Dr. Cynthia Wong

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Preserving the Tooth Extraction Site


Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal where they are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound, one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL understand that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very fun, but we are committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as we can for our patients. 




If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact our office. Signs of complications include:




- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain


- Severe nausea or vomiting


- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site


- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills




Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your orthodontist come up with a plan to fill this space.




Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.





 


 


 

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Sugar and Your Teeth


We know it’s not something you want to hear or maybe you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true, sugar negatively impacts your teeth in a big way. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL take pride in educating our patients about the importance of restricting sugary foods and drinks. It would be ideal to cut these out of your diet completely, but we understand that sometimes there’s nothing better than a crisp soda on a hot day. More attention should be paid to, say, how many sugary beverages you drink in a day or week. Is it really adding up? If so, consider restricting your intake for the sake of your teeth.




Sugar easily coats the surface of your teeth and attracts the “bad bacteria,” such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. These destructive bacteria feed on the sugar and disturb the natural pH of your mouth, to the point where the acidity is too much for your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth is broken down little by little. This isn’t so good since tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once that natural barrier is gone, it’s gone for good. Having braces speeds up this process if you do not practice proper measures of oral hygiene.




If you can’t give up sugar completely, then consider these tips to fight tooth decay:




- Watch what you eat and drink. Make sure to incorporate healthy options, such as fibrous vegetables.


- Restrict the sugar. Try drinking more water, your teeth will thank you (and so will your body).


- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing two to three times a day.


- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look inside your mouth, monitor anything suspicious, and give your teeth a good professional cleaning. 



Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.


 



Thursday, January 9, 2020

Periodontal Disease


Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics dedicate our time and expertise in educating our patients about good oral health. Your Orland Park, IL dentist will help you achieve that smile you’ve been longing for.




If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.




Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:




- Chronic stress


- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers


- Poor nutrition


- Fluctuating hormones


- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV


- Teeth grinding


- Crooked or crowded teeth


- Tobacco use


- Genetics


- Poor dental hygiene, especially with braces on your teeth



Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.


 



Saturday, January 4, 2020

Digital X-Rays


The advancements in dental technology have now made it easier for dentists to deliver efficient care and diagnoses to their patients. One such advancement is digital x-rays, which are becoming a staple in dental practices all over the country. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics are always looking to stay up to date with the latest technology, products, and treatments. Digital x-rays allow dentists to look more closely at your teeth than ever before!




A digital x-ray takes an image of your teeth and puts it into an imaging program. With special tools exclusive to this imaging program, your dedicated Orland Park orthodontist can take a closer look at your teeth with impeccable accuracy. Digital x-rays emit eighty percent less radiation than a standard x-ray since they are actually sensitive to radiation. This is a great benefit to the patient since the patient is exposed to less radiation. Digital x-rays can be classified as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), though intraoral x-rays are the most commonly taken.




Intraoral x-rays allow us to:




- Observe the status of developing teeth


- Monitor tooth health


- Look at the tooth roots


- Find cavities


- Check the health of the bony area around the tooth


- Determine if there are signs of periodontal disease



Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.