Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Some people go their entire lives without ever getting their wisdom teeth, while others can develop up to four, one at each end of the upper and lower gums.

Why is Extraction Necessary?

• When the mouth isn't large enough to accommodate the third molars, they can become impacted (trapped within the jaw)
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth are very susceptible to tooth decay, infections and even gum disease
• Misaligned wisdom teeth can shift or damage adjacent teeth
• Cysts can form and destroy bone, nerves or tooth roots

Early Removal for a Quick Recovery

A patient's age and the position of the wisdom teeth will determine the relative ease in which they can be extracted. Removal before the third molars have a chance to emerge is generally recommended in order to maintain proper alignment of the teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction becomes more difficult and may require a more involved surgical procedure.

Younger patients typically have an easier time with wisdom teeth removal because the tooth roots are not fully developed and the bone is less dense, making extraction less complicated. As a result, recovery time is generally shorter.

Not everyone's wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If the third molars are aligned, healthy and functional, dentists may let the teeth remain, but continue to monitor their movement. Patients experiencing jaw pain or inflammation should have their wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist.

If you haven't already, visit our Austin office to learn more about your wisdom teeth. At David A. Slaughter, DDS, routine check ups can help us monitor the development of your third molars and recommend an appropriate time for removal, should it be necessary.

Cavities. You know you want to avoid them. Maybe you've even had one or two in your lifetime. But do you really know everything you need to know about cavities, including how to detect and prevent them?

At David A. Slaughter, DDS, we believe educated patients are better equipped to care for their teeth and gums. That's why we focus on preventative care for each of our patients in order to avoid dental problems that are often caused by cavities and decay.

What is a Cavity?

To put it simply, cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that develop into small openings or holes- a process that occurs over time. Also called tooth decay, cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including poor oral hygiene and the frequent snacking of sugary foods. When bacteria, acid, food particles and saliva combine to form plaque, it clings to the teeth, and when not removed by regular brushing, begins to dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth. Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. Left untreated, the long-term decay process can lead to infections in your gums and can eat away at the bone structures under the teeth.

You might have a cavity if...

The signs and symptoms of cavities vary depending on the extent of decay and the location of the cavity. In its early stages, a cavity may not present any symptoms. As the decay progresses, the following symptoms may indicate a cavity:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold drinks
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Visible pits or holes in the teeth
• Pus surrounding a tooth

Red, tender and swollen gums; unexplained bad breath; loose teeth; and changes in your bite are also signs of serious dental problems and should be examined by our Austin office.

How can I prevent cavities from developing?

David A. Slaughter, DDS recommends the following steps to help prevent tooth decay:

• Brush at least twice a day to keep teeth clean, especially after eating and drinking
• Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque in hard to reach areas
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping of sugary foods and drinks
• Visit our Austin office for routine cleanings and check ups. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar build up that a regular toothbrush cannot

Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center. Once an abscess forms, the only treatment options may be a root canal, surgery or extracting the tooth. The best way to detect and prevent cavities is by visiting David A. Slaughter, DDS regularly, as we can detect a cavity in its earliest stages. By practicing good dental care at home and visiting our Austin office regularly, you'll help your teeth stay cavity free!

A severe toothache can be difficult to bear, often times preventing you from participating in your daily activities or keeping you up through the night. The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. It's common for the pain to be aggravated by chewing, or sensitive to foods and beverages which are hot and cold.

Relieving Toothaches

When tooth pain comes your way, you'll want to know what steps you can take to alleviate the pain until you can see your dentist. The following tips from David A. Slaughter, DDS may provide temporary relief, but it's always best to contact our Austin office for any dental problems, including a toothache. Numbing the pain is never a good substitute for professional dental care.

Here are a few simple remedies to cope with the pain until you can see your dentist.

• Schedule an appointment with our Austin office. Putting off treatment for tooth pain can lead to more serious dental problems.
• Take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce the pain and swelling, but never place the medication directly on the affected tooth. Always consult with your dentist or physician first.
• Apply a cold compress to the side of your cheek.
• Floss to remove particles that may be lodged between your teeth causing the pain.
• Elevate your head to reduce the pressure on the affected tooth.
• Rinse with a mixture of salt and water to remove any food particles or debris that may be irritating your tooth.
• Avoid foods that intensify the pain, such as foods with extreme temperature or foods that are hard to chew.
• Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check ups. This is the best way to avoid dental pain and keep your teeth healthy.

While it's possible to manage tooth pain, you should seek professional care from our Austin office whenever you experience dental pain or unusual symptoms. In most instances, a toothache is caused by a dental problem, such as a cavity, a fractured tooth, or an infection. A thorough oral examination from David A. Slaughter, DDS can help determine the cause. Based on the problem, we can administer the appropriate treatment to ease your pain.

Tired of putting up with pesky gaps in your teeth? Want to get rid of stained, misshaped or crooked teeth once and for all? Veneers might be a good option for you if you’re ready to repair nature’s mistake or the results of an injury.

For the ultimate smile makeover, veneers are ideal for enhancing the color, shape and size of your teeth. Removing minimal tooth structure, this safe procedure involves adhering strong, thin, tooth-colored shells to the front of your teeth, and can be completed in just a few appointments.

At David A. Slaughter, DDS, we recommend veneers for:

• Dull or discolored teeth
• Teeth that are worn down or aged
• Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
• Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
• Closing gaps between teeth

Because veneers are fabricated with a durable and highly stain resistant material (such as porcelain), they usually last longer than most other cosmetic dental procedures, which mean fewer appointments for replacements and repair. Once your veneers are in place, they’ll essentially become part of your teeth, resulting in a more shapely, white and natural looking smile!

If you are looking to enhance your smile and dramatically improve the overall appearance of your teeth, veneers could be the perfect option to help your reach your goals.  Speak with one of our dental professionals at David A. Slaughter, DDS in Austin for more information, and find out if veneers are right for you.

At David A. Slaughter, DDS, we offer many smile-enhancing cosmetic treatments. So whether you desire the complete smile makeover, a quick repair of a minor imperfection or a routine check up and cleaning, patients can feel confident knowing that our experienced Austin dentists will help them achieve their most beautiful, healthy smile.

Buying a new toothbrush can be difficult with so many different shapes, sizes and styles to choose from. Which toothbrush you use and how often you replace your toothbrush, however, is important for maintaining good oral health and a radiant smile. Here are some basic recommendations from David A. Slaughter, DDS to consider when selecting a toothbrush:

• Your toothbrush should be the right size for your mouth and teeth; it should not be uncomfortable to clean your teeth.
• Your toothbrush should have bristles that stand up straight.
• Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.
• Select a toothbrush with a handle that is easy to grip and long enough so as not to make the action of brushing awkward or difficult.
• Your toothbrush should have a marginally small head so it can fit comfortably between the teeth and cheek. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to clean the back molars and other hard to reach areas.

How to Care for Your Toothbrush:

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles look worn or bent.
• After an illness, throw away your old toothbrush and buy a new one to avoid re-infection.
• Never share toothbrushes as this increases the risk of infection and illnesses.
• After brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water to remove remaining toothpaste and debris.
• Allow your toothbrush to air-dry by storing it in an upright position.

When you choose the toothbrush that is the right size and style for your mouth and dental care needs, you'll be able to clean your teeth more completely and help prevent the development of plaque and other dental diseases. If you need assistance deciding on the best toothbrush for your oral health needs, discuss your choice of toothbrush with our Austin office.