Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Tooth extractions at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie are generally a simple matter with minimal discomfort for the patient. However, in order to ensure the best outcome, it is important for patients to be fully open with us about their medical histories and current medications. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a rare but serious outcome that people undergoing extractions should be aware of.

Following a simple extraction, a small bit of jawbone will be exposed at the base of the socket. Normally, the blood will quickly clot, sealing off the socket and locking in moisture. But in people on bisphosphonate medications, exposed jaw bone tissue may die (this process is what ONJ refers to). Bisphosphonate medications prevent bone resorption and are given orally to people with osteoporosis and through an IV drip to people on chemotherapy. The vast majority of cases of ONJ in medical literature occurred in people receiving bisphosphonates intravenously.

If a patient is battling cancer, we’ll work with them to plan any necessary dental work. Patients may need to delay beginning chemotherapy until after undergoing dental extractions, or we may be able to find a solution for their dental problem that doesn’t require tooth removal.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit Bear Creek Dental.

 

Nutrition for a Healthy Mouth

Our body is a machine that needs the correct fuel to run efficiently. When we consume foods and beverages that contain added sugars and harmful acids, we aren’t doing our oral health a favor. If you want your smile to be in optimal health, it’s important to feed it what it needs instead of what it craves. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental encourage you to incorporate more whole foods into your diet.

The best thing you can do to prevent tooth decay is when snacking, select foods from the five food groups. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulates saliva flow to wash away food particles and acid.

If you have questions about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

When people suffer from autoimmune disorders, the dentists of Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie are on their side. The mouth is one of the many body parts ravaged by Sjögren’s Syndrome, and we want patients to understand what it does to them and what they can do about it.

Sjögren’s Syndrome causes dryness in the eyes and mouth. It commonly appears in people who also suffer from lupus, most of whom are women over the age of forty. As it continues, it may also cause joint pain and patients may grapple with depression as a result of chronic pain. It is unknown what causes Sjögren’s Syndrome, but lupus often appears in people after an infection or other trauma.

Because Sjögren’s Syndrome causes dry mouth (also called xerostomia), people who have it struggle to clear their mouths of food debris. As a result, they are at risk for periodontal disease. While investigating for Sjögren’s, a doctor will take a sample of some salivary glands from the patient’s lower lip. If it is confirmed, patients will need to be treated for dry mouth through means such as throat moisteners and medication.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit Bear Creek Dental.