The Life of a Tooth

Most of our organs and body parts are formed before birth and simply develop and grow as we age. In many cases their physical form remains fairly consistent as it begins to fully develop. The tooth, however, has a life cycle of its own—completely unique from any other body part. From 20 primary teeth to 32 permanent teeth, the evolution of the tooth is quite fascinating.

The Beginning

Our teeth actually begin to form about two months after conception. Tiny buds from the mouth lining grow into the jaw and are the beginning phases of what is known as primary teeth. The incisors tend to erupt first anywhere from 8-14 weeks of age, but the timing and the order varies from kid to kid. Regardless of the timing and order, however, it’s important to start an oral hygiene routine even before the teeth come in as gum and teeth issues can still occur in babies.

Permanent Teeth

The primary teeth remain steadily in place until it’s time for the permanent teeth to make their debut. Children are usually around six years old when their primary teeth start to loosen in preparation for the permanent teeth. Again, this process could be different from child to child and some may not even develop some of their adult teeth altogether. In a time frame of about 7 years, 20 primary teeth are replaced by 28 permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth usually form by the age of 21, rounding out the total number of teeth to 32.

Aging Teeth

Daily chewing and aging of the teeth can seriously affect the life cycle of the tooth. Not to mention there are other age related issues that can bring the life of a tooth to an end. Older teeth are also vulnerable to periodontal disease, which means that even if the tooth itself is healthy, the bone and gum that anchor the tooth can become seriously infected and the tooth can fall out.

Evolution of the Tooth

Dentists say that there is not an evolutionary dead end for the elderly tooth. They point out that people are more aware of the importance of dental health and faithfully brush after meals and floss every day. Some dentists predict that dentures will become as obsolete as wooden false teeth in the tooth life story.

Wisdom Teeth

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Extraction of third molars can protect the overall health of the mouth. It is generally recommended when the following conditions occur:

Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness can result.

Impacted wisdom teeth may continue growing without enough room, damaging adjacent teeth.

A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

People between the ages of 16 and 19 should have their wisdom teeth evaluated. If they need to be removed, it should be considered before age 20 when generally fewer complications occur. At a younger age, tooth roots are not fully developed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is also less surgical risk and healing is generally faster.


Extractions of wisdom teeth may be performed by a general dentist. If your dentist anticipates any special care will be needed, he or she may refer you to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgery and the removal of wisdom teeth.

What to Expect?

Before surgery, your dentist will explain what to expect, have you sign a consent form and give you personalized instructions to follow. Keep in mind these general items in order to help your surgery go smoothly.


Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange to have someone be with you after surgery. Extraction can be performed under local conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling and medication prescribed by your dentist can help decrease the pain. You may be instructed to drink only clear liquids following surgery and later progress to soft foods.


Some patients experience numbness or tingling following surgery. Normal sensation usually returns in a short period of time. Occasionally, a dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down earlier than normal. A dressing placed in the socket protects it until the socket heals.


Talk with your dentist about any questions that you have. It is especially important to let your dentist know, before surgery, of any illness that you have and medications that you are taking. If your general dentist has referred you to a specialist, they will both work together to provide you with the best and most efficient care. Keeping your teeth healthy – to a wise old age – is your dentist’s primary concern.

Above article written by: DentalHealthOnline.net

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Learn more about mouth guards

Types of Mouth Guards

You don’t have to be a football player to benefit from wearing a mouth protector. Any adult or child involved in a recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth can obtain smile protection with this important safety device.

There are basically two types of mouth protectors:

Pre-fabricated:
A pre-fabricated mouth guard can be purchased at stores, these mouth guards are often only offered in a general size offerings.

Custom:
Mouth guards can also be fabricated by your dentist using an exact model (impression) of your mouth. This type of mouth guard provides superior fit and protection.

Custom-made mouth guards

Your dentist can create a special mouth protector just for you – one that will provide comfort and proper fit. A custom-made mouth protector is individually designed and constructed in the dental office or according to your dentist’s specifications in a professional dental laboratory.

First, the dentist makes an impression of the patient’s teeth. Using a special material, the dentist constructs the mouth protectors over a model of the teeth.

Although custom-made mouth protectors are somewhat more expensive than stock mouth protectors purchased in stores, their exceptionally good fit, comfort, and overall quality make them worth it. A custom-made mouth protector is easily retained in the mouth and does not interfere with speech or breathing. For these reason, custom-made devices are often preferred by sports enthusiasts and recommended by dentists. So give your smile a sporting chance – ask you dentist about mouth protectors.

Athletic Requirements

If you have dental appliances such as orthodontic braces or bridgework, you should wear a mouth protector that has been fitted by a dentist.

A mouth protector should be worn at all times during contact sports, in practice as well as during games.

Mishaps on the playing field, the basketball court, and while riding a bicycle or skateboard often involve blows to the head, face, and mouth.

Besides creating a painful emergency, injuries to the mouth can result in chipped or fractured teeth, nerve damage, and tooth loss. Wearing a mouth protector is a simple way to prevent many of these painful and costly injuries.

Above article written by: DentalHealthOnline.net

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

What Sealants Do for You

A sealant is a clear shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars 
and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay prone areas of the tooth from plaque and acid.

How Sealants are Applied

Each tooth only takes a few minutes to seal. First, the teeth that will be sealed will be cleaned. The chewing surfaces are then etched (roughened) with a weak acidic solution to help the sealant adhere to the teeth. Finally, the sealant is placed onto the tooth enamel and hardened. Some sealants need a special curing light to help them harden, while others do not.

Who Should Have Sealants

Although children receive significant benefits from sealants, adults can also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for sealants. Your dentist can advise you about the need for sealants. Sealants are also recommended even for those who receive topical applications of fluoride and who live in communities with 
fluoridated water. Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth but is least effective in pits and fissures.

How Long Do Sealants Last

When the sealant is applied, finger-like strands penetrate the pits and fissures of the tooth enamel. Although the sealant cannot be seen with the naked eye, the protective effect of these strands continues. As a result, it may be several years before another application of sealant is needed. Reapplication of the sealants will continue the protection against decay and may save the time and expense of having a tooth restored. Sealants will be checked during regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is necessary.

Above article written by: DentalHealthOnline.net

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Sedation Dentistry Benefits

Richardson Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive safe, comfortable and anxiety-free dental care. That’s why we provide sedation dentistry to our patients---a technique used to provide a relaxing experience for those receiving dental treatment.

Wipes Away Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is all too common, and sedation dentistry is especially helpful for those who suffer from it. Our friendly staff and experienced dentists combined with sedation dentistry allow individuals with severe anxiety the opportunity to relax and cast aside their dental phobias. It gives them an opportunity to change their perception about going to the dentist.

Quick Dental Services

Another major benefit to sedation is the perception of time. Patients often feel like the procedure lasted only a couple of minutes, when it may have taken hours to perform. This allows for complex dental procedures to be completed in fewer appointments rather than multiple trips.

Higher Level of Comfort

For some patients, a visit to the dentist can be physically uncomfortable---whether it’s because of a strong gag relax, difficulty breathing during treatment, TMJ problems or difficulty keeping their mouth open during lengthy procedures. In these cases, sedation dentistry makes the experience much more comfortable.

If you think you would benefit from sedation dentistry please contact us today and we will get you scheduled for your next appointment. 

Costs of Drinking Flavored Water

We mistakenly see Vitamin Water and other flavored waters as an acceptable alternative to water. However, flavored water and any other type of enhanced water may be having adverse effects on your oral health. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that flavored waters contain high fructose corn syrup, sugar and various types of acid —all of which can lead to tooth decay, tooth erosion and other dental problems.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Consuming a lot of high fructose corn syrup or other sugars can cause serious health conditions such as diabetes, liver disease and obesity, in addition to tooth decay and other dental problems. It blocks your body’s ability to recognize when it is full and can actually increase your appetite. These are just a few of the reasons flavored water can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.

Acidity

You would have never thought that acid could harm your teeth, but it has basically the same effect as sugar over time.  Acid leads to the breakdown of the enamel of the teeth, which can lead to erosion or decay over time.  Excessive intake of acidic drinks can literally “eat” away the hardest layer of your teeth, the enamel! 

You don’t have to necessarily give up drinking flavored water, it’s just best to consume them in moderation and lean towards water for your daily thirst quencher. If you have any concerns about your oral health, contact us today and we will be happy to answer your questions!

Importance of Tooth Replacement

Learn more about the importance for keeping your teeth by viewing the video below



Above video created by: InfoStarProductions

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617