Post-Operative Swelling

We have lots of experience extracting wisdom teeth at Fresh Meadows Dental Care in Flushing. While we don’t recommend removing teeth lightly, the procedure is usually simple. But some swelling is expected, and to prevent complications, we want patients to know what they should look out for.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an infection or injury. Tissue swelling prevents pathogens from traveling to other parts of the body and makes cellular walls more permeable to resources white blood cells need to fight disease. Extractions trigger the immune response, with inflammation usually being proportionate to the complexity of the extraction. During the first twenty-four hours after an extraction, patients should try to control it by applying cold packs. They should be careful to limit cold pack usage to fifteen-minute increments, with fifteen minutes between each use. The swelling should peak after thirty-six hours, at which point patients can reduce it by using hot packs.

Complications following simple extractions are unlikely, but patients should keep a look-out for gum discoloration. If their oral tissues turn black or white, they should seek emergency care. During extractions, we anesthetize patients’ lips, and some people bite down on them afterward. This could cause extensive swelling, which is uncomfortable, but usually not dangerous. However, patients should inform us if swelling is still increasing after forty-eight hours.

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

 

Do You Need an Electric Toothbrush?

Part of our prevention effort at Fresh Meadows Dental Care is directing patients toward products that better serve their oral hygiene. Many people wonder whether they should use an electric or a manual toothbrush. The answer depends on their needs.

The best thing people can do to avoid tooth decay is to brush their teeth thoroughly, two minutes at a time, twice a day. Many people with manual toothbrushes don’t do this. Studies have shown that properly used manual toothbrushes are just as good as electric toothbrushes at preventing decay, but many people have disabilities that prevent them from brushing well or for some reason simply are not good at it. An electric toothbrush can make tens of thousands of brush strokes per minute, allowing it to clean more thoroughly if used in the right places.

Recent models of electric toothbrushes are often equipped with Bluetooth technology that allows them to supply data to apps. People can monitor whether their brushing technique is improving or whether they’re brushing too hard, and children can play games that reward them for thoroughness. These features obviously increase the electric toothbrush’s price, which is often the main drawback to getting one. Our hygienists can show patients how to avoid decay by using a traditional toothbrush, but if the patient has a dexterity issue or a history of decay despite trying to prevent it, an electric toothbrush could be a good investment.

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

 

A Healthy Holiday Smile

It’s difficult to keep habits healthy during the holidays, especially when it comes to nutrition. Holiday platters can be loaded with candy, cookies, and other treats that can harm your teeth. These sticky foods can cling to enamel, causing tooth decay and can even cause a filling to fall out. Dr. Farid Hakimzadeh of Fresh Meadows Dental Care is here to help you make wiser choices this holiday season.

When attending or hosting a holiday party, aim for treats that are healthy for your teeth. These include fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as carrots, celery, and apples, because these stimulate saliva flow that fights against decay. Assorted cheeses are great for teeth because cheese contains calcium that protects and strengthen enamel. When struggling to make the right snack decision, avoid sugars at all costs and don’t forget, when you’re done eating, to brush and floss.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral-systemic health, 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.