expert type icon EXPERT

Sophia Bednarski, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Sophia Bednarski is a Dentist practicing in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Bednarski specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Sophia Bednarski, DMD
  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • Washington University
  • Accepting new patients

What are the ways to close the gap between two frontal teeth?

Yes, it should be determined by your dentist, which would be suitable and satisfactory for your dentition. You can have the bonded material put on your teeth or veneer crowns, READ MORE
Yes, it should be determined by your dentist, which would be suitable and satisfactory for your dentition. You can have the bonded material put on your teeth or veneer crowns, if you don’t want to go through ortho treatment. Discuss the issue with your dentist, and he/she will give a proper treatment plan for you.

What could be the cause of my throbbing tooth pain?

I have no idea without looking in your mouth and taking proper radiographs, that would help me with proper diagnosis. There are many factors that contribute to your discomfort READ MORE
I have no idea without looking in your mouth and taking proper radiographs, that would help me with proper diagnosis. There are many factors that contribute to your discomfort . You need to make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible!

Does clove oil really work in easing tooth pain?

Funny, it does but it has to be in composition with other ingridients. How about a prompt visit to your dentist?!

I have white dots on both of my gums and tongue. What could these be?

Unfortunately, your description is not satisfactory for diagnosis. You would have to be physically available for the dentist to be able to look and do some tests to determine what READ MORE
Unfortunately, your description is not satisfactory for diagnosis. You would have to be physically available for the dentist to be able to look and do some tests to determine what they are.

Why does my breath stink?

First of all, the dental professional has to determine proper diagnosis. It could be “gum disease” or cavities in your teeth, smoking habit, and number of other causes. Make an READ MORE
First of all, the dental professional has to determine proper diagnosis. It could be “gum disease” or cavities in your teeth, smoking habit, and number of other causes. Make an appointment.

I have severe pain in my deep cavity filling. What could this be?

Go back to your dentist and discuss the pain that’s troubling you. You may need adjustment to the filling or in the worse case scenario, a root canal treatment.

I don't understand how I got Periodontal disease

Genetics play some role in perio - gum problems, but you can control it by meticulous oral hygiene with following proper technique of brushing and flossing. Timing plays a super READ MORE
Genetics play some role in perio - gum problems, but you can control it by meticulous oral hygiene with following proper technique of brushing and flossing. Timing plays a super important part. The night brushing has to be meticulous, and long. I recommend to brush for 4 minutes in some cases, taking your time and overlooking yourself in the mirror. It is very helpful to use electric toothbrush that has a timer build in.

Pain after a filling?

If you have pain after this particular procedure, you should address and report it to your dentist. You may simply have the so-called occlusal adjustment made. When the filing READ MORE
If you have pain after this particular procedure, you should address and report it to your dentist. You may simply have the so-called occlusal adjustment made. When the filing is “ too high” the irritation to the so-called periodontal ligament may take place. There may be some other complications, but that is to be determined by your dentist.

Did my dental x-rays harm my baby? (first trimester)

If the X-rays were taken with digital camera there is no worry what so ever. The intraoral X-ray mashines don’t emitt much radiation. I don’t know how many were taken in your case, READ MORE
If the X-rays were taken with digital camera there is no worry what so ever. The intraoral X-ray mashines don’t emitt much radiation. I don’t know how many were taken in your case, but there should be no harm to the fetus. It would not be a bad idea to discuss your concerns with gynecologist.

Having an abscessed tooth? What could this mean?

When bacteria invades the vital organ of the tooth - pulp -that consists of the artery, vein and nerve, the byproducts of that invasion are causing an abscess ,and the defense READ MORE
When bacteria invades the vital organ of the tooth - pulp -that consists of the artery, vein and nerve, the byproducts of that invasion are causing an abscess ,and the defense mechanism of the body is responding to the illness. Because of the pressure build up, the pain is in this response as well. Periodical check ups including the X-rays play a role in early detection. Abscessed tooth is a source of infection,that can spread to other organs, especially those in vicinity like sinuses for example. The tooth abscess may be extremely dangerous if not treated.



Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?

If you have many restorations in your mouth or any decalcified enamel in your teeth or dry mouth syndrome, the fluoride treatment is all worth it.

How can I close the gap between my frontal teeth?

I assume that those are your upper front teeth? You may have the low upper lip frenum attachment with some genetically excessive bone in this area. This could be corrected with READ MORE
I assume that those are your upper front teeth? You may have the low upper lip frenum attachment with some genetically excessive bone in this area. This could be corrected with minor surgery, that could be done with laser. You should definitely discuss it with your orthodontist. The more drastic procedure like veneer crowns could also be done, depending on how you and your dentist feel about it.

Can a gum infection pass to other parts of the body?

The gum disease, cavities, cysts and abscesses contain bacteria that can easily access the other organs of human body through circulation. Yes, there is plenty of scientific data READ MORE
The gum disease, cavities, cysts and abscesses contain bacteria that can easily access the other organs of human body through circulation. Yes, there is plenty of scientific data on the subject. Early detection and prevention is very important in overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups and visits may prevent problems.

Why do some dentists hurt during cleanings more than others?

There are many circumstances that may contribute to discomfort that you experienced during the dental cleaning, but there is always a way to make you comfortable. Make sure that READ MORE
There are many circumstances that may contribute to discomfort that you experienced during the dental cleaning, but there is always a way to make you comfortable. Make sure that you voice your concern to the operator during the dental visit ,and it should be remedied.




Is it bad if a piece of an old filling falls out?

Don’t wait for pain or any other discomfort. Make an appointment with the dentist to have the problem with your tooth resolved.

What is gingivitis and its risk factors?

Yes, you have to have your mouth periodically checked by the dentist. Make sure to keep up with immaculate oral care/ brushing and flossing/ in between dental visits. Your dentist READ MORE
Yes, you have to have your mouth periodically checked by the dentist. Make sure to keep up with immaculate oral care/ brushing and flossing/ in between dental visits. Your dentist will be able to answer your questions. Term Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums.

Do I have to be numb?

It depends on many factors. How big is the cavity? What is your threshold of pain? What equipment is used in your dental office? I have dental laser in my office, and many times READ MORE
It depends on many factors. How big is the cavity? What is your threshold of pain? What equipment is used in your dental office? I have dental laser in my office, and many times that alone is sufficient to complete procedure without pain, especially if the cavities in the teeth are not requiring major treatment.


What are the most visible signs and symptoms of a gum disease?

“Bleeding gums”, upon brushing or touching. Important for your family is keeping periodical appointments with your dentist for early detection of oral problems.

What can I eat or avoid eating to reduce plaque?

The plaque that collects on your teeth during the course of the day is a soft microstructure composed of byproducts of food and bacteria. If you don't remove it mechanically at READ MORE
The plaque that collects on your teeth during the course of the day is a soft microstructure composed of byproducts of food and bacteria. If you don't remove it mechanically at the end of the day by proper brushing and flossing it would harden overnight due to the action of your salivary glands.
They produce saliva that is bathing your teeth constantly adding to their cleans ability. The saliva is also contaning minerals like calcium that can turn soft plaque into hard deposits that need to be mechanically removed by dentist.
The sticky food would add to adherence of plaque to teeth as well as "dry mouth" if you are a mouth breather during sleep, or as a side effect of medications you are possibly taking. As always my suggestions would be to brush and floss, and watch the timing when you do that.

What if only one tooth is crooked?

To get a proper answer to this question, your best bet would be to set an appointment with an orthodontist for a consultation. I am sure that they will take time to develop a proper READ MORE
To get a proper answer to this question, your best bet would be to set an appointment with an orthodontist for a consultation. I am sure that they will take time to develop a proper diagnosis of your condition, and will project a treatment plan for you.