To be able to properly treat and prevent gum disease, you must first be aware of its causes. Here are some of the common causes of gum disease.

What Are the Causes of Gum Diseases?

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to develop on the teeth, causing bacteria to multiply and produce toxins which causes inflammation and irritation of the gum tissues (and bones). Poor flossing causes bacteria to build up between your teeth and the gum tissue, causing irritation and eventually disease.

2. Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking contribute to the development of periodontitis by leading to dry mouth and increasing the severity of periodontitis.

3. Misaligned or Crooked Teeth That Are Hard to Clean

Teeth that are crooked or misaligned are hard to clean. Food and bacteria can be trapped in between the spaces of the teeth, which leads to periodontitis.

4. Having Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your gums may become infected more quickly because the disease can reduce your resistance to infection.

5. Poor Blood Circulation

Improper blood circulation causes a thickening of the gums, making gum tissues more susceptible to periodontitis.

6. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause gum disease to flare up. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the mouth to dry out.

7. Medications

Medication can also cause periodontitis to flare up which are usually caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, anabolic steroids, and drugs to treat depression.

8. Genetics

Certain conditions such as diabetes, anemia, and hyperthyroidism that run in the family are common causes of gum disease. If you have a family history of these ailments, you can be at risk for gum disease too.

What Are the Treatments for Gum Diseases?

Treating gum disease starts by removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth by brushing daily and getting the proper dental cleaning. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the gum disease, but usually starts with scaling to remove plaque. Scaling is generally done by a dental professional who scrapes off the plaque and removed with dental floss.

At home, brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, preferably with fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. If you are using an electric toothbrush, increase the frequency of your brushing and flossing as the device does the work for you.

Conclusion

Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and drinking are the main contributors to gum diseases. These diseases can be prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene at home. If you have the symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment with Dr. Mihirgir Bava, the best gentle dentist in Raleigh, NC. We are pleased to provide exceptional dental care, from routine checkups and cleanings to significant tooth repair and replacement treatments. Call 919-872-1700 to learn more!

The post What Are the Causes of Gum Disease and How To Treat Them first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

What Is Jawbone Loss?

People aren’t often aware of this, but the human body is constantly rebuilding itself. In bones, this can be seen through resorption and ossification. Resorption is essentially the process in which older bone is removed. But this is then replaced by new bone, which is put into place through ossification. But as a person ages, these two processes no longer stay in balance. This means bone loss happens quicker while bone growth is slowed down. When this happens to the jawbone, it can affect several aspects of your oral health, as the jawbone often acts as the foundation of your teeth. While you may notice changes in your facial features when you have jawbone loss, the only sure way to know is through dental X-rays.

How to Prevent Jawbone Loss?

Since jawbone loss can be attributed to tooth loss and gum disease, the best way to prevent jawbone loss is through good dental hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day to keep harmful bacteria away from your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth can often eat away at your bones and also stimulate gum tissue. To increase bone health, it’s best to eat healthy and nutritious food containing calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other nutrients your bones need. It’s also best to avoid smoking and tobacco use as these can be detrimental to your bone health.

How to Recover From Jawbone Loss?

If you are already experiencing jawbone loss, there are still ways to recover from it. It’s best to see a dentist to properly diagnose the problem. But in general, treatments such as prescription medication and bone grafts can help restore your teeth’ foundation. However, you also need to stimulate and maintain it the jawbone density. That’s why dental implants are often recommended for jawbone loss, as they can help stimulate the new bone in your jaw.

Final Thoughts

The jaw acts as the foundation for your teeth so jawbone loss can leave your teeth with a weaker foundation, causing certain oral issues. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene to protect your teeth and jaw. And if you are already experiencing jawbone loss, you can still recover from it with treatments such as bone graft, dental implants, and prescription medication.

Dr. Mihirgir Bava is a skilled and enthusiastic general dentist practicing in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Bava and our team are here for your oral health needs. Please call 919-872-1700 with your dental questions and concerns.

The post Jawbone Loss: How to Recover From It and Prevent It first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

What Are Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also referred to as caps, are dental prostheses used when a patient is suffering from a severely damaged tooth. They are usually placed on top of a tooth to mimic its shape and lock it in place. Dental crowns are cemented over the tooth to protect it from further damage like fracturing or breaking. While crowns provide aesthetic benefits, they also help to protect teeth from decay or trauma.

Dental crowns can help prevent infection and support damaged teeth. As they cover the decayed area, they prevent the spread of bacterial infection. They also preserve the teeth by conforming to their shape which stops the mouth from adapting to the shape of the damaged tooth and causing misalignments in the mouth.

How Do They Differ from Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are cheaper and less invasive and are best for minor tooth damage or decay. They can help with small cavities in the tooth while a dental crown rescues severely damaged or weakened teeth.

Any dentist near you will tell you that the choice between a dental filling and a dental crown is up to the patient. While both can help protect the teeth, it takes different measures to keep these fillings and crowns in their best condition.

A dental crown is necessary after getting a root canal since the tooth becomes brittle and weak after the root canal from no blood supply to the tooth, destroying the nerve. A dental crown protects the tooth.

Treatments That May Require Dental Crowns

If you have the following conditions, you may be better off with a dental crown:

-Damaged Teeth: If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, it becomes vulnerable to infections and further breakage. A dental crown helps prevent it from worsening and protects your existing tooth.

-Severe Tooth Decay: If a decayed tooth goes untreated, it can start affecting the neighboring teeth and spreading the bacterial infection. It is best to get dental crowns to prevent the spread of this infection.

-Large and Older Fillings: If your tooth has older fillings that are too large, they may no longer be secure. It is better to get a dental crown that can replace this filling. It also keeps your teeth looking better and strengthens your teeth.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are the best treatment for severely damaged teeth. While dental crowns are more expensive than fillings, they are more durable and long-lasting as they are cemented over natural teeth. They are also better at preventing further damage caused by further decay and trauma. If you are looking for a dentist in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Mihirgir Bava has you covered! Dr. Bava offers dental crowns to restore the shape, size, and strength of your teeth. Call 919-872-1700 to learn more!

The post Why You Might Need a Crown Instead of a Large Filling To Preserve a Tooth? first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

Dental Crowns and How They Work

A dental crown is a permanent cap that is placed on top of a damaged or weak tooth to cover and protect it from further damage. This can be made of ceramic, metal, composite resin, or porcelain. Dental crowns are usually manufactured to have the same color as the natural and neighboring tooth, but you can choose a gold, silver, or metal finish. You may need a dental crown to improve the appearance, shape, and function of your tooth. There are several factors that help determine what type of dental crown fit your needs:

• Current functionality of your tooth
• Location of your tooth
• Symptoms of grinding or clenching of your teeth
• Part of your tooth that shows when you smile
• Color and shade of neighboring teeth

When Dental Crowns Are Needed

Dental crowns can restore tooth strength, improve coloration, preserve your teeth, and even protect it from further weakening. They are installed in different ways depending on your situation. If you have damaged, weak, or diseased teeth, they can still be saved by placing these caps on top of them. Some other situations that dentists may recommend dental crowns include:

• Large fillings
• Tooth discoloration
• Weak teeth
• Worn teeth
• Cracked teeth

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp and restoring the root of the tooth. After completing this treatment, the last step would be placing a dental crown on top of the remaining natural tooth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing teeth by installing artificial tooth roots and an abutment where a temporary cap is placed. Once your jaw has healed, then the cap will be replaced with a dental crown.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns, each with its own purpose and function:

1. Stainless steel crowns 

This is a great option for when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. Stainless steel is preferred if the dentist thinks that a standard filling might fall easily.

2. Metal crowns and gold alloys

Metal crowns can withstand corrosion, fractures, don’t cause teeth to wear and offer a strong bond. Usually, gold or copper is used in this type of crown.

3. Porcelain-fused-in-metal crowns

Combining porcelain with metal is common in dental crowns and bridges. Porcelain with metal is preferred because they make a stronger crown due to the support of metal.

4. All-Resin Crowns

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, then the all-resin crown is what you need. However, a lower price comes with a disadvantage as this type of crown is vulnerable to fractures.

Conclusion

If you live in the Raleigh, NC, area, you can consult with our dentist, Dr. Mihirgir Bava to find out what can be done for your tooth issues. He offers dental treatments to restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth, and dental crowns are only one example. Call 919-872-1700 to schedule a visit!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

Here are six signs that you need to get a root canal treatment:

1. Heat and Cold Sensitivity

When you feel the pain, you are susceptible when the tooth comes in contact with hot or cold things. The pain is not something you can easily ignore, and often people use painkillers to find some release, but this doesn’t help much with tooth root pain.

2. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are a symptom of tooth root issues that progresses from mild to unbearable. It’s the kind of pain you can feel, even when your teeth are not being touched. This discomfort can even be felt in the end or corner of your tongue. When your gums are sore or swollen, the pulp of your tooth may be infected, resulting in gum inflammation as your body’s natural response to tooth infection or decay.

3. Constant Pain

Damaged teeth can irritate and inflame nerve endings in the tooth connected to the face and head. This causes the muscles in your face and head to tense, resulting in toothaches and headaches that are both constant and even unbearable.

4. Tooth Discoloration

Tooth root issues can cause discolored teeth or tooth staining thanks to the bacteria associated with root canal infections. The discoloration and staining are often apparent on the outer edges of a tooth or where the tooth is most likely to be exposed to outside elements.

5. Discharge

There is a yellow or green colored discharge coming from the infected gums with tooth root problems. It is a pus-like substance that can be seen or felt. This is an urgent sign that your condition needs immediate attention. If this happens, consult your emergency dental clinic ASAP.

6. Undetectable Illness

Tooth root problems can cause a general illness that seems like a common cold, fever or fatigue. Although you can treat the symptoms individually, signs of deteriorating health paired with oral health problems may be a sign of infected or decaying teeth. Please consult with a dental expert to find the root cause of your condition.

Conclusion

You can walk around for a long time with a problem tooth. In contrast to most oral health issues, where symptoms can be seen immediately, root canal symptoms frequently do not appear until the problem progresses. Routine dental checkups and exams can spot these issues early before they progress this far.

Treatment methods for these oral health conditions are not available at home. The best way to find out if you need a root canal procedure is to visit your dentist’s office, which includes X-rays as well as thermal and electric testing.

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist who can take care of your oral health issues, Dr. Mihirgir Bava can help! He is a skilled general dentist providing a comprehensive range of patient-centered dental services in Raleigh, NC. Please call 919-872-1700 to schedule a visit!

The post 6 Signs You Need a Root Canal That You Must Be Aware Of first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

#1. Getting Implants from an Inexperienced Dentist

Choosing the right dentist is key. A dental implant procedure is complex, and the tiniest mistake can have major consequences. For instance, if the implant is inserted incorrectly, then there’s a possibility that the metal post will not bond to your jawbone, which could lead to future issues.

#2. Failing to Disclose Your Medical History

While most people are excellent candidates for a dental implant procedure, some patients are at risk for negative outcomes. That’s why it’s crucial that you keep your dentist informed of any medical condition that could affect the results of the procedure or may even put you in danger, like:

• Uncontrolled gum disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Cancer
• Jawbone radiation
• Smoking
• Suppressed immune system due to medications

#3. Having Poor Oral Health Habits

After getting your procedure, you’ll be given a set of instructions to follow. Most of these are your everyday dental habits, like brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, but you have to be extra careful during the first few days. If you fail to follow the dentist’s instructions, you’ll risk developing infections or prolonging the healing process. It’s also going to be bad for your dental implants if you have habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice chips or cubes, or smoking.

#4. Eating the Wrong Types of Food

When your dental implants are completely healed, you can eat anything you want but not during the healing period. Your dentist will tell you which food items you should not eat. Most likely, they will recommend that you stick to liquid or soft foods like applesauce, soup, or mashed potatoes. If you eat food that is hard or sticky, it could cause discomfort or swelling.

#5. Getting Back to Your Workouts Too Soon

A dental implant procedure is classified as a form of surgery, so you should avoid exercising a few days after getting it done. Don’t be too keen to resume rigorous physical activities as it may still be unsafe to do them, and the sutures could be damaged. When your dentist deems it okay for you to exercise again, ease into it by doing low-impact exercises like yoga and walking.

Conclusion

Dental implants can indeed fix your smile, but the outcome also heavily depends on what you do after you get your implants. Follow our dentist’s guidelines after leaving the clinic and for the next several days after that. When you’re ready to get your implants, and you’re looking for a seasoned dentist in Raleigh, NC, who can do it for you, visit Dr. Mihirgir Bava and team. Please call 919-872-1700 to schedule your visit!

The post Dental Implant-Related Mistakes You Should Avoid at All Costs first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

A Root Canal Is An Emergency Dental Procedure

A root canal is usually classified as an emergency dental procedure. Tooth infections are exceedingly painful and unpleasant, and if left untreated, they can lead to significant problems, including the death of the affected tooth.

A tooth infection can result in sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection in rare situations.

The infection should be treated with a root canal as soon as feasible to avoid these consequences. The sooner you visit a dentist in Raleigh, the more probable it is that he will be able to preserve your tooth and avoid the consequences that come with a serious, long-term infection.

What Are The Basics of Root Canal? 

The process is quite simple and usually takes about an hour for basics.

Then, the dentist in Raleigh will clean the interior of your tooth and extract decaying and diseased tooth material through this incision.

After that, your dentist will disinfect and fill your tooth with a rubbery substance that will replace your pulp while strengthening the tooth.

Finally, a dental crown or filling will be used to safeguard the tooth and avoid additional issues.

Is A Root Canal Painful?

A root canal isn’t any more painful than a filling or having a wisdom tooth extracted since patients are given an anesthetic. Conversely, a root canal is usually a little uncomfortable or numb afterward and can lead to mild discomfort for a few days.

What Are the Symptoms and Indicators That You Need A Root Canal?

Do you have a broken tooth due to an injury or heredity, a deep cavity, or complications from a prior filling? Then you may need a root canal.

There are other indicators that you may require a root canal:

• Excruciating pain while eating or biting
• Gums with pimples
• A broken or chipped tooth
• Persistence of sensitivity to heat or cold, even after the sensation has passed
• Gums that are swollen or painful
• Gum disease or discoloration of the teeth

The most typical symptom is a strong, throbbing toothache that lasts at least 1-2 days. This means you either have an infected tooth or a very deep cavity that might get infected. You may also have sensitivity to heat and cold and chewing pressure. When you eat sweet foods, your teeth may become extremely sensitive.

Infected teeth can also cause swelling, discoloration, and inflammation of the gum tissue around them. If the gums around do not appear normal, the tooth may be infected. If you detect these symptoms, seek emergency dental care in Raleigh.

Conclusion

Don’t wait for another second if you feel you have an infected tooth that requires a root canal in Raleigh, NC. The sooner you get treatment from a dentist, the sooner you will be free of pain and discomfort. Dr. Mihirgir Bava offers a comprehensive variety of patient-centered dental services in Raleigh, NC. Call us today at (919) 872-1700 to schedule an appointment!

The post How Is A Root Canal An Emergency Dental Care Process? first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

1. Factor in the Costs

While everyone should invest in improving their health without hesitation, some still get surprised at the cost of getting dental implants, which range from $800 to $6,000 per tooth. Be sure to check your dental insurance to see if it covers the costs of dental implants. It should also cover your payment plans or cash discounts, which would make the process much more affordable.

2. Understand the Procedure

Getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure to remove your damaged teeth. If necessary, the dentist will begin preparing for jawbone grafting, taking a bit of bone and placing it in your jawbone. The dentist will also place dental implants according to the type that matches your teeth the most. You’ll need to wait a few months for the bone to grow and heal completely, requiring regular checkups to monitor its progress.

3. Know the Benefits and Risks

Dental implants are meant to improve your quality of life, but they also come with risks like any surgery. If your oral surgeon or dentist does not follow proper protocol during the surgery, you’ll be at risk for an infection. Other reasons for infection include misalignment, bad oral hygiene, or an allergic reaction to the material used. The benefits of having dental implants include their durability, lasting for 25 years, looking and feeling like natural teeth, and strengthening your jawbone over time.

4. Consult Your Dentist

To ensure you know everything there is to know about the procedure, be sure to speak with your dentist. Find out what your oral health issues are and how they might affect your dental implants. Your dentist will also recommend a dental implant that works best with your jawbone and mouth.

5. Choose the Right Type

There are three types of dental implants available: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. The endosteal technique is the safest method, but it also takes the longest to heal (around four to six months). The implants have placeholder posts that look like screws, which attach the implant to your jawbone. Secondly, the subperiosteal implant stays on top of your bone and under your gums. It uses a metal frame to go under the gum, carrying a post and false teeth on it. The healing process takes one to three months. Lastly, the zygomatic implant is the most complicated procedure as it will be set on your cheekbones instead of your gums or bone. It heals after two to four months and lasts up to 12 years.

Conclusion

Losing a tooth to tooth decay may seem like the end of a beautiful smile for many people, but the good news is that dental implants can give you a sturdy replacement that restores your ability to talk and chew. By considering these factors before pursuing the procedure, you’ll be more comfortable with your decision to get dental implants.

If you need a Raleigh emergency dentist, Dr. Mihirgir Bava and team in Raleigh, NC, are here to help! Please call 919-872-1700 for more information or to schedule a visit!

The post 5 Considerations to Make Before Getting Dental Implants first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

Does your list include taking care of your oral health better? If not, here are some of the things that you should add to your list to ensure the health of your teeth and gums, according to your trusted dentist in Raleigh:

Schedule Your Dental Checkup

Although you don’t need to see your dentist every year, seeing your dentist every six months is highly recommended. Your dentist can monitor your dental health, which can serve as a way to catch problems early on. This can help prevent issues from happening in the future. A thorough examination can spot any dental problems. This can prevent these problems from getting worse, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Kick Bad Habits to the Curb

It’s not uncommon for people to experience tooth sensitivity when consuming foods and drinks that are too cold. If you want to enjoy your favorite ice-cold beverages again, kicking the habit of drinking them with your mouth open could be the easiest way of tackling this problem. If you’re not keen on the idea of doing this, then you can also keep a glass or bottle of water nearby to wash your mouth after drinking your beverage.

Another problem you may want to curb is smoking. Mouth and gum problems are common among people who smoke regularly. Aside from that, you will also have a more challenging time getting rid of your tobacco addiction if you continue smoking.

Floss Every Day

If you really want to take care of your teeth, flossing should be an essential part of your oral health care routine. Flossing helps prevent gum disease, which can cause tooth loss. It also prevents food debris from becoming trapped in your teeth, which can lead to dental decay.

Wear a Mouthguard

Sports injuries can cause damage to your teeth. If you’re an athlete, you’re at a greater risk of injuring your mouth, but wearing a mouthguard could prevent this from happening. A mouthguard can also prevent teeth grinding, a common problem when you experience stress.

Get Dental Treatments You Need

You may not realize immediately when you develop a dental problem. Some dental issues can be prevented, but others cannot. If you’re already experiencing a dental problem, you may want to talk to your dentist about getting treatment for it. Your dentist can also help you determine whether you need a dental procedure, such as dental caps, dental crowns, or dental implants.

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth and gums may not be the first thing on your list this year, but it should be. The health of your teeth and gums shouldn’t be pushed aside, which is why you should add taking care of these things now on your list of resolutions for the year.

Visit Dr. Mihirgir Bava and our team to get your oral health checked by a reputable dentist in Raleigh, NC. Please call us today at (919) 872-1700 to schedule an appointment!

The post Dental Health Resolutions to Start in 2022 first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.

1: The Buildup of Plaque in Your Teeth

Plaque is the yellowish film of bacteria that forms on one’s teeth. The bacteria produce acids when a person eats or drinks, destroying the tooth enamel and resulting in cavities, tooth decay, or gingivitis. Besides the teeth, plaque can also appear under the gums, later breaking down the teeth themselves. Be sure to take care of your smile by brushing your teeth religiously, flossing, and rinsing correctly. Follow up with regular checkups with our dentist to spot hard-to-see gum problems while they are still in the early stages.

2: Smoking Habit

Smoking makes your gums weak and causes plaque. The nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes and other tobacco products reduce saliva flow in your mouth. Because of that, bacteria can stick easily in your teeth and gums. Gum issues do not heal as fast as those in non-smokers, because smoking causes the bloodstream to lose its much-needed oxygen, failing to function properly.

3: Hormonal Changes (For Women)

If you are a woman, hormonal changes are something you cannot control but it makes you more prone to gum problems. During your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, your body parts, including the gums, become more sensitive making them susceptible to gum diseases. During these hormonal shifts, it is vital to take extra care of your oral health and see your dentist as soon as you notice unusual changes in your gums.

4: Lack of Certain Nutrients

What you eat can affect what happens to your mouth. A diet rich in vitamin C can help make your gums stronger. Vitamin C helps keep all connective tissue in the gums and also the teeth healthy and strong. With enough vitamin C, your teeth and gum should be healthy without bleeding or sensitivities. Avoid too many sweets, sugar, and carbohydrates that can ruin your teeth and gums. When eating any of these products, drink lots of water and clean your teeth afterward.

5: Misaligned Teeth

Teeth are sharp, and they can hurt your mouth, especially when they are crooked or not in their proper position. When you have crooked teeth, you are more prone to damaging the insides of your mouth. Food particles can get stuck in your teeth, potentially triggering bacteria buildup and causing teeth and gum problems later. Pay extra attention to your mouth if you have crooked teeth and get the dental care you need as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

Conclusion

Properly caring for your teeth and trying your best to maintain good oral health can prevent you from experiencing annoying gum problems later. Should you experience any dental emergency, make sure to visit your dentist promptly. If you are looking for a Raleigh emergency dentist, Dr. Mihirgir Bava and team in Raleigh, NC, can help! Please call 919-872-1700 for more information or to schedule a visit!

The post What Causes Gum Problems: 5 Of The Most Common Reasons first appeared on Gentle Smiles of Raleigh.