Monthly Archives: December 2012

Tooth Extraction

Afraid of getting my wisdom teeth out

My dental x-rays said my wisdom teeth aren’t coming in correctly. I don’t want to have them taken out because I am terrified of being put to sleep. Is there anyway I can just leave them and they can still come in OK?

Miranda R. – Wyoming

Miranda,

First, if the x-rays show that your wisdom teeth are impacted, there is no way they’ll come in properly. You really do need to have them removed or you’ll likely have serious problems later.

To put your mind at ease, bear in mind that you will not have to be put to sleep to have them removed. You can just have a local anesthetic to numb the area and you can be conscious (but pain free) for the entire procedure.

You may also be interested in our teeth whitening service.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Tooth Extraction

Do I have to have an extraction?

My upper left molar that we thought needed to be capped because part of it was missing is really starting to radiate pain. The only time I get relief is when I drink something cold. Am I making a mistake just getting it capped? Should I get it extracted?

Julia R.- New Jersey

Julia,

Whether or not you get your tooth extracted is up to you. However, have you looked into saving the tooth? I tend to try to save a tooth whenever possible. Your dentist should give you the pros and cons of every option.

Generally when cold makes tooth pain go away, it is a sign that the tooth is dying inside and needs a root canal treatment. If you did that, you can take care of the pain, get a dental crown, and save your tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Oral Hygiene

Chewing gum and bacteria

Would you be willing to help me with a science experiment? I’m testing four different brands of chewing gum: orbit, trident, Big Red and extra. Will you tell me what the ingredient is in chewing gum that kills bacteria?

Albert I.- Pennsylvania

Albert,

What a great idea for a science experiment. You’ll have a more successful project if you use cinnamon flavored gums. The main ingredient in these gums that kill bacteria is cinnamic aldehyde, which is a plant essential oil that’s used for flavoring.

Here is the best way to do the experiment. Swab the mouths of a few of your friends and put their samples in petri dishes.Then have them chew a stick of gum for twenty minutes. Afterward, swab their mouths again and put the samples in another petri dish. After 24 hours check to see which gum is best in reducing mouth bacteria.

Also, you might mention that chewing any gum will reduce the bacteria in your mouth, without the ingredient you find in cinnamon gum. The gum stimulates your saliva production. Your saliva has enzymes and minerals that fight bacteria extremely well.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

You may also be interested in Mercury-free dentistry.