OST Blog

Dental floss is similar to a lot of products that depend mainly on the consumer’s preference. Fact is, floss comes in a wide variety of flavors, coatings, and other variations, but all types of floss essentially do the same thing. After all, that is what is most important: that the dental floss you buy is functional—cleaning the areas in between your teeth. If you want to know what the best dental floss is, the answer is the kind that enables you to successfully and regularly clean those areas. So to help you find the right type of floss for you, here are some options.

Flavored Dental Floss

Many people that floss prefer a flavored dental floss because it freshens their breath even more than unscented floss. The latter can also take on the smells associated with bacteria in your mouth. And we all know how bad that can be. So, if flavored dental floss is what you prefer, and it allows you to floss your teeth regularly, then it is automatically best for your mouth.

Flossers

There are also products on the market called flossers, which usually consist of a plastic instrument with strung floss and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers also come flavored in mint and various other varieties.

Gentle Dental Floss

Some people find that typical dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason some companies make floss with soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. For the most part these types of floss are just as effective as regular floss, and for those people that require a more sensitive approach to flossing, especially when just starting out, this is the best option.

Of the aforementioned options, it is difficult to name an absolute best type of floss. However, Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter and our team say that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the best. For more information on floss, contact our Virginia Beach, VA office.

Oral surgery can be used to treat many jaw related issues and is performed by an oral surgeon like Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter. Surgery that is performed on the jaw can ultimately help a wide variety of dental issues and also can help improve your appearance.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is performed on patients who need dental abnormalities improved; this could include skeletal issues or even misalignment of the teeth and jaw. After surgery the patient will notice a quick improvement of breathing, speaking, and even chewing.

The most common jaw surgeries include the following issues:

• TMJ or TMD is caused when the joint that located in front of the ear causes a patient to suffer with headaches as well as pain in the face. Surgery is a last resort for this problem since many patients can get relief by taking medication, using splints, or going to therapy.
• People who are getting dentures can have surgery performed that will make sure that their new dentures will fit perfectly. Also, after a patient wears dentures for an extended amount of time it can cause the bones to deteriorate. A surgeon can add a bone graph that will stop this process from getting any worse.
• If a patient has a problems with their jaws not growing equally, surgery can help. Without surgery there may be issues with being able to eat or swallow as well as breathing and speaking clearly. Sometimes these issues can be addressed by wearing braces, but with severe cases surgery will be required.

Some other conditions that may need jaw surgery can include the following:

• Extreme wear and tear on the teeth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty chewing
• Open bite
• Birth defects
• Breathing through the mouth
• Sleep apnea

Jaw surgery can dramatically change your life. Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter will be able to tell if you will be a good candidate for jaw surgery to correct any dental issues you currently have. Contact our Virginia Beach, VA office to find out more.

You’ve chosen Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter for your extraction because oral surgeons are experts in this surgical procedure. When an extraction is necessary, whether because of impaction, injury, or infection, for orthodontic purposes, or for any other reason, we have the skill and experience to ensure that patients have the best possible surgical outcome.

And you want the best possible outcome for your recovery as well. What are some basic steps you can follow at home to speed the healing process? Here are the ABC’s of aftercare to help make your post-extraction recovery a speedy and healthy one.

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics aren’t generally necessary after oral surgery, but, if they are prescribed to prevent infection, be sure to take them as directed. Always finish the entire prescription to ensure that the antibiotics work properly. And, if you have any allergies to medications, always tell us in advance.

• Brush carefully

Don’t brush or floss in the area of your surgical site until you get our approval. You don’t want to damage delicate tissue or sutures. Be sure to brush and floss the rest of your teeth normally, because you want your mouth its cleanest while you heal, but no swishing or spitting! After the extraction, a clot will form to protect the socket, and you’ll need to be careful to avoid dislodging it. Otherwise, a painful condition called “dry socket” can result.

• Clean the extraction site as directed

The directions we will give you for cleaning the extraction site will depend on your specific surgery, but gentle rinsing is usually the recommended way to keep the area clean after oral surgery.

After 24-48 hours, depending on our instructions, you might be asked to use a salt water solution or a prescription rinse to gently cleanse the extraction area. Just remember, the “no forceful swishing or spitting” rule still applies! Rinse after eating and snacking to keep the extraction area clean and free from food particles. A good general rule is to avoid over-the-counter mouthwash for now, because the alcohol it contains can be irritating.

Even with careful attention, sometimes the wound site can become infected. If you notice any signs of infection, including severe pain, redness, prolonged swelling, pus or other discharge around the extraction, or fever or chills, call our Virginia Beach, VA office immediately. Other symptoms such as nausea, heart pain, or shortness of breath should also be reported at once.

• Diet

Eating a nutritious diet after oral surgery can help speed wound healing. Foods rich in proteins, vitamins A and C, and Zinc have been found to assist healing, while alcohol and smoking have the opposite effect.

And while you’re eating for health, eat for comfort, too. The traditional diet choices after an extraction are still the best. Soft, creamy foods such as yogurt, applesauce, pudding, or soft-serve ice cream are gentle on your healing tissue. Drink plenty of fluids in the days after surgery, including clear broth and non-acidic and non-carbonated beverages.

Temporarily eliminate foods from your diet that are grainy, seedy, or crunchy to keep particles out of the extraction site. Avoid sticky and chewy foods, which can dislodge the clot. And while you’re at it, take acidic and spicy foods off the menu—they can irritate sensitive tissue.

Be sure that you protect the clot that protects your socket. Foods that are too hot can interfere with clot formation over the wound, and any use of a straw or other suction can dislodge the clot completely. Use a spoon for your milkshake, and, of course, don’t smoke.

• Every patient is different!

While all of the above suggestions are good generally guidelines, we will have information that has been specifically tailored to your needs. Which leads us to the most important recommendation of all . . .

• Follow our aftercare instructions

You will receive detailed instructions after surgery. Following this advice to the letter is the very best way to make sure your mouth is its cleanest and healthiest.

Taking care of yourself after an extraction isn’t quite as easy as ABC (DEF), but with guidance from Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter, careful attention to the extraction site, and patience as you allow the healing process to take place, you have all the basics you need for a healthy recovery.

Unless you work for an insurance company, you probably do not spend a lot of your time studying all the terminology that dental insurance companies use to describe the treatments and services they cover. If it seems pretty confusing, here are some of the most commonly used dental insurance terms and what they mean.

A Basic Glossary

Annual Maximum–The maximum amount your policy will pay per year for care at Oral Surgery of Tidewater. It is often divided into costs per individual, and (if you are on a family plan) per family

Co-payment– An amount the patient pays at the time of service before receiving care, and before the insurance pays for any portion of the care

Covered Services– A list of all the treatments, services, and procedures the insurance policy will cover under your contract

Deductible– A dollar amount that you must pay out of pocket each year before the insurance company will pay for any treatments or procedures

Diagnostic/Preventive Services– A category of treatments or procedures that most insurance will cover before the deductible which may include services like preventive appointments with Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter, X-rays, and evaluations

In-Network and Out-of-Network– A list of providers that are part of an insurance company’s “network”

• If you visit in-network providers, the insurance company will typically cover a larger portion of the cost of the care you receive. If you visit someone who is not part of the network, known as an out-of-network provider, the insurance company may pay for a portion of the care, but you will pay a significantly larger share from your own pocket.

Lifetime Maximum– The maximum amount that an insurance plan will pay toward care for an individual or family (if you have an applicable family plan)

• This is not a per-year maximum, but rather a maximum that can be paid over the entire life of the patient.

Limitations/Exclusions– A list of all the procedures an insurance policy does not cover

• Coverage may limit the timing or frequency of a specific treatment or procedure (only covering a certain number within a calendar year), or may exclude some treatments entirely. Knowing the limitations and exclusions of a policy is very important.

Member/Insured/Covered Person/Beneficiary/Enrollee– Someone who is eligible to receive benefits under an insurance plan

Provider– Dr. Ford and Dr. Guter or other oral health specialist who provides treatment

Waiting Period– A specified amount of time that the patient must be enrolled with an insurance plan before it will pay for certain treatments; waiting periods may be waived if you were previously enrolled in another dental insurance plan with a different carrier

There are many different insurance options available, so you need to find out exactly what your insurance covers. It’s important to review your plan with a qualified insurance specialist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the policy so you can understand it fully and be confident that you know everything your policy covers the next time you come in for treatment at our Virginia Beach, VA office.