Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth were used by our ancestors to help chew rough or coarse food. Today, we no longer need these teeth to chew our food and, in most cases, wisdom teeth can cause developmental issues when they decide to erupt. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, but some people may not get their wisdom teeth until the age of 25.

Over time our jaws have shrunk, and this may have led to the common issues we experience with wisdom teeth. Some wisdom teeth are blocked and have trouble erupting. In other cases, wisdom teeth do not develop completely. This allows bacteria to collect around the area and can cause an infection. Other problems caused by wisdom teeth include overcrowding or damage to the surrounding teeth. There are some people who have no problems at all with their wisdom teeth, and they can erupt properly, and do not require extraction.

At Evan Baker DDS, we monitor wisdom teeth development in our younger patients to ensure we get in front of any issues early on. Our team has years of experience in wisdom teeth removal, and we have helped patients of all ages. Our team can help you avoid future complications, and keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

How Do I Know if I Have an Issue With My Wisdom Teeth?

Attending your regular dental exam appointments are extremely important to help monitor wisdom teeth development. Our team can watch your wisdom teeth and get in front of developmental issues such as impaction or overcrowding. We typically recommend wisdom teeth removal at a younger age to avoid future complications.

There are signs you can look out for that may indicate you need your wisdom teeth removed. If you experience any of the following signs, we encourage you to contact our office right away.

  • Pain in the back of your mouth, on your tongue, or cheek area
  • Swollen, inflamed, or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Jaw pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Sinus issues
  • Crooked teeth
  • Overcrowding
  • Infections
  • Cavities
  • Cysts around your wisdom teeth
  • Bad breath that does not go away
  • Trouble chewing

It is important to always address any pain or symptoms of wisdom teeth problems. If wisdom teeth issues are not treated promptly, they can lead to further complications or infection. Let our team help rid you of pain and get you on the road to recovery.

Are You Experiencing Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have an issue with your wisdom teeth, we recommend contacting our office. Your oral health is our priority and our team can help provide the proper treatment. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we have years of experience in wisdom teeth removal. Let Epsilon Dental Care help you take that first step towards feeling healthier, by calling us today.

To schedule your wisdom teeth consultation, contact Epsilon Dental Care, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Do Kids Need Dental Crowns?

Dental Crowns

If your child is prone to cavities, you may wonder if there is anything dentists can do to save their teeth. Cavities are very common in children, and many children are prone to cavities while others are not. If a child has a small cavity, we may choose to just monitor the tooth, or recommend a dental filling. If the tooth has severe decay, a crown may be recommended in order to save the tooth. Dental crowns can protect a severely damaged or decayed tooth, and preserve the tooth underneath.

Why Would My Child Need a Dental Crown?

Primary teeth are very important in a child’s development. They help with growth and development, speech, and eating. It is important to try and keep a child’s primary teeth for as long as you can to protect and maintain their oral health. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. If a child does not have their primary teeth, this can cause orthodontic issues. The adult teeth may not erupt properly or will erupt in the wrong direction. If your child has a cavity, placing a crown on the tooth can leave the primary tooth intact, but protect the tooth from further damage.

How Does a Crown Procedure Work?

Crowns can be placed in one dental visit making this ideal for children. During the procedure, the primary tooth is cleaned and prepared. We use local anesthesia along with Nitrous oxide or laughing gas to keep your child calm and comfortable. Once the tooth is prepped and ready, the crown is gently affixed on top of the tooth. Recovery is minimal, and we recommend waiting a few hours after the procedure to eat or drink. This allows the numb feeling to wear off. Your child’s bite may feel odd, but after a few days, they will adjust to the new crown.

Dental crowns are very durable and should last until the primary tooth is lost. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home can help keep your crown feeling and looking great. We encourage regular visits to our office to give our doctors the ability to monitor the crown and check for additional decay. Dental cleanings and exams help to keep track of a child’s oral development and can help address cavities or other concerns as your child grows.

Ready To Find Out More About Dental Crowns?

At Evan Baker DDS, your child’s health is our priority. Our doctors have years of experience in pediatric dentistry and love to work with children. We create a calm and relaxing environment and always ensure your child has a positive experience. Let our team at Evan Baker DDS provide quality dental care you can trust.

If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, or they are due for their exam and cleaning, contact Evan Baker DDS, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Much Radiation is in a Dental X-ray?

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.

Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.

Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?

Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.

Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s

  • Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
  • Show jawbone development
  • Detect bone loss

Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?

If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Evan Baker DDS. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

To schedule an appointment with us contact Evan Baker DDS, and our staff will be happy to assist you.