Dr. Mariliza LaCap, D.D.S.

I'm here to provide general advice, but it's important to remember that I have not examined you. Based on your description, it sounds like you might be experiencing a mucocoele or a mucocele, which is a fluid-filled swelling that occurs in the lining of the mouth. This is often caused by trauma or blockage to a salivary gland, leading to the collection of saliva.

Here are some general suggestions:

Avoid Irritating It: Try not to touch, bite, or irritate the swollen area, as this can worsen the condition.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean to prevent infection. Gentle brushing and using an antiseptic mouthwash might help.
Warm Salt Water Rinses: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can be soothing and help reduce swelling.
Soft Foods: Eat soft foods to minimize discomfort and avoid further trauma to the area.
Avoid Spicy and Acidic Foods: These can irritate the mucosal lining and exacerbate pain and swelling.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain, but always use them as directed and consider any personal health factors or allergies.
Since the swelling is causing pain and discomfort and has persisted for a day, it's advisable to see a dentist or a healthcare professional. They can assess the situation, determine if it's indeed a mucocele or something else, and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment might involve measures to reduce inflammation, drain the swelling, or in some cases, surgical removal, especially if it doesn't resolve on its own or frequently recurs.

After a dental implant procedure where only local anesthesia is used, it's generally considered safe for you to drive yourself home. Local anesthesia numbs the specific area in your mouth where the dental work is done, but it does not impair your consciousness or motor skills, which are crucial for driving.

However, there are a few considerations:

Personal Comfort: Depending on the complexity of the implant procedure and your personal pain threshold, you might experience discomfort that could distract you while driving.
Medication: If you are prescribed painkillers or other medications that can affect your alertness or reaction time, it's important to avoid driving while under their influence.
Doctor's Advice: Always follow the specific guidance given by your dentist or oral surgeon. They know the specifics of your case and can provide tailored advice.
Individual Recovery: Everyone reacts differently to dental procedures. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unusually tired after the procedure, it's best to arrange for someone else to drive you.
Legal Considerations: Be aware of the legal implications in your area regarding driving under the influence of certain medications, if they are prescribed.
In summary, while it's often okay to drive after receiving a dental implant with local anesthesia, it's crucial to consider your own physical state, any medications you may be taking, and to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

After undergoing jaw cyst surgery, it's crucial to follow specific post-operative care guidelines to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Regarding alcohol consumption, there are several key considerations:

Wait Until Medications are Completed: If you're prescribed antibiotics or pain medications following your surgery, it's essential to complete the course without alcohol consumption. Many medications can have adverse interactions with alcohol, potentially affecting their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects.
Alcohol Can Impair Healing: Alcohol can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. It can increase swelling, bleeding, and the risk of infection, all of which are critical factors in the healing of surgical sites.
Consult Your Surgeon's Advice: Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions, including guidelines about alcohol consumption. These instructions may vary depending on the complexity of your surgery, your medical history, and other individual factors.
General Guideline: As a general rule, it's often recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after any surgery. However, due to the nature of jaw cyst surgery and potential complications, your surgeon may advise a longer period of abstinence from alcohol.
Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on maintaining good hydration with water and a balanced diet to support your recovery. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and may affect your nutritional intake.
Remember, the priority after surgery is to ensure optimal healing and avoid complications. Always follow the specific guidelines given by your healthcare provider and discuss any concerns or questions with them directly. They are best positioned to give you tailored advice based on your personal health and the specifics of your surgery.

As a dentist, I can tell you that some discomfort or mild pain after a root canal is normal and can last for a few days. However, severe or worsening pain is not typical and could indicate an issue, such as an infection or a problem with the procedure itself. It's important to contact your dentist immediately if you're experiencing significant pain, especially if it's accompanied by swelling or fever. They may need to examine the treated tooth and surrounding area to ensure proper healing and to address any complications. Pain management with recommended or prescribed medication is often part of the post-procedure care.

Dental cleanings are generally recommended every six months, but this can vary based on individual oral health needs and risk factors.

Pain after implant surgery typically lasts for a few days to a week, but if pain persists or worsens, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for evaluation.

Ibuprofen can be effective for toothache as it reduces pain and inflammation, but it's important to follow the dosage instructions and consult a dentist for the underlying cause of the pain.

The fastest way to heal swollen gums is to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash; see a dentist if swelling persists or is severe.

Swelling after wisdom teeth removal is common and can last for several days; if the swelling persists or worsens, consult your oral surgeon.

As a dentist, I would recommend the following steps and products for cleaning your dentures:

Daily Brushing: Just like natural teeth, dentures should be brushed daily. Use a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for dentures. Avoid using a regular toothbrush as its bristles can be too hard.
Non-Abrasive Denture Cleanser: Use a mild, non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too harsh for the denture material. There are special denture cleaning pastes available.
Soaking Solution: Overnight soaking in a denture-cleaning solution can help remove tough stains and bacteria. These solutions are available in tablet or liquid form and are designed specifically for dentures.
Avoid Certain Products: Steer clear of bleach-containing products, as they can weaken dentures and alter their color. Also, avoid hot or boiling water for cleaning or soaking, as it can warp the dentures.
Handle with Care: While cleaning, handle your dentures gently to avoid bending or damaging them. It's a good idea to clean them over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
Regular Rinsing: Rinse your dentures after every meal to remove food particles and other debris.
Regular Dental Checkups: Even if you have full dentures, it's important to see your dentist regularly. They can check the fit of your dentures and examine your oral health.
Remember, proper denture care is essential not only for the lifespan of your dentures but also for maintaining good oral hygiene. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your dentures, be sure to discuss them with your dentist.

5 Homemade Mouthwash Recipes to Improve Oral and Dental Health
Sage and salt mouthwash. Sage is on the top of the list of recipes to improve oral and dental health, because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. ...
Salt and baking soda. ...
Herbal mouth wash ingredients 4 oz of peppermint and sage leaves plus Echinacea Angustifolia root.

Yes, getting a tooth pulled typically require local anesthesia which means, we make the area numb so you don't feel anything.Also, following the procedure, dentists usually recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication to help you manage the pain.

Bone grafting is not always required for dental implant placement, but in cases in which this procedure is indicated, it can help to significantly improve the patient's chances of good treatment outcomes. Only your surgeon can determine the need for a bone graft, often with the use of special imaging technology. The younger you are the less likely you need a bone graft. If the tooth you are replacing has been extracted less than 1 year and did not have bone infection, the need for bone grafting decreases.

The rates of bone grafting failure are low. However, the sooner you can get the implant in the bone graft the better your outcome. But I wouldn't wait more than 1 year.

Hi,

The best thing is to wear it all the time. However, if you have pain and the pain does not go away after 3 days, more than likely, you need an adjustment with your dentist. The denture is probably ill-fitting in some areas. Expectations are also important. The denture will not feel like natural teeth. You can't eat with it the same way you would chew with your own teeth. Your dentist should demonstrate how to eat with a denture.

Yes, with local anesthesia. Most dental implants are placed with local anesthesia. If you are undergoing other surgical procedures: sinus lift, bone graft, multiple implants, general anesthesia is suggested but not mandatory.

There are many options to having artificial teeth made permanent. Yes, "dentures" can be put in permanently. Ask your dentist.

As we get older, especially if you are a woman after 50, we start to lose bone in our jaw where we've lost our teeth. Dentures will become loose and will not stay in without glue. For now, you can use denture glue you can buy in the drugstore. A more stable solution would be to get a new denture that will fit "tighter" on your jaw bone.

Hi,

All on 4 implants are not removable...traditionally. But if a patient wants the ability to remove the denture because they want to keep it clean, that would be an option we offer. It would also be less money.

Invisalign treatment varies depending on the specific needs of a patient. However, in most of my cases, the treatment lasts 8 months.