Boyce Family Dentistry

Boyce Family Dentistry Family Well, if you think you don’t need a dentist, think again. Will you wait until you get discolored teeth because of general wear and tear?

Oral care is essential not only to keep your teeth beautiful but also, to prevent dental problems such as cavities, damaged, discolored, chipped, and even lost tooth. Do you want to encounter cavities due to a chipped tooth? These lead to embarrassment and discomfort that nobody wants.

10/03/2012

What To Think About
If your wisdom teeth are not causing problems, it may be difficult to decide whether to have these teeth removed to prevent possible dental problems later in life. Think about the following:

You may never have any problems with your wisdom teeth.
It is rarely harmful to your health to have your wisdom teeth removed, but there are slight risks involved with any surgery.
In younger people (late teens and early 20s), the wisdom tooth's roots are not fully developed and the jaw bone is not as dense, so it is easier to remove the tooth. The easier it is to remove the tooth, the easier your recovery is likely to be.
Most problems with wisdom teeth develop between the ages of 15 and 25.
If you are older than age 30, you have only a small risk of having problems with your wisdom teeth. Few people older than 30 develop problems that require removal of their wisdom teeth.
Medical insurance does not always cover this procedure.
If you have a medical condition that may get worse over time and your teeth may cause problems, consider having your wisdom teeth removed while you are healthy.
Possible complications include dry socket (alveolar osteitis), infection, bleeding, and numbness.
Women on birth control pills who decide to have their wisdom teeth removed should try to schedule the surgery for the end of their menstrual cycle (usually days 23 through 28). There seems to be less risk of dry socket during this time.2

After a wisdom tooth is removed, you may have or notice:

Pain and swelling in your gums and tooth socket where the tooth was removed.
Bleeding that won't stop for about 24 hours.
Difficulty with or pain from opening your jaw (trismus).
Slow-healing gums.
Damage to dental work, such as crowns or bridges, or to roots of a nearby tooth.
A painful inflammation called dry socket.
Numbness in your mouth and lips after the local anesthetic wears off, due to injury or inflammation of nerves in the jaw. Numbness will usually go away, but in rare cases it may be permanent.1
Dental surgery may cause bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. People who have difficulty fighting off infections may need to take antibiotics before and after dental surgery. Such people include those who have artificial heart valves or were born with heart defects.

What To Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. The following tips will help speed your recovery.

Bite gently on the gauze pad periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood. Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat-such as a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out-for the following 2 or 3 days.
Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in a medium-sized glass [8 fl oz (240 mL)] of warm water.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. Also, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
Your dentist will remove the stitches after a few days, if needed.

10/01/2012

Often times patients come in the office with issues with their wisdom teeth. So I decided to provide some information that might help you decide what to do, and what to look for.

Why It Is Done
A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. When wisdom teeth come in, a number of problems can occur:

Your jaw may not be large enough for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums.
Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. These are signs of infection.
More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to other teeth and bone, or a cyst.
One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.
How Well It Works
Wisdom tooth removal usually is effective in preventing:

Crowding of the back teeth.
A wisdom tooth becoming stuck in the jaw (impacted) and never breaking through the gums.
Red, swollen, and painful gums caused by a flap of skin around a wisdom tooth that has only partially come in.
Gum disease and tooth decay in the wisdom tooth, which may be harder to clean than other teeth, or in the teeth and jaw in the area of the wisdom tooth.

Risks
After a wisdom tooth is removed, you may experience:

Pain and swelling in your gums and tooth socket where the tooth was removed.
Bleeding that won't stop for about 24 hours.
Difficulty with or pain from opening your jaw (trismus).
Slow-healing gums.
Damage to existing dental work, such as crowns or bridges, or to roots of a nearby tooth.
A painful inflammation called dry socket, which happens if the protective blood clot is lost too soon.
Numbness in your mouth and lips after the local anesthetic wears off, due to injury or inflammation of nerves in the jaw.
Rare side effects, including:
Numbness in the mouth or lips that does not go away.1
A fractured jaw if the tooth was firmly attached to the jaw bone.
An opening into the sinus cavity when a wisdom tooth is removed from the upper jaw.
Dental surgery may cause bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. People who have difficulty fighting off infections may need to take antibiotics before and after dental surgery. Such people include those who have artificial heart valves or were born with heart defects.

Anesthetic (local and/or general) almost always is used during the extraction procedure. All surgeries, including oral surgery, that use general anesthetic have a small risk of death or other complications.

09/26/2012

How to Create a Better Smile
Hate smiling for photos – or smiling at all? Your dentist can help.

Chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth can do more than ruin a picture-perfect moment. "Beauty is based on symmetry, and having teeth that are asymmetrical, crowded, or misshapen throws off that symmetry," says Kellee N. Stanton, DDS, who has a practice in Eagan, Minn. She says misaligned teeth even keep some people from achieving their personal and professional goals.

What do you do if you're unhappy with your smile? You could start by whitening, one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. "It makes such a big difference," Stanton says. "Crooked or misshapen teeth that are whitened can dramatically improve your smile." You can whiten your teeth at your dentist's office or use trays with a professional-strength gel at home. The results are often dramatic, lightening teeth by several shades, Stanton says. A dentist-whitened smile can last for years if you maintain it by using your trays about once a month.

For broken or chipped teeth, you have several options. Bonding fills in chips and gaps with a hard, tooth-colored material. More durable are crowns, porcelain "caps" that slide over the entire damaged tooth, or veneers, thin pieces of porcelain laminate that cover only part of the tooth. Your dentist can also reshape your smile by removing some of the gum lying over your teeth, a procedure called gingivectomy.

To save money, you could combine cosmetic dentistry with orthodontics. First you wear braces to straighten your teeth, then your dentist only has to restore the few teeth that braces can't fix instead of cosmetically altering your whole smile.

If you're considering cosmetic dentistry, ask your dentist to give you a preview of your post-procedure smile with a digital simulation.

09/25/2012

Most Kids Don’t Benefit From Tonsil Surgery
The revised guidelines recommend against surgery to remove the tonsils of children with recurring sore throats, unless they have complicating symptoms such as obstructed breathing.

Many doctors have recommended tonsillectomy for repeated strep throat infections.

But studies show that tonsillectomies benefit a very small group of people, and these benefits tend to be short-lived, Shulman says.

When strep throat is confirmed and treatment is indicated, the new guidelines call for treating patients with a 10-day course of either penicillin or amoxicillin.

Shulman says these old-school antibiotics are less likely to promote resistance and are a better choice, at least for patients who are not allergic to them. If patients are allergic to them, doctors can prescribe other antibiotics instead.

Ear, nose, and throat specialist Monica Okun, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says many patients still expect to go home with a prescription for antibiotics when they go to the doctor with a sore throat, even though most do not benefit from them.

“Every year we see new studies showing the dangers of antibiotic overuse,” she says. “The message is getting out to physicians and patients, but these drugs are still widely overprescribed.”

The new guidelines appear in the October issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

09/24/2012

September is Back to School Month. Back to School also means back to illness. Our children bring home new friends and new germs. One common infection is Strep Throat.
New guidelines highlight two key recommendations about strep throat: Recurring cases should not necessarily lead to having tonsils removed. And overdiagnosis of strep needs to be reined in, because it's a major contributor to antibiotic overuse and resistance in the U.S.

In the new guidelines released this week, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) called on doctors to be selective about who they test for strep throat, and to confirm a suspected diagnosis before prescribing antibiotics.

The doctors group also recommends against removing a child's tonsils just because they've had multiple cases of strep over the course of one year.

Americans make about 15 million doctor visits for sore throats each year. But only a small percentage of these patients actually have strep throat, a bacterial infection that responds to treatment with antibiotics.

The rest -- as many as 80% of children and 95% of adults -- have sore throats caused by viral infections (such as the common cold) that are not helped by the drugs.

Cough and Runny Nose? It’s Not Strep
The guidelines state that people with obvious cold symptoms such as runny nose, cough, hoarseness, and mouth sores, do not need to be tested for strep throat.

A sore throat that comes on suddenly with fever, but without these cold symptoms, is far more likely to be strep.

When strep throat is suspected, the diagnosis can often be confirmed in just a few minutes with a rapid strep test.

If the rapid strep test doesn’t confirm a strep infection, a throat culture is recommended for children over the age of 3 and for teens, but not for most adults. (The culture involves another swab of the throat that is sent to the lab to see if strep bacteria grow. This test takes longer for results.)

There is almost no risk that strep throat in very young children and adults will lead to rheumatic fever, an increasingly rare but potentially deadly complication.

Although the rheumatic fever risk is small in older children and teens, it is still important to identify and treat strep throat in this age group to lower the risk even further, says researcher Stanford T. Shulman, MD, chief of the division of infectious disease at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

09/18/2012

Are you having some difficulty with Bad Breath well below are some ways to counteract that issue.

1. Brush and floss more frequently.
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky build-up on teeth that harbors bacteria. Food left between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're worried about your breath, brush and floss a little more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can erode enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

2. Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. To eliminate them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people find that toothbrushes are too big to comfortably reach the back of the tongue. In that case, try a tongue scraper. "Tongue scrapers are an essential tool in a proper oral health care routine," says Pamela L. Quinones, RDH, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove."

3. Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. "Unfortunately, brushing after you eat onions or garlic doesn't help," says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out." The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating onions and garlic, especially before social or work occasions when you're concerned about your breath.

4. Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also increases your risk of oral cancer. Over-the-counter ni****ne patches can help tame the urge to smoke. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your doctor about prescription medications or smoking cessation programs that can help you give up to***co for good.

5. Rinse your mouth out.
In addition to freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating, swishing your mouth with plain water also helps freshen your breath by eliminating food particles.

6. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism against plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath,"

09/13/2012

Good Morning on to something more exciting. The office is on a roll for this month of September. With back to college, and all students in general we have been pretty busy. Please remember now is the time to make appointments for Pre-Holiday cleanings. Let's work together to get cleanings, fillings, and anything else done before Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have some openings so give us a call. Hope to hear from you soon.

09/12/2012

The following surgical procedures are used to treat gum recession:

Pocket depth reduction: During this procedure, the dentist, or periodontist (gum doctor) folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then snugly secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.

Regeneration: If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. As in pocket depth reduction, your dentist will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria. A regenerative material, such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, will then be applied to encourage your body to naturally regenerate bone and tissue in that area. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.

Soft tissue graft: There are several types of gum tissue graft procedures, but the most commonly used one is called a connective tissue graft. In this procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After the connective tissue -- the graft -- has been removed from under the flap, the flap is stitched back down. During another type of graft, called free gingival graft, tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth instead of under the skin. Sometimes, if you have enough gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, the dentist is able to graft gum from near the tooth and not remove tissue from the palate. This is called a pedicle graft.

Your dentist can determine the best type of procedure to use on you based on your individual needs.

09/10/2012

I have been posting lately some information concerning some at home dental care. Gum recession is normally a great indication that you may have more issues than you believe. Mild gum recession may be able to be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning the affected area. During the deep cleaning -- also called tooth scaling and root planing -- plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is carefully removed and the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach itself. Sometimes antibiotics will also be given to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria.

If your gum recession cannot be treated with deep cleaning because of the excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage caused by gum recession.

09/06/2012

Why Do Gums Recede?
There are a number of factors that can cause your gums to recede, including:

Periodontal diseases. These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is the main cause of gum recession.

Your genes. Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease. In fact, studies show that 30% of the population may be predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.

Aggressive tooth brushing. If you brush your teeth too hard or the wrong way, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede.

Insufficient dental care. Inadequate brushing and flossing makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar) -- a hard substance that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning -- and build up on and in between your teeth, causing gum recession.

Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman's lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.

To***co products. To***co users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove, which can cause gum recession.

Grinding and clenching your teeth. Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede.

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. When teeth do not come together evenly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing gums to recede.

Body piercing of the lip or tongue. Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them to the point that gum tissue is worn away.

09/05/2012

Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away in a direction toward the end of the root, exposing more of the tooth. Receding gums may be one of the first signs of gum disease. When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

Gum recession is a common dental problem. Most people do not know they have gum recession because it occurs gradually. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity, or you may notice a tooth looks longer than normal. Often a notch can be felt at the top of the tooth, just below the gum line.

Gum recession is not something you want to ignore. If you think your gums are receding, make an appointment with your dentist. There are treatments that can repair the gum and prevent further damage.

08/30/2012

Dental Anxiety - Topic Overview
Many people worry about going to the dentist. You may be very nervous and may actually feel sick to your stomach. Some people become so nervous that they just don't go to the dentist. However, this can lead to serious problems, including infected gums and teeth, difficulty chewing, and lack of self-confidence because of bad teeth or bad breath.

To help get over being nervous about the dentist, it is helpful to first understand why you may be nervous. Reasons include:

Having had a painful or bad experience at the dentist, including insensitive comments made during your visit. The smell of the office or seeing or hearing the dental tools (such as the sound of a drill) may bring this back.
Feeling helpless or out of control. Being confined to the chair and not being able to speak and communicate may cause this. The precautions your dentist takes, such as wearing a mask and gloves, may add to this feeling.
Being embarrassed about the condition of your teeth.
Hearing about others' bad experiences at the dentist or being influenced by how TV, newspapers, or magazines portray them.
A fear of the unknown, including the procedures your dentist uses.
To help feel less nervous about a dental visit, try the following:

Talk about your fears. Tell your dentist that you are nervous, and try to explain why. This way your dentist can do everything possible to put you at ease.
Ask your dentist about what is going to happen and why. If you understand the steps of getting a filling, for example, you may feel less nervous about it. Ask your dentist to tell you when he or she is moving from one step in a procedure to another step.
Make your dental visit at a time when you are not rushed or under pressure. An early morning, late afternoon, or Saturday may be the best time, as you may not have to worry about missing school or work.
If the sound of a drill bothers you, ask your dentist if he or she has music and headphones. If not, bring your own audio player and headphones.
Agree on hand signals to communicate pain, discomfort, or that you need a break.
Use relaxation techniques. As you sit in the chair, try deep breathing or thinking about a favorite activity or place.
Don't be afraid to switch dentists. If you talk to your dentist and feel that he or she is not listening or not making an effort to help you feel at ease, try another dentist. Tell your friends about your fears, and ask them about their dentists.
Further Reading:Slideshow: Common Phobias Phobias-Related Information Phobias-Topic Overview When Health Fears Are Overblown Fighting Fear: Researchers Seek Targets for Treatment The Fear Factor: Phobias Clearing Fear From the Mind See All Phobias Topics

Address

1711 Parkview Drive
Chesapeake, VA
23320

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(757) 424-6580

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