Bruce R. Altschuler Dentist - Latest Blog & Articles

How long do mini implants last?

Mini-implants will last until you leave the dentist's chair. There is never any guarantee as it is a system involving the implant, your immune and health systems, your oral health, READ MORE

Mini-implants will last until you leave the dentist's chair. There is never any guarantee as it is a system involving the implant, your immune and health systems, your oral health, and how sterile the implant was when placed. Some implants become "infected" and the tissue surrounding it becomes inflamed and periodontitis occurs that compromises the implant. On the other hand, an implant may last a life time. You get an implant to improve your oral health, eating ability, and to keep your jawbones from disappearing. If it lasts for ten years, you can say it was worth it. If you last for another ten years, you can say you are worth it. A friend of mine lived to the remarkable age of 110. He had a lot of dental work, but could still eat a steak until the day he died. Go figure.

Does bone grow back after wisdom tooth extraction?

Yes. When properly healed, the area should eventually have new bone growth so the area will look nearly similar to the rest of the jawbones. Assume a healthy individual with no READ MORE

Yes. When properly healed, the area should eventually have new bone growth so the area will look nearly similar to the rest of the jawbones. Assume a healthy individual with no problems and of the age usually associated with third molar extractions.

How do you get rid of a toothache headache?

If you have a toothache, there is only one cure -- see your local dentist. There are so many causative factors that, without examining you, no competent dentist is able to tell READ MORE

If you have a toothache, there is only one cure -- see your local dentist. There are so many causative factors that, without examining you, no competent dentist is able to tell you how to treat your particular problem. Toothaches never disappear by themselves. They need to be treated. If you have a transient toothache and headache for a few moments after eating ice or ice cream, that is fairly normal and is just your nerves reacting to the cold. Anything else could be a sign of disease, and the sooner you get treatment, the better and safer for you.

Should you clean your Invisalign with a toothbrush?

You can clean your appliance with a soft toothbrush. You can also use plain Ivory soap and a finger and lots of water. You can also use a mild denture product and soak it if it READ MORE

You can clean your appliance with a soft toothbrush. You can also use plain Ivory soap and a finger and lots of water. You can also use a mild denture product and soak it if it starts to get dirty. Never scrub or use cleaning powder-- it will ruin the appliance and might be dangerous if it gets in your mouth.

Can scaling damage gums?

Scaling is a means to remove calculus from the roots and tooth surfaces. Done properly, minimum damage will occur to the gingiva. The gingiva, like any soft tissue, will tend to READ MORE

Scaling is a means to remove calculus from the roots and tooth surfaces. Done properly, minimum damage will occur to the gingiva. The gingiva, like any soft tissue, will tend to heal. Not removing plaque and/or calculus will cause eventual gingival recession, exposing more of the underlying tooth structure normally covered by bone and gingiva. This could lead to eventual tooth loss. You are much better following your dentist's advice and having him/her or their hygienist remove harmful material that contains infectious bacteria. Follow your dentist's advice and let them treat your teeth and "gums." Your teeth and gums will be happier and healthier for years to come.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

Tooth pain may be caused by a variety of reasons. They include, but are not completely listed as: tooth decay, gingival inflammation, bad occlusion, injury to the teeth, gums, READ MORE

Tooth pain may be caused by a variety of reasons. They include, but are not completely listed as: tooth decay, gingival inflammation, bad occlusion, injury to the teeth, gums, or jaws, inflammation of these areas, oral cancer, arthritis, orthodontic treatment, extraction of teeth, badly fitting partial dentures, lack of vitamins or dietary insufficiency, various diseases such as
STD's, fungus and viral infections, root involvement, etc. The best way to treat tooth pain is to visit your dentist's office and let the dentist find out (diagnose) what is causing the pain. The dentist has many treatment modalities to relieve the cause of the pain and to restore health to the mouth and to the teeth. Pain is nature's way to tell you something is seriously wrong. If you cannot sleep because of tooth pain, then seeing your dentist is the best solution.

Does root planing cause gum recession?

Root planing is used when there is an indication of somewhat severe gingival recession caused by plaque on the root of the tooth. By removing the debris, any infectious material READ MORE

Root planing is used when there is an indication of somewhat severe gingival recession caused by plaque on the root of the tooth. By removing the debris, any infectious material or material capable of hosting bacterial infection is removed. This may allow the tissue around the root to heal and return to a modicum of health. Root planing, plus other periodontal treatments, and good oral health care, may restore and keep your teeth healthy.

Why are my dental implants sensitive to cold water?

Dental implants may conduct heat or cold to surrounding tissues. It is the nerve endings of the surrounding gingival tissues or inner tissues of the mouth that become sensitized. READ MORE

Dental implants may conduct heat or cold to surrounding tissues. It is the nerve endings of the surrounding gingival tissues or inner tissues of the mouth that become sensitized. Sometimes this will be alleviated over time. Try not to eat ice. If sugary sodas seem to be a problem have your dentist check if you have developed gum disease or if a nearby tooth may be sensitive. Sometimes it is not the implant itself that is causing your discomfort. Have a talk with the dentist who placed the implant, or your regular dentist, and let him/her examine you and check what the problem may be.

What can you not do after dental implant surgery?

Various dental implants are available and your surgeon and/or dentist is the person to contact if you have any questions. Some implants come in two sessions, first the implant READ MORE

Various dental implants are available and your surgeon and/or dentist is the person to contact if you have any questions. Some implants come in two sessions, first the implant is placed, and then some time later a crown is placed to restore the biting capabilities of the implanted "tooth." Sometimes implants are "stubs" upon which dentures or partial dentures are placed. Your dentist will answer these questions. In general, use good oral hygiene and brush gently. Keep the area around the implant as clean as possible without over doing it or upsetting the tissue around it. It is a good practice to avoid very sugary candies and soft drinks unless you rinse your mouth promptly after imbibing the food.

Why do I have to wait 3 months every time my wires are changed on my braces?

This is a question you must ask your orthodontist. Every patient has a different situation based upon your age and growth status and the condition of your teeth and mouth. I suggest READ MORE

This is a question you must ask your orthodontist. Every patient has a different situation based upon your age and growth status and the condition of your teeth and mouth. I suggest you ask your parent or legal guardian to have a meeting with you and the treating orthodontist to discuss his/her treatment plan for you and ask him/her this question.

How do you clean a flexible partial denture?

There are lots of cleaning methods on the market, ranging from toothbrush-like devices that use various pastes for cleaning, to placing the denture in a little case in which you READ MORE

There are lots of cleaning methods on the market, ranging from toothbrush-like devices that use various pastes for cleaning, to placing the denture in a little case in which you fill it with water and a special paste or powder from a company. One way to clean your denture is to place it in lukewarm water with some dish soap such as Dawn, then shake the container so the Dawn "bubbles." Leave overnight. When you take out the denture, make sure to wash all the soap off it before putting it back in your mouth. Your dentist who provided the denture can also provide you with answers to your query. I advise you have a conversation with your dentist.

What should I do to permanently resolve my TMJ issues?

You should see your dentist. If your dentist cannot help you he/she could recommend a specialist in TMJ problems (often a prosthodontist) who can help you. There is no real self-treatment. READ MORE

You should see your dentist. If your dentist cannot help you he/she could recommend a specialist in TMJ problems (often a prosthodontist) who can help you. There is no real self-treatment. Your dental specialist will provide you with appropriate therapy. This may also involve a full mouth examination to be sure you do not have an associative problem that may indirectly or directly aggravate your TMJ problem, such as poor bite or an infected tooth.

Can dentists do gum grafts?

Yes. Dentists can do periodontal grafts to restore gingiva (gums) that have receded or have been destroyed by gum disease or accidents. Usually a specialist, a periodontist, will READ MORE

Yes. Dentists can do periodontal grafts to restore gingiva (gums) that have receded or have been destroyed by gum disease or accidents. Usually a specialist, a periodontist, will do the operation(s) if the damage is extensive. Sometimes the periodontist will also restore bone materials as a base for the gingiva, and sometimes "harvest" other tissues to be used to restore the gingival tissues no longer present. Suggest you first confer with your dentist and see if he/she will recommend a periodontist if the damage is extensive. Some dentists are trained to do the work themselves if it is minor.

Can you get Invisalign with an implant?

An implant is a replacement for a tooth that has been extracted or never existed. Once properly placed, and after a suitable waiting period, a crown is placed on top of the "root" READ MORE

An implant is a replacement for a tooth that has been extracted or never existed. Once properly placed, and after a suitable waiting period, a crown is placed on top of the "root" of the implant. Rather than moving an implant, the implant can be placed surgically in an appropriate position, so you shouldn't need Invisalign for that tooth as it is probably already in the right position, assuming you, your implant dentist, and your orthodontist consulted together.

For other teeth, the Invisalign will probably work for you, and you should consult with your orthodontist. Sometimes the implant tooth will be isolated from the Invisalign appliance so it is not affected. Your orthodontist should be able to assess your clinical misalignment of your teeth and advise you accordingly. Do NOT try to use a mail order service, they are not worth the aggravation.

Can braces cause TMJ?

Braces on the exterior of the teeth cannot cause TMJ. However, the movement of your teeth may cause interferences and you need to address this question with your orthodontist to READ MORE

Braces on the exterior of the teeth cannot cause TMJ. However, the movement of your teeth may cause interferences and you need to address this question with your orthodontist to make sure your bite is correct as your teeth are moved. Sometimes the ache on the teeth when the braces are first adjusted could mimic TMJ. Your orthodontist should be aware from patient feedback as to what your "bite status" is so make sure to communicate all problems with your orthodontist. He/she may have to take further impressions and/or radiographs as your teeth shift to make further diagnosis as you progress.

How long do braces take to correct an overbite?

There are various degrees of overbite. A very large overbite might even need surgical correction. However, a small overbite takes about 18 months to 24 months to correct, depending READ MORE

There are various degrees of overbite. A very large overbite might even need surgical correction. However, a small overbite takes about 18 months to 24 months to correct, depending on the orientation of your teeth and other factors your orthodontist will inform you about, and usually a retainer needs to be worn for at least that amount of time thereafter. Every case is different, and your orthodontist will provide treatment options for you after carefully examining you and taking diagnostic impressions and dental radiographs. It is best to avoid home remedies using mail order devices as these can be ineffective or dangerous.

Does coconut oil whiten your teeth?

I have never heard for or against coconut oil whitening teeth. Most whitening formulas have an oxidizer like hydrogen peroxide or have a mild abrasive to scrape away a tiny amount READ MORE

I have never heard for or against coconut oil whitening teeth. Most whitening formulas have an oxidizer like hydrogen peroxide or have a mild abrasive to scrape away a tiny amount of surface stain. Coconut oil of the kind used in food should not harm you.

Are white spots on teeth cavities?

White spots on teeth are often caused at birth due to various chemicals in the water, or by various defects in the growth of the enamel. These are not disease entities. White spots READ MORE

White spots on teeth are often caused at birth due to various chemicals in the water, or by various defects in the growth of the enamel. These are not disease entities. White spots are sometimes caused by the beginning development of caries. However, this can be resolved by brushing your teeth with an enamel restoring toothpaste, and by not drinking highly acidic soda drinks. You will have to visit your dentist for a check-up to determine if any other treatment is possible or to determine if caries has begun and needs to be treated.

Dental deep cleaning?

You should insist on seeing the dentist in charge of the dental clinic and have him/her examine you. If the dentist does not wish to see you, then it might be your choice to visit READ MORE

You should insist on seeing the dentist in charge of the dental clinic and have him/her examine you. If the dentist does not wish to see you, then it might be your choice to visit a different dental clinic.

Mouth ulcer?

Mouth ulcers may be caused by virus or bacterial infections, or by chemicals or allergens. Diet, smoking and work factors may be involved. Strongly suggested you visit a dentist READ MORE

Mouth ulcers may be caused by virus or bacterial infections, or by chemicals or allergens. Diet, smoking and work factors may be involved. Strongly suggested you visit a dentist who can evaluate your health and circumstances and determine the origin of these ulcers and what treatment is necessary.

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Dr. Bruce R. Altschuler, DDS

Dentist