Dry Sockets

When patients need to have teeth extracted, they’re in good hands at Greenville Family Dentistry. Extractions are a routine procedure and have a very high success rate. However, we do want our patients to be on the look-out for dry sockets and to know what to do should one develop.

After a simple extraction, a bit of the jawbone is exposed at the end of the empty socket. Ideally, the socket will quickly be sealed off with a blood clot, but there are some medications which interfere with clotting. This is why it is important for patients to disclose their full regimen of medications to us. The socket will close after a few days, but during that time, the clot must not be disturbed, or else the socket will dry out, causing pain and posing a risk of infection. Patients are always warned not to sip through straws for fear of dislodging the clot.

When dry sockets do develop, it is usually after a complicated extraction which required incisions and sutures. If a patient’s pain does not subside forty-eight hours after the extraction, they should return for an examination. We can treat a dry socket by cleaning and dressing it and will carefully monitor it afterward.

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.

 

Cleaning Fixed Bridges

When patients at Greenville Family Dentistry get permanent bridges, we strive to ensure their new restorations last. Oral hygiene remains important for people with prosthetic teeth, but there are a few changes in habit they will need to make.

Keeping a fixed bridge clean of plaque requires that the gap between it and the gum line be flossed. To loop the floss around the bridge, patients will use a threader, which is a floppy device shaped like a sewing needle. People who have worn braces are already familiar with it. Patients might also be interested in specialty floss which has stiffened ends, allowing it to be pushed through the gap.

Christmas tree brushes, also known as proxy brushes, are another useful tool, particularly with implant-supported bridges which have larger gaps separating them from the gums. These brushes can be attached to longer handles for ease of use. Makers of electric toothbrushes and water picks are also manufacturing tips for use on implants, including those supporting multiple teeth.

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.

 

Restorative Crowns

Greenville Family Dentistry offers crowns to repair smiles and restore function to a patient’s teeth.  Dental crowns are a restorative option for teeth that have a significant amount of decay or are at risk of being chipped.  A crown fits over the tooth like a little cap, and completely covers the tooth. 

The process for installing a crown can usually be completed in two visits.  To prepare the tooth your dentist will remove any decay, and may need to reshape the remaining tooth to ensure a great fit for the new crown.  Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will take an impression of the area.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the crown is fabricated.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your new crown is being made.  Once your custom crown is made, the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist at a second appointment.  Our crowns blend right into your natural smile and can last a lifetime!

To learn more about crowns and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinders

Bruxism is the term for any regular grinding of teeth or clenching of the jaw.  Many teeth grinders only do so at night and may not even realize it.  If you wake up with a sore jaw or a dull headache, these could be signs you are grinding your teeth at night and you should consult a dentist. Greenville Family Dentistry provides custom night guards to protect patient teeth from the negative effects of teeth grinding.

To outfit you with a new custom night guard, we begin with taking an impression of your mouth.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom product will be fabricated and fit.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your night guard is being made.  On your next visit you can bring your custom night guard home, and with correct care, it will last for 10 years.  The night guard will also help align the jaw and improve sleep!

To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.