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Things You Should Know About Your Oral Health (But Might Not)

General Dentistry

Afro American teen girl opens mouth widely brushes teeth Having healthy teeth and gums is an important part of feeling healthy – although you probably don’t think of it in that way. It is important to do all that you can to take care of your oral health, and here are a few tidbits about doing just that.

Caring for your teeth and gums

Keep these things in mind if you are having problems with your teeth or gums, or if you just want to make sure they are in the best shape possible:

• It is possible to be allergic to toothpaste. Have you noticed a burning sensation in your mouth? Do you have tissue peeling off of the inside of your cheek? You may just be allergic to your toothpaste, and finding relief may be as simple as changing which toothpaste you use. Ask your dentist for a toothpaste recommendation, or try a natural toothpaste.

• If your mouth is dry, it might not have anything to do with your oral care routine. Some prescription medications come with the annoying side effect of dry mouth. Ask your doctor what you can do (perhaps changing medication may be an option), or ask your dentist for help. Having a constantly dry mouth can be bad for your teeth, because saliva helps to keep your teeth clean and free of debris.

• It is possible to brush your teeth too hard, and if you do, that’s not good. Some people think that the harder they brush the better. However, vigorous brushing can make gums bleed, which is never a good thing.

• It does make a difference if you skip out on brushing or flossing. You may neglect to brush or floss, and you might think it doesn’t matter much – but keeping your teeth clean every day keeps plaque from building up and ends up saving you a lot of pain and problems in the future.

Something else that you should know about your oral health is that cleanings and checkups at your dentist’s office are very important! If you need a cleaning, or if you are having problems or pain, call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center in East Norriton, PA, for an appointment. Call (610) 272-6949 today!

What You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Woman in a dental office having a seat in a medical chair Has fear of the dentist kept you from setting foot inside a dentist’s office for years or even decades? Having anxiety about the dentist is very common, but unfortunately, the longer you stay away from the dentist, the more you increase your odds of developing very painful dental problems, which can end up affecting not only your teeth but your general health. Luckily, sedation dentistry is a tried-and-true method to get you through your dental procedure!

What is sedation dentistry?

The staff at Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center is more than happy to discuss all aspects of sedation dentistry with you and to help you choose which type of sedation is right for you.

There are different degrees of sedation: mild, moderate, and deep.

• Anxiolysis is one mild form of sedation, for patients with mild anxiety. It is administered orally, and you stay awake during the procedure, but you’ll feel very relaxed. Nitrous oxide is also a mild sedative that will relax you, and this one comes with the benefit of a quick recovery as soon as it is stopped, so that you can get right back to your normal activities.

• Light intravenous (IV) sedation is typically thought of as “moderate sedation,” for use with patients who have moderate anxiety and may be going through a more complex procedure. You are still awake during the procedure, but you are in a very deep state of relaxation.

• In deep sedation, patients drift in between consciousness and unconsciousness and might have no recollection of the procedure once they come out of it. For both moderate and deep sedation, patients should have someone accompany them to the appointment and drive them home.

You should also know that you don’t have to be extremely nervous about your dental procedure – you can ask for it even if you are just a bit anxious or even if you have a hard time sitting still long enough for a procedure. The staff at Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center wants you to have healthy teeth – but they also want happy patients! That’s why different levels of sedation are offered. For any questions about sedation dentistry or to make an appointment, call (610) 272-6949 today!

Do you grind your teeth?

TMJ/TMD

man suffering acute toothache jaw pain Do you grind your teeth? You may not even realize it if you do, but constant tooth grinding (also known as “bruxism”) can cause a variety of problems, not only for your teeth but for your overall health and quality of life. What can you do if you grind your teeth?

What causes tooth grinding?

Everyone grinds their teeth occasionally, but it becomes a problem if you do it all the time. You might find yourself grinding your teeth during a stressful day at work, or your partner might tell you that they can hear you grinding your teeth as you sleep (yes, it can be that loud).

It may be your body’s reaction to stress or anxiety, or it could be related to a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. It could also be caused by a dental issue, such as missing or crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.

If you constantly grind your teeth, you might start having headaches all the time, ear pain, and an achy, painful jaw and neck muscles. Over time, tooth grinding can damage teeth, because of the enormous amount of stress grinding places on them. Your tooth enamel can wear off, you might get chips or cracks in your teeth (which can lead to infection), and your teeth may even start to become loose.

If you have been having headaches and pain in your jaw, you should let your dentist know. He or she will check for any damage to teeth and then can recommend ways to help stop your bruxism. Possible treatments include BOTOX® to help relax your muscles or a night guard to keep your bottom and top teeth from touching each other while you sleep. If you grind your teeth as a reaction to stress, developing stress-coping strategies and talking out your problems with a therapist or friend might also be a good idea.

If you think you might grind your teeth, see your dentist right away. Bruxism can damage teeth, and it can also be quite painful, but your dentist can help. Call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center in East Norriton, PA, at (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

TMJ/TMD

A Woman With Sensitive Teeth And Cold Ice Cream Sensitive teeth can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks – who doesn’t love a nice, hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning or a bowl of refreshing ice cream on a hot summer’s night? You may think you just have to live with sensitive teeth, but your dentist may be able to help you find some relief.

What causes sensitive teeth?

There could be a few different reasons why your teeth are sensitive. You may have cavities or exposed tooth roots. You may constantly grind your teeth, which can damage teeth in many different ways and make them sensitive. Your tooth enamel may be worn down, or you might have gum disease.

What can help sensitive teeth?

The treatment for sensitive teeth, of course, depends on why they are sensitive in the first place. The problem usually doesn’t go away on its own and it may actually get worse – that’s why you should see your dentist for help. He or she might recommend:

• A gum grafting procedure, if your problem is receding gums and exposed tooth roots. In this procedure, tissue is taken from the upper palate of the mouth and then grafted over the place of recession. A bonding resin might also work to cover up roots that are exposed.

• A night guard, if you grind your teeth at night and it is making your teeth sensitive. This is a piece of plastic that fits over your teeth at night to prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching each other.

• A fluoride treatment, which will help to strengthen teeth and make them more healthy.

Make sure that you don’t give up good dental habits, even if your teeth are sensitive. Don’t forget to floss, brush teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and try a toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be very painful, and they can keep you from enjoying the foods you love – but they can also indicate that you have other serious problems. If you need help for tooth pain and sensitivity, call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center. Call (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!

What is sports dentistry?

Sports Dentistry

Boxing fighter putting on mouthguard. If you’ve ever had something knock hard against your teeth, you know just how delicate your teeth can be. And your teeth may be the one part of your body that you don’t think about protecting when you are playing a sport. That’s where sports dentistry comes in – read on to find out more about how your dentist can help you to prevent tooth injuries, and what to do if something does happen.

Get a mouthguard

You may not think of a sport as “high contact,” but we all know that the unexpected can happen in the middle of things. You may be in close proximity to others while things are going fast (like soccer) or you may not be able to react fast enough when a ball is coming straight for your face (like racquetball). A mouthguard can save you a lot of pain (and some broken teeth), and they are especially important if you wear braces.

Keep your teeth healthy

Strong and healthy teeth and gums will do better in an emergency. Eat a healthy diet, floss and brush often, and visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups to make sure your teeth are as healthy as they can be.

Know what to do in an emergency

If you have a tooth that becomes chipped, cracked, or displaced, you should see your dentist as soon as possible (this is why it is so important to have a dentist you know and trust that also takes emergency cases). For a tooth that has been knocked out, bring the tooth in to your dentist in cold milk, saliva, saline, or water. Don’t let the tooth dry out, don’t try to reimplant the tooth on your own, and don’t touch the tooth root. If you can get to the dentist in 30 minutes, there is a good chance it can be reimplanted.

Teeth are kind of amazing – they can take a lot, but they do have their limits. Protect them from damage as best you can, and call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center if you have a tooth emergency. Call (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!

Do you really need to use mouthwash?

General Dentistry, Preventive Dental Care

Woman rinsing mouth with mouthwash in bathroom Of course you want to take good care of your teeth! You know the importance of brushing and flossing thoroughly and often and of visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. But along with these other important ways to keep your teeth healthy, you may be wondering if you should include mouthwash as part of your oral health care routine – does it really do anything or is it just a waste of money?

Should you be using mouthwash?

There is a kind of mouthwash for just about any problem you might have, such as bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and dingy teeth that you want to whiten, and there are mouthwashes with flouride to give you a bit of extra help preventing plaque build-up and cavities. If you are in doubt as to which one you should use, you can always ask your dentist what he or she recommends.

However, maybe you’ve tried mouthwash in the past and just didn’t feel like it did anything. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to use mouthwash!

• Remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing, flossing, and eating a nutritious diet and limiting your sweets.

• You should gargle for at least a minute to get the real benefits of using mouthwash.

• If you have sensitive teeth, you should stay away from mouthwash with alcohol in it, because that will only make sensitive teeth worse.

• After you brush your teeth, wait for half an hour before using mouthwash. The chemicals in the toothpaste and the chemicals in the mouthwash can often cancel each other out so that neither of them work like they should.

If you can find a mouthwash that works for your needs and then use it properly, it can make a great addition to your brushing and flossing routine. Take good care of your teeth every day, and make sure to call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center if your teeth are causing you pain or if it is time for a dental checkup. Call (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!

What You Need to Know About TMJ

TMJ/TMD

Cheek pain face pain TMJ Bruxism Have you noticed lately that your jaw has been hurting, tight, and tensed up? Have you been getting headaches? Jaw problems seem to be more and more common, and a joint disorder may be the reason for your pain. Read on for information on TMJ, dealing with the pain, and how your dentist can help.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint connects the skull and the lower jaw bone. It is often known as the “TMJ,” although this has also come to be the catch-all term for jaw joint pain. “TMD,” for “temporomandibular joint disorder,” is another way to refer to problems with the jaw.

It is really no surprise that serious problems can develop with this joint, as it is in use all of the time. You may develop headaches, pain or a stuffy feeling in the ears, pain around the ear, tenderness in the jaw, and even muscle aches in the shoulders and neck. You might hear a clicking or popping noise when you open and close your mouth, and sometimes it may feel like your jaw “locks up.”

Here are some other things you should know about TMJ:

• Eating chewy foods, such as bagels, can trigger your TMJ pain. Avoid chewy and hard foods, but also avoid chewing on nonfood items such as pen caps and pencils.

• Don’t use your teeth as tools, such as for opening packages.

• Bad posture can make TMJ pain worse.

• TMJ can be caused by genetics, a connective tissue disease, or an injury to the jaw. It can also be the result of years of grinding your teeth. You may have TMJ if you are missing a tooth, as this causes your teeth to move out of place and your top and bottom teeth to become misaligned.

• Stress can aggravate your TMJ. Eliminating stress may be impossible, but you can try to find ways to reduce it.

• An over-the-counter pain reliever, a heating pad, and massaging the jaw joint can help relieve the pain.

If you think you might have TMJ, talk to your dentist right away. Call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center today, at (610) 272-6949!

Why You Should Replace That Lost Tooth

Dental Implants

Middle age grey haired man wearing casual clothes smiling cheerful showing and pointing with fingers teeth and mouth If you have been missing a tooth for a while, you may have grown used to it, and you’re probably wondering why you should bother doing anything about it. After all, what can it hurt to have a missing tooth? However, there are a few reasons why you should consider doing something about a missing tooth, such as getting a dental implant!

A missing tooth can affect your appearance

A mouth full of teeth is needed to keep not only your teeth healthy, but your facial muscles healthy as well. When you are missing a tooth, the other teeth can start to move, which can affect your jaw bone and your facial muscles. Your muscles and facial skin may start to sag, making you look older than you really are.

A missing tooth can affect your overall health

Having all of your teeth means they can keep each other stable and in place. A missing tooth gives the other teeth the chance to shift around, which can increase your risk for tooth decay (it can be difficult to get teeth really clean if they are too close together) and gum disease. Because it can also lead to changes in your jaw muscles, it can lead to a joint disorder such as TMJ, which can cause headaches and jaw pain.

A missing tooth can affect your self-esteem

Having a gap in your teeth may make you self-conscious when you talk, smile, or laugh, and over time you may try to avoid doing anything that might show you are missing a tooth. It can even lead to difficulty talking, which may further affect your self-esteem.

A missing tooth can affect how you enjoy food

Do you find yourself avoiding chewing on one side of your mouth because you’re a missing a tooth? Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy your favorite foods without having to think about which side to chew on the whole time?

You don’t have to just live with a missing tooth. Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center can provide you with a dental implant that looks and feels just like a real tooth! Call (610) 272-6949 for an implant consultation appointment today!

What is scaling and planing?

Gum Disease

happy woman smiling looking beautiful and elegant Has your dentist recommended a scaling and planing? It might sound like some kind of dental torture, but it’s not really. It’s actually a procedure that can protect your teeth from damage and keep your mouth healthy. Read on for more information on scaling and planing and why it’s nothing to be scared of!

Do you need a scaling and planing?

This procedure, which is actually very common, is nonsurgical and is simply a deep cleaning underneath the gums. As the name implies, there are two steps to this procedure, which are typically done together. The “scaling” involves cleaning the portion of the tooth that is deep beneath the gums, while the “planing” is done to smooth out any rough patches on the tooth root, which can help to prevent bacteria and plaque from adhering.

Scaling and planing may be recommended if plaque (that sticky film that is filled with bacteria) has had a chance to build up on your teeth. When it gets really bad, the gums become inflamed and irritated and eventually start to pull away from the teeth. This forms “pockets,” which traps even more plaque and bacteria. This can lead to gum disease and eventually even tooth loss.

All of this plaque build-up is very difficult to remove with brushing and flossing, and over time it gets to be so bad that even a regular cleaning at your dentist’s office can’t even remove it. After a scaling and planing procedure, the gums will be healthy once again and they will start to reattach to the teeth.

It may take more than one visit to really get your teeth clean with a scaling and planing procedure, and it may leave your gums sensitive, swollen, and tender for about a week afterward.

Scaling and planing really isn’t dental torture. It is an important procedure that can help to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Make an appointment with the staff at the Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center if you are having tooth pain or if you need help with your oral health. Call (610) 272-6949 for an appointment today!

what is the best dental implant choice for you in philadelphia pa and beyond 62a207633a211

What Is the Best Dental Implant Choice for You in Philadelphia, PA, and Beyond?

Restorative Dental Care

5 Factors in Successful Dental Implant Surgery

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth and restoring your oral health, dental implants are tough to beat. In fact, they are considered by many to be the superior prosthetic tooth option available today.

Despite myths about dental implants still floating around, the demand for this restorative procedure continues to grow as their many benefits become more widely known. Millions of dental implants are placed annually and the long-term success rates remain well over 90%. You might already be aware of these advantages and that’s triggered your interest in getting dental implants to transform your smile.

If you find yourself dreaming of beautiful dental implants and a full, youthful smile, here’s what you should consider.

1. Number of Teeth That Need to Be Replaced

How many teeth do you need replaced with dental implants? Dental implants can replace teeth individually, meaning one implant post per missing tooth, or they can be used to replace consecutively missing teeth or an entire arch.

Single dental implants are a complete system made up of three parts:  the titanium implant post, an abutment, and a dental crown. They can be used for patients who only have one missing tooth or, if they have a few missing teeth, in different areas of their mouth. When a person has extensive or complete tooth loss, a better solution is to opt for an implant-supported appliance. This allows a prosthodontist to place fewer implant posts per arch while still visually replacing all missing teeth.

2. All-on-4® vs. Traditional Arch Replacement

Extensive tooth loss is a common problem, especially as we get older. Dentures have long been the go-to solution for restoring smiles, but they aren’t without their disadvantages. Prosthodontists now have a few options for helping patients in these situations permanently restore their smile without a high number of implants being needed.

Traditional arch replacement requires healthy jawbone density as anywhere from six to eight or more implant posts will be used to support the prosthetic. The prosthetic used is similar to what a dental bridge pontic resembles, meaning it replicates just the teeth and not the gum tissue.

Another alternative, and one that Dr. Bentz offers, is called All-on-4. This treatment option utilizes only four individual posts on each arch. These implants will support a denture-like prosthetic that beautifully replicates teeth and gum tissue. The advantage of this option is there’s a wider acceptance for candidacy, surgery is quicker and can be done in a single visit. During that single visit, you’ll also have the denture placed, which means you’ll have your new smile in one day.

You’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of traditional vs. All-on-4 treatment with the help of Dr. Bentz. He’ll go over why he believes one is a better choice for you over the other and you’ll come to a decision together.

3. Picking a Prosthodontist to Work With

The single most important thing you can do to ensure your dental implant surgery is successful is to choose the best prosthodontists that you can. Every facet of your dental implant restorations rides on the skills and experience of the prosthodontist, from the initial consultation to your long-term oral health.

Look for a prosthodontist who is board-certified and has extensive positive reviews for their practice. Visit their website and see what education the prosthodontist has accomplished. For example, Dr. Bentz has had additional training in dental implant placement and many years of success in this field of restorative care. He is also an active member of renowned dentistry associations, showing that he has a passion for prosthodontics and remains up-to-date with the newest developments.

After finding a promising prosthodontist, schedule a consultation or initial new patient visit to get to know them in person. Ask questions, discuss your smile goals, and see how you get along. It’s important to choose a prosthodontist that makes you feel relaxed, comfortable, and—most importantly—heard and respected.

4. Preventing Infection While Healing

After your dental implant surgery is complete, it’s essential to do everything you can to take care of the surgery site and your overall oral health to prevent infection. Though infection and rejection of a dental implant are pretty rare, they can occur when oral hygiene is poor. This could happen if you begin smoking or drinking alcohol, eat hard foods that irritate the implant post, or don’t keep your mouth clean between meals.

Your prosthodontist will give you strict guidelines on how to care for your smile post-surgery. This includes what oral care products to use, how to clean around the implant, and what foods you can and can’t eat. Immediately after surgery, you will need to be very careful with your diet, eating only soft foods and staying hydrated.

5. Maintaining Long-Term Oral Hygiene and Health

Achieving and maintaining optimal oral health is what will help ensure your dental implant restoration will last.

Eat a nutritious, varied diet, drink plenty of water, and limit your daily sugar consumption. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes per session and floss daily. Use oral care products recommended by your dentist and be sure to continue seeing them for checkups and cleanings every six months.

Also, be aware of your gum health. Peri-implantitis—a form of periodontitis unique to dental implants—can lead to implant failure. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you notice chronic bad breath, or your gums feel tender, consult your prosthodontist right away.

Best Dental Implants Near Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Bentz is a board-certified prosthodontist near Philadelphia, PA, who specializes in dental implant restorations. We also provide comprehensive dental care to meet all of our patients’ needs: from routine preventive appointments to the best in cosmetic dentistry services.

Our welcoming East Norriton, PA, office is outfitted with the latest in advanced dental technology to ensure you have as comfortable an experience as possible. If you’re interested in learning how dental implants can benefit your smile, we invite you to visit our practice for a consultation.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bentz today by calling our office or requesting a visit online.

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2601 Dekalb Pike
East Norriton, PA 19401

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610-272-6949

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