Preventing and Treating Dry Sockets

Although it is rare, one of the biggest risks following a tooth extraction is that the socket may dry out. Normally, our patients at Fresh Meadows Dental Care are able to follow our instructions and avoid an emergency, but should the worst happen, we’re here to help.

A little bleeding is not only normal when a tooth is removed, it’s necessary. The empty socket needs to be sealed off with a clot or it will painfully dry out and be at risk for infection. To prevent this, we need our patients to provide information about all the medications they are taking, as some may prevent clotting. They also need to avoid sipping through a straw following the surgery, as this may rip off the clot prematurely.

A dry socket is more likely to develop following a difficult extraction that required an incision to be made and sutured. The appointment at which the sutures are removed allows us to ensure the socket is healing well, but the risk of dryness is usually highest in the first two days after the extraction. If a patient is in severe pain, they should come see us so we can apply medication to the surgical site and prescribe any painkillers or antibiotics that may be required.

Farid Hakimzadeh, DDS, operates Fresh Meadows Dental Care at 58-47 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 100, Oakland Gardens, New York, 11364. To schedule an appointment, call 718-224-7272 or visit FreshMeadowsDental.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Oral Pathology

The oral cavity refers to the mouth and consists of the lips, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the tongue, the upper and lower gums, the roof and floor of the mouth, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth.  Dr. Farid Hakimzadeh of Fresh Meadows Dental Care specializes in oral pathology which identifies and treats diseases of these tissues. Some of the diseases that Dr. Hakimzadeh diagnoses include mouth and throat cancer, mumps, salivary gland disorders, ulcers, and more. 

Research has identified a number of factors that increase the risk of developing oral cancers. To prevent oral cancer you should avoid tobacco use of any kind, keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid excessive sun exposure. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Hakimzadeh if you experience a sore that doesn’t heal, loose teeth, tongue pain, and difficulty eating or speaking. If mouth cancer is detected, Dr. Hakimzadeh will work to determine the extent, or stage of cancer and discuss treatment options.

If you have questions about oral pathology, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.freshmeadowsdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Farid Hakimzadeh of Fresh Meadows Dental Care in Oakland Gardens, NY, call 718-224-7272.

Endodontics: Root Canal

If you have a tooth that is badly decayed or infected, you are likely a candidate for a root canal. The term root canal can scare any patient, but the procedure is similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in two appointments depending on the condition of the tooth. Dr. Farid Hakimzadeh guarantees a comfortable experience before, during, and after your appointment. Allow us to explain what to expect during a root canal.

To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to understand the anatomy of a tooth. Inside the tooth, under the enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves, so when this becomes infected it will lead to pain. Inflammation of the pulp can have a variety of causes, such as deep decay, or a crack in the tooth. Before a root canal is performed, Dr. Hakimzadeh will take X-rays to determine where the infection is stemming from. Special files will then be used to clean the infection and once the unhealthy pulp is removed, a material known as gutta-percha will fill the space. In the final step, a crown will be placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance.   

If you are experiencing a persistent toothache, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.freshmeadowsdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Farid Hakimzadeh of Fresh Meadows Dental Care in Oakland Gardens, NY, call 718-224-7272.

Consequences of Thumb Sucking

We’re very proud at Fresh Meadows Dental Care that parents rely on Dr. Hakimzadeh and our staff for information about their children’s oral health. Many first-time parents have heard that thumb sucking and pacifiers are bad for their child’s tooth development, but don’t know how much of a problem it is. We’ve provided them this guide.

Children under the age of four commonly suck their thumbs or a pacifier as a means of comforting themselves. Because their facial bones are more flexible than those of adults or older children, this isn’t usually a problem. But around the age of five, children lose their first baby teeth and permanent teeth start erupting. At this point, thumb sucking becomes a dangerous habit, as the pressure can cause children to develop overbites, misaligned jaws, and overcrowded bites.

If this habit persists when the child is over the age of four, try including them in positive efforts to change their behavior. Often, when children have a deep—seated source of anxiety which is motivating this habit, they will substitute thumb sucking with pushing their tongue against their teeth, which results in the same kinds of misalignment. There are orthodontic devices which can discourage children from tongue thrusting, but in these cases, we also recommend attention from a psychologist.

Farid Hakimzadeh, DDS, operates Fresh Meadows Dental Care at 58-47 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 100, Oakland Gardens, New York, 11364. To schedule an appointment, call 718-224-7272 or visit FreshMeadowsDental.com and fill out a contact form.