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What should you eat after a tooth extraction? – Soft Food Diet

Somos Dental tooth extraction - soft food diet

Once an important treatment with your dentist or an orthodontist is performed, they may recommend maintaining a soft food diet for some time. So, you may be asking the following questions depending on your particular case:

• What can I eat after my wisdom teeth are removed?

• What can I eat after putting on braces?

• What can I eat after a dental implant?

• What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

This post will go over what you can eat after an important dental procedure. This includes dental extractions, wisdom tooth extractions and other services offered at Somos Dental.

The first few days after your procedure are critical, which is why following the diet you are given is so important. Your dentist or orthodontist will determine and provide you with the care you need. It is also a great idea to make sure you have a family member, your partner or a close friend to support you with things like transportation and the essentials hours before and after the procedure (especially if it involves the use of anesthesia).

These are some foods that can be consumed:

Liquefied soups (or without solid elements)

Soups are a good option to eat after a tooth extraction or any dental intervention. Whether it’s chicken broth (without solids) or squash, soups generally do not contain elements that can enter or irritate the affected areas. Soups should be served warm or even cold because if they are hot, they can irritate the areas of your mouth that are healing.

Broths

Like soups, broths are also good to have after your dental or orthodontic treatment. Broths are also a great way to stay hydrated, which is important for proper recovery.

Ice creams

Ice creams are also one of the foods that can be eaten after undergoing a tooth extraction or any dental/orthodontic treatment. Ice creams cold nature can help against inflammation and can also contribute to hydration. Although, keep in mind that some ice creams are high in sugars and fats, so try to consume water-based ice creams and keep track of your calorie intake.

Purees

Mashed potatoes, pumpkin, and other mashed foods are perfect after a tooth extraction or any dental or orthodontic treatment. Just avoid using sauces, gravies, or too many condiments (such as pepper) that can irritate any areas that are healing.

Puddings and jellies

Puddings and jellies are other great options that can keep you hydrated as well. The low amount of sugars they contain (if properly chosen) are a plus, along with being flavorful.

All of these are perfect foods, that can be consumed after a tooth extraction (or any kind of dental treatment!). If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals that have plenty of experience and that can take care of all your dental needs. You can contact us through the means listed on this page, or also by visiting our locations. We are located in the four following locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment today!

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New Year’s resolution: visit the dentist now!

dental-care

A new year is a new beginning for many people, there are endless possibilities! You can basically start from scratch. Among the most common resolutions we find losing weight, traveling more, getting a new job, spending more time with the family … But not many of us keep in mind that we also need to take care of our smile and dental health overall. That is why in this post we will talk about a series of New Year’s resolutions that revolve around our valuable dental care.

visita al dentista ya

Maintain proper habits.

A big problem not only for New Year’s resolutions, but for any activity we want to start, is to maintain the habit over time. We know that many people stop going to the gym a few weeks after the beginning of the year or abandon most resolutions quickly, so consistency is important. Brush your teeth at least three times a day; Once after each meal. If you don’t always eat at home then try to take toothpaste and a toothbrush with you. You should also floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.

Visit your dentist.

We know that many times due to fear or personal finances, you may not visit a dental office often, this unfortunately can lead to poor dental health and even higher expenses. That is why visiting a dentist for preventive care and dental cleaning twice a year is so vital to maintain your dental health. At Somos Dental we have many routine services for preventive purposes.

Eat a balanced diet.

A balanced diet can certainly complement your New Year’s resolution if you plan on losing weight. This does not mean that you need to completely deprive yourself of certain foods. However, you should try to moderate the consumption of the following foods, substances, and beverages if you want to achieve proper dental care and a white smile!

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Coffee
  • Popcorn
  • Citric fruits
  • Dressings
  • Pop sodas
  • Tobacco
  • Among others

Avoid behaviors that can injure your teeth.

If you notice that you bite pen caps when you study or work, or that you clench the jaw when faced with stressful situations, keep in mind these behaviors may result in damage and fractures of your teeth. Look for situations that damage your teeth and be aware of them. Do your best to find alternative ways to cope with stress or damaging habits.

So, make sure you take all these points into consideration when you set your New Year’s resolutions to maintain proper dental health. These tips will help prevent many oral diseases. If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals with a long history of great dental care! You can contact us by any of the methods listed on our website, or by visiting any of our locations. We are located in the four following areas: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, Camelback and Laveen. Schedule an appointment today!

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Dental care tips

dental care tips somos dental

All dentists know that the only way to keep teeth and mouths healthy, is by following the correct guidelines of oral hygiene and by avoiding behaviors that are harmful to your teeth. Carrying out an adequate brushing and flossing routine is important, but there may be some other guidelines that have not been considered, which can affect your oral health.

Most cases seen in a dental office could have been prevented if the patient had followed a proper oral hygiene method. So, if you seek to maintain good dental health, the following tips will be very useful to know. These tips will help you practice a preventive hygiene process that will fight against chronic deterioration of the teeth and gums which can lead to many serious consequences.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. We know that when you are in a rush you do not always have time to brush your teeth, and many times we leave this activity by the wayside. However, brushing your teeth upon waking and before bed is the minimum that is necessary for preventive care.

2. Clean your mouth, cheeks, and tongue. Many people forget that their mouths should be cleaned completely, this includes cheeks and tongue. It is not necessary to buy additional tools, but just by gently brushing on the insides of your cheeks in a circular motion and by gently brushing the tongue you can achieve better oral care.

3. Floss. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that a traditional toothbrush cannot always reach; this process should be done once a day and the mouth should be rinsed once the process is finished. The National Institute on Aging offers the following guide for flossing.

How to floss

dental care tips somos dental
Flossing according to the National Institute on Aging, 2013

4. Eat a balanced diet. This does not mean that you need to completely deprive yourself of certain foods. However, you should moderate the consumption of the following foods, substances, and beverages if you want to attain appropriate dental care and a whiter smile as well.

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Coffee
  • Popcorn
  • Citric fruits
  • Dressings
  • Pop/ Soda
  • Tobacco

5. Avoid behaviors that can injure your teeth. If you have noticed that you bite pen caps when you study or work, or that you clench your jaw when faced with stressful situations, these behaviors may result in damage and fractures to your teeth. Be aware of situations that damage your teeth and try finding alternative ways to cope.

These five tips once implemented can maintain proper dental health and will help prevent a large number of oral diseases. If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals with a long history of providing great dental care. You can contact us through any of the methods listed on this page, or by visiting our locations. We are located in the four following areas: Downtown Phx, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback. Schedule an appointment today!

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When do you need deep teeth cleaning?

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You may wonder whether you need to go under a deep cleaning procedure since you have started to notice that something is not going good at all regarding your dental health, or maybe your dentist told you that you needed to go under a deep cleaning procedure since he or she found that this is the best available option. Therefore, if you have been told, or you think that you need to go under this procedure, you may have some doubts. Instead of buying a brand-new television in this black Friday, invest your money in something that will help you with something as important as your dental health, take care of your body so you feel good both physically and mentally.

When do you need deep teeth cleaning?

What is a deep dental cleaning?

Dental deep cleaning is a treatment that consists of the cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots. Just as in a regular cleaning, the dentist will clean the tooth, gum line and sides of the teeth. The main difference is that in a deep cleaning they continue to remove tartar buildup down to the root of the tooth.

When is a deep dental cleaning needed?

This may depend, there are some cases in which the dental health professional judgement and knowledge may determine an appropriate time or context for a deep cleaning. However, talking from a more technical perspective, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends that dentists offer a deep cleaning service when an X-ray shows bone loss and also when a complete dental health assessment shows a 4-millimeter gum socket between the gum and the tooth.

Is it ok to look for a second opinion?

Some people may want to look for a second opinion after hearing that they need to go through a deep cleaning procedure. This can be a good option, that is why if you got told that you need to go under a deep cleaning process you can come to Somos Dental. In Somos dental we will both give you a top-professional second opinion, so you know if this is the most appropriate treatment for your condition. However, we can also offer the service ourselves, this with the best standards in the dental health field and at a better rate.

The decision of providing a deep cleaning is part of the dental health professional knowledge. But, without a doubt a deep cleaning should only be taken in consideration when it is the best option for the specific case. In Somos Dental we have a team of dental health professionals who have had experience in orthodontic treatments and the whole process of dental extractions. You can contact us through all the means that are listed in this page, or also by visiting us at our locations. In Somos Dental we are dental health care experts, we are located in 4 different places, Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts. We have several years of experience in the dental health industry!

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Dental braces and different types of orthodontic treatments

ceramic-braces

If you are thinking about beginning an orthodontic treatment instead of buying a new television this black Friday, you came to the right place; since we can help you. In this short blog entry, we will talk about some different types of dental orthodontic treatments, which are some of the most popular available in the orthodontic market. By this way, you can compare and think about some of the different available options. Also, if you want additional information, you can always contact us at Somos Dental by the different means stated in this page, or at any of our four locations. Therefore, as stated, we are going to review the most popular orthodontic treatment options available in the market.

Metal (traditional) braces

These are the first picture which most of the people think about when they hear the word “braces”. Even when modern metal braces are not as notorious as they used to be some decades ago, they still keep the same style and working mechanism as they have always had. A big advantage on today’s metal braces is that they are not as painful as they used to be before, and that new technology makes the total time of the treatment faster and safer than ever.

metal-breaces

Lingual Braces

This type of braces is the same as traditional braces, but the mechanism is in the inner part of the denture. Some people prefer this option since is invisible to other people. However, this requires appropriate cleaning by the user, and it is more expensive than traditional braces.

lingual-breaces

Invisalign

This is a new popular option among people seeking to star an orthodontic treatment.  Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made clear mouth guard-like plastic aligners. These aligners are removable and replaced every two weeks. A lot of people look forward to this type of treatment since in this way you do not need to change your diet as with other options. Also, they are the less noticeable type of orthodontic treatment available in the market. Therefore, if you look to start an orthodontic treatment, but do not like the traditional braces style, or have restrictions in what you can eat, Invisalign is a good option. The only con about this option is that since plastic aligners need to be custom-made every couple of weeks this makes the cost go up in comparison to other treatment options. 

invasalign

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work with the same mechanism as metal braces, the only big difference being that ceramic braces are tooth colored –and sometimes the wiring is tooth-colored too!— letting them blend with your teeth making them less visible than other options.

ceramic-braces

Start your so-needed orthodontic treatment instead of buying a brand-new TV this black Friday. In Somos Dental out professional team will help your ever-dreamt smile. We are dental health care experts, we are located in 4 different places, Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts. We have several years of experience in the dental health industry!

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Is tooth extraction necessary for orthodontic treatment?

Dental Extraction Somos Dental

A common question that keeps people in doubt about getting an orthodontic treatment is whether or not extracting dental pieces will be necessary in order to begin the orthodontic intervention, other relevant and frequent doubts are to know if there are any alternative procedures in the market and to know if there is a way to get another kind of treatment that does not involve any type of extraction whatsoever. Through this article, we are going to answer these questions and to clarify some doubts about the role of dental extractions in the orthodontic process.

When is tooth extraction necessary?

To the relief of most people, the answer is no. In most of the cases, it is not necessary to extract any dental pieces to start orthodontic treatment. Even when there are some special cases in which tooth removal is actually necessary, in most patients the procedure can be carried on without the need for extraction of any dental pieces. This is where the dental health professional knowledge comes in play, an evaluation is needed in order to know if any kind of extraction will be needed and it’s his job to make sure to only carry on an extraction when it is strictly necessary.

When is tooth extraction necessary?

Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary to leave the teeth room to realign with the treatment. However, there are a couple of reasons to when tooth extraction is needed, we list some of them here:

  • Extraction of back molars to give room to wisdom teeth
  • Pronounced overbite or underbite
  • When there are teeth infused with the bone
  • Extraction of wisdom teeth which have already erupted
  • Impacted dental pieces

If there is a need to extract dental pieces, are there other alternative treatments?

The short answer is yes, there are other kinds of orthodontic treatments that do not have the need of extracting dental pieces. You can call us at Somos Dental in order to know the whole repertoire of options when looking at the most appropriate orthodontic treatment. We have years of experience in working along with our expertise in the field, and the patient needs of the treatment. The orthodontic market has been growing fast, in Somos Dental we are up to date with the newest treatments, so you have the best options at the same place.

The decision of extracting dental pieces is part of the dental health professional knowledge. But, without a doubt, an extraction should only be taken into consideration when it is the best option for the specific case. In Somos Dental we have a team of dental health professionals who have had experience in orthodontic treatments and the whole process of dental extractions. You can contact us through all the means that are listed on this page, or also by visiting us at our locations. In Somos Dental we are dental health care experts, we are located in 4 different places, Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts. We have several years of experience in the dental health industry!

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What to know before getting braces? The patient’s perspective.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts.

On our last dental blog article, we talked about the medical point of view on what to expect when getting dental braces. Now that we talked about from the professional and ethical position, we will talk about some tales, advices, and information that we have gathered that come from our patients that is not taught in dental-health school.

What to know before getting braces? The patient’s perspective.

Once that you get braces you will feel “weird” for some time.

We are sure that this is the best-known piece of information that people know about going through this type of dental procedure. The fun thing about this point is that every patient describes the feeling completely different from the other ones. Some say that “the mouth, lips and teeth feel so big in the mouth”, others say that they feel like having coins in their teeth, and even some say that even though they feel different, they do not mind or pay close attention to it.

That is why we cannot tell you exactly how and what you are going to feel once that you started this procedure. Because you surely may feel an original perception once you get your braces. That is why even though it is important to get to talk with people who already undergone an orthodontics’ treatment, you will have to wait until your appointment to know what everyone describes in a different way, yet somehow uses the adjective “weird” to specify.

After one or two weeks you will no longer notice your braces, you will get used to them

This is another well-known fact which is popular between former and even actual orthodontics patients. Once that you get your initial appointment and get your braces placed, you will feel the “weird” sensation for the first couple of days, then you will start to get used to your braces up to the point that you do not even still feel them in your mouth, they will be a normal part of your life.   

Even though you do not feel “weird” anymore, you will feel different every time you get your braces tightened.

Some people describe the feeling when tightening the teeth as uncomfortable. Most of our patients always feel different when getting their braces tightened, yet the feeling of discomfort disappears after just a couple of hours of your appointment. Yet, you need to be aware that these routine meetings are worth the discomfort that they produce.

Okay, now I know some information on what to expect, now; how can I start this procedure? Where can I get more information?

As stated above, if you are reading this piece of article you must be looking for some educational information on what to expect on this dental procedure since you want to undergo through one and change your smile and your overall health. You are in the appropriate place. In Somos Dental we are known for our practical, affordable, and professional dental procedures being carried by our team of up-to-date certified dental health professionals.

If you are looking to go through this life-changing process, you can give us a call. In Somos dental we are health care experts, we are located in 4 different places, Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts.

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What to know before getting braces?

What to know before getting braces Somos Dental, Dental Care, Health Practice

If you are reading this dental health article, you must be wondering what you should totally have in mind before getting dental braces. You may have already asked some friends or relatives who went through this process and may already have some ideas on what to expect. However, there are some other aspects which you need to have in consideration when opting to get into a life changing experience such as finally getting dental braces to change both your aesthetically smile and to improve your overall health and self-esteem. In this article we are going to talk about what to expect from both the medical and the personal point of view and experiences that we have gathered through our years of dental health practice.

What to know before getting braces?

Do not expect immediate results

Even when braces are not a life-long treatment, they surely are a medium-term commitment. This may seem as a bad marketing decision to tell you that changes are not immediate and that you need to be responsible while being under this type of proceedings, however, we need to make sure that our potential clients, and even future competence clients are totally aware of the nature of getting involved in this kind of orthodontics treatment.

So, how much time until I start to see visible changes?

Once that you have started your treatment, you will see noticeable results as soon as between three or four weeks, and 7 weeks to 2 months. This may not seem as a lot of time, and to be honest, it is not. However, some orthodontics clinics promise immediate results, but every single type of treatment will start to show results under this specified time frame.

Why does it take this time to start showing out results?

Starting an orthodontics process is a technical, complex, and carefully medical mediated procedure. The time it takes is the needed time to get you under a safe, and yet practical treatment so everything finishes up in the conveyed time frame while following strict medical guidelines. If the movement is slow it can result in the shortening of your denture’s roots, too quick and it can result in uncomfortable, unbearable pain, and bone and dental damage. That is why this procedure must be carried by trained and certified dental health professionals.   

Okay, now I know some information on what to expect, now; how can I start this procedure? Where can I get more information?

As stated above, if you are reading this piece of article you must be looking for some educational information on what to expect on this dental procedure since you want to undergo through one and change your smile and your overall health. You are in the appropriate place. In Somos Dental we are known for our practical, affordable, and professional dental procedures being carried by our team of up-to-date certified dental health professionals.

If you are looking to go through this life-changing process, you can give us a call. In Somos dental we are health care experts, we are located in 4 different places, Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

Don’t risk your health, come with the experts.

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Are braces worth the time, pain and money?

Somos-prepaid-braces-March

Even though we know the aesthetic and health benefits that wearing braces can bring, most people tend to ask the same question: Are braces worth the time, pain, and money? Well, the answer is pretty straight forward… yes! You’ll be able to put your mind at ease once you understand the benefits of having this procedure done.

Why people decide to get braces?

Why do people get braces?

There are a lot of reasons to get braces and while most may be aesthetically motivated, there are also some incredibly important health benefits to consider. Not only can they straighten your teeth, which will give you a big boost of confidence, braces can also help to fix over/under bites which will greatly reduce the wear and tear on a persons teeth.

Some people ask if the time, pain, and money will be worth it in the end and many others have a great deal of irrational fear related to having braces due to what they’ve heard from others or what they have seen on TV. So, whichever group you find yourself in today, keep reading. We are going to break down the top three areas of concern that people have regarding getting braces.

Time

This is one of the main reasons people postpone or even opt-out of getting dental treatment. You may have heard it said “out of sight, out of mind”, however, even though the overall process of wearing braces can require a significant amount of time, dental health is not something that gets better through procrastination. Whether you have an over/under bite, crooked teeth, or teeth that are spacing out due to the loss of a tooth, the best time to get the work done is now! As soon as you can! Waiting to get treatment will only serve to worsen dental issues; time will not “heal all wounds”, getting treatment will.

Pain

There’s no doubt that apart from time, pain is the biggest fear that people develop when considering getting braces, but like the old adage goes… “no pain, no gain”. It has been said that braces usually generate outstanding pain. Honestly, there can be a great deal of discomfort when you first start wearing them, but after you get through those first days, you will get used to having them on your teeth. Apart from the initial discomfort of having them put on, getting them tightened will also make you feel uncomfortable, but that usually goes away after a couple of hours. It’s important to note that the tools and technology used by orthodontists have come a long way and because of these advances, any pain and discomfort associated with getting braces has been significantly reduced!

Money             

Lastly, lets talk about the money. The cost of dental work can be daunting to some people that are considering getting braces. Don’t look at it is a “cost”, but, rather, see it for what it truly is: an investment. There are a lot of things that we spend money on in this life that yields little to no return, but your teeth have a great impact on your health, work, and social life. It is an investment that yields a great personal return that is long lasting. At Somos, we understand the reality of these concerns and as a result are willing to work with you to make sure you get the care you need. At Somos Dental, you will receive top level care and an affordable rate, so give us a call or email us today with how we can help you have a happy, healthy smile!

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Orthodontics without braces?

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Are orthodontics possible without brackets? Imagine the following situation, you are getting married in 6 months and you want to have…

  • White teeth;
  • Straight teeth;
  • And without braces.

Several methods have to be followed so your teeth look white and well aligned, which teeth whitening and orthodontics can solve. The problem consists that if you want to attend your wedding without braces and within 6 months, we have the next options.

  1. Lingual braces.
     Lingual braces are an excellent treatment option for when you want to have braces, but you do not want them to be visible each time you smile. Even though they are an excellent option, this treatment presents some limitations. For example, if the patient has a deep bite in which inferior teeth get close to the palate when biting, it will be impossible to use this kind of braces, since it is exactly there where they have to be placed.

  2. Dental veneers
    Lately, dental veneers have become more popular. There is even a lot of information on the internet about this treatment, where is assured that it is no necessity to wear down the tooth. However, this is complicated, since if you do not want to wear down your tooth when getting as veneer, the adhesive at the union between the veneer and the tooth will chance the pigment of the veneer to a darker one, that is why when choosing a veneer it is necessary to slightly wear down the tooth.

  3. Invisible Orthodontics
    Thanks to rapid advancement in technology, it is possible to choose this option. The process is the following: your dentist takes a model from the patient’s dentures, then these plaster models are scanned and sent to a computer to generate a 3D model.  Through a software, teeth are moved in 10 stages, for which 10 teeth models are already taken which are printed by stereolithography (3D printing) with, which transparent dental guards are made for the patients.

Patient’s procedure is the following:

  • The patient must use the guards 23 hours each day; this means that they can only be removed for eating and brushing. They can be removed; however, this can result in a significant delay in the treatment.
  • These procedures are possible to achieve, the best option should be always the one that adapts to the patient needs and the one that reduces dental wear. So, in conclusion, it is possible to start an invisible orthodontics treatment, by a good cooperation between the patient and the dentist you will only get the best results. That is why you must only choose dental health care experts. In Somos Dental we only have the best dentists, our patients and their health are our priority.

Patients usually come with us looking for the best option for their specific case, and with confidence that they will only get the best treatment. This is both a big responsibility and honor for us since we are talking about something as important as dental health. This is why we only offer the best and most appropriate treatment that requires less wear for our patients.

If you have doubts concerning the most appropriate treatment for your situation, do not hesitate to visit us, we are in Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. You can schedule an appointment on the following phone number 623-869-1091.

Do not leave your dental health care with anyone, in Somos Dental we are committed with your health. See our Invisalign service HERE.