the socket. The tooth will then be extracted using forceps. You can expect to feel some little pressure while this is happening, but nothing that will make you feel uneasy.

After your tooth is extracted, you will bite on a piece of gauze for up to 45 minutes to clot the natural blood flow. Light bleeding and facial swelling are normal for the first 24 hours following the procedure, but ice packs can help reduce the inflammation. When you start eating again, stick to soft, cool foods that won’t irritate your extraction site, and gradually return to your regular diet as you heal.

In general, the extraction site can take at least two weeks to heal, during which time you should brush your teeth gently to avoid further irritation.

Risks and Disadvantages

There is no such thing as a completely risk-free dental or medical procedure. Root canal therapy has the following risks:

• Endodontic retreatment may be required if a dentist cannot remove all of the bacteria from inside an infected tooth. This is extremely unusual.
• After a root canal, a tooth becomes weaker and more prone to fracture. However, you can virtually eliminate this risk by investing in a high-quality crown.
• Some people believe that root canal therapy can lead to systemic illness. However, evidence of that effect is scarce and of dubious quality.

The risks of tooth extraction are greater than those of root canal therapy. They are as follows:

• The bone that once held the tooth will begin to shrink in volume and mass.
• Adjacent teeth may shift out of position, resulting in a misaligned bite.
• The likelihood of future tooth loss rises.

The most common complication after a tooth extraction is “dry socket,” also known as alveolar osteitis or fibrinolytic osteitis. A dry socket happens when a blood clot, which normally covers the bottom of the empty socket, fails to form or breaks down before the healing process is completed. As a result, the bone and nerves are exposed to the elements. In addition, the pain can be excruciating when the extraction site is irritated by food debris or other particles.

Dental extraction can result in dry sockets, but wisdom teeth are the most commonly affected. One in every three wisdom tooth extractions will result in dry socket complications, whereas only 3% of other tooth extractions will.

A dry socket is also more common when a tooth is extracted from the lower jaw rather than the upper jaw. There is no agreement on why some tooth extractions cause dry sockets while others do not. A particularly traumatic extraction, insufficient blood flow to the injury, or the patient traumatizing the socket by rinsing too vigorously or brushing the socket are all known causes of dry sockets.

Some patients are more prone to dry sockets than others. Dry socket risk factors include:

• Nicotine constricts blood vessels when smoked.
• Oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, also constrict blood vessels.
• An extraction that is difficult or traumatic
• Dry socket syndrome in the past
• Oral hygiene issues
• Failure to follow the dentist’s post-extraction instructions

How Long Does Dry Socket Last?

Following a tooth extraction, you risk developing a dry socket. Alveolar osteitis is the medical term for dry sockets. A dry socket usually lasts seven days. However, pain can be felt as early as the third day after the extraction.

A blood clot forms at the tooth extraction site to heal and protect it. However, the clot either dislodges, dissolves too quickly, or never forms with dry sockets. As a result, a dry socket exposes the bone, tissue, and nerve endings.

What Is the Treatment for Dry Sockets?

A dentist must treat a dry socket. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to return to your dentist’s office following your surgery. To aid healing, your dentist will clean and medicate the wound. They will most likely also recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. If the pain, fever, or swelling persists, consult your dentist at Healthy Smiles.

Dry socket treatment entails:

• Cleaning up the mess. Food or debris can sometimes become lodged in the empty hole.
• Gauze with medication. This should relieve some of the pain right away. Your dentist near you will give you instructions on cleaning and replacing the gauze at home.
• Medication for pain. Depending on your pain level, this could include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescription drugs.

What Are the Potential Complications of Dry Sockets?

Delayed healing is a potential complication of dry sockets. Infections can occur, but they are not always associated with dry sockets. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your dentist right away.

Infection symptoms include: Chills and fever, swelling, redness, pus, or discharge from the site of extraction

How to Avoid Dry Socket?

Every case of dry socket is unique. Only your dentist can tell if you are at risk for a dry socket. To ensure that you receive high-quality dental care, only work with a board-certified dentist. In addition, you must follow your dentist’s recovery instructions to avoid dry sockets.

Following a tooth extraction:

• Do not smoke for at least one week following surgery.
• Drinking hot or acidic beverages like coffee, soda, or juice may dissolve the blood clot.
• Avoid injuries to the mouth while recovering.
• Consume no food that may become lodged in the site, such as seeds, nuts, or gum.
• Avoid sucking on a straw or spoon for the first week after surgery.

If possible, avoid using birth control pills. Instead, consult your dentist in Phoenix and plan ahead of time to find a replacement birth control method while you recover.

According to some studies, rinsing with chlorhexidine gluconate before and after tooth extraction reduces the risk of dry sockets. In addition, after extraction, using chlorhexidine gluconate gel in the socket reduced the risk of a dry socket.

Oral surgical procedures are straightforward, pain-free, and fast due to dental technological advancements. Most oral tissue surgeries do not require an overnight stay at the dental clinic near you. However, you must take certain precautions to promote healing and prevent complications. Read on to learn about them.

What Is Oral Surgery?

It is an operation performed on your teeth, gums, jaw, or surrounding oral and facial structures by a dental professional. The dentist in Surrey performs oral surgery when alternative treatments are inadequate. There are various types of oral surgical procedures performed at Healthy Smiles, including:

• Dental bone grafts to correct jaw bone loss
• Tooth extraction for impacted or severely damaged teeth
• Dental implants to treat tooth infections
• Periodontal surgery for gum disease
• Sleep apnea surgery
• Corrective jaw surgery for issues with the jaws like TMJ disorders
• Cleft lip and palate repair

How Can I Speed up Oral Healing?

You must take excellent care of your mouth after oral surgery at a dental clinic near you. Below are some after-oral surgery care tips to speed up oral healing.

1. Rest and avoid strenuous activities

Do not perform activities requiring lifting heavy objects or bending over. They increase pressure in your head and increase bleeding at the surgical site. Instead, lie down with your head elevated to allow lymph and blood to flow away from the wound. As a result, the inflammation and bleeding will reduce, promoting faster healing.

2. Follow the dental expert’s instructions

Every oral surgical procedure has particular guidelines to aid in recovery. Therefore, you should follow all the instructions provided by the dentist. Not following the instructions may lead to increased pain, bleeding, or swelling.

3. Eat a Soft Food Diet

A nutrient-rich diet promotes faster healing after oral surgery. Therefore, eat foods that provide your body with the vitamins and minerals that promote cell renewal and wound healing. Ensure they are soft to avoid damaging or irritating the soft tissues around the site.

4. Use the prescribed Medications

Your dentist will prescribe or recommend medications to use during recovery. They will ease the pain and aid in healing. You should take the medicines as prescribed.

5. Maintain Great Oral Hygiene

The dentist will instruct you to avoid flossing or brushing near the operation site. However, you should maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections. You can do that by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution after each meal. It helps remove all food debris and bacteria from your mouth.

6. Use cold therapy

Apply an ice pack near the surgical site to slow blood flow and ease swelling. Place it on the area intermittently for 15 minutes at a time.

How to Sleep With Oral Surgery

After an oral procedure, your dentist recommends you get plenty of rest. One of the ways people rest is by sleeping or lying down. However, you may not sleep well after surgery due to the bruising or swelling in your face or neck. In addition, the dentist will instruct you not to sleep as you are used to when recovering.

For the first three days after surgery, you should sleep with your head elevated above your heart. Alternatively, you can keep your head elevated by resting on a recliner. Keeping your head propped up promotes proper blood flow to your head, promoting recovery. It also reduces excessive bleeding from the wound and swelling of your mouth and face.

Your dentist may place gauze pads inside your mouth to help reduce bleeding. If they ask you to keep the pads in place throughout the night, you will not sleep as usual. The gauze pads need to be changed after every two hours or when soaked.

You should also wake up frequently to readjust their position, so you do not choke on them. Therefore, you need to set your alarm to wake you after every two hours to change or check on the gauze pads. Alternatively, you may ask someone to wake you up or check on you at night.

After oral surgery, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in your face or neck. Unfortunately, the discomfort may disrupt your sleep or rest. Therefore, take the medications prescribed to help ease the pain and swelling. You can also press a cold pack on the operated area before sleeping to reduce the discomfort.

Have you received a suggestion from the dental office nearby for removing a problematic tooth in your mouth and wondered what you must take before the process? Tooth extractions are stressful and can make you think about what you can or cannot take before removing the problematic tooth. Therefore it helps if you take solace in the reality that the dentist suggesting the removal is responsible for giving you information about what you can or cannot take before tooth extraction.

Preparing for tooth removal is your responsibility that you must take seriously. Therefore, if you have questions about the tooth removal process, kindly do not hesitate to ask questions of the dentist performing tooth extraction in Phoenix or the oral surgeon if you have received a referral for a surgical tooth removal. Do not consider any question silly or stupid but make inquiries to receive answers from the professionals to ensure your preparation proceeds smoothly.

Tooth extensions are performed for many reasons. For example, the lack of appropriate dental care makes you susceptible to infections like tooth decay and gum disease, needing extractions to preserve oral health. In addition, if you have impacted wisdom or broken teeth, you will need surgical extractions to ensure the teeth do not cause complications. Whatever the reason, you must ensure you are well prepared for the process to have the tooth removed without stress to benefit your oral and overall health.

Preparing for Tooth Removal

Before your scheduled appointment for tooth removal, you must share your medical history with the dentist without leaving any details. Information you must share includes conditions like an impaired immune system, history of bacterial endocarditis, mechanical or bio heart valves, liver disease, et cetera. These conditions make you susceptible to infections and need precautions from the dentist by providing antibiotics before the process.

You must also share information about your medications to avoid drug interactions. For example, if you take blood thinners your dentist might suggest you stop taking them 72 hours before the removal.

Anesthesia during the Removal

You will undoubtedly receive local anesthesia in your mouth when removing your tooth. If you are overly anxious about dental appointments, the dentist might suggest sedation to ensure you are calm during the process. Inform your dentist about any adverse reactions you had to anesthesia earlier to ensure they take appropriate precautions.

Please do not neglect to take your insurance papers with you to avoid unexpected bills that you must pay. Confirm with the insurance provider whether or not the tooth removal process is covered under your policy.

Take Precautions to Arrange Transportation

If you expect complete anesthesia during your procedure driving back home becomes a challenge because the drugs leave you exhausted. Therefore you must take a trusted family member to your appointment to ensure you can return home without complications after tooth extraction.

Prepare for your recovery after tooth removal by stocking your pantry with soft foods and arranging your place to rest with extra pillows and reading material to keep you occupied after tooth removal.

Self-Care After Tooth Removal

The dentist provides tooth extraction care tips for self-care at home after tooth removal. However, you must follow the directions stringently because they function as the difference between recovering without complications or confronting them.

After stressing about tooth extraction and returning home after removing the tooth, you might think you deserve a scorching cup of coffee or other hot beverages. Unfortunately, you must refrain from such drinks until the anesthesia wears off to prevent burning your tongue and throat. You must also avoid drinking liquids using straws because they can dislodge the blood clot to cause a dry socket, a painful condition requiring sedative dressings over the extraction site.

You must ensure that you don’t indulge in strenuous activities for a couple of days and that you elevate your head when lying down by using extra pillows. In addition, you must avoid brushing near the extraction site to prevent irritating it and take the medications the dentist suggests to alleviate pain and swelling besides infections.

Some swelling on the cheeks is expected and normal. However, if you experience breathlessness, severe bleeding, swelling, fever or nausea, and vomiting, you must contact the dentist immediately because these are indicators of infections.

The thought of losing a tooth can make even the strong-hearted nervous. However, dentists suggest tooth removal as a last resort and provide sufficient oral care tips for you to recover quickly without complications. Therefore if suggested extractions by Healthy Smiles do not consider it a severe problem because tooth extractions are relatively standard and performed on millions of patients.

Is pregnancy a reason enough to neglect dental care? In reality, keeping your dental health in check during pregnancy is essential because you are at a heightened risk of developing tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other problems.

Unfortunately, there is a widespread perception that visiting dentists for treatments during pregnancy harm you and your baby. Studies conducted by the ADA reveal that over 50 percent of American women share the perception.

You can become prone to severe problems if you avoid seeing your dentist during pregnancy and do not get the essential care you need during this delicate moment. Read why you mustn’t fear dental visits during pregnancy from this article.

Are Dental Visits Safe during Pregnancy?

Not only are dental visits safe when you are pregnant, but they are also essential. You cannot afford to leave oral health problems untreated because they can harm your overall health. In addition, it indicates that neglecting dental visits can also influence your baby besides impacting your mouth and general health.

Six-monthly dental visits are essential to detect issues like a cavity that might develop on or between your teeth. However, when pregnant, your situation dictates how frequently you must visit your dentist because you are dealing with hormonal changes and cravings that might put your oral health at risk.

Your dentist might recommend scheduling multiple appointments during your pregnancy to check the health of your teeth and gums and suggest changes to your oral care routine or provide treatments if required. In addition, if you plan to get pregnant soon, you find it beneficial to visit your dentist for outstanding dental issues like impacted wisdom teeth removed to reduce the risk of complications.

During pregnancy, the hormonal changes in your body cause you to indulge in extra foods and become a victim of morning sickness that makes your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. In addition, accumulating tartar over your teeth makes you a victim of pregnancy gingivitis, which, if left untreated, advances to periodontitis, a condition needing permanent maintenance. Therefore dentists advise not to avoid dental care during pregnancy and invite unwanted complications that might affect you and your baby.

Are X-Rays Safe during Pregnancy?

Do you think you might be exposed to radiation from x-rays during pregnancy if they become essential? If so, let us clarify that present-day dental x-rays do not cause adverse effects because they are free from radiation. In reality, dentists use a tiny plate covered in plastic and placed inside your mouth to capture images of your teeth and jaw. The pictures provide dentists a comprehensive view of your mouth to detect any issues on and between your teeth and look at your gums for any problems that might develop. Therefore dental x-rays are undoubtedly safe during pregnancy.

Can You Receive Anesthesia in the Mouth During Your Pregnancy?

If you must have dental treatments needing anesthesia when pregnant the dentist can help to relax and numb the pain considering your delicate situation. However, you must intimate your dentist about your pregnancy to ensure they choose suitable anesthetics and use the appropriate dosage.

Dentists are experienced practitioners who know how to treat pregnant women. Therefore they avoid anesthetics with felypressin that constricts blood vessels if you inform them about your situation. In addition, if you have any concerns about anesthetics, you can question the dentist to ease your fears.

Can You Have a Tooth Removed during Pregnancy?

Tooth extractions are not uncommon during pregnancy, although dentists recommend them only as a last resort after exhausting all restorative techniques. However, if you have a tooth badly damaged by injury or decay and it is not repairable, it can impact your oral health, making tooth extractions necessary.

Performing extractions during any time of your pregnancy is not challenging, but your dentist might recommend the second trimester as ideal for this procedure. The short delay helps avoid x-rays during the first trimester when your baby is growing, besides the pain of lying down on your back for an extended period during your third trimester.

You can visit dentists anytime during your pregnancy to receive essential treatments without exceptions. If you need restorative dentistry with dental implants, the dentist might recommend you plan for the treatment and get the implants placed only after your baby arrives. Dentists also do not recommend elective treatments during your pregnancy, especially if you want to whiten teeth or improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth by getting veneers. Instead, they suggest obtaining the treatment after the baby’s birth because it might cause complications or make you uncomfortable during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about dental visits during pregnancy AZ Healthy Smiles can help you overcome your apprehensions about why dental visits are essential during this delicate moment. Kindly dispel your fears by consulting this dental practice to ensure your dental health remains optimal during pregnancy and later.

After spending considerable time in the dentist’s chair receiving root canal Phoenix, you might feel you must refresh yourself because you are hungry or thirsty. You might zero in on your favorite cup of scalding coffee immediately after completing your treatment.

Root canal treatment doesn’t require you to withhold from eating or drinking the foods and beverages you prefer. However, there are some elements you must consider before you think of having food and drinks.

Taking Care after the Treatment

You must understand that your mouth that was numbed when receiving root canal therapy from the dentist in Phoenix will likely remain numb for the following three to four hours after the treatment. Therefore you must exercise caution and refrain from eating until the anesthesia wears off and you start feeling your cheeks and lips.

The preventive measure is essential to avoid injuries to your cheeks and soft tissues of the mouth when you might accidentally bite them because of the lack of sensation. You can have the beverage you desire so long as you ensure it is either lukewarm or at room temperature. The lack of sense in your mouth prevents you from realizing your drink’s temperature and makes you prone to throat burns that might require additional treatments from medical professionals for relief.

The thumb rule when having foods or drinks after undergoing a painful procedure to eradicate dental pulp infections in your tooth, you must exercise caution to avoid mouth injuries. Therefore when eating, you must use the side of the mouth that you feel is not near the treated tooth. In addition, you must ensure you eat slowly and select soft foods that don’t require chewing. Dentists in Ahwatukee, AZ, recommend avoiding scorching foods and drinks like hot soup and your favorite beverage.

Many people choose to avoid eating or drinking altogether except for cold water when feeling numbness in their mouths. However, the approach may not be optimal because a decrease in blood sugar levels can make you sick, especially if you have diabetes. Therefore you must inquire with the dental office in Phoenix about the foods and drinks you can have or must avoid after undergoing root canal therapy.

Foods to Eat or Drink between Your Root Canal Appointments

If you need multiple appointments to complete a root canal, it indicates you need therapy on your molar; having multiple canals challenging to clean in one meeting. Dentists protect the exposed tooth and the treated root canals with temporary fillings until you can get a permanent restoration like a dental crown.

Until you have the temporary filling in the tooth, you must exercise caution to avoid using the treated tooth to chew on hard foods to prevent further treatments for infections that might develop because you damaged the temporary filling. In reality, you must rely on soft foods such as unsweetened yogurt, applesauce, soups, smoothies, et cetera until you can visit your regular dentist to restore the tooth with permanent restorations like Onlays or a dental crown to prevent additional issues.

How Soon Can You Get Your Tooth Restored?

Recovering from endodontic therapy differs between patients and depends on how well you care for the tooth after a root canal. Unfortunately, the treatment also renders your tooth fragile, making it more prone to fractures and breakage.

After you have recovered entirely from the procedure and no longer feel the after-effects of the treatment, you can visit your regular dentist requesting the restorations mentioned above. When restoring your tooth, you must endure a procedure of tooth structure removal to make space for the dental crown or onlay and have temporary restorations for approximately a couple of weeks until it is custom created for your tooth by a dental laboratory.

Until you have temporary restorations over the prepared tooth, you must remain cautious and continue having soft foods for a further couple of weeks. When you receive the permanent restoration, your dentist removes the temporary placement before finally fixing your tooth with the restorative material you choose.

Root canal therapy, besides alleviating the pain you experienced from the dental pulp infections, also helps you retain your natural tooth without needing extractions which would otherwise have been the alternative. Finally, after restoring your tooth, you can use it like your remaining teeth ensuring you don’t incur further infections or damage to your teeth.

Healthy Smiles perform many root canals on patients advising them on the care they should provide to their teeth after the therapy. If you think you need this therapy because you have experienced its symptoms, kindly schedule your appointment with this practice to fix the infection in your tooth and preserve it.

Dental anxiety or phobia has hindered almost 12% of the population from receiving dental treatment. Dental phobia or anxiety can arise due to past experiences, bad information, fear of pain, fear of injections, etc. Irrespective of the reasons, you cannot skip dental care since there are issues that only our dentist in Phoenix can fix.

Regularly visiting our dentist benefits your oral health; that’s why we offer sedation dental treatment. Sedation dentistry has been around for several decades, but it is way better than ever. The modes of administration, techniques, and drugs have been revamped to ensure that every patient receives the care they need.

So, if you need to undergo a dental procedure and need sedation dentistry, you must have some concerns or questions. Keep on reading!

Are Sedatives Different From Anesthetics?

You might fall victim to the common misconception that sedatives and anesthetics mean the same thing. They don’t! Sedatives are drugs that our dentist administers to calm your nerves and help you relax during dental procedures.

On the other hand, anesthetics are drugs our dentist administers to numb your senses to stop you from feeling pain during dental procedures.

So, in sedation dental treatment, our dentist will use a combination of anesthetics and sedatives to ensure that you are relaxed and not in pain.

Are There Different Types of Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is always tailored to meet your specific needs. So, that means you will be presented with the various choices that you can choose. Here they are:

• Oral Sedation

Our dentist will give you the drugs which you will orally take. The drugs will take a couple of minutes before they take effect.

You will be awake, responsive, and relaxed during the whole procedure. You might feel a bit exhausted, and there might be slight amnesia after the procedure. It is a form of conscious sedation that offers mild to moderate sedation, depending on the dosage.

• Inhalation Sedation

Another type of conscious sedation is inhalation sedation. Our dentist will administer the sedative via a gas mask placed over your nose. The gas used is “laughing gas,” or nitrous oxide. It takes a few moments to take effect. It is a mild form of sedation and is perfect for kids.

• IV Sedation

In this case, our dentist will administer the sedative via your veins. It works much faster than the other types of sedation. The dosage can be adjusted to provide the desired results. It can render you unconscious or partially awake.

General anesthesia is also a form of sedation where the sedative is administered via the veins. It renders you unconscious since it is a form of deep sedation.

Are Doses Very Specific?

You should not try to self-medicate when you have dental anxiety. Get to our offices and let our dentist administer the sedative. The doses are specific so that the results are as expected.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Most of the sedatives used in dentistry have been used for a long time, so a lot of information and studies are done to verify their safety and efficacy. However, you will need a dentist who has handled sedatives to administer the required dose. Plus, the type of sedative will be determined by the severity of your anxiety.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Sedation?

How long it takes for you to recover from dental sedation is dependent on the type of sedation. For instance, the effects of laughing gas wear off almost immediately. So, you can even drive yourself. However, oral sedation and IV sedation are a bit different.

You might be a bit cognitive after the procedure, but you might not just get on with your day as you are used to. You will need someone to be with you for about three hours. In any case, full recovery after sedation will take place after 24 hours.

Will I Feel Any Pain With Dental Sedation?

No. Sedation dentistry is offered to help you relax and ensure that you are not in pain. So, our dentist will administer sedatives and anesthetics to ensure you are comfortable.

Can People Without Dental Anxiety Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Primarily, sedation dental in Phoenix is for patients with dental anxiety. However, you can also benefit from the service if you:

• Have problems staying still
• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Need extensive dental work
• Have sensitive teeth and gums
• Have a low pain threshold

So, are you ready to receive dental care? Contact our dental office, AZ Healthy Smiles, to schedule an appointment.

You’ll like the Invisalign system if you plan to straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly. This orthodontic treatment usually uses a series of clear aligner trays to align your teeth and improve your bite. By taking great care of the aligners and wearing them throughout the day, you will notice a remarkable transformation in your smile.

Our dentist at AZ Healthy Smiles evaluates whether you are a candidate for Invisalign and offers information about Invisalign and some tips on keeping your Invisalign trays clean for an excellent performance.

How Invisalign Differs from Traditional Braces

Invisalign offers many benefits that are different from traditional metal braces. For example, if you are a starter, the aligners will be nearly invisible, so people won’t notice it first when you smile. And unlike braces, you can remove your Invisalign trays when you eat, so you don’t have to worry about forbidden crunchy or sticky foods.

Your Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. You can switch out your aligners every two weeks, so each moves your teeth just a bit to gradually shift into their new positions, giving you a healthier and straighter smile.

And although Invisalign is disposed of every two weeks, they still require to be cleaned. Otherwise, you’ll have a dirty or smelly set of aligners every day. Thankfully, it can be pretty easy to take care of your aligners. Follow these seven steps.

Try the Habit of Cleaning your Aligners Regularly

One of the best ways to take good care of your Invisalign trays is by cleaning them often. You should get yourself the routine of cleaning them in both mornings and evenings when you brush your teeth.

You are supposed to use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub both of your aligners. This helps you remove bacteria from your aligners that would have damaged your teeth or even impacted your health.

Always Avoid Using Abrasive Materials when Cleaning Your Aligners

The dentists recommend that it is essential that you don’t use denture cleaner, soap, or mouthwash to scrub your aligners. These ingredients are a bit abrasive to the device and can make your aligners appear dull and less invisible. This means they’ll be easier to see when one is wearing them.

Soak Your Invisalign Aligners Daily

When you soak your aligners, it helps keep them hygienic, odor-free, and virtually invisible. Drop your Invisalign cleaning crystals into a small cup of lukewarm water.

Then, put your aligners into the cup and let them soak for 15 minutes. After, you should brush off your tray with a soft-bristled toothbrush when you are done, and all are set.

When You Remove Your Aligners, Ensure You Rinse Them

The dentist near you in Phoenix, AZ, will advise you to rinse your aligners when you remove them. This helps remove the saliva and plaque before placing them in their case. It is essential to rinse them off even when you’re not at home. Otherwise, they’ll become a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, you should ensure you find a sink or drinking fountain before taking them out.

Ensure You Brush and Floss Whenever You Remove Your Invisalign

If food debris or plaque is trapped in your gums or teeth when you put your aligner on, it might be stuck there. This can be problematic for your overall oral health because it could lead to issues like gingivitis or cavities. Therefore, ensure you floss and brush your teeth before wearing your Invisalign.

Do Not Eat with Your Aligners In

One of the best things about Invisalign is removing them when needed. It is always essential to take them out when you drink or eat. Otherwise, you can accidentally stain or damage them. However, you can consume water while still wearing your aligners.

Store Your Invisalign Aligners in Their Case

You should always try to make it a habit to store your aligners in their case. Whether you take your aligners out for a meal or brush your teeth, ensure you put them into their subject. Otherwise, you can risk damaging your aligners or even throwing them away accidentally. To keep them safe, ensure you always have your case with you.

One of the ways to correct and repair imperfections like chips, cracks, or stains and improve your smile is using dental veneers. These shells are bonded to enamel to change the smile. Veneers are sturdy and can last for a long with proper care. You can eat various foods and beverages without worrying about them chipping. But, there are certain foods that can affect the shells, and you need to avoid them to keep them in good shape.

Are You a Candidate for Veneers?

Our dentist can recommend veneers near you if you have chips, cracks, stains, or other imperfections on the teeth. These shells are also used to fix gapped teeth and improve misaligned teeth.

Porcelain veneers may not be ideal for you if you have active decay, gum infection, thin enamel, or teeth grinding.

How Are Dental Veneers Placed on the Teeth?

Getting dental veneers in Phoenix, AZ, needs at least two dental visits, depending on the complexity of the dental condition. Our dentist examines your oral health, teeth, and gums to check if you are eligible for veneers.

The dentist removes any decay from your tooth, shapes it, and then takes an impression of your teeth. This mold or 3D scan impression is then sent to a dental lab, where a custom-made porcelain veneer is made for you. The dentist will then use bonding material to attach the veneer directly onto your tooth.

What are the Foods to Avoid with Veneers?

Veneers are durable and allow you to most foods. But, they are not immune to cracking, chipping, or discoloration, and there are foods you need to limit or avoid, and they include:

• • Apples

You should take care with eating hard foods, like apples, raw carrots, or bone-in meat. These types of food can cause the tooth to crack if you bite down too hard on them. That’s why we generally recommend chewing these foods with the back teeth. If you have composite or Lumineers type of veneer, it’s important to avoid these types of foods.

• • Candy

If you’re wearing veneers, one type of food to avoid is Jawbreakers. This is true for all veneers, including porcelain, no-prep, composite, and temporaries. Hard candies are traditionally okay to consume as long as you don’t bite into any while they’re still hard.

• • Corn on the cob

You can take corn on the cob if you have permanent porcelain veneers. However, if you choose to do so, be sure not to bite too hard. You should gently separate the corn from the surface of the cob before popping it in your mouth. Also, ensure the corn on the cob is cooked before eating because raw corn on the cob will stain your teeth.

• • Steak

If you have porcelain or other permanent veneers, it’s best to cut the meat into small pieces before eating it. Avoid biting into or pulling at the bone while eating bones. This can unnecessarily strain the veneers and weaken the bonding material prematurely.

• • Chips

Potato and corn chips are safe for veneers if taken in moderation. Although chips won’t damage your veneers, general poor nutrition can affect the teeth (and, by extension, the veneers).

• • Coffee and tea

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, and it is unlikely they can be discolored easily. It is important to note that excessive consumption of dark beverages like coffee and tea may stain the bonding material, leaving a yellow or brown stain along the edge of the tooth.

It is advisable to drink the beverages with a straw to avoid contact with the teeth. Also, be extra careful if you have composite veneers because they are lower quality.

• • Tobacco products

Stained teeth can make your smile look unappealing and diminish the effect of your veneers. If you smoke or chew tobacco, it can cause yellowing of the teeth that may be noticeable with veneers.

Your veneers may look unnatural over time because they begin to mismatch with other natural teeth.

If you’re interested in getting veneers or have further questions about caring for them, visit a dentist near you. At Healthy Smiles, we offer veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile. Our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, is committed to providing you with quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired smile.