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GENERAL DENTISTRY SERVICES AT GAINESVILLE DENTAL ARTS

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    GENERAL DENTISTRY SERVICES

    AT

    GAINESVILLE DENTAL ARTS

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    1. Comprehensive Exams

    In order to maintain the best oral health possible, regular, comprehensive dental exams are a necessity. In

    fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular

    exams are vital to assess possible problems such as gum disease, oral cancer, cavity development, and

    replacing worn out dental work such as metal fillings and discolored crowns. Catching problems early will

    prevent bigger problems from developing, which will end up saving you time and money.

    What Does a Comprehensive Exam

    Involve?

    We provide a thorough oral cancer screening, both visually and a VELSCOPE Screening.

    A series of diagnostic x-rays will be taken so we can analyze the condition of your teeth and bone

    structure.

    A series of diagnostic x-rays will be taken so we can analyze the condition of your teeth and bone

    structure.

    We check for any possible bite problems or jaw issues.

    A tooth-specific exam is also provided to all of your teeth to check for cavities, examine the

    condition of other dental work, and identify cracked or missing teeth.

    Maintaining your oral health is top priority for us at Gainesville Dental Arts. Managing small problems and

    eliminating them is crucial in avoiding serious health issues such as tooth loss, gum disease and oral

    cancer. So call us today to schedule an exam, and let us maintain your smile to last a lifetime.

    2. Gentle Professional Cleanings

    During a regular dental checkup visit, you sometimes will see two professionals the dentist and the

    dental hygienist. The hygienist typically will learn about your concerns and expectations, take all the

    necessary radiographs, intraoral pictures, check your gums and teeth, clean and polish your teeth, andtalk to you about caring for your teeth and gums properly at home. Once all the necessary diagnostic

    data is collected Dr. Kaur then will review it all with the hygienist and you, perform clinical examination,

    diagnose concerns and problems and then recommend solutions and treatment choices.

    Here's what to expect:

    Cleaning The purpose of a professional dental cleaning is to remove the hard calculus (also

    called tartar) from above and just below the gum line. Brushing and flossing at home removes

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    plaque. Only dental instruments can remove calculus. Our dental hygienists may use ultrasonic

    instruments to blast away the larger chunks of tartar. They follow up with hand instruments to

    thoroughly clean the teeth. Some hygienists may use only hand instruments.

    Polishing After the calculus is removed, the crowns of your teeth (the parts that shows in

    the mouth above the gum line) may be polished to remove plaque and surface stains. Typically,

    but not always, an abrasive substance is applied to the teeth with a small rotating rubber cup

    or brush. This helps to scrub away stains. The polishing substance will feel gritty in your mouth.

    But will be washed away with water.

    Prevention The hygienist may offer customized instructions for oral care at home based on

    the results of the exam. Hygienist may demonstrate how to brush and floss properly.

    Sometimes, the hygienist will teach you to use a disclosing agent to test your brushing ability. A

    disclosing agent is a red solution or tablet that is applied to the teeth or chewed. The agent

    attaches to plaque and colors it to make it visible. Then you brush your teeth. You'll be able to

    see any plaque that you missed. Not all dentists and hygienists recommend disclosing agents

    because they can be tricky to use. For example, they may highlight some areas of plaque that

    can be removed only by professional cleaning. They may also stain tooth-colored fillings. Some

    experts recommend using a disclosing agent only at the dentist's office, and only if the

    hygienist is prepared to polish any remaining red color off the teeth afterwards. Disclosing

    agents are a useful tool for improving and provide motivation for good oral hygiene practices.

    Dr. Kaur may recommend to use them at home.

    X-rays/Radiographs Radiographs are an essential tool to diagnose many dental diseases

    .At your first visit required radiographs will be taken. However at subsequent follow up visits

    radiographs may or may not be taken during your checkup. In the past, many dentists took

    X-rays at every checkup. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently says thatX-rays are not needed at every visit. Although dental X-rays are safe, the FDA says unnecessary

    exposure should be limited because the effects of radiation add up over time. Especially in this

    age and time people also are exposed to radiation from many other sources. Some people

    may be able to go as long as 12 months between X-rays. Others may need them every few

    months. Dr. Kaur will consider the results of your clinical examination, your dental history and

    your individual risk for developing cavities. Then will decide if you need X-rays during your

    check-up visit. If you are seeing a new dentist for the first time, ask for a copy of your X-rays

    from your former dentist so that a comparison can be made between the preexisting

    conditions and newly diagnosed issues. Treatment Recommendations If you are diagnosed with dental disease Dr. Kaur will

    recommend a comprehensive step by step plan to treat the cause and eliminate the disease.

    These may also include a referral to a specialist if deemed necessary. (Such as an endodontist,

    periodontist or orthodontist).

    Children over the age of two should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a professional hygiene

    cleaning. To maintain oral health, it's very important that you stay up to speed on the condition of your

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    teeth, so that if problems are detected, they can be treated early to avoid developing more serious

    issues. At Gainesville Dental Arts, we provide comfortable, gentle hygiene cleanings, specifically to

    detect, deter and prevent gum disease. If we find a cause for concern, we may recommend a deep gum

    cleaning to remove tartar below the gum line, smooth out surfaces where plaque builds up and

    eliminate bacterial infection.

    While at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville, we ensure that you experience the highest level of

    service and make sure that our dental work is of the highest quality. To ensure that you maintain great

    oral health, your personal oral hygiene routine this level of quality needs to extend into. We can help

    you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white. Your teeth are not

    the only important part of your mouth; your gums are essential to oral hygiene as well. We can provide

    periodontal cleanings and treatment. Please schedule an appointment with us at Gainesville Dental

    Arts in Gainesville today to get started.

    Important Reasons to Get Professional dental care To detect possible health risks such as gum disease and oral cancer

    To eliminate bad breath

    To have a brighter, whiter smile

    To prevent tooth loss

    To maintain good physical health

    In order to maintain good oral health and a bright smile, please call us at 703-743-2324 Gainesville

    Dental Arts in Gainesville today to schedule a professional dental care visit.

    3. Intra Oral Camera

    X-rays are an excellent way to diagnose oral health issues; however, with the intraoral camera available

    at Gainesville Dental Arts, we can assess your dental needs to an even greater extent. Using the

    intraoral camera, we can examine areas of your mouth that x-rays cannot show.

    What is an Intraoral Camera?

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    The intraoral camera is small, roughly the size of a standard dental mirror, and features a built-in lightsource. With this small camera, we can easily identify problems such as tooth decay, cracked or broken

    fillings, cracked teeth and signs of gum disease among others to help us create an effective treatment

    plan.

    Take a Tour of Your Mouth

    Gainesville Dental Arts also uses the intraoral camera in conjunction with a computer monitor, allowing

    you to view whats going on inside your mouth as we examine.

    By directly observing the examination, you can now be an active partner in your treatment. Clearly

    seeing your oral condition will help you make confident treatment decisions.

    For more information on the intraoral camera at Gainesville Dental Clinic, call us today!

    4. Digital X-Ray

    The digital radiograph x-ray at our Gainesville Dental Arts offers superior resolution with less radiation

    exposure and is an excellent new way to help diagnose possible oral problems. The digital radiographnot only emits significantly less amount of radiation associated with traditional x-rays, but is also much

    less time consuming. Using a sensor that is placed in your mouth in the correct position, the pictures

    are taken and immediately sent to our computer. We can then review the information with you right

    from the computer screen.

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    Benefits of Digital X-Rays

    Exposes the patient to half the amount of radiation received from traditional x-rays

    Gray-scale resolution of 256 colors compared to 16 25 shades on conventional film, allowing

    for a more detailed, accurate analysis

    Immediately transfers images to monitor so that the dentist can review and explain the

    information to the patient

    Images can be enlarged for better visualization

    Images can be saved for future reference

    Offers the ability to compare your x-rays with one another digitally on our computer

    No time spent on developing x-rays means more time to take care of your dental treatment.

    Why are Digital X-Rays Important

    To locate areas of decay that cant be detected with a visual examination

    To detect periodontal disease by investigating possible bone loss

    To aid in the preparation and placement of dental implants, orthodontics and other dental

    work

    To locate possible abnormalities such as cysts and oral cancer

    For more information on this exciting new technology or to schedule an appointment with us at

    Gainesville Dental Arts please call 703-743-2324 or request an appointment.

    5. Cavity Detection

    Cavities, also known as dental caries, are the result of bacterial tooth decay that affects the hard

    tissues of the teeth. The earlier a cavity is detected, the less damage it can cause. At Gainesville Dental

    Arts there are several methods that may use to detect cavities.

    Detection Methods

    First is visual inspection of the teeth looking for discoloration, enamel destruction, or holes in

    the teeth.

    Secondly, Gainesville Dental Arts may use a probe or dental explorer to check the crevices of

    your teeth for decay.

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    Dental x-rays are very important in detecting dental decay particularly between the teeth.

    Intraoral camera is an excellent and newer device to detect cavities especially in the initial

    stage.

    Newer optical methods of evaluating teeth for decay are being tested and may be found to be

    a practical method for detection in the future.

    You can help prevent cavities by regularly visiting the Gainesville Dental Arts, brushing twice a day with

    a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning daily between your teeth with dental floss.

    6. Oral Cancer Screening

    With over 35,000 new cases diagnosed each year, oral cancer has become the sixth deadliest cancer in

    the world. In fact, oral cancer claims the life of one American every hour. Thats why at your Gainesville

    Dental Arts we take this issue very seriously and strive to provide the best detection and preventionmethods possible.

    Oral cancer is a serious health risk and should not be taken lightly. Early detection is key to prevention,

    so please dont hesitate to schedule an exam, including full oral cancer screening, at your Gainesville

    Dental Arts.

    7. Periodontal / Gum Disease Treatment

    Due to poor dental hygiene bacteria and tartar accumulates between the teeth and gums, affecting the

    soft tissues that surround and support the teeth, leading to number of inflammatory conditions called

    Periodontitis, ultimately causes tooth loss.

    Periodontitis can be prevented by maintaining good dental hygiene. Brushing twice-daily and flossing

    daily, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent periodontitis. We at Gainesville Dental Arts

    in Gainesville will help you establish a hygiene and treatment regimen that will help you to avoid tooth

    loss and other serious complications associated with periodontitis.

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    What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

    Periodontal disease, or gum disease refers to any condition that affects the gums and other structures

    supporting your teeth. It is a painless infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and

    is the most common cause of tooth loss. However, bacteria cause the most common forms of

    periodontal disease. These bacteria grow in a film called dental plaque that sticks on the tooth surfaces

    next to the gums. The bacteria can infect the gums and cause inflammation. The disease can spread

    and destroy the gums, ligament and bone around the teeth. Often, patients do not even know they

    have periodontal disease. Since it can lead to serious complications like tooth loss, it is important that

    the gum disease is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Periodontal disease affects millions of

    Americans.

    Causes of Periodontal Disease

    Due to poor dental hygiene bacteria and tartar accumulates between the teeth and gums, affecting the

    soft tissues that surround and support the teeth, leading to number of inflammatory conditions called

    Periodontitis, ultimately causes tooth loss.

    Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal DiseaseSigns and symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding, swollen or tender gums, bad breath that

    doesnt go away, loose teeth, bad taste in the mouth due to pus between your teeth and gums, or a

    change in the way your teeth fit together.

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    Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

    The good news is that detection of periodontal disease is relatively simple, utilizing diagnostic

    procedures which we will perform at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville.

    Treatment of Periodontal Disease

    We have found the most effective treatment for slight to moderate cases of periodontal disease is to

    perform scaling and root planning (deep cleaning above and below the gum line) in conjunction with a

    locally administered antibiotic treatment. Our office utilizes a new antibiotic therapy called Arestin that

    has been approved by the FDA. The Arestin therapy is fast, easy and comfortable. Once Arestin is

    applied, it releases the antibiotic gradually for up to 21 days.

    Periodontal Care and MaintenancePeriodontitis can be prevented by maintaining good dental hygiene. Brushing twice-daily and flossing

    daily, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent periodontitis. We at Gainesville Dental Arts

    in Gainesville will help you establish a hygiene and treatment regimen that will help you to avoid tooth

    loss and other serious complications associated with periodontitis.

    Types of Periodontal Disease

    Periodontal disease can refer to any condition that affects the gums and other structures supporting

    your teeth. However, bacteria cause the most common forms of periodontal disease. These bacteria

    grow in a film called dental plaque that sticks on the tooth surfaces next to the gums. The bacteria can

    infect the gums and cause inflammation. The disease can spread and destroy the gums, ligament and

    bone around the teeth. There are several types of periodontal disease.

    Gingivitis

    Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, caused by bacteria in plaque, which produce

    substances that can harm the gums. When you have gingivitis, your gums are red and swollen. They

    bleed easily with brushing. Gingivitis doesn't usually hurt. However, gingivitis can get worse. It can lead

    to a more serious form of periodontal disease, called periodontitis. Gingivitis is quite common. Almost

    3 out of 4 adults over age 35 have some evidence of this condition.

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    Some groups of people are at increased risk:

    People with poorly controlled diabetes

    Pregnant women

    Women taking birth control pills

    People taking steroids

    Teenagers

    People taking certain other drugs, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya),

    medicine for seizures and blood pressure pills called calcium channel blockers

    Gingivitis can be reversed with a combination of professional and home care.

    Chronic Periodontitis

    Periodontitis is a more advanced disease than gingivitis. Periodontitis involves all of the tissues that

    support the teeth. This includes both the gums and the bone. Chronic periodontitis is the most

    common form of periodontitis. Almost 50% of U.S. adults have some form of it. The older you are, the

    more likely you are to show signs of periodontitis.

    If you have periodontitis, your gums become detached from your teeth. Spaces called pockets form

    between the teeth and gums. Dental plaque builds up in the pockets. Eventually, this destroys the

    ligament and bone that support the teeth. In more severe cases, teeth can become loose and even fall

    out.

    Periodontitis usually is not painful. Some people notice that their gums are bleeding. The gums may

    recede (move back away from the teeth). People also may have bad breath or a bad taste in the

    mouth. However, periodontitis may not cause any symptoms that you would notice. Dr. Kaur can

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    diagnose it during an examination; however, the condition usually gets worse quite slowly, over several

    years.

    Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can't be completely reversed. That is because the lost supporting tissues

    usually can't be rebuilt. However, treatment and proper brushing and flossing can improve your oral

    health. This can stop periodontitis from getting worse. Stopping the disease in this way can help

    prevent tooth loss and other serious problems.

    Treatment for periodontitis typically includes a thorough cleaning called scaling and root planing. In

    certain cases, you may need other steps, such as a antimicrobial therapy, p periodontal surgery or

    both.

    Aggressive Periodontitis

    Aggressive periodontitis gets worse faster than chronic periodontitis and tends to run in families. It

    also is more common in smokers, more common in younger people than in older people. Bacteria

    found in dental plaque also cause this form of periodontitis. The treatment generally is the same astreatment for chronic periodontitis. However, antibiotics and periodontal surgery are needed more

    often. In certain situations, aggressive periodontitis can be difficult to treat. These patients do not get

    better with treatment.

    Periodontitis Caused by Conditions of the Body

    Periodontitis can be a symptom of diseases that involve the whole body like leukemia, neutropenia

    and genetic disorders. This type of periodontitis can vary, depending on the medical condition.

    However, it sometimes looks and acts like aggressive periodontitis. These patients often are young and

    do not have large amounts of dental plaque.

    Other medical conditions like diabetes and HIV infection can make all forms of periodontitis worse.

    People with these conditions usually have a fair amount of dental plaque and/or calculus (tartar) on

    their teeth. They are more prone to developing severe periodontitis.

    Treatment involves controlling the medical problem first. This is followed by treatment similar to that

    for chronic or aggressive periodontitis.

    Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases

    Necrotizing periodontal diseases are forms of disease that get worse rapidly. They cause distinct

    symptoms, such as:

    Loss of the little triangles of tissue between the teeth

    Significant pain

    Bleeding gums

    A whitish film on the surface of the gums

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    Bad breath

    May develop a fever and swollen glands

    These conditions occur most often in people whose immune systems have been suppressed. They are

    much more likely in people who smoke or have poor nutrition, psychological stress or HIV infection.

    For this reason, we will consult with your physician.

    The treatment for NUG typically involves:

    Loss of the little triangles of tissue between the teeth

    Scaling and root planing

    Antibiotic pills

    Use of a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine

    You also may get medicine for fungus infections.

    Education to improve brushing and flossing habits

    Periodontal Disease and General HealthRecent studies also suggest possible relationships between periodontal infection and diabetes, heart

    disease, pancreatic and oral cancers and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies.

    8. Extractions

    Although in an ideal world we wish the permanent teeth to last a lifetime, but unfortunately the teeth

    that have become damaged due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease may need to be removed or

    extracted. Despite our best efforts to save a tooth, sometimes extraction is the only alternative.

    Factors leading to extraction include:

    Extensive trauma

    Substantial tooth decay

    Gum Disease

    Badly cracked or broken teeth

    Wisdom teeth that are impacted or placed at an angle that may damage the adjacent teeth.

    At times there may be some other reasons to remove the teeth at your dentists recommendation

    Other reasons include:

    A crowded mouth: Sometimes the teeth may need to be removed in order to prepare the mouth for

    orthodontic treatment. The goal of orthodontics is to properly align the teeth resulting in a pleasant

    smile and ideal occlusion, which may not be possible if you have big teeth in a small mouth if a tooth

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    cannot break through the gum (erupt) and has become impacted within the jaw bone because there is

    not enough room in the mouth for it, then removal of tooth may be recommended.

    Infection: If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp -- the center of the tooth containing nerves

    and blood vessels -- bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. If infection is so

    severe that antibiotics do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.

    Risk of infection:If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving

    chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant) even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be

    reason to remove the tooth.

    Gum disease:If periodontal disease -- an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support

    the teeth -- have caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to extract the tooth or teeth.

    The idea of having a tooth extracted is scary for some. Dont worry though, with our gentle and

    pain-free methods, you have nothing to fear. We here at Gainesville Dental Arts are committed to

    providing you the most comfortable, pain-free procedure possible

    What to expect with tooth extraction

    Dentists and oral surgeons (dentists with special training to perform surgery) perform tooth

    extractions. Before removing the tooth, you will be given an injection of a local anaesthetic (or pain

    medicine) to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. If you are having more than one tooth

    extracted or a tooth is impacted, we may use a general anaesthetic, this will prevent pain throughout

    your body and make you sleep through the procedure.

    Dentists and oral surgeons (dentists with special training to perform surgery) perform tooth

    extractions. Before removing the tooth, you will be given an injection of a local anaesthetic (or painmedicine) to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. If you are having more than one tooth

    extracted or a tooth is impacted, we may use a general anaesthetic, this will prevent pain throughout

    your body and make you sleep through the procedure.

    Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a

    gauze pad into the socket and get you to bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes the

    dentist will place a few stitches -- usually self-dissolving -- to close the gum edges over the extraction

    site.

    Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a

    gauze pad into the socket and get you to bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes the

    dentist will place a few stitches -- usually self-dissolving -- to close the gum edges over the extraction

    site.

    No one likes the idea of losing a tooth; however, there are options we can provide to fill the empty

    space or replace the missing tooth, such as:

    Implants

    Implant retained dentures, which look and feel like normal teeth

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    Traditional dentures

    Dental bridges, which are three or more porcelain teeth fused together

    Wisdom Tooth Extractions

    Wisdom teeth, also known as your "third molars" usually come in between the ages of 17 - 24. Many

    times they come in only partially, sideways or impacted due to limited space in your mouth. If this

    occurs, your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted.

    Do all wisdom teeth need to be extracted?

    It is not always necessary to extract all wisdom teeth. If a person brushes, flosses, and keep these teeth

    clean regularly they usually dont need to have a wisdom tooth or teeth removed.

    However, if the wisdom tooth doesnt break through the gums, as it normally should do. The wisdom

    tooth can become partially erupted through the gingival tissue, and if this does happen, it is then called

    for a wisdom teeth extraction to take place.

    This is because this partially erupted wisdom tooth can be the source of inflammation and infection.

    When the wisdom tooth is partially erupted in the gingival tissue this way the tooth can form a soft

    tissue layer growth called the operculum. The operculum can trap bacteria up underneath it and this

    can lead to an infection called pericoronitis.

    Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gums that is surrounding the crown of the tooth. This infection can

    be one of two things. Chronic or recurrent is a mild infection that does come back. Acute pericoronitis

    is much worse and can cause fever, swelling, and also pain that is a sign that the infection is spreading.

    Having pericoronitis is surely one of the most common reasons an emergency wisdom tooth extraction

    does take place.

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    Symptoms of this infection do include the presence of very red and inflamed gums, pain being present

    when biting down on back teeth, bad taste in mouth or smell, and sometimes pus draining or oozing

    out from infected area. Swelling of the gum tissue, cheek, or other area that is in location of the

    afflicted side of the jaw.

    Common problems associated with wisdom teethmisalignment include:

    Painful, swollen gums

    Infection

    Crowding or damaging of surrounding teeth

    Possible damaging of nerves and jawbone

    In the extraction procedure and after:

    An anesthetic is applied to the wisdom teeth area and surrounding tissue

    Once youre completely numb, the wisdom teeth are removed

    After the procedure, bleeding and swelling may occur. Apply gauze to bleeding areas and use

    ice to reduce swelling. You will be prescribed medication for pain as well. Maintain a cold liquid

    and soft food diet for a few days after, and avoid brushing the extracted tooth area for the first

    24 hours

    After the surgery you will need to rest. You may need to be driven home by a friend or family member

    if you opt for the general anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while

    after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it

    when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist.

    Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on

    a pillow when lying down. You will be prescribed pain medication, so if you become sore take as

    directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. You will also be provided with a cleaning solution to

    clean the extraction site.

    You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

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    Ice Cream

    Gelatin

    Rice Pudding

    Yogurt

    Mashed Potatoes

    Soups

    And other food you can eat without chewing.

    When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and

    slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation,

    or dont feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.

    Call your Gainesville Dental Arts today to schedule a consultation. If you have any questions or

    concerns, we would love to help you!

    9. Root Canal Therapy

    Despite the common belief that root canal can be extremely painful, in reality the root canal procedure

    actually relieves the tooth pain and suffering. Root canal treatment can save the tooth that would

    otherwise be extracted. Here at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville we strive to change that common

    belief.

    What is a Root Canal?

    Root canal is an area that runs through the center of the tooth and has tissue containing nerve fibers.

    Root canal therapy is required when this tissue dies as a result of a deep cavity or trauma. If treatment

    is not rendered in a timely manner, pain will gradually worsen resulting in swelling of the face and the

    tooth abscess.

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    What is Root Canal Therapy?

    Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove the dead and infected tissue from the tooth. After

    numbing the area around the tooth so that the pain is eliminated, the Gainesville Dental Arts team in

    Gainesville will isolate the tooth in order to protect it from bacteria in the mouth. We will remove the

    dead tissue from the canals, disinfect the tooth and fill those canals with a rubber filling material called

    Gutta Percha. The tooth is then built back up with a tooth colored material and prepared for a crown.

    In the past, completing a root canal would take several, long visits to the dentist. Today, root canals can

    often be completed in less than two hours during a single visit, in lieu of recent advancements in

    technology and new dental techniques.

    In the past, completing a root canal would take several, long visits to the dentist. Today, root canals can

    often be completed in less than two hours during a single visit, in lieu of recent advancements in

    technology and new dental techniques.

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    What Are the Advantages of Root Canal

    Treatment?

    Root canal treatment saves the teeth therefore eliminating the need for extraction. After root canal

    treatment the tooth has no vital tissues within. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root

    e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone. A root canal treated tooth can now

    function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures for a

    long time.

    Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

    Root canal treatment procedures are quite comfortable and often painless as the tooth is

    anaesthetized during treatment. After treatment, there may be residual sensitivity or tenderness for a

    few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking

    mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, if the pain persists

    and is severe, or a swelling occurs, you should contact us at Gainesville Dental Arts.

    10. Cold Sore TreatmentCold sores are a common nuisance. Although there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 and

    HSV 2) that causes them, cold sore breakouts can be managed and avoided. Cold sores, sometimes

    called fever blisters, appear around the lips and mouth and are often associated with red, swollen and

    irritated skin around the breakout areas.

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    Symptoms of Cold Sores: Pain around the mouth

    Fever and sore throat

    Swollen neck glands

    Causes of Cold Sore Outbreaks:

    Stress

    Chapped Lips

    Extreme sunlight exposure

    Physical exhaustion or illness

    Even though no cure exists for the cold sore virus, Gainesville Dental Arts can provide you with antiviral

    medication to control the outbreaks and relieve any pain or irritation you are experiencing. You can

    also avoid developing cold sores by avoiding sharing utensils and drinking cups with others that may

    be infected.

    Call us today to learn more about effectively treating cold sores or to make an appointment at

    Gainesville Dental Arts at 703-743-2324.

    11. Night GuardStress has become a norm in our day to day life. The result this stress could be grinding your teeth or

    clenching your jaws. The term used to explain this phenomenon is called bruxism. Teeth grinding and

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    clenching are common habits, but that doesn't mean they are harmless. Stresses from the powerful

    forces generated by grinding and clenching can wear down teeth or even loosen them.

    A large population suffers from bruxism or teeth grinding. Some people may be aware as they might

    do this consciously during the day, but often it happens at night while you are asleep.

    Why do we grind or clench our teeth?

    The most common reason for grinding/clenching habits is stress, which can affect our health in various

    ways. Some people experience stomach pain or skin breakouts; bruxing is yet another manifestation.

    Teeth grinding is caused not just by stress and anxiety but also by sleep disorders, missing teeth,

    crooked teeth, and other bite problems. Using stimulating substances such as caffeine, alcohol,

    tobacco and illegal drugs can also put you at risk. Additionally, teeth grinding is believed to be an

    uncommon side effect of certain medications.

    What are the most common symptoms of

    teeth grinding?

    The noise from grinding and clenching may also disturb your spouses sleep if loud enough. Even if you

    have experienced some of these signs and symptoms, you may not realize you are a bruxer,

    particularly if your habit is nocturnal, as is often the case. Yet the evidence of tooth damage may

    become obvious during your regular checkup and cleaning.

    Grinding and clenching can wear down your teeth from this repeated rubbing action and may become

    sensitive to hot or cold or even loosen them. Dental work such as crowns and fillings may get

    damaged. Bruxism can also lead to teeth that are painful or loose, jaw soreness, muscle pain in the

    neck and/or headaches. Grinding can lead to fracture of enamel, wear down teeth so they become

    short in length over time, or irritate your gums.

    What can be done?

    Dentist at Gainesville Dental Arts can help you break the habit, relieve any pain you are experiencing,and repair any damage to your teeth or dental work.

    12. Sports Mouth Guards

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    Custom sports mouth guards provided by Gainesville Dental Arts can be an excellent way to protect

    your teeth while playing sports. Unlike uncomfortable, bulky traditional boil and bite guards, our

    customized sports mouth guards offer a comfortable fit and superior protection. The American Dental

    Association estimates that over 2 million teeth are knocked out from sports related trauma, so our

    mouth guards can prevent serious injury and save you a lot of pain.

    Benefits of Sports Mouth Guards

    Reduces the risk of concussion from lower jaw impacts while play sports

    Sports mouth guards protect teeth from being knocked out or fractured

    Provides a comfortable fit allowing for natural breathing and speaking

    Prevents jaw fractures by acting as a cushion between upper and lower jaw

    Meets all High School and Collegiate sports regulations

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    Sometimes simply becoming aware of the habit can help you to get it under control. In some cases,

    your dentist may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need

    to find a healthy way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise, listening to relaxing music, or a

    warm bath may help can all help reduce stress and anxiety. Your teeth will be monitored over time at

    the dental office to make sure the problem is not worsening.

    If damage to your teeth or existing dental work is evident, we may recommend a custom-made night

    guard, also known as an occlusal guard, may be recommended. A night guard is a thin transparent

    device that is worn over the biting surface of your teeth at night. It is very similar to a mouth guard

    worn by athletes. The night guard provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you

    sleep. All night guards are made of comfortable plastic, are custom fitted to allow proper breathing. It

    also helps protect your jaw joints from excessive force.

    If a bite problem exists where some teeth are hitting before the others (all of your teeth should hit at

    the same time), it can sometimes be treated by removing a tiny bit of enamel from an individual tooth

    that is sticking up a bit (and therefore receiving too much force) to bring it in line with the others. Thisis known as a bite adjustment. If your malocclusion (bad bite) is more serious, orthodontics might be

    recommended. Replacing any teeth that are missing can also help stabilize your bite by inhibiting the

    shifting of teeth that occurs when extra space is left open by missing teeth.

    A word about kids:Teeth grinding is very common in children, especially when they are shedding

    their baby teeth. Since they often outgrow it by adolescence, treatment is not usually recommended.

    Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children.

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    Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include irritation in the mouth, allergies, and

    misaligned teeth. If you observe your child grinding his or her teeth, ask Dr. Kaur about the potential

    causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

    The Night Guard Fitting Process Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth to confirm an accurate and custom fit.

    Impressions are used as a mold, to fabricate the night guard by the lab out of strong, durable

    plastic like material which is hard on the outside and soft on the inside for maximum comfort.

    After the night guard is received from the lab, it is tried in your mouth to ensure the adequate

    fit and comfort.

    A night guard is to be worn while you sleep every night and may also be worn during the day if

    advised by the dentist.

    Benefits of a Night Guard

    Prevents teeth grinding there by prevents damage to the teeth and its supporting structures

    Prevents migraine pain

    Prevents tension-type headache pain

    Can help prevent jaw disorders by relieving pressure

    Prevents and the development of TMD (temporomandibular disorder)

    Don't live with painful migraines and headaches. Contact Gainesville Dental Arts at 703-743-2324

    and learn how a night guard can help you.

    14. Same Day Emergency Care

    Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be

    ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for

    more extensive and expensive treatment later on.

    No one should ever suffer through constant, excruciating pain. If you are dealing with one of thesesituations, our staff at Gainesville Dental Arts is prepared to assist you should a dental emergency

    arise, whether the emergency care is for you, your family members or friends. We look forward to the

    opportunity to serve you and if we can be of service, or if you would like to request an appointment.

    If you experience a dental emergency, be sure to call our practice as soon as possible. If you need

    immediate attention after hours, call our emergency phone number 703-743-2324 and our on-call staff

    member will help you. If you are unable to reach our office during an emergency, dial 911.

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    Where are we located?

    Gainesville Dental Arts

    7949 Heritage Village Plaza

    Gainesville, VA -20155

    Emergency Phone:

    703-743-2324

    Several factors can cause the need for

    emergency care, including Broken or cracked tooth/teeth

    Broken jaw

    Swollen gums

    Infected gums

    General tooth decay

    Abscessed teeth

    Permanent tooth knocked out

    Object caught between teeth

    Severe toothache

    Loose filling

    Loose crown

    Knocked out baby teeth

    Knocked out adult teeth

    Leaving issues such as these untreated can progressively contribute to poor oral health, which can

    cause serious health issues.

    Other forms of dental emergencies involve infections to the tooth or surrounding gum tissues. If

    infections spread below the gum line, they can lead to an abscess. Abscesses are especially dangerous

    because they damage supporting structures below the teeth, and if left untreated, they can enter the

    bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

    Some dental emergencies involve damage to existing dental work, such as lost fillings and crowns. This

    often results in discomfort or pain. While waiting to see the dentist, patients can diminish pain by

    applying clove oil to the tooth. Even if the treatment itself takes time, Dr. Kaur will provide help with

    temporary and short-term solutions to diminish pain until a long-term solution is finalized.

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