The difference between canker sores and cold sores

 Although canker sores are often confused with cold sores, there is a difference.

Canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth.

Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. There can be one or more sores in the mouth. They are very common and often recur.

They usually heal in a week or two and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinses may help reduce the irritation.

Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin.

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious. They usually heal in about a week.

Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

Treating facial pain and jaw problems

Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.

Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a cast of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.

To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist.

How dentures can replace your smile

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile.

Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health.

Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll also find it harder to eat and speak things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures.

A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months.

An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

And even if you wear full dentures, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly to maintain your overall oral health and get early warning of serious issues such as oral cancer.

Different types of fillings and restorations

Nowadays, thanks to advances in dental techniques and materials, patients have a much wider range of choices when they have to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

For example, materials such as ceramics and polymer compounds that look more like natural teeth help dentists create pleasing, natural-looking smiles.

The traditional materials such as gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam are still widely used as they have many advantages.

The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continues to make them useful in many situations. For example, they are good when fillings are required in the back teeth because the pressure of chewing is high in that area.

The choice of the best option will depend on several factors such as the patient’s oral and general health, where and how the filling is placed and the number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.

The choice about which option is best depends on each individual’s needs so you should discuss the options with your dentist.

Dental Bonding Procedure Explained

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to improve the appearance of a person's teeth. It involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth and then hardening the material using a special light. The resin material is molded and shaped to match the surrounding teeth and create a seamless, natural-looking smile.

The process of dental bonding typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and can be completed in a single appointment. Before the bonding procedure begins, your dentist will prepare the tooth by lightly roughening the surface and applying a conditioning liquid to help the resin material adhere to the tooth.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to have dental bonding done. Some common reasons include:

• To repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth
• To improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth
• To close gaps or spaces between teeth
• To reshape misshapen or uneven teeth
• To make teeth look longer or to change their shape

Dental bonding is a popular choice for cosmetic dentistry because it is a relatively affordable and non-invasive option compared to other cosmetic procedures like veneers or crowns. Additionally, the bonding material can be matched to the exact shade of your existing teeth, making it a very natural-looking solution.

One of the biggest advantages of dental bonding is that it can usually be completed in just one visit to the dentist. This makes it a convenient option for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of their smile.

However, it is important to note that dental bonding is not as durable as other cosmetic dental options like veneers or crowns. The bonding material can chip, stain or wear away over time and may need to be touched up or replaced after several years.

If you are considering dental bonding, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist. They can help you determine if this option is the best choice for your individual needs and help you understand what to expect from the bonding process.

In conclusion, dental bonding is a versatile and effective cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Whether you are looking to repair a chipped tooth or simply want to enhance your smile, dental bonding is a great option to consider. So, if you are looking for a simple, affordable and non-invasive way to improve your smile, consider dental bonding today!