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Dr. Carrie Webb
102 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
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Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Extractions
Retainers
Brushing and Flossing
Mouthguards
If you are an athlete, we highly suggest the use of an orthodontic mouthguard while you are in braces. This is not only used to protect your teeth, but also your lips and cheeks should a significant bump to the face occur. Read More...
Separators
Welcome to the first part of your orthodontic treatment. Today you received blue elastics called separators. The separators are placed between your teeth to open a little space which is necessary for your next appointment. Read More...
How to care for your braces:
When you first get your braces, teeth may become sore. Take what you would normally take for a headache until your teeth begin to feel better. (An anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin, etc will typically work best.) Because everyone is different, soreness can vary anywhere between a few days up to a week. Read More...
Minor Emergencies and Braces
Throughout the first few appointments as the teeth become aligned, the wire may become long and scratchy in the back behind the band. Wax can be used until a quick appointment is made to trim the wire. Read More...
Appliances you may receive throughout your treatment
The expander is designed to widen the palate and/or correct your child’s crossbite. Here are a few helpful tips for home. Read More...
Orthodontic Elastics
Elastics create a continuous force causing the upper and lower teeth to move into alignment. The elastics are connected to specific teeth to move the teeth in a planned direction. Read More...
Retainers
The essix retainer is made of clear durable plastic, it snaps into place over your teeth. Our office uses the essix retainer as a temporary retainer to maintain your orthodontic results. In a few weeks you will receive acrylic retainers which you will wear as instructed. Read More...
General Procedure
When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or extracted.
Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has tooth pulled experiences little or no discomfort, and only minor bleeding.
Before a tooth is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic such as Novocaine.
Patients with extracted teeth sometimes need to take an antibiotic, and at the very least, take precautions following the procedure to ensure that infection doesn't occur.
Smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because they hinder healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth. Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bites, and other problems.
If wisdom teeth are causing a problem, this could mean that they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful, as well as harmful to your oral health. Symptoms are easy to spot: severe discomfort, inflammation, and some kinds of infections.
Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid future serious problems. In general, the lack of the four wisdom teeth does not hamper one's ability to properly bite down, speak or eat.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth:
- Facial swelling
- Infection
- Pain
- Gum swelling