Cracked teeth

A good one third of the population has a problem with clenching and grinding of their teeth.

Human teeth are subjected to enormous forces in the mouth and as a result cracking teeth is unavoidable, especially as we age. Cracked teeth are painful and can occasionally cause loss of the tooth.

To understand the various types of cracks and appreciate the variations in treatment options, a basic understanding of the tooth anatomy will be helpful

Cracks in enamel only are generally asymptomatic and require no real treatment. Almost all adults have cracks in the enamel of teeth. These are caused by eating hard foods, biting accidents, contact sports and aging. Some preventative measures include softening hard foods before biting into them and avoiding hard and brittle foods like peanut brittle, corn nuts and chewing ice.

Cracks in dentin cause sharp pain when biting especially when there is contact on the cracked portion of tooth. Contact with sweets also causes lingering pain. Cracks in dentin above the gum line are easily corrected by removing the cracked portion of tooth and placing a crown covering the tooth including the cracked defect.

Cracks in dentin extending below the gum line require a surgical modification of the surrounding bone away from the fracture line and a subsequent placement of crown. This combination of treatment can become questionable if crack extends deep down into the root surface, especially when exact extent of crack cannot be determined. Tooth removal and replacement with implant or bridge can be an alternative.

Cracks into pulp can be very painful and usually need immediate attention. Conservative treatment options are of limited value and generally involve removal of tooth and replacement with a bridge, implant or removable prosthesis. Sometimes, a root canal therapy is performed and root temporarily restored and observed for several weeks and if asymptomatic, restored with a more permanent crown. If pain persists, an extraction becomes necessary.

Only superficial cracks can be left with no treatment. Most cracked teeth require treatment as soon as pain is experienced. Early treatment can mean less invasive and less expensive treatment. 

If you are concerned about a fracturing or a cracked tooth, feel free to call our office for a no obligation 10 minute consultation. Call 909 627 6699 or visit www.smileartistrychino.com

Dental Veneers- Ceramic or Composite- What are the Considerations?

For a discolored tooth, chipped tooth, misshaped tooth or a tooth slightly out of alignment, a dental veneer may be an option.

 An explosion of dental materials and techniques have provided ample solutions to correct the condition and there are several considerations to assess to arrive at the best choice for you..

Age, cost and  durability are usually at the top of the consideration list. Location of the defect, is defect natural or acquired, oral habits, smile line, personality, occupation are other important considerations.

Veneer is a thin covering that is placed over the front of the tooth. Any stain or decay present on any additional surfaces will more likely be better served with a crown or other full coverage restorations making a veneer an inadequate choice.

The age of the patient is another important consideration. A conservative composite veneer is an excellent choice for a tooth is the developing stage. A developing smile which is constantly evolving is best fitted with a composite veneer that is economical and  can be easily modified with changes in shape, shade and configuration, unlike a lab fabricated ceramic veneer.

Ceramic veneers are thin shells made of a strong, stain resistant and durable dental ceramic. A very small amount of tooth structure is removed  to make room for a natural and ideal looking tooth form.This restoration involves more than one visit and is fabricated in the dental lab. Ceramic veneers are the most natural looking with customizable,  polychromatic shades to exactly match and compliment the adjacent teeth- an ideal option for highly visible smiles requiring a confidence boost. These are  the veneers that are highlighted in the much publicized smile make overs. A thorough understanding of the underlying design principles and identifying dental labs and technicians that are detail oriented and take pride in their creations is the key to achieving these results.

Teeth must be healthy and free of decay and active periodontal disease prior to veneer preparation. The process is irreversible once the enamel is removed.

Patients who clench and grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers, because the thin veneers may chip or break. A plastic dental nightguard is usually recommended to help minimize the stress on the teeth.

No special maintenance is needed other than good oral hygiene each day. Avoid biting fingernails and chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice to keep veneers well maintained.

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com or call our office at 909 627 6699 to schedule a cosmetic consultation. 

Time to De-Stress

 Stress has become a common concern as more of us encounter stress in our daily lives. We do know of its negative effects on the body and mind. Our mouths too are just as likely to be affected by stressful situations as our bodies and mind.

Dental conditions associated with stress include-

Bruxism or night grinding: Teeth significantly wear and/or fracture due to heavy biting during sleep as  a result of internalizing stress.  Long term bruxism eventually can lead to facial and tempero-mandibular pain which is often debilitating.  A nightguard is recommended to protect the jaw and teeth.

Canker sores- Although the causes of these sores are still unknown, they are often brought on by stress. They are quite painful  and treatment is often symptomatic. Medications and laser treatment can  reduce the severity and duration of the sores.

Dry Mouth is often caused by stress reducing the salivary function  as well as with the use of anti depressants and other medications. Chronic dry mouth leads to a host of dental issues including increase in cavities, periodontal and gum disease, soft tissue conditions.  Improved oral hygiene and regular visits significantly reduce the potential for  loss of bone or teeth. 

Lichen Planus in the mouth is characterized by white lacy patterns, sores and ulcers. This condition is believed to be a reaction to viral infections caused by stress.

Gum disease- Long term stress suppresses the immune system  which in turn increases the susceptibility to infections including periodontal disease.

If you are feeling stressed, take proper measures to reduce the stress in your life such as eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep.  If you suffer from extreme anxiety or depression, seek timely professional help.

If you are concerned with stress affecting your mouth or teeth, our office can address your concerns and treat as necessary.

 Call  909 627 6699 or Visit www.mydentistchino.com to reach us.

Teeth Clenching and Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where the individual clenches or grinds teeth causing significant damage to the teeth, facial muscles and the TMJ (tempero  mandibular  joint).

Sleep bruxism or night grinding is a sleep disorder that is often associated with other sleep conditions like snoring and/ or pauses in breathing (sleep apnea)

Symptoms include-

Teeth grinding and clenching sounds that can awaken the sleep partner

Worn, flattened, chipped or loose teeth

Worn enamel causing increased sensitivity from exposed dentin

Jaw or facial pain and soreness

Dull headaches originating in the temple region

Tired of tight jaw muscles

Teeth Indentations on the tongue

Causes include-

Emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger

Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth

Uncommon side effects to psychiatric medications

Stomach acid reflex into esophagus

Coping or focusing habit

Prevention and early intervention is key to alleviating debilitating pain and irreversible damage of tooth structure requiring extensive restorative procedures

Call 909 627 6699 to schedule  a one on one consultation with Dr. Cherukuri

Teeth On Vacation

Vacations mean different things for different people. Some simply want to stay home and not have a watch or schedule to dictate their day. Some others may want to visit family or go to far off destinations while some others like the pampering of cruises and resorts.  Some others may like to use the extended daylight hours to to catch up on pending projects and tasks including medical and dental check ups.

 June officially begins the summer vacation season and as preparations begin, you want to put your plan to action.

 

Tips for dental health during vacations.

If an exotic vacation spot is your destination, ensure that you and your teeth are healthy enough to travel. Schedule you annual health and semi annual dental check up well before your planned trip.  Tooth pain is exaggerated in higher altitudes and a remote island may not be the best place to be treated for excruciating tooth pain.

Even while you are on vacation, remember your dental hygiene cannot be on one as well. Stay on top of your brushing, flossing and rinsing routines and enjoy a bright and healthy smile.

While playing outdoor sports, always wear athletic mouth guards. In the event of an injury, immediately apply ice to reduce swelling and leave severed or fractured teeth is a clean liquid medium and see dentist as soon as possible.

If you have put off making an appointment because your schedule has been busy, this may be the best time to invest in getting a routine examination out of the way or if extensive treatment with multiple appointments is needed, summer or vacation time will be the best time to get the long pending procedures like wisdom extractions or orthodontics (braces) out of the way.

Call 909 627 6699 to make an appointment or visit www.mydentistchino.com for more information.

Sensitive Teeth!

Sensitive teeth may be caused by many things, including cavities, a cracked tooth, worn tooth enamel, worn fillings, and exposed tooth roots. If a cavity, filling, or cracked tooth is behind this hypersensitivity, your dentist can rectify the situation by filling the cavity, replacing the filling, or fixing the fractured tooth. However, if your dentist determines that cavities and fractured teeth are not the source of the problem, then the cause could be either worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root.
All healthy teeth are composed of three layers of substances: enamel, cementum, and dentin. Enamel, the strongest substance in the body, protects the tooth’s crown, making up the top layer. Cementum, the middle layer, protects the tooth root under the gum line. Dentin, which can be found under the enamel and cementum, is the least dense part of the tooth. When the dentin loses its protective covering, hot and cold foods, as well as acidic or sticky foods, stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, leading to hypersensitivity and discomfort.
Dentin can also be exposed when gums recede, leading to sensitivity near the gum line. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gums from receding and causing hypersensitivity. Flossing regularly and brushing correctly—using a soft-bristled brush and not brushing too roughly, which can injure the gums and expose tooth roots—can help keep your gums healthy and prevent them from receding.
In the interim, desensitizing toothpastes may help reduce your discomfort. These toothpastes contain compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. However, you should note that several applications are required before sensitivity is reduced.
Additionally, if desensitizing toothpastes do not offer you relief, your dentist may be able to treat you using in-office techniques, such as applying a fluoride gel that strengthens the tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensation. If you suffer from receding gums, your dentist may be able to “seal” the sensitive teeth by using agents, composed of plastic material, that bond to the tooth root.
Regardless of the severity of your sensitivity and discomfort, and even if desensitizing toothpastes temporarily alleviate the pain, you should visit your dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity. Doing this will not only allow you to enjoy that ice cream cone pain-free, but it will help head off any conditions, such as exposed roots, that if left untreated could eventually require further treatment, such as a root canal.

Dental Emergencies

Dental accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, then; get to your dentist’s office right away. 

• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.

• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.

• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.

• For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Visit wwwmydentistchino.com today for a consultation.

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room.
Question: What do I do if I knock out my tooth?
Answer: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.
Q: What if I crack my tooth?
A: For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Q: If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it?
A: If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Q: How do I treat a toothache?
A: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.
Q: What if I think my jaw is broken?
A: If you think your jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.
Q: How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth?
A: For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Q: How can I avoid a dental emergency?
A: There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
• Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Visit our website www.chinosmiles.com or call 909 627 6699 for more information.