Dr. Dean George Gekas, D.D.S.

The time for complete closure varies with each patient and which tooth was removed.  Molars being the largest, take more time while mandibular incisors may only take a month or two.  Don't take it too fast because damage can occur to the roots of the teeth if the movement occurs too quickly. Therefore, you shouldn't put new trays in until it is time, the results can be troublesome.
hope this helps, Dr. G.  

Yes, depending on the material used for your partial, often the appliance can be sent to a lab for repair.  Sometimes repairs can be made chairside without the need to be sent out, but again, it will depend on what materials were used for the fabrication.  Hope this helps, Dr. G.

Usually any of the anti-inflammatory meds work the best.  Taking 600mg of ibuprofen @ 6hrs or 800mg @8hrs. is the recommended dose.  Check with your doctor to be sure you can take with any other medications you may be on.  Patients on blood thinners and certain stomach conditions do not allow some people to take anti- inflammatory meds.  Hope this helps, Dr. G.

Depending on the type and amount of local anesthetic used, numbness can last for up to 4-6 hrs.  Also, lower nerve blocks have a tendency to feel number for longer periods of time than do upper nerve blocks.  Dr.G.

Depending on the age of the denture, it is not uncommon for the clasps to loosen and need tightening.  If your partial is made of cast metal, you should see your dentist and see if they can be tightened by crimping the clasps.  However, if your partial is beyond 7-8 year and older, it may be time for a new partial.  In the meantime, you can use denture adhesive and see if that can help.  Hope this helps, Dr. G. 

The best pain relief comes from any of the NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.  These include Ibuprofen or Advil/Motrin and naproxen or Aleve.  I personally recommend Advil and the minimum dosage is 600mg every 6 hrs, or 800mg every 8hrs.   However, before starting these make sure with your primary care doctor that they will not be contraindicated with any meds you currently take.  Managing inflammation will reduce your pain very well as it is the primary reason for most pain.  As our head and neck areas swell, it causes more of the nerves in the region to be recruited in the sensation.  The more nerves involved, the greater the potential for discomfort.  So, using anti-inflammatories is the first line, and if these do not work then seeing the surgeon or dentist for prescription strength meds would be in order.Hope this helps, Dr.G. 

Yes, there are plenty of cosmetic procedures that can be done, however without seeing exactly what teeth and how much recession, there is no way to give you any specific options.  The procedure could be as simple as bonding to the tooth, and it could also be a situation where a crown may be indicated.  I would get e few opinions before starting any treatment.  Dr.G.

It's time for a professional cleaning.  Dr.G. 

Yes, there can be gum pain following a root canal for a few reasons. A rubber dam is used to isolate the tooth and the clamps used to secure the dam to the tooth sometimes cut the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. Also, residual infection around the tooth may cause the tissue to be uncomfortable. I recommend rinsing with salt water for a day or two to relieve mild gum irritation and if the problem persists, I would contact the doctor who performed the root canal and determine if an antibiotic is necessary. Hope this helps, Dr. G.

No, if detected early usually a simple restoration can solve the problem. Remember, the longer you wait, the deeper the cavity gets and if not addressed, then a root canal becomes possible. I recommend addressing these issues right away for the least invasive procedures. Hope this helps, Dr. G.

Not always, but if you’re apprehensive and don’t want to realize what’s going on, it’s the way to go

A sealant is placed in the grooves of the posterior teeth to prevent cavities. Fillings are placed to treat cavities that have already formed. Sometimes however, a plasty & seal procedure can be done when a cavity is just starting. The decay is scuffed away using a drill, then the sealant is placed in that space. All without using local anesthesia. Conservative and effective.

Multiple potential reasons all which are not important at this point. Goal should be to protect from additional damage in the future to preserve your level of function.
Several types of appliances can be made to protect your TMJ and stop the damage from continuing. These appliances are usually worn at night and protect the TMJ from receiving excessive pressure and destructive movements. They are relatively easy to wear and work quite well to alleviate any pain or muscle spasms that often occur with TMJ disorders.