Proper Use of Mouthguards

An athlete’s mouth can take quite a battering during a match. When properly used, a mouthguard can make save someone’s teeth from traumatic injury, but many athletes opt not to use one. Their reasons for doing so are usually based on misconceptions which, at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental office, we want to correct.

A common complaint about mouthguards is that they are excessively large, covering interior parts of the mouth that don’t need protection at the cost of gagging and difficulty speaking and breathing. This can happen if a mouthguard is not fitted properly, but a custom-fitted mouthguard would not cause these problems. Boil-and-bite mouthguards available at sports stores and through online vendors work alright, but the best option is a mouthguard made from a scan or impression of the athlete’s teeth.

Some people also avoid mouthguards because they consider them unhygienic. This depends on how often a mouthguard is cleaned. Ideally, it would be brushed after every use (with a different toothbrush than the wearer uses on their teeth). Like retainers and dentures, mouthguards should only be rinsed with cool or room-temperature water, for fear of warping them, and should be replaced by a professional if they lose their shape. Unlike dentures, mouthguards should be allowed to dry when not in use.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a simple procedure that dentists use to help patients overcome different issues with their teeth and gums.  Lacking gum tissue in certain areas can cause extra sensitivity, and if the gum line is very low the patient is at risk for infection.  Less gum tissue can also cause a smile to have the look of elongated teeth.  Depending on the case, a patient may need one small gum graft or enough for a whole gum line.

To place a soft tissue graft, a dentist harvests healthy tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Tissue can also be taken from the gums if the patient has excess gum tissue anywhere.  The grafts are then placed where gum tissue is lacking or has receded.  Gums will heal relatively quickly, and the grafts encourage growth of new tissue as they heal.  The result is an even ratio of tooth to gums throughout the whole mouth.  Don’t let your gums keep you from your best dental health, contact us if you think a soft tissue graft could help you.

To learn more about soft tissue grafting and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Crowns Save Teeth

Crowns are a common restorative option that the doctors and staff of Fullerton dental have used to help save many teeth.  Crowns are ideal for teeth with a significant amount of decay or that have been chipped. A crown fits over the damaged tooth like a little cap and covers it completely, acting as a replacement.  The safe and non-invasive procedure of installing a crown can be completed in as little as two appointments. 

The process begins with preparing the tooth by removing any decay, and to ensure a great fit for the crown your dentist may need to contour the tooth that remains.  When the tooth has been prepared, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the custom product to be fabricated.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your new crown is being made.  Once your custom crown is made, the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist at a second appointment. 

To learn more about crowns and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.