In the past, procedures that aimed to regain the healthy, vibrant appearance of youthful skin could potentially last for hours and require tedious repetition before results were visible or noticeable. Modern cosmetic technology now makes it possible for patients of all ages and skin types to improve their appearance and self-confidence through quick, rapid-recovery treatments.

Wrinkles, Creases and Fine Lines

Wrinkles are one of the most common aesthetic complaints reported by middle-aged men and women. Crow’s feet around the eyes, worry lines across the forehead and deep creases surrounding the mouth or between the brows change the way your normal expressions appear to those around you. Friends and family often tell people with these permanent lines and wrinkles that they look angry or exhausted. They appear to be years older than they feel, contributing to a decreased sense of self-esteem.

Fortunately, dermal fillers like Restylane® and injectable medications such as BOTOX® Cosmetic aid in the dissolution of lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions over time. These procedures are safe, effective, virtually painless and can be performed in as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Results are visible within hours and continue to last with regular treatment.

Age Spots, Sun Damage and Uneven Tone

Even before wrinkles and fine lines begin to mar the youthful appearance of the face, hyperpigmentation, rough skin and red or mottled tone can result in a prematurely aged appearance. Discoloration caused by sun damage or hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, may appear as many tiny spots or a few irregular shapes on the cheeks, forehead, nose and around the lips. When patches of rough skin prove resistant to even prescription strength moisturizers, it may be necessary to remove the layer of damaged skin to reveal the healthier surface beneath.

A variety of advanced facial rejuvenation procedures can be performed in approximately one hour or less, giving patients the freedom to schedule a brief appointment any time and then moving on with their day’s normal activities. Quick, effective treatments for these types of skin issues include the following:

• Chemical Peels: Lifts light acne scars, discoloration and faint wrinkles
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Tightens skin, improving clarity and evenness of the surface
• Dermabrasion: Smoothing of rough or uneven skin by exfoliating deep down into the skin

Following Up at Home and Maintaining Results

After your facial rejuvenation procedures, your cosmetic surgeon will typically recommend a specialty skin care regimen customized to meet your individual needs. Top-of-the-line skin care products, such as those developed by Obagi and Jan Marini, include quality serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, peels, topical antioxidants and more. Each of these is designed to perform a specific function in maintaining your results while nourishing your skin so that it remains firm, clear and youthful.

No-Obligation Consultation

For more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Andrew A. Afshar, call the Bismarck office of Face and Jaw Surgery Center at 701-258-7220. Dr. Afshar can discuss your cosmetic goals with you and recommend the most effective treatment plan to deliver the results you desire.

Bismarck, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Elderly men and women generally require more specialized oral care than their younger counterparts, due largely to complications associated with their aging bodies. Some of the most common of these are arthritis and osteoporosis, both of which can dramatically affect the bones and joints of the jaw. In addition, decades of gradual wear to teeth and gums can result in uneven surfaces, a receding gum line and even tooth loss.

Types of Restorative Treatment for Older Patients

1. Dental Implants

 Tooth loss is a common occurrence in elderly patients. As the bones and tissue of the mouth degenerate over time, teeth become loose and may drift from their proper position. Gaps form and the structural integrity of tooth formations is compromised.

 Whereas dentures and bridges were once the only tooth replacement options available dental implants now make it possible for elderly patients to regain the complete use of their teeth in a way that looks and feels natural. Check-ups at regular intervals following the placement of implants will ensure that the bone to which the implant is anchored continues to hold it in its proper location.

Implants are the strongest and longest-lasting options for people of all ages and provide a particularly substantial advantage for older people. The ability to speak normally and eat foods that would otherwise be restricted becomes increasingly more important as they age. The confidence that accompanies a healthy, complete smile is often critical to mood and self-esteem as well.

2. Solutions for Tooth Wear

For a variety of reasons, the production of saliva decreases in older age. The most common of these reasons are rooted in side effects of necessary medications and natural degeneration of the glands that produce the saliva itself. Without the buffer of saliva that serves to protect tooth surfaces from acid wear, teeth are more susceptible to erosion and decay.

When the enamel of a tooth is eroded, it cannot grow back. The softer, more vulnerable dentin that lies beneath the enamel is left exposed, leading to possible tooth loss or need for extraction. Advanced composite resin components make it possible to build up a new layer of durable, aesthetically pleasing material over the tooth’s surface. This is particularly useful in cases in which the tooth itself is currently healthy enough to retain but susceptible to eventual loss due to erosion, abrasion or attrition. A few millimeters of composite resin added to one or more surfaces of a tooth allows the patient to enjoy the use of his or her natural teeth without pain or fear of future damage.

3. Dental Bonding

Restorative bonding can drastically improve the appearance of teeth and the smile as a whole. Composite materials are used to fill in gaps between teeth, correct discoloration and repair minor fractures in the enamel. The result is a stronger, more aesthetically pleasing smile that can last for years when proper oral hygiene practices are observed. 

Your family dentist and oral surgeon can help you achieve your ideal smile, even when the effects of time and normal wear have been visible for years. At your initial consultation, you’ll learn how advanced restorative dental techniques have helped innumerable elderly men and women like you regain the full use of their teeth all while improving their quality of life in general.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Anyone who has ever undergone any type of surgical procedure understands the importance of a full recovery. The faster you are able to get back to a state of normalcy in your daily life, the better. The recovery period following oral surgery is no different. Taking care of yourself properly in the hours, days and weeks after your procedure can significantly reduce the time that you find yourself out of commission as well as ensure that you experience the least amount of pain and inconvenience possible.

The Do List: Guidelines for Oral Surgery Patients

The following list includes tips provided by experienced dental professionals regarding what to do after your procedure to ensure a successful recovery.

1. Stay on Top of Your Pain

Pain and mild discomfort are generally to be expected during the first days following your surgery. Any intense pain that lasts for more than these few days should be reported to your oral surgeon immediately. Moderate pain, however, should be controlled with either a prescription given to you by your surgeon or over-the-counter painkillers.

Keep to a regular schedule, following directions that come with the medication. It is highly recommended that aspirin not be used, as this can cause the blood to thin and lead to excessive bleeding at the surgical site. Remember to take your medication before pain becomes a problem, as it is much easier to prevent pain than relieve it.

2. Get Plenty of Rest

This may seem like a given for anyone who has recently had any kind of surgery, but many oral surgery patients neglect to give their bodies enough time and rest to recuperate before returning to normal activities. Exercising should be limited to moderate levels and should not be performed before at least 24 hours have passed. Avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for a minimum of three days.

3. Remember Your Rinse

After the initial 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm, cleansing salt water. Your surgeon may provide you with a plastic syringe specially designed to carefully irrigate the site four times per day and after eating. This will ensure that any food particles are completely removed from the area. Be careful not to spit out the solution forcefully, as this may result in the removal of the clot that is needed in the healing process.

4. Take Care with Your Diet

Your surgeon will give you some ideas of foods that you should eat in the days following your procedure. Some good examples are soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes as well as liquids such as broths and soups.

The Don’t List: What to Avoid After Oral Surgery

1. Don’t Irritate the Surgical Site

Aggressive rinsing and brushing can lengthen the amount of time required for a full recovery significantly and may result in increased pain or bleeding. Avoid touching the site with your fingers or your tongue. For the first few days, resist the temptation to smoke cigarettes, blow your nose, suck anything through straws and spit, as these may dislodge the blood clot.

2. Don’t Wait to Report Severe Pain

While some swelling, pain and lingering discomfort are normal and to be expected after your surgery, increased bleeding and pain should be reported to your surgeon as soon as is possible. These may be signs of a worsening condition or an infection and should be evaluated in order to determine the source of the problem. Additional treatment or medication may be required and delaying a visit to your dentist for any extended period of time may result in the need for more comprehensive care.

Gum tissue should fully heal in approximately one month, depending on the surgery performed. Be sure to contact your surgeon with any questions you have regarding the procedure and recovery.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Inherited oral abnormalities are the result of genetic mutations that occur during fetal development. An affected infant is not always diagnosed at birth, as some of these abnormalities are not immediately noticeable and may only become apparent as the child matures. In some cases, the visible effects of a genetic deformity are indicative of other underlying disorders and must be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional in a field specific to the condition.

Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip

Cleft palate and cleft lip are the two most common deformities of the craniofacial type. A cleft in the lip or palate occurs when the tissues of the affected area fail to develop fully while the fetus is in utero. Research shows that clefts tend to appear more frequently in children of Asian descent and in boys, but may occur in individuals of any ethnicity and gender.

Cleft lip generally affects only one side of the lips and can range from minor (involving a minute separation of the tissue) to more severe, when the cleft reaches entirely into the nostril. In more rare cases, clefts can occur on either side of the mouth and nose, exposing the gums and portions of the nasal cavity.

Cleft palate often results in feeding difficulties and should be surgically corrected as soon as is possible following birth. Cosmetic corrections are optional, but field experts suggest opting for some form of surgery when the child is young so as to promote effective healing and minimal scarring. A history of cleft palate or cleft lip in the family increases the chances that a child will be born with the deformity.

Anodontia, Hypodontia and Hyperdontia

Anodontia is an inherited oral condition that presents itself in the absence of all teeth, either primary or permanent. This genetic disorder is relatively rare and is typically not detected until the affected individual is of the age at which “baby” teeth are expected (between four and eight months). The majority of children who are affected by the disorder generally experience normal eruption of primary teeth, only to discover that permanent teeth fail to replace them. The most common occurrence of anodontia presents itself as a singular missing tooth, usually a permanent lateral incisor or another tooth near the front of the mouth.

Hypodontia typically affects males more than females and has been noted in children of all genetic backgrounds. This condition is responsible for the failed development of second bicuspids, maxillary lateral incisors and third molars. If left uncorrected, this condition may lead to severe malocclusion (bad bite) and other associated problems with bite and speech.

Hyperdontia is an oral condition in which an individual develops excess, or supernumerary, teeth. It can present itself in the eruption of one extra tooth or many, depending on the severity of the condition. In most cases, supernumerary teeth are removed in order to ensure proper growth and spacing of other teeth in the area.

Malocclusion

More commonly referred to as a bad bite, malocclusion includes misalignment of the jaws or teeth in a way that may negatively impact speech, ability to chew and the physical appearance of the face as a whole. Generally an inherited condition, malocclusion can typically be corrected with specialized surgical procedures and/or orthodontic treatment. Early detection of all oral abnormalities and immediate intervention by a qualified maxillofacial surgeon are key factors in restoring the mouth of the patient to its most ideal state.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Millions of people in America have experienced the loss of one or more of their permanent teeth. Whether caused by poor oral care, injury, old age or professional extraction, tooth loss affects every aspect of your daily life in a number of negative ways.

Immediate Consequences of Missing Teeth

A person with missing teeth, regardless of the extraction site, is immediately aware of sensitivity and pain in and around the socket from which it the tooth was lost. Eating, drinking and even speaking can prove incredibly uncomfortable as well as difficult.

Reluctance to smile, laugh or speak in social and professional settings can lead to relationship troubles and lost friends. If the area where the teeth were extracted is highly visible, the individual may find it difficult to feel confident and comfortable in a business environment. The inability to speak clearly and coherently may even result in the loss of employment.

Long-term Effects of Missing Teeth

Every day after a tooth has been removed, the teeth that surround it shift slightly. Over a period of time, this slow process of shifting results in visibly tilted or crooked teeth. The bite continues to change, making eating and speaking properly a challenge faced many times per day.

If a large number of teeth are missing, particularly in the front of the mouth, the person’s profile can change dramatically. Due to bone loss and loss of muscle tone in the face, the chin and cheeks begin to sag without support. This slack appearance serves to make the individual seem years, if not decades, older than their biological age. In severe cases, only correction of the missing teeth and jaw surgery can restore a look of normality.

Nutritional health is another long-term consideration for people with missing teeth. When the variety of foods that can be eaten is narrowed substantially, the body doesn’t typically receive the vital nutrients it needs to function properly. Vitamin and protein supplements must be taken to ensure continued health and well being.

The psychological impact of missing teeth, over an extended period of time, is substantial. Many people feel that they are better off staying home and out of public, even on important occasions like weddings or family reunions.

Implants: A Permanent Solution

Over the past decade, the use of dentures has steadily declined as patients opt for dental implants, the increasingly preferred method of tooth replacement. Implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth and they are permanently affixed to the bone of the jaw. This allows for natural speaking, freedom to eat a wider selection of foods and the ability to smile with genuine confidence.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Overbite is a common orthodontic condition experienced by millions of people around the world. In cases of excessive overbite, the mandibular (or bottom) teeth are partially or completely overlapped by the maxillary (top) teeth.

While the majority of individuals possess a minor overbite to some degree, excessive overbite can lead to a variety of problems, including difficulty eating or speaking properly. Normal overbite, which is measured at approximately three to five millimeters, does not impair an individual’s ability to function in any way. When problems with the development of speech are noted, however, a consultation with a licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeon is highly recommended. As with other types of malocclusion, early diagnosis is key to successful correction.

There are two major types of overbite. Vertical overbite refers to a condition in which the patient’s upper teeth noticeably cover those of the bottom jaw. Horizontal overbite occurs when the patient’s teeth would otherwise fit properly together were it not for the fact that the upper teeth jut forward significantly. Though most overbite patients suffer from only one of these conditions, it is possible for both of them to be present simultaneously.

Causes and Complications of Excessive Overbite

There are a variety of observed causes of excessive overbite. One or a combination of the following may cause the condition:

• Malformation of the jaw during fetal development
• Hereditary factors
• Persistent chewing of the nails or other objects
• Extended use of pacifiers or bottles during young childhood
• Tongue thrusting
• Sucking of the thumb, which puts pressure on the roof of the mouth for extended periods of time during growth

The majority of symptoms associated with excessive overbite are noticeable in early childhood, even before permanent teeth erupt.

The complications of major overbite vary from case to case and depend on the severity of the condition and the age at which treatment is sought. The most commonly cited complications include the following:

• Difficulty in chewing food
• The development of a lisp or similar speech impediment due to the position of the teeth
• Severe wearing down of tooth enamel
• Soreness and general discomfort of the jaw and gums
• Injury to the roof of the mouth behind upper teeth due to constant resting over bottom teeth
• Unpleasant altering of the face’s appearance
• Increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss

Treatment and Correction

After a thorough exam, comprehensive evaluation and x-rays have been performed, the dentist issues a diagnosis. If the overbite is relatively minor, the maxillofacial surgeon may refer the patient to an orthodontic specialist for assessment, as braces are sometimes used to correct certain overbites. If, however, the problem lies in the patient’s jaws themselves, orthodontic braces will do little to help align the teeth. In these cases, orthognathic surgery is required to correct the condition.

If a patient suffering from overbite and its related complications has lived with the condition for many years, the damage caused over the course of a lifetime must be addressed as well. After recovery from surgery, the patient attends follow-up visits with his or her oral surgeon in order to correct any remaining issues that affect the teeth, gums and palate.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Any pain in the facial area is difficult to deal with, particularly if it is severe, frequent and interferes with your daily life. Jaw pain, a common complaint from men and women of varying ages, is especially challenging, as the discomfort may indicate one or more different conditions. In order to find sustainable relief for continuous jaw pain, it is first necessary to determine the cause of the sensation.

Analyze the Symptoms

Though your licensed healthcare professional is the only person who can definitively diagnose the condition behind the pain you are experiencing, there are some signs you can identify yourself in analyzing possible causes. In order to formulate a baseline for your oral surgeon, record your answers to the following questions:

• How would you describe the pain specifically? Is it sharp, dull, aching, throbbing, or pinching?
• Is the pain constant or does it only present itself when you eat, speak, etc.?
• How long has the jaw pain been present?
• Was there any injury or particular event that immediately preceded the pain?
• Is there any history of chronic jaw or joint pain in your family?
• Do you notice any popping or clicking noises when you move your bottom jaw?
• Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth while you sleep?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with arthritis?
• Have you had any recent dental work or surgery performed?
• Do you ever experience headaches or neck aches in addition to the jaw pain?

Compiling this information for your oral surgeon will make it easier for him or her to accurately diagnose the condition that is causing your jaw pain.

Potential Jaw Conditions of Consideration

Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ disorders, include a number of medical problems that directly affect the joint that hinges the bottom jaw to the skull. Examining x-rays of your skull and jaw, along with an assessment of your symptoms, will allow your oral surgeon to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

There are three main categories of TMJ disorders widely accepted in the field of dentistry. These are myofascial pain, arthritis and internal joint derangement.

• Myofascial pain – This is the most commonly cited TMJ disorder. It affects the muscle groups that are directly responsible for the support and movement of joints and bone structures in the body. Most often, the affected patient reports a constant ache that is exacerbated by pressure and movement. Stiffness may diminish range of movement, making it difficult and painful to eat or speak. Pain is frequently unresponsive to ice, heat and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
• Arthritis – In patients who suffer from osteoarthritis, jaw discomfort can quickly become severe without treatment. The synovial fluid that surrounds the temporomandibular joint is not able to properly lubricate the jaw’s hinge due to persistent inflammation. Popping may occur during yawning on one or both sides of the skull. Patients with arthritis and TMJ pain have reported a limited range of motion due to the swelling in and around the joint itself.
• Internal joint derangement – An articular disc made of strong and flexible cartilage facilitates the rotation of the temporomandibular joint. If this disc is displaced at any point during the opening or closing of the mouth, the ball and socket of the joint push on the surrounding tissues and nerves, causing severe pain.

Though TMJ disorders cause everything from mild discomfort to extreme pain, there are solutions to the problem. Inform your dentist of any symptoms you have that may indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joint in order to begin a treatment plan that targets your pain.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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An intriguing connection in the world of medical research has spurred a number of case studies on the subject of gum disease and arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, affects approximately 1.5 million adults in America. This debilitating autoimmune disease causes inflammation within the joints, resulting in intense pain, diminished flexibility and, in some cases, damage to the surrounding bone.

Periodontal disease refers to advanced bacterial infection of the gums. It generally follows gingivitis that is left untreated for an extended period of time. If allowed to continue without professional treatment, severe gum disease can lead to dramatic recession of the gums, tooth loss and damage to the bones of the jaw.

The Inflammation Connection

While the precise nature of the link between these two diseases is still under research, some facts have emerged that connect them through the bacteria involved. Sufferers of RA who also reported periodontal disease were studied in an effort to pinpoint the connection.

In a study conducted by a research facility at Case Western Reserve University, the harmful bacteria found in the mouths of certain patients was traced to the synovial fluid that provides lubrication for the flexing of the knee. Because the kneecap area was already in a compromised state due to the RA, the bacteria that originated in the gums was able to more easily and efficiently reside there, attacking healthy and potentially making the pain of the arthritis more severe.

Researchers continue to examine the evidence gleaned from this and similar cases, as well as conduct additional studies, to determine whether or not one condition can be said to cause the other. At this point, it is clear that the connection does, in fact, exist and that the precautions and treatment for periodontal disease should be strongly recommended for patients with RA.

Avoiding Periodontal Disease and Its Affects on RA Patients

The results of these studies serves to further strengthen the argument that advanced gum disease does affect other areas of the body, such as the cardiovascular system and digestive system. The emphasis on proper oral hygiene has become a key component in treatment plans for arthritis sufferers in an effort to decrease their joint pain and fatigue overall.

In order to cater more specifically to the oral health needs of arthritis sufferers, the American Dental Association offers these tips for a more effective hygiene routine:

• Because flossing and brushing properly can be exceedingly difficult for people with arthritic joints in their hands, the ADA suggests modifying the type of toothbrush used. A quality, dentist-approved electric brush with a larger handle allows for a better grip and can clean teeth and gums effectively without as many rigorous up-and-down motions
• Rather than floss the traditional way with the floss wrapped around fingers, RA patients are encouraged to try angled floss holders instead. These plastic devices are affordable and can be found at most drugstores and grocery stores
• An RA patient, whose immune system experiences difficulty in differentiating between healthy cells and a threat, needs extra more oral protection than a healthy individual. A mouthwash with fluoride, used two to three times per day, can help keep bacteria at bay and fight tooth decay
• Avoid smoking. Smokers are much more likely to develop gum disease as well as a host of other medical conditions

Talk to your dentist about your RA. He or she will be able to tell you more about the ways you can protect yourself from periodontal disease, thereby potentially improving your overall sense of health and well being.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Though it is a fact that your face tends to show your age more than any other part of your body, it isn’t true that you have to willingly accept the undesirable signs of aging as the years pass. Sagging skin, deep creases, fine lines and uneven skin tone are only a few of the factors that middle-aged men and women cite as results of aging they wish they could reverse. Facial rejuvenation treatments, some of the cosmetic industry’s most popular procedures performed today, effectively eliminate these and other common signs of aging and sun damage, leaving behind a clearer, more youthful complexion that lasts.

Types of Facial Rejuvenation

The goal of any facial rejuvenation procedure is to restore the appearance of youth through the elimination of visible signs of aging in the face. The most common procedures that fall into this category are:

• Botox/Dysport treatments – Botox and Dysport both effectively relax the muscles in the forehead and around the eyes that cause tension and, over a period of time, deep creases and wrinkles. They provides both short-term improvement in that they smooth the skin and provide long-term effects as they prevent the future development of noticeable lines.
• Facelift procedures – Sagging skin and excess fat deposits are removed from the face and skin is subtly tightened to reveal a younger-looking, noticeably less wrinkled appearance.
• Chemical peels – This minimally invasive option works by exfoliating the skin at varying levels, providing a smoother and more evenly toned surface. Fine lines, age spots, hyper pigmentation, superficial acne scars and uneven texture are eliminated.
• Laser resurfacing – This procedure utilizes a fine laser that gently diminishes the appearance of age spots and visible veins under the skin for clearer, more even tone.
• Collagen injections – Collagen, a naturally occurring substance within the skin, begins to break down as we age. This presents itself in sunken cheeks and under-eye troughs as well as sagging skin and creases around the eyes and mouth. Regular injections produce lasting results, boosting the skin’s ability to maintain flexibility and resilience.
• Lip enhancement – The continuous breakdown of collagen in the skin affects the lips as well, leaving them thinner, drooping and less appealing in general. Permanent lip enhancement is a simple procedure the results in fuller, natural looking lips for both men and women.
• Dermabrasion – Another rejuvenation procedure, dermabrasian sloughs off damaged and dead skin cells on the face, leaving skin feeling firmer, smoother, more hydrated and healthier.
• Injectable fillers – Developed using the proven science behind hyaluronic acid injections, Injectable fillers fill in wrinkles and enhances the contours of the cheeks, chin, eye area and forehead.

Finding Out Which Facial Rejuvenation Treatment is Right for You

Only a licensed cosmetic surgeon can determine the ideal procedures that suit your individual needs and expectations. At your initial consultation, he or she will evaluate your skin’s tone, texture and elasticity, as well as ask you about any current or previous medical issues. A customized treatment plan will be formulated with your aesthetic goals in mind. Through the constantly evolving technology behind facial rejuvenation treatments, you can regain the youthful, more attractive appearance you desire and deserve.

For more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Andrew A. Afshar, call the Bismarck office of Face and Jaw Surgery Center at 701-258-7220. Dr. Afshar can discuss your cosmetic goals with you and recommend the most effective treatment plan to deliver the results you desire.

Bismarck, ND office

Minot, ND office

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Nearly everyone, at least once, is likely to experience the pain, inconvenience and worry of a toothache at some point in their lives. Pain in the mouth is particularly difficult to ignore, especially when it is severe enough to distract you from your daily activities. When it hurts to eat, drink, speak or even breathe, the problem has already been allowed to continue for too long.

Determine the Cause Behind the Pain

While the term “toothache” is used in a general way when referring to pain in or around a tooth, there are actually different types of this common problem. Some of the most common include the following:

• Cracked tooth – If the application of pressure to one or more teeth causes a deep, sharp pain, the tooth may be cracked and irritating the nerves beneath the gums. Depending on the location and severity of the crack, the dentist may opt for a dental filling, a crown or extraction and replacement with an implant. The latter solution is only used in extremely serious cases in which the tooth is so badly cracked that it cannot be saved.
• Exposed nerve – Extreme sensitivity to sweet or sour food, cold or hot beverages, or even air being drawn in when you inhale are all symptoms of a potentially exposed nerve. If an old filling or crown is cracked, fluids, oxygen, food particles and bacteria are given free access to the very sensitive nerve endings inside the tooth. This pain is also associated with advanced cavities. The dentist will seal the hole or crack after ensuring that the nerve itself has not become infected or treating it if it has.
• Abscess – a dentist must address this serious condition and the severe pain for which it is well known as soon as possible. The build-up of pus contained within the root of the tooth must be able to flow out freely in order to relieve pain and prevent further infection.
• Bruxism – Persistent grinding of the teeth, usually at night, can cause pain that radiates through the jaw and into teeth throughout the mouth. The pain is generally more acute in the molars, as this is where the most pressure is applied when the teeth grind together. An oral mouth guard, worn at night, can help stop the involuntary grinding action. Your dentist will determine the most effective method of treatment for your bruxism.

All of these are indicative of a problem and should be evaluated immediately by a licensed dental professional.

Treatment for Toothaches

Many toothache sufferers anticipate even more discomfort and intense anxiety when they visit their dentist. Instead of facing the problem in a timely manner, they wait and avoid thinking about what may happen if they do schedule the appointment. They think that, if they wait it out, the pain will eventually subside on its own.

The fact is, however, that serious complications can arise in cases of a toothache that is ignored for any extended period of time. Consequences of waiting to address certain problems may include more painful, costly treatments or even the necessary extraction of the tooth, depending on how severely it is damaged.

In most cases, extraction is not necessary. The cause of the pain will be determined through the use of a visual exam as well as x-ray imaging. When the dentist diagnoses the problem and develops a treatment plan, it may include the use of fillings, dental appliances, crowns or an improved oral hygiene regimen, depending on the cause of the pain.

Face and Jaw Surgery Center serves all of North Dakota and North West Minnesota including Moorhead, MN and East Grand Forks, MN

Bismarck, ND office

Fargo, ND office

Grand Forks, ND office

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Is Your Simple Toothache Something More Serious? is a post from: Face and Jaw Surgery Blog - Oral Surgery & Facial Cosmetic Surgery in North Dakota

The post Is Your Simple Toothache Something More Serious? appeared first on Face and Jaw Surgery Blog.