What is Tooth Impaction?

Unlike other teeth, the third molars are the last to develop, emerging when a patient reaches their late teens or early twenties. Given this late emergence, few have the arch space to accommodate the extra tooth. As a result, when the wisdom teeth try to surface, they can become stuck in the jaw bone or soft tissue.

Known as impaction, this condition opens the door for a number of secondary spacing issues, ranging from overcrowding to misalignment. In some instances, the molar is able to partially emerge. As partial impaction makes it difficult for patients to brush or floss their teeth, this condition can also open the door for a number of dental issues, including periodontal disease, tooth decay, and the development of an abscess. With this in mind, tooth impaction is a serious condition that if left untreated, can cause serious damage to the smile.

How are Impacted Teeth Removed?

Unlike normal tooth extraction, the removal of impacted teeth is a little more extensive. Often, where the impaction occurred as well as the position of the impacted tooth determine how the tooth is to be removed. For example, for patients with partially impacted teeth, the wisdom tooth has already emerged through the bone and can be easily broken down into small pieces for removal. Patients with bony impactions have teeth that are trapped within the jaw bone. As a result, removing these impacted teeth may require that a small amount of bone is removed to provide access to the trapped molar.

The position of the tooth can also present a change in how and when a tooth is removed. If the tooth is erupting normally, without interfering with the neighboring teeth, extraction is a simple process. However, if the tooth begins pushing against neighboring teeth, it can cause significant damage and crowding to the neighboring teeth. For patients that have undergone orthodontic treatments, the development of an impacted wisdom tooth can negate prior treatment. As a result, extraction is recommended as soon as possible.

Removing Wisdom Teeth in Pembroke Pines

At Premier Dental Center, we offer comprehensive extractions for patients suffering from impacted wisdom teeth development. For more information about this service, contact our team today. 

Metal vs. Invisalign®: What Works of You?

If you or your children are in need of straighter teeth, you might be looking into standard metal braces. In order to help you get the smile of your dreams, Premier Dental Center offers Invisalign®, a clear braces alternative to traditional orthodontics. There are several key differences between the traditional, metallic braces and the clear, plastic braces our practice offers, including:

Comfort and Appearance
Metal brackets and wires can be bulky and irritating, making traditional braces an uncomfortable experience. In terms of visibility and sensation, you may find yourself preferring a more discreet solution. Invisalign® is practically unnoticeable, making it ideal for patients who want to achieve a straighter smile discreetly.

Diet and Hygiene
Traditional metal braces can get food stuck in between the brackets and wires, and they require greater vigilance to remain clean and prevent plaque buildup. Due to the dental health risks associated with plaque and tartar accumulation, you often have to limit your diet with metal braces to prevent that food from getting trapped in the braces and increasing your chances of oral health issues.

Because Invisalign® aligners are removable, patients don’t have to worry about checking brackets and wires for leftover food particles or excessive plaque build-up. Rather, patients are able to brush and floss their teeth as they would normally, simply adding on aligner cleaning into their daily hygiene routine. So long as you remember to remove the aligners before eating and clean them regularly, you can continue to eat whatever you want and brush and floss as easily as before.

Efficiency
In some circumstances where comprehensive jaw and bite movement is necessary in order to straighten the smile, traditional braces may be a more effective treatment option than Invisalign®. Depending on your health and function needs, our Pembroke Pines orthodontist will develop a treatment solution that helps enhance your overall smile.

Call Us Today!
Premier Dental Center is proud to offer Invisalign® and traditional orthodontic services at our Pembroke Pines location. Contact your Pembroke Pines orthodontist today!

Preventing Childhood Cavities

Childhood oral health plays a significant role in shaping adult smiles. In particular, the development of childhood caries can instigate a number of future oral health issues that require extensive restorative care in order to preserve oral hygiene. With this in mind, implementing an effective hygiene routine at an early age is critical to protecting developing smiles.

What Causes Childhood Caries?
Similar to adult caries, childhood cavities are caused by the colonization of bacteria in mouth. Over time, the bacteria produces acid which attack the teeth, damaging the enamel and creating cavities.
While in adults, the enamel has typically hardened and is able to better withstand these attacks, childrens’ teeth and gums are still developing, putting them at risk of extensive infection throughout their smile. If left untreated, the bacteria can travel into the tooth, requiring root canals or the extraction of severely damaged teeth in order to restore health to the dentition.

How Can I Prevent Childhood Caries
Much of childhood preventive dental care begins at home. Some tips for preventing childhood caries include:

Begin Prevention Early: Contrary to common belief, your child doesn’t need to have teeth in order to begin cleaning their smile. Cleaning a baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after feeding can help remove bacteria and begin getting them comfortable with effective oral hygiene habits. Once your child’s first tooth comes in, you can begin using a toothbrush without toothpaste to clean the tooth.

Only use Breastmilk, Formula, or Water in Bottles: Too often, parents or caregivers give children bottles filled with juice or milk. Unfortunately, these contain a significant amount of sugar and may actual increase your child’s likelihood of developing cavities. Additionally, saliva production decreases during sleep. As a result, giving your child a bottle with anything other than water before bed can also increase their chances of accelerated bacteria production.

Choose Fluoride Toothpastes and Floss: Fluoride has been shown to help decrease cavity development and is safe for children once their baby teeth have all emerged. Introducing floss as part of daily oral hygiene can also help keep children’s smiles clean while getting them in the habit of effective oral hygiene.

Visit the Dentist Regularly: As soon as your child’s first tooth as come in, it is recommended that parents bring their child in for a visit their local family dentist. Not only is this first appointment important for smile monitoring purposes, but it also provides parents with the opportunity to ask questions about their child’s oral health and learn efficient techniques for at-home oral care.

At Premier Dental Center, our dentists are dedicated to helping parents keep their child’s smile strong as they transition from baby teeth to an adult dentition. With family dental services available in both Miramar and Pembroke Pines, our team welcome patients all ages to learn more about the importance of oral hygiene. Contact your nearest Premier Dental Center location today to schedule your child’s next appointment.