The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

Most of us have had our wisdom teeth removed or know someone that has but if you are unfamiliar with the process, it can be a little mysterious.  Maybe the only thing you know about wisdom teeth removal is that your friend from high school or college missed a week of classes because of it but that does little in helping decide whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom teeth removal is a medical procedure commonly performed by dental professionals or oral surgeons. It involves the extraction of one to four of the patient’s wisdom teeth. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals between the ages of 15 and 25, although it can be performed later in life as well. Generally, younger patients tend to experience quicker and smoother recovery, making the procedure less burdensome compared to those performed at a later in life.

The main reasons for wisdom teeth extraction are to prevent future problems or to stop current problems.  When wisdom teeth grow in, they often do so at strange angles, which can lead to pain and infection.  By removing the teeth before they finish growing in, the surgery prevents infections down the line.  If the teeth have already broken through the gums, they can begin to push against other teeth and cause pain.  If they are causing irritation, immediate removal is often the best option.

For the actual surgery, the dentist or surgeon will first numb the area surrounding the teeth with a local anesthetic.  After that, they will make an opening in the gums above and around the tooth to make extraction easier.  The tooth is then separated from the jaw and gums.  As you can imagine, this would be a pretty painful procedure without the use of anesthetic.

After the surgery, the doctor will stitch up the area where the tooth had once been.  The patient is then sent home, usually with a prescription for painkillers.  Recovery time is typically a few days but could be longer if the patient is older or doesn’t follow the doctor’s orders.

The cost of having wisdom teeth removed varies but it would be best to talk to your dentist and insurance agency before you commit to anything.  If you still have questions about your wisdom teeth, let us know!  The Dental Center at Easton Town Center is more than happy to help.

Dental problems can occur despite your diligent oral care efforts, prompting the need for professional intervention from your dentist, such as Dr. Gilmer serving the New Albany  Ohio area. Should you experience pain or discomfort due to a cavity, your dentist will likely recommend a dental restoration procedure, where they will utilize specific materials to repair and renew teeth affected by tooth decay.

Be sure to keep an open dialogue with your dentist about the type of filling you want, and which tooth requires the most immediate attention, should you only be able to do one at a time. Your dentist will be happy to assist you with any dental insurance issues you may run into.

 

During The Visit:

During your appointment your dentist will assess the damage to your tooth and decide how best to proceed. The procedure should take relatively little time, though it will require a freezing anesthetic. After the anesthetic is applied, your dentist will then begin removing unwanted decay from your tooth with a small drill. Once the hole has been made and all traces of cavity have been removed your dentist will begin filling and sealing the hole with a dental filling.

What Is A Filling:

Dental fillings are a versatile material widely utilized by dentists to skillfully restore teeth affected by decay. Various filling materials are available, and your dentist will carefully select the most suitable option for your specific needs. These filling choices encompass:

• Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver” fillings, have been a traditional choice for cavity repair for many years. However, their noticeable dark color can make filled cavities easily discernible within the oral cavity.

• Ceramic or porcelain fillings, also known as inlays, provide an excellent solution for concealing the appearance of a tooth filling. These pearly-white inlays are bonded to the teeth, creating a seamless visual transition from one tooth to another.

• Composite resins are an ideal choice for individuals seeking fillings that match the natural color of their teeth. While they offer aesthetic benefits, it’s important to note that composite resins may not be as durable as some other filling materials and are susceptible to staining.

• Glass or acrylic fillings are designed to release fluoride periodically and should primarily be used in low-impact areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth. They are commonly employed to repair chipped or broken teeth within the smile.

• Gold fillings are a durable option for individuals seeking a long-lasting solution. Gold fillings can endure for up to 15 years. Although many appreciate their longevity and unique appearance, it’s worth noting that gold fillings can be more expensive than alternative filling materials.

Keep decay causing cavities at bay by maintaining a regular oral health regiment, brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. To schedule a dental appointment for a filling or checkup, or to figure out if you qualify for company plans dental insurance, contact The Dental Center at Easton Town Center at (614) 414-0111.

When they say “age is all in your head,” they’re probably right. But then again, your teeth ARE in your head — so you likely can’t escape having to pay a little more attention to them after the age of 50. Although some oral health concerns are seen as common as we age, if you adopt a proactive mindset and educate yourself, these concerns do not have to be common for you. Anticipating and recognizing changes in your mouth can help you be on top of your health in this area — so let’s take a look at the main ones you have to watch out for.

Dry Mouth:

The most common oral health concern you’re likely to experience as you age is dry mouth. In the medical world, dry mouth goes by the name xerostomia, and can be brought on by a number of contributing factors, including the over-consumption of drying beverages like coffee and alcohol, as well as the frequent consumption of salty foods. Another big offender is the medication we take over a lifetime to treat various illness. And the list isn’t a short one – there are over 400 medications that can contribute to xerostomia, including medications for high blood pressure and depression. We have been able to help many patients find relief and prevent them from greater harm.

Ill-fitting Dentures: 

First off, it’s important to note that the need for dentures is not a must as we age. Today, healthier living and better access to dental care has reduced the percentage of seniors wearing dentures to 27% from nearly 50% just a few decades ago. That said, should dentures be a part of your life, or that of a loved one, wearing properly-fitting dentures is critical. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a denture reline. Give Easton Dental Center in Columbus Ohio a call at (614) 414-0111 and we can see if that will help. Dentures that cause pain or shift in the mouth tend to alter a person’s eating habits, which can lead to nutrition deficits if healthy, but hard-to-chew, foods are avoided. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause thrush.

Physical Obstacles to Good Oral Care: 

As we age, we sometimes find ourselves having to contend with physical ailments that limit our desire to maintain good oral care. Arthritis, vision loss, or injuries are a few of the most common. To combat these concerns, using a floss pick to get between teeth can be helpful, and the regular use of oral rinses can assist in dislodging difficult-to-remove food debris, while adding to the overall health of one’s mouth and gum tissue. Here’s how to choose the best mouth rinse for your needs!

Naturally Receding Gums: 

The old expression “long in the tooth” isn’t just a quaint idiom about how one accumulates wisdom with age – it also refers to how our teeth appear to “lengthen” as we age. In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying our gums are receding. While some degree of gum recession is indeed natural as we get up in years, this predisposes us to cavities along the root structure of the tooth where enamel doesn’t exist. So, as one ages, flossing, brushing and rinses are more important than ever.

Gum Disease: 

Natural gum recession is one thing, and a part of “growing up,” if you will. Gum disease, however, is preventable. So, if it’s been longer than six months since you’ve seen us, please do give us a call at (614) 414-0111. Each of the above items in this list can contribute to gum disease, and good oral care can prevent it. Failing to do so can lead to a need for dentures at its most extreme, and pain and swollen gums at its least. We’d prefer you experience neither concern!

Tooth Loss: 

If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay, and not replaced with an implant or other prosthetic, it can have serious complications for the health of the jawbone. Teeth can shift out of place and fall out, and bone tissue can be resorbed back into the body. Not a good thing.

Loss of Insurance Coverage:

Retirees without dental coverage can sometimes cover the expense of dental care on their own; sometimes they cannot. But a lack of funds to take care of one’s teeth can be devastating to the health of our mouths, and our overall health. So we need to plan for two things: a care routine that allows us to take care of our teeth as much as humanly possible and some sort of financial backup plan for when problems do arise.  We help dozens of patients a week to discover what the plan that best fits their needs!

As we age, our teeth become more prone to fracture and possess a greater risk for decay. Over a period of time, the old fillings will weaken the teeth. This is not the best time to put your dental health on hold.

Yet, many people in their fifties and sixties do not have a dental provider either because they are self-employed, have retired or work part-time. Medicare does not cover the majority of dental care, like fillings, cleanings, dentures, tooth extractions, dental plates or additional dental devices; Part A just pays for specific dental services you might get while hospitalized.

The ACA (Affordable Care Act) will make dental insurance for kids amongst the required ten critical health benefits, yet there isn’t any dental insurance requirement for those over 18 years of age.

Though all of this sounds bad for the uninsured, you’ll still have some choices for obtaining great dental care at an affordable price:

1. Search for a dentist that has a payment plan. Most dentists provide a payment arrangement which will replace insurance. You’ll pay a yearly fee, typically over time, without any financing and interest.

If it’s not possible to locate a dentist in your area that has an affordable-payment plan, look for pro-bono services.

2. Look for events providing low-cost or free dentistry at America’s Dentists Care Foundation, Dentistry From the Heart, or upon your state’s dental association site.

3. Visit a dental school. National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research states that dental schools provide reduced cost, good quality dental treatment. Many have clinics in which students get experience treating patients as licensed, knowledgeable dentists supervise their work. You will locate a listing of accredited dental programs upon the American Dental Association site.

To discuss your dental insurance company plans with Dr. Gilmer’s staff contact Easton Dental Center at (614) 414-0111.

Are you experiencing a bacterial infection and you’re not sure what it is? You may be showing symptoms associated with gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums normally caused by bacteria. The primary culprit of gingivitis is plaque, however smoking, changes in your hormones, irregular flossing and brushing, or a history of dental diseases in the family may all be contributing factors.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis

Many sufferers of gingivitis may not realize they have gingivitis for quite some time, as the symptoms are usually mild. Left unchecked gingivitis may turn into periodontitis, or gum disease, and lead to more oral issues in the future. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums, specifically after brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Pain associated with chewing
  • Persisting, irregular smelling breath
  • An irregular build-up of plaque

Treatment Of Gingivitis

After scheduling an appointment with your dentist, he will determine how far along the gingivitis is as well as dental insurance coverage (check with Easton Dentist for company plans). Your dentist will then deep clean your teeth by scaling (removing plaque and tartar from your gums), using lasers to remove plaque, or root planning (smoothing out rough areas and removing infected areas of your teeth). Catching gingivitis early is a surefire way to prevent gum disease.

After Treatment
After your dentist has administered the appropriate treatment, be sure to continue brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using a disinfectant mouthwash to prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keeping great oral hygiene. If you have one or more of the symptoms described and feel you may be suffering from gingivitis, call Dr. Gilmer (your local Columbus Ohio dentist) at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment.

By now, it is no secret that smoking can lead to serious health problems such as lung and throat cancer, but did you know that tobacco use can also have a huge impact on your oral health? Using tobacco of any kind, whether it be chewing, cigarettes, or smoking from a pipe, can create nearly irreversible effects on your oral health.

Some common problems associated with smoking and your oral health include bone loss, gum disease, plaque and tartar buildup, halitosis, and the notorious discoloration, “yellowing” of the teeth. These issues may result in the need for dental insurance, or asking about company plans. These are just some of the many effects smoking has on your teeth.

Gum Disease

Smoking effects the gums by inhibiting the regular functions of the gum tissues, as well as affects the bone attachment and soft tissues in the mouth. Over time the blood flow responsible for healing will become impaired and the mouth will become more amenable to infections. All of these issues combined makes smokers more susceptible to periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

Oral Cancer

It is estimated that 35,000 patients will be diagnosed with some form of oral cancer in the United States. The odds of developing cancer is stacked against tobacco users, with an estimated 90% of oral cancer patients having been regular tobacco users (whether from pipes, cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking apparatuses.) In fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society show that smokers are 6 times more likely to develop cancer of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat, than that of a non-smoker.

Issues with Dental Procedures

Not only does smoking make your teeth look bad, it also effects your recovery from dental procedures. This happens because of the weakened healing capabilities, causing an extended recovery time post-surgery. Persistent smoking can also lead to repeated tooth decay and complete loss of teeth.

Smokeless Tobacco

Those hoping to curb these oral health issues by using smokeless tobacco should know that they are still at risk. Smokeless tobacco products contain many chemicals that affect the esophagus, mouth, and throat, and may cause receding of the gums.

Protect your mouth against disease and unwanted issues by maintaining good oral health, brushing and flossing daily, having regular dental checkups, and conquering the habit of tobacco use.

If you feel that smoking may have damaged your teeth beyond repair, call Easton Dental Center in Columbus OH. Maybe it is not as bad as you think?

Enamel, which is the hard mineral-rich outer layer of your teeth, is the number one defense against tooth decay.  Unfortunately over time, enamel can be eroded by acid, which is found in food, drinks, and bacterial plaque.  As enamel erodes, your teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay.  When acid levels rise, calcium in enamel becomes soft which is called de-mineralization.  Your mouth can counteract this process with salvia.  Saliva has the ability to neutralize acid and the calcium within saliva helps bind to your teeth to help replace the lost enamel.  This is a process known as re-mineralization.

If there is too much acid in your mouth, saliva is not able to neutralize the effects.  Drinks that contain high citric acid such as soda and sports drinks can be very damaging to enamel.  Not only are these drinks high in acid, they also have a high buffering capacity that slows down the neutralizing effect of saliva.  Although brushing your teeth after drinking highly acidic beverages seems like a way to protect enamel, it can actually have a counter effect if done to promptly.  Acid found in food or drink softens the enamel and if you brush your teeth too quickly, the brushing can essentially brush away some of your enamel.

There are several methods in maintaining a healthy pH balance in your mouth.  The most effective way is to limit the amount of acidic food or drinks you consume.  If you decide to drink acidic drinks, use a straw in efforts to reduce the amount of time the acid is in contact with your teeth.  Also try and drink these during your mealtime.  The final step is to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after drinking or eating something acidic before brushing your teeth.  Because tooth enamel is the main component in maintaining healthy teeth, keeping your enamel strong is the best way to keep your teeth from decay.

To ensure your tooth enamel is intact with proper dental care consult The Dental Center at Easton today!

If you are employed and your company offers dental benefits, you should take advantage of them. Dental benefits provided by employers are often comprehensive and cost-effective. They can include a range of services from preventive care, such as routine checkups and cleanings, to more complex procedures like orthodontic treatment or oral surgery.

  

Why do employers provide dental benefits?

Employers have the advantage of numbers when it comes to obtaining the best dental benefits plans. Insurance companies offer large corporations excellent rates on their policies because they know they will be covering a large group of employees. This allows employers to offer better overall dental plans to their employees than they could find on their own.

Dentists who join dental networks agree to offer discounted benefits to those on the plan. This discount can be as much as thirty-five percent. Additionally, dentists are monitored to ensure that patients receive quality care.

Many employers split the cost of the dental plan with their employees, making dental insurance benefits affordable. In fact, dental benefits provided by employers are typically better than individual dental insurance policies for the same or less cost than an individual dental policy. When an employee visits the dentist, a portion of all bills will be paid by the insurance company, with a co-payment due from the insured patient. This is better than a dental discount program, which simply offers discounted dental care.

  

Employer dental benefits in the era of COVID-19

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of dental benefits, as oral health is closely linked to overall health. Delaying dental visits or treatments can lead to serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Moreover, some oral health conditions, such as periodontitis, have been linked to increased risk of COVID-19 complications.

Many dental offices have implemented new safety measures to protect patients during the pandemic, such as air filtration systems, enhanced personal protective equipment, and social distancing measures. Some employers have even expanded their dental benefits to cover additional cleanings and preventive care to help employees maintain good oral health during these uncertain times.

In conclusion, if your employer offers dental benefits, take advantage of them. These benefits are often comprehensive, cost-effective, and can help you maintain good oral health. Additionally, they may even provide extra protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Call The Dental Center @ Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio to find out what part of you visit would be covered by you current dental plan or suggestions as to how you can get your next visit covered.

When you think of braces, you probably think of pre-teens with a mouthful of metal, but, surprisingly, many adults get braces, too. Why?

There are a lot of people that did not get braces when they were young because either their parents couldn’t afford them, or their teeth could not be straightened out with the techniques of 40 years ago. Now they are having problems with their teeth and gums, get indigestion all the time or they are just unhappy with their smile.

There are others that had orthodontic treatment when they were young, but they did not wear their retainers until they stopped growing (little known fact: you should wear your retainer until you are 24). The result is that their teeth are now a little bit crooked. Now they are unhappy with their smile so they get adult braces too.

As much as 25 percent of the orthodontic treatment being done is being done on adult patients. Most adults get orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of your smile is part of taking care of yourself.

What do you think about someone who has an awful smile – does it make them look old and haggard? At the end of an orthodontic treatment, people’s smiles end up looking fabulous. Adult braces can do this very thing for you! When you hear the word “braces,” you might think of adolescents with mouths full of metal. However, did you know that an increasing number of adults are also getting orthodontic treatment? But why is that?

Many adults today never had the opportunity to have braces as kids due to financial constraints or limited orthodontic options available back then. As a result, they may experience problems with their teeth and gums, indigestion or simply feel unhappy with their smile.

Others may have had braces earlier in life but didn’t wear their retainers as recommended until they stopped growing (a lesser-known fact is that retainers should be worn until around the age of 24). Consequently, their teeth may have shifted slightly, leading to an uneven smile. As a result, these adults may also choose to undergo orthodontic treatment.

It may be hard to believe, but up to 25% of all orthodontic treatments are performed on adult patients. Many adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of their smile is an essential part of self-care.

Your smile is a crucial facial feature, and it’s worth taking care of. Are you satisfied with your smile right now? Does it look as good as it did when you were younger? Studies show that people with attractive smiles are more likely to be seen as attractive in general, and an unattractive smile can make people appear older and less attractive. With orthodontic treatment, however, you can transform your smile into something fabulous.

Getting braces as an adult is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you missed out on orthodontic treatment earlier in life or your teeth have shifted with age, there’s no need to live with a smile you’re not happy with. Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and boost your self-confidence.

Don’t be afraid to call The Dental Center @ Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio on advice on what you should do next!