impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Diagnosis and Treatment by Minh Nguyen

"Wisdom teeth" are classified as molars. Molars are the chewing teeth found furthest in the back of the mouth. Most humans have first, second, and third molars.

A person's third molars are their wisdom teeth. These teeth come in behind the 2nd molars (if there is necessary room for them and they are aligned properly) usually during a person's late teens or early twenties. In most cultures, this is the ages of maturity, hence the term "wisdom." Usually there are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right.

In dental terminology an "impacted tooth" refers to a tooth that has failed to arise completely into its expected position. This unfortunate failure to erupt precisely may occur either because there is not space enough in the jaw for the tooth, or because the tooth's angulation is improper. The impacted wisdom teeth often partially erupt at the later ages (45-55). Not only they are difficult to extract at that age, the healing time is much longer.

Dentists use specific terms to describe the positioning of impacted wisdom teeth. There are two ways of describing the "impaction" of the wisdom teeth. The most common way is to describe the direction of the impaction. For example, mesial impaction (also called angular impaction) simply means that the wisdom tooth is angled forward, toward the front of the mouth. Distal impaction means the wisdom tooth is angled toward the throat. Vertical impaction means the tooth is angled toward the head and horizontal impaction means the tooth is pointed sideways.

Alternatively, the impacted teeth can be described according to the degree of impaction. If the tooth is just covered with the gum, it is called soft-tissue impaction. If the tooth is covered by the gum and some of the jaw bone, it is called partial-bony impaction. If the tooth is covered under the gum and all the jaw bone, it is called complete-bony impaction.

The alternative to having wisdom teeth removed is to keep them. A few lucky people are able to retain their wisdom teeth and care for them as they would their other teeth. People with large jaws (blacks and African) can often keep their wisdom teeth because their wisdom teeth have room to erupt properly in the mouth. But for most of us, this isn't possible, and a postponement in their removal can cause grave problems.

The most common problems linked with wisdom teeth include cavities, gum inflammation (pericoronitis), facial abscess (cellulitis), cyst, crowding (occlusal malaligment, and numbess (parathesia). In rare circumstances (about 3-5 in Texas each year), the wisdom teeth's infection can travel downward and cause airway obstruction and sudden death. Moreover, in traditional Chinese medicine, the four wisdom teeth are associated with the four chambers of the heart. A problem with the wisdom teeth creates a "block" in the Meridian (energy) system, leading to heart's trouble.

The wisdom teeth usually cause trouble when the body is under stress such as final exam, moving to new location, and pregnancy. For example, during my oral surgery residency in Houston, I witnessed the single abscess of the lower wisdom tooth led to two deaths--the 35 year-old diabetic pregnant mother and her 6-month-old fetus.

The best time for the surgical removal of the wisdom teeth is when they are about 2/3 of the fully developed sizes. This is typically at the ages of late teens or early twenties. Currently, there are two common practices for surgical removal of the wisdom teeth. The most common recommendation is to remove all four under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Alternatively, you can unilaterally extract one side (upper and lower wisdom teeth), two at a time, 3-6 month apart, under local anesthesia.

About the Author

For more information, contact Dr. Nguyen at drnguyen@softdental.com or visit www.softdental.com.

Finding a good oral care professional

A Tight Budget Doesn't Mean You Have To Skimp On Dental Work by Christine OKelly

It may seem easy to put off a trip to the dentist, especially as the economy takes a downturn and money becomes tight. However, you may not be doing yourself any favors by doing this. The reality of the matter is that it may actually increase your expenses in the long run, especially if your dental problem becomes an emergency situation. Keeping regular dental appointments will go a long way in not only keeping teeth healthy, but your overall health may also improve as well. Here are a few tips that will save you some money and still provide you with a healthy smile.

Find A Qualified Dentist

When looking for a qualified oral care professional, you can never go wrong asking your friends and relatives. They will never hesitate to pass on the name of a good oral care professional once they've found one. It's often a mistake to choose a dentist strictly on the prices that are charged by his practice. If you do make a selection this way, be sure to obtain a list of references and then follow through and check them out. Failure to do so could result in dental work that may not be performed correctly and that ends up costing you much more in the long run.

How Can I Pay For This?

Never be afraid to be upfront and honest with your dentist when it comes to payment. Most professionals will be able to work out a payment plan if necessary so you can still have the required work performed and not break your budget. Check with your employer to see if dental coverage is an option or if you can add this coverage to the list of available options. Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts are another possibility. You may be able to transfer pre-tax money into these accounts or deduct the amount you contribute from your taxes.

Treatment Options

When the professional tells you that a treatment is going to be required, don't be afraid to inquire about any alternative treatments that may be available. Sometimes the dentist can recommend a cheaper option that may work. For example, will a basic filling do the same job as a composite? Although it may be a more temporary solution now, if it's more affordable and you can have it redone when money is not so tight, it may be worth considering.

Sometimes optional treatments will have alternatives as well. This is true for teeth whitening procedures. Professionally done teeth whitening such as the Zoom method will be more expensive than do it yourself home kits. Another example would be asking if bonding could substitute for porcelain veneers. One is less expensive than the other, but each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Don't be afraid to discuss options with your dentist.

Get Regular Checkups

Don't put off seeing your dental professional on a regular basis. It's much better to catch a problem in the early stages than waiting until it becomes an emergency. A simple cavity can be filled in one sitting, whereas a root canal and crown may be required if the problem is let go too long. Having your teeth cleaned every six months will keep the tartar build up off your teeth that can lead to gum disease.

If you fail to have regular checkups and meet the minimum standards required for good oral hygiene, this can result in numerous costly visits to correct the problem.

For those patients looking for an affordable dentist, Lombard, Wheaton, and other areas have many qualified oral care professionals that will be more than happy to work with you on an individual basis. Don't put off a short visit thinking that you're saving money in the long run.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly is an author for Grove Dental. To find a dentist, Wheaton area patients are served by the Grove Dental group. For others in need of a dentist, Lombard and several other areas are served by this group as well.

Individual Dental Plan

Looking for an individual dental plan? Want to find an inexpensive plan with a top-rated company? Here's how to do it ...

Individual Dental Plan

Dental plans, also called discount dental plans, are an attractive alternative to traditional dental insurance. Why? Because the premiums are cheaper, there are no health restrictions, and there are no paperwork hassles.

The fee for an individual dental plan is as low as $79.95 a year. This gives you access to a network of dentist and dental specialists in your area who'll give you a 10% to 60% discount on all your dental procedures. And there are no pre-existing conditions or waiting periods, so you can sign up today and see a participating dentist tomorrow.

Dental Insurance vs. Dental Plans

Some of the drawbacks with dental insurance include:

* Limitations, deductibles, and yearly maximum limits.

* Waiting periods of 3 to 12 months before you can see a dentist.

* Health restrictions and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

* Certain procedures like cosmetic dentistry may not be covered.

Discount dental plans, on the other hand, have none of these drawbacks. With an individual dental plan:

* There are no limitations, deductibles, or yearly maximums.

* You can see a dentist within 1 to 3 days.

* There are no exclusions for health reasons or pre-existing conditions.

* Most plans cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers.

Where to Get the Best Price

The best way to get the best price on an individual dental plan is to go to a dental plan comparison website where you can view dental plan fees and discounts. After you decide which plan best suits your needs you can sign up online or call a toll-free telephone number to do it. If you have any questions, the better sites have a toll-free service where you can get answers. (See link below.)

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/dental-plans.html or click on the following link to get individual dental plan fees and discounts from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more dental plan tips in their Articles section.

best dental plans

Best Dental Plans - How to Find Them

Looking for a discount dental plan? Want to know where to find the best dental plan with the cheapest fees? Read on ..

Dental Insurance vs. Dental Plans

According to the Department of Health and Human Services nearly 110 million people in the U.S. do not have dental insurance. Why? Because most dental insurance is too expensive, with prices ranging from $190 a year for one person to more than $1,500 a year for a family.

In addition, most dental insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, have a 6 to 12 month waiting period before you can have any dental work done, and a 24 month waiting period for any major work. Most companies also have yearly maximums of $1,000, so if you need two root canals or two crowns you'll have to pay for the second one yourself.

Dental plans, or the other hand, are less expensive and more flexible than dental insurance. You can get a dental plan for as little as $79.95 a year. The plan gives you access to to a network of dentists and specialists who give you discounts of 10% to 60% on most dental procedures.

Dental plans cover pre-existing conditions and there are no waiting periods. You can sign up for the plan today, and see a participating dentist tomorrow.

Discount Dental Plan Coverage

Dental plans cover procedures such as:

* Cleanings

* X-rays

* Fillings

* Extractions

* Root Canals

* Crowns

* Braces

* Dentures

* Cosmetic Dentistry

* Periodontal Dentistry

Where to Find the Best Discount Dental Plans

The best place to find the best dental plans is a dental plan comparison website. There you can see all the top dental plans, dental fees, and participating dentists in your area. You can then choose the plan that's best for you.

The better dental sites have a toll-free telephone number where you can get answers to questions from a customer care representative. (See link below.)

Bottom Line

Dental plans offer individuals, families, businesses, and groups affordable dental care at a cheaper rate than dental insurance, with no waiting periods and no yearly maximums.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/dental-plans.html or click on the following link to view the best dental plans and prices from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more dental plan tips in their Articles section.

Big discount dental plans

Where to Find Big Discount Dental Plans

Big discount dental plans are exactly what they say they are. They provide a substantial discount to members at the time that they visit a participating dentist or dental specialist within their network. The big discount plans are not insurance in any way, shape or form, but a discounted fee for service plan that can actually save you as much as 60% on both routine and major dental care.

You can find big discount dental plans by simply doing a keyword search online at a major search engine, such as Google, Yahoo or MSN. There are some plans that are extremely popular online and have networks of providers that exceed 100,000 dentists nationwide.

You can also find information about discount dental plans through your local insurance agent. Just don't let them pitch you dental insurance. The reason that I say this is because insurance does not cover any type of pre-existing condition. That means that if you currently have cavities, broken teeth, need dentures or braces or any other immediate need, other than a cleaning, dental insurance will NOT cover you. You want information on a discount dental plan, not insurance.

Big discount dental plans are available in both family and individual dental plans. Joining a plan is very affordable too. The cost for an individual for most discount plans is under $100.00 per year and most family dental plans are less than $150.00 annually.

If you or any one of your family members are in need of a visit to the dentist, why not get more information about big discount dental plans today? You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find out.

Wait! Find Out The Truth About Big Discount Dental Plans And Get Your Free 10% Off Coupon Right Now At Discount-Dental.net or by clicking on Big Discount Dental Plans. Joe Stewart is a former Life & Health Agent that now works independently and provides expert information to others.

affordable discount dental plan

Affordable Dental Plans for the Family by Dr. Earl W. Hacker

The years 2007, 2008 and the beginning of 2009 have been some of the worst in our great country. People are losing their jobs, and along with it, their health and dental insurance. I have heard this line before "I'll make sure I have health insurance, I don't need dental." This comment is true, until you have a dental emergency. If you can't get insurance, try an affordable discount dental plan.

There is an alternative to dental insurance. Try an affordable discount dental plan for you and your family. A dental plan is not insurance. They offer amazing deals on cleanings, braces, root canals, all depending on the type of dental plan that fits your family's needs.

A friend of mine was in the IT field for a very long time. He was recently laid off by a huge company making cutbacks. He opted to purchase an affordable dental plan for his family. Within weeks of being covered, he needed a root canal. Thanks to his discount dental plan, the out of pocket expense was next to nothing.

About the Author

Dr. Hacker is a retired dentist that has dedicated his retirement years to helping people find alternatives to dental insurance. Visit his site at Affordable Dental Insurance Plans

Discount dental plan assist orthodontic treatment patients

More and More Adults Getting Wired with Braces by Jenny McCoy

Braces aren't just for teenagers anymore.

With adults accounting for 20 percent of U.S. orthodontic patients, it's apparent that many adults are now taking care of dental problems that were either overlooked or postponed during childhood.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than 1 million adults are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. The number of adult orthodontic patients has risen 33.5 percent in the past decade.

Reasons Adults are Getting Wired

A healthy, straight smile is often seen as an indicator of good overall health. This conception has led many adults to straighten their smiles even when it's not absolutely necessary.

Braces can be used to fix many dental problems, including:

* Spacing * Over bite * Cross bite * Under bite * Crooked Teeth * Crowding

In recent years, the options for orthodontic patients have increased, allowing patients to choose between several orthodontic treatment methods. Some methods allow patients to reduce visibility of their braces and the length of time they spend in them.

New, clear orthodontic treatment options are especially attractive to adult patients because they allow them to get the same benefit without sporting the metal and rubber bands often associated with the awkward years of adolescence.

Increase in adult patients makes life easier for orthodontists

The new wave of adults getting braces may decrease stress for orthodontists.

Everyone remembers the kids with braces who secretly indulged in popcorn and candy after their mothers dropped them off at the movie theatre. Luckily for orthodontists, an increase in adult patients will likely reduce the number of guilty patients coming in early to fix self-induced problems caused by abandoning eating restrictions.

Whereas younger orthodontic patients are usually plopped into the orthodontist's chair by their parents, adults who enter the orthodontist office bring a different mentality. For adults, this is often a procedure they have wanted to have done for many years, so they are more willing to follow rules in order to get the best benefit from their treatment, and their money.

Reducing the cost of braces

Braces cost upwards of $4,000 depending on which orthodontic treatment method is chosen. While some dental insurance companies cover the full cost of orthodontics, many only cover a portion of the cost.

For those who want braces but are either without dental insurance or need help in addition to their dental insurance coverage, a discount dental plan can help alleviate costs.

DentalPlans.com is the industry's leading provider of discount dental plans and select plans from the company's offering of more than 30 regional and national plans offer discount on specialty services such as braces.

About the Author

Jenny McCoy is a copywriter for DentalPlans.com

Discount dental plan for Healthy Baby Teeth

Healthy Baby Teeth Important for Future Dental Health by Jenny McCoy

While the tooth fairy's gift is the last memory most children have of their baby teeth, these temporary teeth leave a lasting impression on their future dental health.

Healthy baby teeth allow children to chew food easily, learn to speak properly, and start life with a healthy smile. Additionally, baby teeth are the placeholders for permanent teeth, so preventing early disease and tooth loss can help prevent future orthodontic issues.

Fortunately, dental disease is easily preventable. Here are two simple ways for parents to help their children start life with a healthy smile.

Promote healthy eating and healthy habits

Promoting healthy eating habits from day one is essential.

Many dental caries in baby teeth are caused from incorrect infant feeding practices. Putting your baby to bed with a bottle can lead to early dental health issues. Once you notice your baby is done feeding, it is best to take away the bottle to prevent exposing teeth to liquids with sugar for long periods.

Follow meals with water

It's not recommended to start brushing your children's teeth until they are eating mostly table foods, but simply rinsing a baby's teeth with water after meals can wash away many food particles that lead to tooth decay. Once your children's teeth start coming in it is good to introduce a toothbrush, even if you're not actually brushing their teeth. This will help prepare your children for future brushing practices and it can help remove debris left over from sugary or sticky foods.

First Dental Visit by First Birthday

Many parents wait until their children are three or older to take them in for a dental checkup. However, the American Dental Association recommends that parents take their child for his first dental visit six months after the first tooth comes in or on his first birthday.

Parents who have postponed this first dental visit due to budget concerns can save money and help prevent future dental issues by signing up for a discount dental plan. These plans allow individuals and families to save valuable money on most dental services and select plans offer two free cleanings per year.

DentalPlans.com is the industry's leading provider of discount dental plans and select plans from the company's offering of more than 30 regional and national plans offer discount on specialty services such as braces.

About the Author

Jenny McCoy is a copywriter for DentalPlans.com.

Dental Health care recommendations during menopause

Menopause: A Time to Pay Close Attention to Dental Health by Jenny McCoy

Hot flashes and mood swings are among the most well-known symptoms of menopause.

But lesser-known issues such as bone loss, gum disease and bleeding gums are also known to make an appearance, and because of this, women should pay particular attention to their dental health as estrogen levels begin to drop during menopause.

For women between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause may be just a few short months or years away. The average age for the onset of menopause is 51 and while there is no way to predict when women will enter it, most women follow the same pattern as their mother.

Whether women are already in menopause or are nearing the average age of onset, below is valuable information about dental health signs and symptoms related to menopause that women should look for.

Bone loss and Osteoporosis

A decline in estrogen levels often leads to a decline in bone density. This is a cause of concern for a woman's dental health because this decrease in bone density may alter the structure of the jawbone - ultimately leading to a loss of teeth.

Fortunately, there are several ways for women to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Here are a few simple ways women can be proactive about bone loss:

1. Increase intake of calcium and vitamin D 2. Participate in weight-bearing exercise at least three times per week 3. Avoid smoking and large consumptions of alcohol

Inflamed and bleeding gums

In addition to bone loss, changes in hormones can also cause discomfort in gums and make gums more susceptible to bleeding. It is important for women to report signs of discomfort in their gums, as most gum disease is almost always reversible if caught early.

Early detection may not only help women reverse gum disease, but it may also help prevent other ailments such as heart disease that have been linked with gum disease from developing.

In addition to early detection at home, frequent visits to the dentist are another way for women to stay on top of their dental health.

Dental care recommendations during menopause

During menopause it is especially important to maintain daily dental health practices such as brushing, rinsing and flossing at least twice a day and, when possible, after meals. Because menopause-related hormone changes make women more vulnerable to several dental health issues, it is also important for women to stay current with dental checkups and cleanings.

In today's economy, however, some women may find it difficult to squeeze the cost of preventive checkups and cleanings into their budgets. For these women, discount dental plans are a money-saving solution and an alternative to dental insurance.

A discount dental plan allows women to stay up-to-date with regular dental health care check-ups without breaking the bank. DentalPlans.com offers over 30 national and regional plans that allow members to save valuable money on most dental services.

DentalPlans.com is a leader in the discount dental plans industry, offering more than 30 plans that help members save valuable money on most dental procedures. Plans start at just $79.95 per year and select plans allow members to get two free checkups, two free cleanings and four free x-rays per year.

Visit DentalPlans.com and enter your ZIP code or call 888-632-5353 to find a money-saving plan in your area.

About the Author

Jenny McCoy is a copywriter for DentalPlans.com.

discount dental plans

Men Who Avoid the Dentist Now May Pay More Later by Jenny McCoy

Are you one of the many men who avoid the dentist? If so, you may end up spending much more money on dental care than men who make regular visits to their dentists.

A recent study by the American Dental Hygienists' Association showed just how much can be saved by keeping up with preventive dental checkups and cleanings.

The study estimated that $8 to $50 could be saved on restorative and emergency dental care procedures for every dollar spent on preventive dental care like regular checkups and cleanings.

These findings are especially relevant in today's economy. Taking better care of your teeth today could save you money in the future.

Most Americans are looking to trim budgets and, unfortunately, preventive dental care is sometimes viewed as a cost that can be cut. However, avoiding the dentist now may mean having to pay even more later for comprehensive dental care that could have been prevented. Most dental diseases and their accompanying dental care treatments can be prevented by regular dental checkups. It's estimated that early detection and treatment of dental problems could save Americans $4 billion each year.

In addition to saving money, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups because of the link between dental health and overall health. Dental disease has been linked to overall health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recent studies have also shown a link between dental health and longevity.

For those who want to maintain good oral health but can't fit regular dental checkups into their budget, discount dental plans are a quick and easy money-saving option.

Whether you lack dental insurance or you want additional savings at the dentist, a discount dental plan can help make you stay in your budget and, most importantly, protect your smile and dental health.

DentalPlans.com is a leader in the discount dental plans industry, offering more than 30 plans that help members save valuable money on most dental procedures. These regional and national plans start at just $79.95 per year and select plans allow members to get two free checkups, two free cleanings and four free x-rays per year.

About the Author

Jenny McCoy is a copywriter at DentalPlans.com.