Portland Cosmetic Dentistry

What is Portland Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a generic term that alludes to any dental work that improves the appearance and performance of teeth. Portland Cosmetic Dentistry primarily focuses on achieving perfection within the dental spheres of alignment, position, size, and color. 

What services do they offer?

• Teeth Whitening

The Portland cosmetic dentists pride themselves on exceptional services regarding teeth whitening. Although one of the most basic and inexpensive procedures, they are exceedingly vital for routine life. Our teeth are easily stained from food, drinks, medications, or other habits like smoking. Teeth whitening enables these ‘blemished’ teeth to return to their native glory. First softly cleaned on the surface, the teeth are bleached to make them shine brighter. 

• Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, white shells made from medical-grade porcelain, resin, or ceramic. They are created customarily in a way that suits the patient’s teeth.

Since the veneers have a slim chance of detaching themselves from the tooth, some enamel is removed from the tooth’s surface so the shells so can be bonded easily to the front of the teeth. Dental veneers can fix a number of cosmetic issues, including crooked teeth, damaged enamel, and gaps between teeth. 

• Dental Crowns

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is placed over a decayed or damaged tooth. These crowns have two benefits: they keep a weak tooth from breaking and cover severely discolored teeth.

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction refers to the permanent removal of a tooth from its socket. It is usually done either by employing forceps or treating the tooth surgically. Extraction is nothing but the last resort: it is only recommended when the tooth is beyond being saved with other treatments such as root canal treatment. Another use of going through this process is to nullify any chances that the infection may spread to other areas of your mouth.

Why are teeth removed?

Excessive tooth decay and tooth infection can require a tooth extraction. If the situation demands it, one or two teeth are sometimes removed for those who get braces. Chemotherapy and organ transplant may need teeth removed in order to keep the patient’s mouth healthy.

How to prepare for a tooth extraction?

Before the procedure is laid out, the dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. It is of utmost significance that the dentist knows about any medications you take, as well as vitamins and supplements.

Also, tell your dentist about any of the following conditions:

1. a congenital heart defect
2. diabetes
3. liver disease
4. thyroid disease

5.   Renal disease

Keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction:

1. Don’t smoke before the appointment.
2. Tell your dentist if you have a cold.
3. Tell your dentist if you had nausea or vomiting the night before. It may result in rescheduling or anesthesia. 

What risks may follow tooth extraction?

Usually, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket. However, if the blood clot does not form, the bone inside the socket can be exposed — referred to as a “dry socket.” If this happens, the dentist will dress the area with a sedative dressing over it for a few days. During this time, a new clot will form.

Other risks may include:

1. bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours
2. severe fever and chills, signaling an infection
3. nausea or vomiting
4. cough

How long is the recovery period?

The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly:

• Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.
• Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
• Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.
• Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and spit only gently.