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Posts for tag: tooth pain

Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
March 13, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   tooth pain   bone grafting  
CharlizeTheronBackinActionAfterDentalSurgery

When they’re introducing a new movie, actors often take a moment to pay tribute to the people who helped make it happen — like, you know, their dentists. At least that’s what Charlize Theron did at the premiere of her new spy thriller, Atomic Blonde.

"I just want to take a quick moment to thank my dentists," she told a Los Angeles audience as they waited for the film to roll. "I don’t even know if they’re here, but I just want to say thank you."

Why did the starring actress/producer give a shout-out to her dental team? It seems she trained and fought so hard in the action sequences that she actually cracked two teeth!

“I had severe tooth pain, which I never had in my entire life,” Theron told an interviewer from Variety. At first, she thought it was a cavity — but later, she found out it was more serious: One tooth needed a root canal, and the other had to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant — but first, a bone grafting procedure was needed. “I had to put a donor bone in [the jaw] to heal,” she noted, “and then I had another surgery to put a metal screw in there.”

Although it might sound like the kind of treatment only an action hero would need, bone grafting is now a routine part of many dental implant procedures. The reason is that without a sufficient volume of good-quality bone, implant placement is difficult or impossible. That’s because the screw-like implant must be firmly joined with the jawbone, so it can support the replacement tooth.

Fortunately, dentists have a way to help your body build new bone: A relatively small amount of bone material can be placed in the missing tooth’s socket in a procedure called bone grafting. This may come from your own body or, more likely, it may be processed bone material from a laboratory. The donor material can be from a human, animal or synthetic source, but because of stringent processing techniques, the material is safe for human use. Once it is put in place your body takes over, using the grafted material as a scaffold on which to build new bone cells. If jawbone volume is insufficient for implants, it can often be restored to a viable point in a few months.

Better yet, when grafting material is placed in the tooth socket immediately after extraction, it can keep most of the bone loss from occurring in the first place, enabling an implant to be placed as soon as possible — even before the end of a movie’s shooting schedule.

Will Atomic Blonde prove to be an action-movie classic? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: When Charlize Theron walks down the red carpet, she won’t have to worry about a gap in her smile.

If you have questions about bone grafting or dental implants, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implant Surgery” and “Immediate Dental Implant.”

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Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
February 03, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth pain  
DontIgnoreToothPain-YouMayNeedaRootCanal

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world, nearly as prevalent as the common cold. It’s also one of the two major dental diseases—the other being periodontal (gum) disease—most responsible for tooth and bone loss.

Tooth decay begins with high levels of acid, the byproduct of oral bacteria feeding on food remnants like sugar. Acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to a cavity that will require removal of decayed material around it and then a filling.

Sometimes, though, decay can spread deeper into the tooth reaching all the way to its core: the pulp with its bundle of nerves and blood vessels. From there it can travel through the root canals to the bone. The continuing damage could eventually lead to the loss of the infected tooth.

If decay reaches the tooth interior, the best course of action is usually a root canal treatment. In this procedure we access the pulp through the crown, the visible part of the tooth, to remove all of the diseased and dead tissue in the pulp chamber.

We then reshape it and the root canals to receive a filling. The filling is normally a substance called gutta percha that’s easily manipulated to conform to the shape of the root canals and pulp chamber. After filling we seal the access hole and later cap the tooth with a crown to protect it from re-infection.

Root canal treatments have literally saved millions of teeth. Unfortunately, they’ve gained an undeserved reputation for pain. But root canals don’t cause pain—they relieve the pain caused by tooth decay. More importantly, your tooth can gain a new lease on life.

But we’ll need to act promptly. If you experience any kind of tooth pain (even if it goes away) you should see us as soon as possible for an examination. Depending on the level of decay and the type of tooth involved, we may be able to perform the procedure in our office. Some cases, though, may have complications that require the skills, procedures and equipment of an endodontist, a specialist in root canal treatment.

So, don’t delay and allow tooth decay to go too far. Your tooth’s survival could hang in the balance.

If you would like more information on tooth decay treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor article “Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know.”

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What is a Cavity?

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
August 16, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay   cavities   tooth pain  

Find out more about one of the most common dental issues that affect both children and adults.

You’ve probably heard the word cavity before. This is a very common disorder that affects the health of your teeth. But, what is it exactly cavityand what kind of impact does it have on your smile? Our Rochester Hills, MI dentists Dr. Debra Hibbeln and Dr. Mark Kowal have the answers.

What is a cavity?

In essence, a cavity is a hole in the tooth that continues to grow if left untreated. You may also hear cavities called by another name: dental caries. But no matter what they are called they can cause quite a bit of destruction in their wake if you don’t turn to our Rochester Hills general dentist for treatment.

So, why does a cavity form in the first place?

The issue is plaque. This sticky film that is made up of bacteria is responsible for your decay. The bacteria on your teeth loves sugar so whenever you eat anything with sugar it turns that sugar into acid. And as you can imagine, acid will eat away at even the strongest tooth enamel.

What happens if I don’t treat my cavity?

If you never go to the dentist, particularly for your routine cleanings, then you’ll more than likely find yourself dealing with some pretty nasty cavities (or worse!) down the road. If left untreated, the acids that we mentioned before will continue to eat away at the tooth until it reaches the inside, where internal structures of the tooth will start to decay. This is usually when a toothache sets in because the decay has already affected the nerves of the tooth.

Through X-rays and a physical exam, we will be able to determine the severity of your cavity and also whether you will need a dental filling or root canal treatment. Cavities are easily removed by drilling out the decayed enamel of the tooth and then filling up the hole with a special tooth-colored resin. This procedure can easily be performed right here in our office in just one visit.

Don’t let cavities scare you. Arm yourself with a great oral care routine and make sure to visit Hibbeln & Kowal Dental in Rochester Hills every six months if you want to keep your smile looking its best.

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
      • January (3)
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • New Year, New Smile
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
      • November (3)
        • The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • October (3)
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
        • Guide Your Older Children or Teens through These 3 Oral Health Areas
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • September (3)
        • It's National Gum Care Month - Take Care of Your Gums
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
      • August (3)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • When Summertime Sports Lead to Dental Dilemmas
        • 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
      • July (4)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
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        • Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Anchorage Devices Enable Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
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        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
        • Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
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        • Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!
        • 3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
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        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • February (3)
        • Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
        • Not Enough Bone Support for an Implant? Here's a Way to Rebuild It
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • January (2)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
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        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
        • What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
      • November (2)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
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        • Bad Breath in Children
        • Reduce Future Bite Problems with These Innovative Techniques
      • September (2)
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
      • August (4)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Signs You May Need Braces
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • July (2)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (3)
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • The Importance Of Preventive Care
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • May (2)
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
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        • Dealing with the Reality of Increased Disease Risk with Braces
        • Protect Your Child's Smile
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • March (3)
        • Topical Fluoride Could Further Lower Tooth Decay Risk in Children
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
      • February (2)
        • The Benefits Of Seeing A Family Dentist
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • January (4)
        • Disease Detection - Saliva's New Role
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • How Dental Crowns Help Strengthen Teeth
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • A Royal Fix
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • October (4)
        • Caring for Your Smile When You Have Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • September (2)
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • August (3)
        • Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
        • What is a Cavity?
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • July (2)
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • June (3)
        • Effective Hygiene is Key to Preventing Enamel White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • How Fillings Help Restore Decayed Teeth
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • May (2)
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • April (4)
        • 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
        • Give Your Child's Smile the Best Start
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
      • March (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
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        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
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        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Jaw Pain Disorders Could be Related to Other Body Conditions
      • October (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
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