Caring for Your Dental Implants so They Last a Lifetime | Schnecksville Dentist

It’s been a process, but you finally have the smile you’ve always wanted, thanks to the help of your dental professional and some new dental implant prosthetics. Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. To ensure that your new smile lasts as long as possible, here are a few simple suggestions for maintaining your implants:

Brush and floss twice a day. Just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure. Special germicidal mouthwash and toothbrushes developed for dental implants are often prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection.

Regular dental visits. Regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene. However, this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need thorough cleanings and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Say no to staining. While dental implants are created to be durable and natural looking, dental implants can also stain the same as normal teeth. Steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine. Not only are they bad habits to have in general, but they can also begin to stain your teeth sooner than you think.

You’re right – this does seem like the typical dental hygiene routine you’ve been doing. It is. Your dental implants are going to improve all aspects of your smile, but that doesn’t mean your entire world is flipped on its head. The better you take care of your smile, the better it will take care of you.

For more information about dental implant maintenance, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Caring for Your Root Canal | Schnecksville Dentist

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No one wants to be in pain and one of the worst ones is a toothache. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you may need a root canal. And for many of us, a root canal sounds like your mouth will be in pain for a long while. But ignoring issues like tooth decay is the whole reason you’re in this predicament. It’s time to bite the proverbial bullet. Soon, you and your mouth have been treated and on your road to recovery. But you were right – it wasn’t a painless experience.

There’s no doubt that a root canal procedure can cause some of the worst temporary oral pain you could experience. But all is not lost; there are lots of ways you can temporarily ease some of the pain. If you’ve just had a root canal or are planning on getting one done soon, keep this handful of remedies in mind to help ease and sooth the pain after your procedure is finished:

  • Make sure to take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.
  • Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen.
  • Avoid eating hard, crunchy or tough foods for the first few days.
  • An ice pack applied to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
  • Use a numbing gel, like Oragel once the anesthesia wears off.

We all want healthy mouths, but it is our job to take the time to ensure this happens. Otherwise, we may be stuck to have a major dental procedure done to repair any damage done. Sometimes, it can’t be helped, but for the most part, it’s all on us. Aren’t you glad there are ways to soothe those dental pains?

For more information about root canal aftercare, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

What You Need to Know to Keep Your Gums Healthy | Schnecksville Dentist

We may not know exactly what gum disease is, but we know we don’t want to have it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. And this is why you really need to keep your dental appointments – they are the only ones that can diagnose periodontal disease.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, ranging from hormonal changes, certain illnesses, medications, genetics to poor dental hygiene and bad habits, like smoking.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. But there are some symptoms you may want to keep in mind. If you find you have any of these symptoms over time, it’s time to check in with your dental professional:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down

Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to keep gum disease at bay. Make sure you brush, floss and rinse with fluoride every single day. Choose to eat healthy and clean. Munching on healthy snacks and chewing sugar-free gum will produce saliva, the way we rinse our mouths naturally. If you are a smoker, make an effort to stop. Not only is tobacco use bad for you overall, but it wreaks havoc on your mouth. And lastly, keep your dental appointments in order to ensure all of your efforts are doing the job.

For more information about gum disease, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

When to See a Dentist: Dental Emergency Edition | Schnecksville Dentist

Because we have no way of knowing an emergency is going to happen, it is important that we are aware of any instances that will need professional help. A pipe burst needs a plumber, a broken bone needs a doctor. If something happens to our teeth, it is important to know when we need to call in a professional. Even if damage is caused to one or more teeth, some neighboring teeth can suffer as a result and it is these issues that can only be detected by a dental exam. Here is a quick rundown of dental emergencies you may want a dental professional to tend to:

Chipped. Most times a chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by either replacing the broken piece or by bonding a tooth-colored filling. If a large portion of the tooth is broken off, a crown will likely be required. And if it’s bad enough to expose and damage the pulp, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Loosened. A dislodged tooth is when a tooth loosened and pushed sideways. When this happens, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.

Knocked out. When a tooth is completely knocked out of the socket it may be able to be saved if the patient arrives to the dentist in time, and the tooth is handled properly. Be cure not touch the root of the tooth, and keep it moist (either in the socket, on the gum against your cheek, or in milk).

Accidents will happen. But even if you believe your injury is minor, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healthy.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Who Wouldn’t Want Whiter Teeth? | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want clean, healthy teeth but for many of us, a bright white smile is a wish list item that never really gets crossed off. Because even the best of brushers eventually have off-colored teeth. It’s just the daily wear and tear our teeth go through. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day is great and very necessary, but your teeth won’t always keep its natural sheen. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope. There are plenty of ways to improve the color of your smile. Here are some of the more common options:

Kitchen items. You can always make your own toothpaste with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? It’s true. So crush a couple of strawberries in a bit of baking soda or rub the peel over your teeth like a toothbrush and let those natural chemicals do the rest.

Whitening products. Over-the-counter options work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation to avoid overbleaching and wearing down tooth enamel.

In-office visits. We are proud to offer our patient ZOOM! whitening, a treatment that can either be applied by us, or customized so you can do it in the privacy of your home.

So, as you can see, there is no need to worry about dingy teeth. There is hope. Just ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you. And prepare for those smile compliments to roll in.

For more information about ZOOM! teeth whitening, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Getting 3D Scans at the Dentist | Schnecksville Dentist

When it’s time to visit the dentist for a checkup, the chances are pretty great that you will be getting some x-rays taken to help your dentist find any issues that may be happening but can help to foresee any issues that may arise in the future.

Cone Beam CT scans, or CBCT, is fast, simple and completely non-invasive technology. These aren’t the x-rays of the past. These 3D scans will give your dentist a computer-generated view of your face, teeth and other important details from various perspectives. By doing this, these scans provide accurate measurements useful for dental implant surgery and other oral appliances. But even more impressively, they can also detect issues in other aspects, like the following:

  • Airway sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
  • TMJ
  • Bone cancer, tumors, or cysts
  • Fractures
  • Tooth root infections, root canals, or other problems with the core of the tooth
  • Gum problems
  • Nasal anatomy, include septum, turbinates and sinuses.

With the CBCT scans system, dentists have a more complete visual guide to study their patient’s case from just about any angle they can think of. Even better is that the scan data is easy to duplicate for storage purposes and to make it easier to send out to different specialists later on. Thanks to the more accurate, high-quality, detailed visual information produced by the imaging system, dentists have all the information they could possibly need to diagnose and plan out the proper course of action. It may seem wild that your dentist will now have these ultra-cool views of your face, but they can look after your health in a more in-depth way.

For more information about CBCT scans, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Seeing Things Clear as Day | Schnecksville Dentist

It may seem like an obvious necessity, but it is important to be able to see clearly when performing dental surgery. Not only is it a tight space, but the inside of your mouth isn’t the most well-lit area our bodies have, so having the proper equipment when we come to see them. Dental surgery is precise, and not a quick process, so it is important to be able to work in a small position for long periods of time. Luckily, dental technology has achieved the ideal product for the dental professional – dental loupes.

You may have seen them on surgical tv shows. Think eyeglasses with microscopes on each lens for additional magnification. Dental loupes are the perfect product to ensure that your dental procedure not only goes as well as possible but keeps the dentist’s eyes from getting weakened as the procedure continues.

It may seem extra, but it is really quite revolutionary. Not only is it easier for the dentist to maneuver through a surgery with ease, but the telescopic lenses make dental surgeries as pain-free as possible. It gives confidence to the surgeon and allows the patient to rest at ease, making it easier to see what needs to be seen without causing fatigue to either party.

We’ve come a long way in our dental technology, but it is all for your benefit. Advanced features will not only make your smile the healthiest it can be, but it can also make your future dental appointments worry-free. So, if you are afraid of the dental chair, relax – we’re here to provide you with the best possible dental care.

For more information about dental loupes, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Celebrating the Holidays with Your Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

As we rapidly approach the holiday season, it is important to know that while we love to indulge in all of our favorite holiday treats, we need to make sure not to forgot about our smiles in the process. After all, we couldn’t enjoy these holidays without it. This may not be the holiday season we are used to, but we can’t let our dental hygiene fall to the wayside. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin to celebrate this holiday season:

Avoid grazing. There are just so many delicious foods to overindulge in, but it is best to stay focused on the matter at hand – try to limit snacking throughout the day. Not only will it allow for bacteria to constantly cling to your teeth, but you will be too full to enjoy the meal itself.

Maintain a balance. We all know there are loads of foods that are bad for us available, but there are also lots of great foods. So, enjoy everything, just make sure to balance it out with foods that contain calcium and/or protein, and fruits and vegetables.

Stay hydrated. Tis the season for seasonal drinks, but it is important that you try to remain hydrated. Not only will you keep some type of composure from too much egg nog, but it will also increase saliva production, which helps to keep bad bacteria away from your teeth.

Practice proper dental hygiene. It’s a busy time of year for everyone, but that’s no excuse to let your dental hygiene slip. Brush twice a day, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash. And after the holidays are done, visit your dentist to make sure you’ve done a good job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Live Your Best Life with Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

female smile

Whether we like it or not, life happens. And sometimes that life leads to the loss of our teeth. Because our smile is so intricate to our daily lives, having any issues with it makes us feel self-conscious. We don’t smile as much, and we may develop issues speaking or eating that cause us to even step away from being social. Thankfully, this isn’t the end of your smile – it’s just time to call your dental professional for a consultation. Because, for many, the solution to this problem is dentures.

You may be thinking, ‘Am I doomed to keep my teeth in a glass next to my bed for life?’ ‘What if my teeth fall out during a social event?’ And a while back, you really wouldn’t have an option. Yes, those may be instances you would likely face. But you don’t need to have those concerns now. While there are removable dentures available, there are also fixed sets of dentures available to alleviate those uncomfortable situations typically associated with traditional dentures.

Not only that, but here at Extraordinary Smiles, we are pleased to offer our patients both partial and full denture options. Your particular case is exactly that. We are here to design your perfect smile, regardless of the issues you are facing. In fact, we offer lots of various options with your smile makeover to give you the brilliant smile you’ve always wanted, and no one will be any wiser that your smile isn’t natural.

If you feel like your smile’s flaws are causing you to shy away from living your best life, give us a call to set up a consultation. Together we can make the smile of your dreams a reality.

For more information about dentures, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

Protecting Your Smile During the Pandemic | Schnecksville Dentist

Young woman with toothache and ice bag.

During this rather unpredictable time, one thing we can predict is the way we take care of ourselves. Sure, your dental professionals have tools to keep our smiles healthy, but it is really our jobs to look after ourselves in between our visits. This is why it is important to keep our daily dental routines in place while we stay home and keep ourselves healthy.

Unfortunately, accidents will happen, and we will need to seek professional help. Typically, is would be simple to access a dental professional but during these quarantine times, it is important to know how to identify and soothe yourself until it can be professionally looked at.

When a toothache arises, there are a couple of options that may help. Gargling with warm saltwater will help relieve pain in the affected area by clearing out any bacteria within. If it’s swelling, you may need a cold compress and some over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen.

When you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, it is likely that it will need to be looked at. If it gets jammed or loosened, gently try to straighten it. Wrap it with some gauze or tissue to stabilize it until you can get it looked at. If it is knocked out, don’t touch the root and give it a quick rinse with cold water or milk. All of these are considered dental emergencies and your dentist will be the best advice as to what actions need to take place immediately.

Living in this pandemic is a crazy time, but we don’t need to become overwhelmed by things we can control. Taking the time to brush, floss and rinse every day will prevent long-term issues, but having some DIY tips will help when accidents arise.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.