What Is Bone Grafting?

A bone graft might sound like a more intense procedure than a typical dental appointment, but bone grafting has become a routine procedure to help bodies heal.  The bone graft dentists perform is to the jaw bone in order to strengthen the future site of an implant. Dr. Christopher Emuedue can advise when this procedure is necessary. Bone grafting consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body, and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. This gives the injured or deficient bone a replacement and encourages growth of new material around the site. There are synthetic options for bone grafts, but a dental graft is usually obtained from a different spot in the patient’s own mouth.

When a patient needs a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, their jaw bone needs to be strong enough to receive the implant. A jaw bone can weaken over time if tooth loss or gum disease has left a certain portion of the jaw vulnerable, and this is when a dentist would perform a bone graft.  The healing process can often take several months, and your jaw is monitored by your dentist until it heals enough to handle the placement of an implant.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Your wisdom teeth are your last set of molars to emerge, and they usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Because these teeth can become impacted, which means they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is often necessary for them to be removed before they cause pain or crowd your other teeth. At our office in Greenville, TX, Dr. Christopher Emuedue can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed and extract them if they do.

 

If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to form over the tooth. This flap of skin makes the molar extremely hard to clean, which means you are susceptible to an infection called periocoronitis.

 

When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, either Dr. Emuedue will extract the tooth. Many times all four are removed at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate the patient. It depends on the preference of the doctor and patient, as well as how far the wisdom tooth has emerged. After an anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue over the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is loosened and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured.

 

After surgery, rest is required. You will also need to change the gauze applied to the incision every couple hours.

Dentures

Missing teeth can interfere with your self-image and make you shy away from social situations. Missing teeth can also affect the structure of your face and interfere with proper speech. Dentures are one option for replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and restore your ability to chew properly.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer our patients options including full and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. If you opt for full dentures, any remaining natural teeth will be extracted. After the gums are given time to heal, the dentures are placed. This option is considered conventional dentures.

 

A second option to consider is immediate dentures. This involves extraction and immediate placement of the dentures. The gums heal while the dentures are worn. Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS will discuss options and determine if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. In addition to full dentures, we also offer partial dentures for patients who have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

 

Dentures may take some time to get used to, but can be a good choice in order to replace missing teeth. The experienced staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will educate you on how to take care of your dentures. Regular dental appointments are still essential in order to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Periodontics: Caring for your gums

Periodontics: Caring for your gums

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry provides the regular periodontal and checkups you need to maintain peak periodontal health and prevent gum disease.

 

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar. As the tartar accumulates, bacteria collect and attack the soft tissue in the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jaw bone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

 

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office for periodontal cleanings and treatment. We can even refer you to a recommended specialist if you require special treatment. We will make sure your gums are well cared for. Call 903-455-6701 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our practice, visit www.GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com.