Antibiotics And Dental Infections Post

Tooth decay and cavities are very common. About 90% of adults ages 20–64 have had prior tooth decay. Also, almost 30% of people in the same age group have untreated tooth decay. Treating tooth decay early is important to prevent further complications such as dental infections which can often lead to tooth loss.

Anyone who experiences dental infections should see a dentist immediately to prevent the dental infections from spreading.

One of the initial options for a dentist is to recommend an antibiotic to kill dental infections. Some antibiotics will work better than others. This is due to the type of bacteria causing the actual infection., There may also be some over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve the dental infection symptoms temporarily.

Antibiotic Use For Dental Infections

Dentists generally only recommend antibiotics for dental infections. However, not all infected teeth will require antibiotics during treatment. In some instances, a dentist may be able to drain the infected area of pus, remove the infected tooth, or complete a root canal procedure to fix the issue. Antibiotics should not be used unless absolutely necessary to complete dental infections treatment.

Antibiotic Types And Dosages For Dental Infections

The type and dosage of antibiotic your dentist will recommend will vary depending on the type of bacteria that causes dental infections. Different antibiotics work in different ways to eliminate different strains of bacteria. There are over 150 different strains of bacteria that are present in the oral cavity. Many of these bacteria have the potential to grow and cause a dental infection. Treatment can change depending on the bacteria causing the dental infection, although, dentists simply recommend an antibiotic that works against many types. This gives them the best chance to handle the infection effectively and quickly.

Classes Of Penicillin For Dental Infections

Penicillin type drugs are common forms of antibiotics for dental infections. This includes penicillin and amoxicillin. Some dentists may also recommend amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, as that combination may help eliminate bacteria that are being unsuccessfully treated by previous drugs.

Typical dosages of amoxicillin for a dental infection are either 500 milligrams (mg) every 8 hours or 1,000 mg every 12 hours.

Typical dosages of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid are around 500–2,000 mg every 8 hours or 2,000 mg every 12 hours, depending on the minimum effective dosage.

However, some bacteria have been found to resist these drugs, making them less effective. In fact, many doctors now simply choose a different antibiotic as their 1st line of treatment.

Dentists must also be aware that some people are allergic to these drugs. Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to similar medications should tell their dentist immediately before receiving their treatment recommendation.

-Clindamycin

Clindamycin is highly effective against a wide range of infectious bacteria. Some researchers recommend clindamycin as the drug of choice to treat dental infections, as bacteria may be less likely to resist this drug than penicillin-class drugs.

A typical dosage of clindamycin is either 300 mg or 600 mg every 8 hours, depending on which dosage will be effective for the individual situation.

-Azithromycin

Azithromycin also is able to work against a wide variety of bacteria, working to halt their growth. It may be effective in treating some dental infections, though dentists may only recommend it to people who are allergic to penicillin-class drugs or who do not respond to them or other drugs such as clindamycin.

-Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic uses to treat a number of infections by both doctors and dentists. This drug is typically not the 1st choice of treatment.

The dosage for metronidazole is around 500–750 mg every 8 hours.

Time To Begin Feeling Better?

The speed with which each antibiotic takes to work on the dental infection varies depending on many factors. These can include the severity of the infection and how effective the drug is at eliminating the infectious bacteria present.

It is imperative for people to complete a full round of antibiotics, taking all of the prescribed medication exactly how the dentist says to take it. A person may begin to notice their symptoms go away after a couple of doses, completing the full dosage of antibiotics helps prevent the infection from returning or getting stronger.

The majority of acute infections resolve in 3–7 days.

Side effects Of Antibiotics For Dental Infections

While antibiotics are very effective for dental infections they can have some possible side effects. These side effects will vary by antibiotic type and individual. It is important to speak with your dentist regarding possible side effects and what to expect.

Dental Infection Treatments Beyond Antibiotics

Antibiotics may help clear active dental infections, but the tooth will still need work to clear up the root of the dental  infection. Antibiotic treatment is just one part of the treatment.

Typical treatment for dental infection can include one or more of the following procedures:

-draining the abscess

-filling in any cavities

-performing a root canal

-extracting the infected tooth

Natural Remedies For Dental infections

Some over the counter remedies may also help “control” the symptoms of a dental infection. This can include over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Sodium naproxen (Alleve).

Other things to try to relive symptoms at home:

-gently rinsing the mouth with warm salt water

-rinsing gently with baking soda and water

-avoiding very hot or very cold foods to prevent temperature sensitivity

-chewing with the opposite side of the mouth

-brushing with a very soft toothbrush around the sensitive area

-avoiding very sharp, hard-to-chew foods that may bump into the sensitive area or become stuck in the teeth

-sleeping with your head elevated to relive pressure

Dental Infections Summary

Antibiotics are not the sole answer to dental infections. They are a part of a larger dental infection treatment. Most if not all dental infections require further dental work by your dentist. This can include a root canal or a tooth extraction.

Prompt dental treatment is important to keep dental infections from spreading and making things more dangerous and painful. Some helpful home remedies mentioned above may help keep inflammation down or ease pain while taking antibiotics and preparing for the recommended dental procedure. maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen, such as brushing and flossing each day and seeing a dentist for regular checkups, may help prevent dental infections and their complications.

Coronavirus And Your Dental Care Post

We are experiencing a turbulent and scary time as a global society. The development of the novel coronavirus (also known as covid-19) has upended many lives and changed others forever. Dental care can sometimes take a back seat in the medical community and in cases like this rightfully so. However, as we have noted many times before on this blog, your dental health is intimately connected to your overall health and immune system. A dental office might be one of the safest places to be during this crisis. On a normal day, dentists follow sanitary and disinfection protocols that match what we are recommending now for everyone else. Maintaining regular dental visits will bring normalcy to our lives in a time when things may not feel so normal.

Dental Health And The Coronavirus

-Maintain Regular Dental Hygiene At Home. Doubly important now to keep our immune systems working properly and keep oral bacteria at bay. Periodontal disease causes an immune response in our bodies due to reaction with bacteria and plaque. This will weaken our immune response but will also affect the cardiovascular system which can delay healing. This should include brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, along with listerine rinsing. Following completion of your at home regimen, wipe down the sink and faucet with bleach wipes to ensure you do not pass anything along to family members.

– Call Your Dentist If You Have Symptoms Of The Coronavirus. With our healthcare system overloaded, your dentist can be an educated person to discuss what may or may not be going on with your health. For many, first signs of any symptoms and they may panic. Main coronavirus symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough. Be aware of the differences between influenza and even seasonal allergies. Generally a fever above 101 is cause for concern for coronavirus.

-Maintain Regular Dental Visits. If healthy and asymptomatic, it is recommended to continue treatment to stay healthy and oral disease free. This is especially important for dental hygiene visits and to receive regular examinations to avoid dental emergencies.

-Take Daily Vitamins and Extra Vitamin C. We tend to eat more comfort foods and carbohydrates during times of crisis. This can leave us without recieving the proper nutrition to keep up our health and immune systems in check. This can help ward off disease.

–Hand Washing Is More Important Than Ever. We have bad habits of touching our faces hundreds of times per day. If we keep our hands clean we will limit chances of passing any viruses or bacteria to ourselves. Proper hand washing techniques include using soap and hot water and for at least 20 seconds.

-Call Dentist Ahead. If you are nervous about sitting in a waiting room call ahead and let the dental staff know you are waiting in your car. The staff will call you when it is time to come in for your appointment. We try to keep everyone moving quickly but sometimes it is unavoidable to have people waiting in the waiting room even if it is just for a few minutes.

Coronavirus And Dentistry Conclusion

As previously mentioned this is a scary time for all of us as a society. We will get through this and we will try to maintain some level of normalcy. Our office is always available for any questions you might have. If you are feeling ill or have been out of the country recently please call ahead and let us know, so we can make a determination if we need to reschedule your appointment for the safety of our staff as well as other patients.

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Are Dental Implants Safe? Post

Are Dental Implants Safe? They have been a highly successful dental procedure offered by dentists around the world. As a matter of fact a well planned dental implant will have success rate over 98%. As dental implants technology has evolved materials and techniques have advanced as well. Below we will attempt to answer the question….Are Dental Implants Safe?

Are Dental Implants Safe? Benefits

–Esthetics. Dental implants have the ability to give you a fuller, healthier smile you have always dreamed of.

–Peace Of Mind. Living your life in fear of what you can and cannot eat is not a fun proposition. Dental implants can give you peace of mind that you can eat whatever you want and not worry about the social implications. Millions of patients have proven the answer is yes to the question are dental implants safe?

–Improved Function. Big improvement in eating and speech. With missing teeth, eating and speaking can be quite a challenge. For those who enjoy eating or need to speak in front of others dental implants can give a huge boost.

–Eliminate Health Issues. Clinical studies have shown a direct link between dental health and overall health. Dental implants can restore your mouth to a healthy state giving you an edge in maintaining overall health. Uncontrolled dental health can lead to the development and advancement of periodontal disease. This disease is quite progressive and if left untreated it can lead to cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and stroke), Alzheimer’s disease, and even diabetes. Once patients are ready for dental implants, their mouth must be in a healthy state. Dental implants will lead to better overall health.

–Life Quality Improvement. Dental implants give you a natural looking smile and improve overall function. This is especially true for wearers of dentures. Dental implants will allow you to free yourself of the use of denture adhesives and relieve you of discomfort from ill fitting dentures.

–Increased Self Esteem and Self Confidence. This includes being able to smile effortlessly without fear. Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth. You can laugh, smile, and just feel good about who you are and the way you look.

Are Dental Implants Safe? Risks

–Dental Implants Fail To Integrate. When dental implants heal properly they integrate with the surrounding bone (this is called osseointegration). If osseointegration does not occur it will lead to dental implant failure. A well trained implant dentist will be able to evaluate and treatment plan properly to minimize the risks associated with dental implants. If a dental implant does not integrate as planned it can be removed. Once the area has healed another surgery can be attempted at a later date.

–Surgical Infection. Of all the risks associated with dental implants this is the most common. This can occur from non sterile intruments, a dental implant that has been contaminated, decreased healing ability, or a pre existing infection being present. Dental implants are associated with a condition called Peri-Implantitis. This is an inflammation or swelling of the surrounding tissues where the dental implant was placed. If peri-implantitis is not treated properly and in a timely manner it can lead to implant failure and bone loss. These infections generally occur quickly after surgery but can in some rare intances occur months to years after surgery. Important to have your dental implants evaluated during routine dental examinations 2x per year.

–Post Surgical Bleeding. Minimal bleeding following surgery is normal and is considered quite normal for about 1-2 days following surgery. Placing a gauze pad placed over the surgical area for 30 minutes should normally stop the bleeding. Bleeding beyond that time is not normal and you should notify your implant dentist immediately if you have concerns about your dental implants or the surgery.

–Surrounding Tissue Damage. Placement of dental implants is a precise surgery. Surrounding areas can be damaged including adjacent teeth, sinus cavity, or nerves. Once again choose your implant dentist wisely. One with experience and proper training will minimize these risks. Even the most skilled implant dentist can have errors. However, the complications can be minimized as well as how they are handled if complications were to arise.

–Allergies. Some patients have been known to have allergic reactions to titanium. If you know you are allergic to titanium let your dentist know during initial discussions.

-Dental Implant Corrosion. Titanium dental implants are designed to fight corrosion but it still can happen. If corrosion were to happen the dental implant likely would need to be removed. Your implant dentist will evaluate what comes next if this were to happen.

Are Dental Implants Safe? Bone Grafts

A bone graft is the replacement or addition to the bone around the teeth. Bone grafting is a term used to describe a variety of procedures used to add or build bone so that dental implants can be placed and give greater success long term.

A bone graft typically involves adding bone or bone like materials to the jaw. The bone graft can consist of your own bone (also called Autologous bone), synthetic bone, can be processed bone obtained from a cadaver (also called Allograft), or can even come from bovine/cow sources (these types are also called Xenografts). After grafting, you generally have to wait several months for the grafted material to fuse or become one with the existing bone structure.  Processed bone grafted materials either cause surrounding bone to grow into the graft or cause cells around the graft to change into bone. Autologous bone transplants bone cells or a block of bone that fuses to the jaw.

Dental bone grafts for the purpose of dental implants has a very high success rate. But there is always a possibility that the bone graft will not work as planned, even if your own bone was used. Bone grafts are not rejected by the body like organ transplants. There is still some mystery as to why some bone grafts fail. We do know that certain patients (example – smokers, diabetics, and patients with poor dental hygiene) have higher risks of graft failure.

A failed bone graft will need to be removed. Once the area has healed properly, you and your dentist may choose to place a second bone graft.

Are Dental Implants Safe? Diabetes

According to a clinical study by the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental implants have been found to be safe for diabetics.

The clinical study observed dental patients with uncontrolled diabetes who also had dental implants. Following one year, none of the dental implants were lost and they found zero connection between elevated blood sugar and dental implant complications.

This does not mean that if you are a diabetic, you will not experience dental implant complications. But having diabetes should not be a major concern for you or your dentist in regards to getting a dental implant.

Are Dental Implants Safe? Conclusion

Dental Implants have proven to safe with decades of dental use. The question should not be are dental implants safe? but are dental implants right for me? Ask your dentist 89014 today for a consultation to restore your smile!

Dental Urgent Care Las Vegas Post

Dental urgent care is not exactly like it is in medicine. There are not stand alone businesses just to handle a dental emergency. There are however, dental offices in Las Vegas and across America ready and able to handle your dental emergency. What types of issues are considered a dental emergency that you would need dental urgent care? When you experience an abnormal dental issue, sometimes it can be hard to know if it is a true dental emergency in need of dental urgent care. For a general rule dental urgent care is needed if you are experiencing sudden or prolonged extreme pain or profuse bleeding or both, you should seek dental urgent care right away. In some cases where you may be experiencing mild pain you may be able to put off a visit for dental urgent care a few days before visiting your dentist.

Dental Urgent Care Needs

–Broken or Fractured Tooth – This definitely falls in the category when dental urgent care is needed. This type of trauma can become extremely painful in a short amount of time. If the fracture or break causes nerve of the tooth to be exposed just the simple act of breathing will send shock waves through your body. Depending on where the fracture is this can also be considered a cosmetic dentistry emergency. That would be one where the tooth being affected is in a cosmetic area like a front tooth. Unfortunately, broken or fractured teeth cannot be repaired at home and will need immediate attention by dental urgent care. For a tooth in the back of the mouth, your dental urgent care specialist may recommend you place a medicated filling may be placed to cover the exposed nerve and hopefully calm it down until you can come to the office. A product sold over the counter at your local drug store called Dentemp can be mixed and placed by you, to help temporarily cover the hole. Whether or not the tooth can be saved depends on how severe the fracture is. Until you are able to get to dental urgent care, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress outside the affected area, and keep the area as clean as possible from debris and foods. You may consider taking an anti-inflammatory medication to keep the swelling down as well as take the edge off the pain before it develops. Aspirin is not suggested to be taken, it will cause difficulties in blood clotting if the tooth needs to be removed at dental urgent care.

–Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) or Jaw Injury – If you believe you may have broken your jaw, apply a cold compress to the area to maintain swelling to the face and immediately go to dental urgent care or to the hospital emergency room. This type of injury would be beyond simple dental urgent care and the hospital would be the better place. If your jaw has become locked or dislocated, you will need to have the jawbone re-positioned back into your Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) socket.

-Swelling With Pain. This is most definitely a true dental emergency and you should call your dental urgent care immediately for advice. Swelling in this area is due to a dental infection called an abscess. This can progress very quickly to an infection that affects your entire body and in rare cases can even lead to death. Tips to attempt to relieve some of the pressure include: apply cold compresses to the area, rinse with saltwater, and try to keep your head elevated. Once a dental infection gets to this point, most over the counter medications will not work very effectively in easing the pain. Antibiotics will be required along with drainage of the infection to relieve pressure and build up. This type of dental emergency will require you to be seen by dental urgent care.

-Biting Lip or Tongue w/ excessive bleeding – Accidentally biting your lip, tongue, or other part in your mouth is something that can happen at any time. It is important clean the area and apply a cold compress to help limit swelling to the area. If the bleeding is extensive, or will not stop quickly (a few minutes is a good guide), call dental urgent care or go to the hospital emergency room.

-Loose Tooth – If one of your teeth begins to become loose, see your dental urgent care right away. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth depending on why it has become loose. Until you are able to get to dental urgent care, take tylenol (ibuprofen) or aleve (sodium naproxen) and apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve any associated pain or discomfort.  If the tooth became loose due to trauma, dental urgent care will most likely recommend splinting the loose tooth (using tooth bonding) to an adjacent tooth or two to allow time for the tooth to re stabilize in the bone. A loose tooth can also be caused by progressive periodontal disease which will develop over a period of years. In the case of periodontal disease causing the loose tooth or teeth, your dental urgent care may not be able to save the tooth and it may be recommended to remove the tooth. A dental implant may placed instead once the area has healed and the periodontal disease has been brought under control. If you have a loose tooth, try to “baby” it…..chew on other side and do not wiggle it with your tongue.

–Pericoronitis. This is a dental infection that generally happens in young adults as your molars erupt into your mouth, a flap of gum tissue will remain over the back of the tooth, becomes irritated and swollen, and can be extremely painful especially upon chewing. If you experience symptoms of pericoronitis, which may include swollen and irritated gums, a bad taste or malodor in your mouth, or you are not able to fully open your mouth, call dental urgent care right away.

-Sudden Onset Toothache. If your tooth begins aching, rinse out your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure there is nothing lodged between your teeth that could be causing the issue. Call your dental urgent care immediately for an appointment. This could range from simple gum irritation, a full on dental infection.

-Knocked Out Tooth (also called avulsed tooth) – The main tip here is to clean off the tooth immediately to remove any dirt and debris that has gathered when hitting the floor. Do not scrub the tooth clean, just a gentle rinsing is all that is necessary. If the tooth can be re implanted dental urgent care will instruct you to do so. This is may not always possible if there is bleeding and swelling in the area where tooth was displaced. The next best option is to place the tooth in a milk solution. The milk acts as a preservative and can significantly increase the long term chances of a successful re implantation. You should call or see dental urgent care immediately even if you are able to re implant the tooth. The tooth will probably need to be splinted to another tooth (using tooth bonding) while it heals. Dental urgent care will also check that it is in proper alignment with the adjoining teeth. The tooth will also need to be monitored over time to gauge the success of the re implantation as well as any long term affects that might happen due to the trauma. This tooth may still be lost in the future or it may need  further treatment like root canal therapy.

-Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown or Dental Bridge – Unfortunately, this type of dental emergency can happen at any time even with routine dental care. If your dental crown does come off call dental urgent care immediately for detailed instructions. Most local drug stores sell fixodent, or temporary cement to place it back on until you are able to be seen by dental urgent care. This will limit the chances of the development of tooth decay or tooth sensitivity in the interim. The same can be done for a lost filling, most drug stores sell a temporary filling material (mentioned earlier called dentemp) that can be applied at home. Either way, you will need to seek dental care ASAP to prevent any other damage from occurring to your smile.

-Orthodontic (Braces) Damage – If you believe that you have broken your braces in some way, you should call dental urgent care as soon as possible. In most instances, they will want to see you right away (especially if the break is causing pain or discomfort). But in some cases they may recommend waiting until your next dental appointment.

-Food Or Debris Stuck Between Your Teeth – If food or debris gets lodged between your teeth, try to swish aggressively, then attempt to gently remove it with dental floss. Be careful not to cause trauma to the area by being too aggressive. If the object still will not come free, call dental urgent care for more detailed instructions.

Urgent Dental Care Emergency Kit

The following are items to have ready in the house at all times in case a dental urgent care emergency arises:

–Pain Medication. Includes Motrin or Aleve or Tylenol. Just have something on hand to relieve the pain until you can see dental urgent care for more advanced pain relief. Avoid aspirin as this will inhibit blood clotting and have a possible effect on further dental treatment.

–Gauze or Cotton pads. These will be necessary if there is any bleeding from a traumatic injury or even to have the patient bite down on to relieve some of the pressure from a dental infection. It can also be useful if you have tissue irritation from your orthodontic braces, orthodontic appliance, or removable denture. You can place the cotton or gauze in between the appliance and the sore to relive some of the discomfort.

–Dental Wax. This can be used to cover up areas of irritation like orthodontic brackets or broken orthodontic wires.

–Dental Floss. This can come in handy to remove food debris that gets lodged between teeth and beneath the gums that cause pain and discomfort.

–“Save A Tooth” System. This is ideal for transporting avulsed teeth. This system will give you have a better chance for long term survival once re implanted.

-Generic Teabags. These are helpful for stopping bleeding following oral surgery or even a trauma in the mouth. Research suggests that bags containing tea from the plant camellia sinensis is better than herbal tea for this purpose. Tea bags have also been shown to be soothing if you bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.

–Denture Adhesive. This can be handy even if you do not have a denture wearer in the house. In addition to using it to fix dentures in place, it can also be used to temporarily secure a crown or bridge that has fallen out. Fixodent is a good example of a denture adhesive.

–Dentemp or Temporary Filling Material. This is an excellent material to cover up open holes in teeth until you can see dental urgent care.

–Dental Mirror and Flat Spatula. These can usually be found at any drug store or even online. The dental mirror can be used if the dental urgent care emergency is back in the mouth and the spatula will be useful for using temporary filling material in the mouth.

–Instant Ice Packs. Perfect for quick application of cold to maintain swelling from trauma or dental infection.

–Topical Anesthetic. This can give temporary relief for denture sores, gum irritation, cold sores, canker sores, or sores from simply biting your lip, tongue, or cheek.

-Packets of Salt. Salt water helps clean and irrigate out wounds.

–Package of Colgate Wisps. These tools acts as a mini toothbrush as well as a toothpick. These can be very helpful removing foreign objects or debris lodged between your teeth.

–Orabase. A paste used for healing canker sores or sore mouths. Dental urgent care will have a stronger prescription medicine called debacterol as well.

–Dental Urgent Care Contact Information. Most dentists should be able to be reached after hours using an emergency telephone line.

Dental Urgent Care Conclusion

Dental urgent care is a term used for a dental emergency. As we said earlier there are no “dental urgent care” facilities, just call your dentist as soon as a dental emergency arises. The faster you get in front of a dental issue the easier it will be to treat for you and your dental urgent care Las Vegas team. Remember maintaining good dental health is not just about dental urgent care but should include regular dental visits as well!