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Today’s subject describes how to respond to an unexpected tooth fracture or injury.  Mouth guards are the best way to protect teeth and avoid oral injury during sports and recreational activity, but accidents do happen on and off the playing field. What you do in the first 30 minutes following a mouth injury can make all the difference in whether you can save or loose a tooth which has been knocked out (“avulsed”).

If a tooth is knocked out, call me immediately (248) 419-4508 to make an emergency appointment.  If you are out of town or too far away from Southfield, locate the closest dentist or emergency room and get there as quickly as possible.  Time is of the essence!  If we can get the tooth reimplanted within 1 hour of the time it was knocked out there is a good chance it can reattach itself to the supporting tissues successfully. After an hour out of the mouth the success rate drops off rapidly.

Following an accident, retrieve the tooth and you may or may not rinse it very gently and briefly with water to remove dirt but do not clean the tooth. Be careful hold the tooth by the crown (the part you can see in the mouth) and avoid touching the root end (the part that is under the gum) of the tooth. Wrap the tooth in damp gauze or a clean piece of damp cloth and drop it into a small container with a lid. Cover the tooth with saline (salt water) or milk and secure the lid’s container to keep the tooth moist and secure on the way to the ER or dentist’s office. Sometimes you can place the tooth back in the socket where it may have a better chance of surviving.  A last resort is to just place it in your mouth and tuck it between your gum and your cheek.

Oral injuries can bleed profusely. Use pressure from a towel, washcloth or clean T-shirt to stop the blood flow. Do not swish water vigorously or touch the site of the avulsed (missing) tooth.  Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Tylenol and an icepack will help with pain and control swelling.  Larger cuts and lacerations will need assessment and may require stitches.

When you need help call my Southfield Dentist office at (248) 419-4508.  If additional physical injury is involved, call 911 for emergency assistance.

That’s all for today,

Mark w Langberg, DDS
26206 West 12 Mile Road #303, Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 419-4508
www.‎drlangberg.com

National health studies estimate that up to 57% of people in the U.S. don’t see a dentist regularly.  The Washington Department of Health states that 164 million hours of work are lost each year in the U.S. due to dental disease.  These lost wages and the overall effect on the nation’s economy runs into the billions of dollars.  Additionally, according to a study by Western Reserve University, 51 million school days are lost by students due to tooth/oral pain.

I Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD have been highly trained to make adult oral sedation dentistry treatment available at my office to help treat the estimated 30% of the population who avoids dental care due to fear.  Most of these people can be safely and effectively treated with the assistance of oral sedatives.  Patients who were once anxious and fearful — and put off having their dental work completed — can receive their dental care while they are totally relaxed and comfortable.

Oral sedation dentistry can help reduce the mounting economic costs and repercussions of untreated dental disease.  It enables patients to overcome their dental fear and allows them to receive care in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.  Additionally, oral sedation enables me to perform more dentistry in a single visit, meaning fearful patients don’t have to return as many times to complete their treatment, saving time, money, and anxiety!

Feel free to contact me for more information if you or someone you know is staying away from the dentist due to fear or anxiety.  There is a growing number of adults who have conquered their dental fears through the calming and relaxing effects of oral sedation dentistry, and we are ready and able to help!

Until next time,

Mark w Langberg, DDS
26206 West 12 Mile Road #303, Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 419-4508
www.‎drlangberg.com

An estimated 37 million Americans are edentulous–without teeth in one or both arches.  Despite this high number, however, many denture wearers can feel isolated and alone, suffering from self-consciousness and insecurity when socializing or eating due to fear of their dentures slipping out of place.

But now, we are offering denture patients in the metropolitan Detroit area a new treatment that can immediately increase denture stability in just 2-3 hours.  Recently, I have become certified by 3M^TM in the placement of Mini dental implants (MDIs) which provide an affordable and minimally invasive way for denture-wearers to anchor their dentures in their mouths so they can regain confidence and feel comfortable eating, talking and smiling.

In the past, denture wearers had few options for how to increase the stability of their dentures.  They could use adhesives, which were messy and not always effective or they could have a new denture made but that didn’t always work, especially if the dental ridges in their mouths were flat or difficult.  The other option was full-size dental implants, which, while effective, are often prohibitively expensive for many patients.  In addition, many patients are not good candidates for the procedure due to lack of adequate bone to support full sized implants.

Mini dental implants, however, are different from full -size implants.  Ranging in size form just 1.8 millimeters to 2.4 millimeters, these implants can be placed in the dental office in a very simple 2 hours procedure.  The patient’s existing denture can be adapted to snap on to the implants.  Unlike full-size implants, which require significant integration (fusing to the bone) time, MDIs can be immediately put to use keeping the patient’s denture in place, so the patient can walk out of the dental office transformed after just 2 hours.  Because the treatment is minimally invasive, mini dental implants can be an option for patients who are not good candidates for full-size implants.  Best of all, the treatment is much more affordable than full-size implant options.

I am now certified in the placement of 3M^TM MDI Mini Dental Implants, and I am always available to consult with you to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.  For more information, call our Southfield office at (248) 419-4508 or visit Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD .

That’s all for now, until next time,

Mark w Langberg, DDS
26206 West 12 Mile Road #303, Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 419-4508
www.‎drlangberg.com

It’s easy to see why people would be anxious to replace a missing front tooth where the gap is embarrassingly noticeable when they smile.

But what about a missing back tooth?

Did you know that each time you lose a tooth, about 10% of your chewing ability is lost with it? To fill that space, the teeth surrounding it tend to tilt over toward that gap. As they fall over, the adjacent teeth spread apart so decay and gum disease can more easily set in. In addition, the collapse in the bite can be associated with changes in facial profile and TMJ or bite problems.

Replacing that tooth not only restores your chewing ability, it prevents all those other potential dental, functional, and cosmetic problems.

Three solutions to replace a missing back tooth include a removable partial denture (the replacement teeth come out at night!) , an implant (a non-removable artificial titanium root with a crown attached), and a fixed bridge. The subject of this blog is the fixed bridge option, which is a non-removable porcelain restoration custom made to replace the missing tooth or teeth. It is fitted in the gap and anchored on both sides to the supporting teeth, thus forming a “bridge”.

A fixed bridge can replace more than one tooth. The bridge’s design is affected by the position and strength of the surrounding teeth. That’s why, the design of each bridge needs to be engineered to support all the teeth involved as well as serve exacting cosmetic and functional requirements.

The supporting teeth (abutments) are prepared to be anchors. Then an impression is created and sent to the lab for the final restoration. A sturdy temporary bridge is affixed while the permanent one is being fabricated at a dental lab. Once the final bridge is cemented, it can last for decades in most cases.

Call our office in Southfield at (248) 419-4508 if you have missing back teeth. I will be glad to answer all your questions and help you determine if a bridge might be the right choice for you to improve your dental health. Installing a well-made bridge now can save you much trouble in the future!

So until next time,

Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD
26206 West 12 Mile Road #303, Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 419-4508
www.‎drlangberg.com

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults.

It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include:
– Constant sore throat
– Burning sensation
– Problems speaking
– Difficulty swallowing
– Hoarseness or dry nasal passages

Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form.

Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.

Another issue that can affect older adults is a loss of appetite due to a change in your sense of taste. Besides an age-related decrease in the sense of taste and smell, certain diseases, medications and dentures can contribute to a decrease in your sense of taste.

Whether you are suffering from dry mouth or problems with your sense of taste, your dentist will be able to make suggestions to help.

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly.

Here are the steps you should follow:

First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Heres how to floss for best results.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

If you have difficulty handling dental floss, consider other types of interdental cleaner such as special brushes, picks or sticks.

Your dentist or hygienist will be able to give your further tips on how to brush and floss for best results.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

There is a very slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum.

Periodontal diseases attack this gap and cause a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues.

When the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket and, as the disease gets more severe, the pocket usually gets deeper.

The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease.

There are several factors that have been shown to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
– Systemic diseases such as diabetes
– Some types of medication
– Crooked teeth
– Bridges that no longer fit properly
– Fillings that have become defective
– Smoking
– Pregnancy

And there are a number of warning signs that can suggest a possible problem:
– Gums that bleed easily
– Red, swollen, tender gums
– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
– Persistent bad breath or taste
– Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
– Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
– Any change in the fit of partial dentures

However, its also possible to have periodontal disease with no warning signs.

Its therefore important to have regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations.

If you have developed periodontal disease, the treatment will depend on how far it has progressed.

You can take steps to prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

Good dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, eating a healthy diet and having regular visits to the dentist will make a huge difference.

Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems.

Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup.

Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist.

They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device.

If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes.

If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling.

Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures.

Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface.

This treatment may require local anesthesia to prevent pain. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits

If conditions are more advanced, surgery may be needed for complete debridement of the roots to arrest the disease process.

Some people tend to have more buildup of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay.

It’s therefore important to follow your hygienist’s advivce on how often to return for regular cleanings – even if your insurance only covers two a year.

Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old but many older adults find it difficult to eat a balanced diet.

They may avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing.

These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles.

Others find their sense of taste has changed, sometimes due to a disease or certain medications.

As a result, older adults often have diets lacking in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential to dental and overall health.

A balanced diet has to be based on the five food groups:
– Milk and dairy products
– Breads and cereals
– Meats and dried beans
– Fruits
– Vegetables

Sometimes a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement will help but its best to use supplements only after discussion with your physician.

If your teeth are stopping you from eating the food you enjoy or that you need for good health your dentist will be able to help you find a solution.

Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease.

Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease.

We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth.
– Maintain a healthy diet
– Drink plenty water
– Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar
– Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink

It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth.