NetWellness Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Long Term Storage of Dentures

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST

Question: I just got new dentures, and want to save my old ones, for emergencies. What is the best way to store my old ones? I previously put them in water, however they become moldy. I`d appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Answer: I will suggest to store in a dry plastic container (small plastic box with cover). If they will be reused, you will need to put them in water for at least 24 hours prior to use.

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Pain After Chewing Food

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:10:00 EST

Question: Recently I experience considerable mouth pain after chewing food, even relatively soft food like a piece of bread. Sometimes there`s a delay in the pain till an hour or so after eating. I seem to be sensitive to very hot and cold foods as well. The pain doesn`t seem to be localized to one particular . . .

Answer: I don't have any idea of what could be causing your pain. It could be many things. I suggest you consult with your dentist and family physician. They may need to do some exams and take some diagnostic images to find out the source of your pain.

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Pain From Eating Sweet Foods

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:10:00 EST

Question: I experience considerable pain in a particular area of my mouth when I eat anything sweet -- even fruit that has a lot of natural sugar, and also frozen desserts like ice cream. It`s hard to localize exactly, but I think it comes from one or more specific teeth. I don`t feel infected, although I do . . .

Answer:

Simple causes are:

1. Accumulation of plaque and bacteria in some areas that cause caries, bone lost, gum disease.

2. Excessive erosion or abrasion of the teeth (especially in senior patients or grinders) can cause sensitivity.

3. Natural wear of the teeth can cause sen . . .

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Extract upper central incisors - 85 year-old

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:09:00 EST

Question: My mother, who resides in a nursing facility in Florida (I am in Chicago), received an oral exam, at my request, by a local DDS. I was informed that the following courses of treatment were recommended: (1) extraction of the #8 & #9, (2) repair of an existing upper partial, and (3) deep cleaning. . . .

Answer:

Options. Is difficult to tell without looking to the patient.

You can look for a second or third opinions.
In some cases she can choose to do nothing until she needs to removed the front teeth (if they are not infected), or removed all the teeth and go for complete dent . . .
Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Temperature Sensitivity

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:08:00 EST

Question: One (or maybe more) of my teeth is quite sensitive to hot and cold tmeperatures, and is pretty uncomfortable, even in a resting state. I am a senior now, and know I have a fair amount of gum recession and possible nerve exposure. Of course given a choice, I`d like to avoid going to the dentist, and . . .

Answer: Yes avoid cool and hot food help to prevent severe pain in the moment. These condition never resolve itself with time, they just get worse. You may stop feeling pain, but it will be just an indication of necrotic tooth which can turn into an infection. I will advise you to go to your dentist an . . .

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Preventing Root Canals

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:07:00 EST

Question: At age almost 70, I am fortunate to have my original teeth. However, I have now had five root canals, and see the possibility of others looming on the horizon. Among my concerns are that they are (very) expensive, not within my ordinary budget.

So my question has to do with prevention. What can . . .

Answer: I need to know the reason why you have had so many root canals done lately. Dental carries? Decay? Wear? Periodontal diseases? If is dental carries or decay a diet low on sugar will help to prevent the developmen of cavities. Other things that can prevent problems . . .

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Bitter Taste

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:07:00 EST

Question: For a year and 7 mos. now, my mother has this bitter awful liquid that leaks from gum. Anything she eats or drinks, she can taste that bitterness. She has been to the dentist, and others to get help and nobody seems to know. She had the last tooth on top right pulled, a root canal and crown on anoth . . .

Answer: I don't know about this one. It may be related to your mother's general health, or periodontal disease. The information provided is to vague. If liquid is coming out of her gums, it can be collected and send it to the pathology lab for testing.

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Gums and Denture Pain

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:06:00 EST

Question: If I am wearing dentures when I bite, somtimes I get sharp pain in my gums. Is it possible that my dentures can be adjusted to keep them from hurting so much?

Answer: Yes, is possible to adjust your dentures. The dentist need to find out the sources of the problem and fix them.

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Osseous Surgery Medically Necessary

Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:05:00 EST

Question:

My medical insurance said that if I go to an oral surgeon rather than a periodontist, osseous surgery may be covered as medically necessry. My perodontist says it`s not possible because not having the surgery is not a threat to my health. I really can`t go on like this and feel the surgery i . . .

Answer: This is a complex subject. There are two sides - people who believe that gum diseases threatens the health of patients and people who don't. You can find research done from both sides. Regardless, I will say that the insurance will not cover. In my opinion you should take care of the . . .

Ask an Expert: Alfredo Hernandez DDS, MS, Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

X Rays

NetWellness Staff . — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:05:00 EST

Question: How often are x rays of the mouth necessary?

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. A question similar to yours has been previously addressed. The link below will connect you to that information. NetWellness may also have some general information available that you can access through our