Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Some women worry about whether it’s safe to have an X-ray exam while they are pregnant. This can cause them to put off treatment they need. However, untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Sometimes this will mean an X-ray is necessary. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low but every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. For example, a leaded apron reduces exposure to the abdomen and should be used when a dental radiograph is taken. In addition, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Overall there is no reason to avoid dental radiographs (X-rays) while pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant. Follow your dentist’s advice and ask questions if you have any concerns.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. There is a very slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum. Periodontal diseases attack this gap and cause a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues. When the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket and, as the disease gets more severe, the pocket usually gets deeper. The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease. There are several factors that have been shown to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease: – Systemic diseases such as diabetes – Some types of medication – Crooked teeth – Bridges that no longer fit properly – Fillings that have become defective – Smoking – Pregnancy And there are a number of...

Everybody wants the best smile possible and there’s no need to have it spoiled by gaps in your teeth or by teeth that are stained or badly shaped. Whether the problem was caused by nature or by an injury, you may be able to have a veneer placed on top of your teeth to restore or improve your smile. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Your dentist will usually make a model of your teeth and the veneers will be made by a specialist dental technician. A small amount of enamel has to be removed from your teeth to accommodate the shell so having veneers is usually an irreversible process. In order to make the most of your veneer, your dentist may suggest that you avoid foods and drinks that could discolor them, such as coffee, tea or red wine. It’s also possible that veneers might chip or fracture. But, for many people, veneers are well worth it as they give them a completely new smile.

Although canker sores are often confused with cold sores, there is a difference. Canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth. Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. There can be one or more sores in the mouth. They are very common and often recur. They usually heal in a week or two and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinses may help reduce the irritation. Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious. They usually heal in about a week. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.