Valencia Dental Clinic Taguig, Metro Manila

21/07/2025

🚫 Dry socket is a painful condition that can happen after a dentist pulls a tooth. It occurs when the blood clot doesn’t form or gets knocked loose, exposing the bone and nerves. This can delay healing, but your dentist can help ease symptoms.

👉 Dry socket vs. blood clot

After your dentist pulls the tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket — that’s a good sign. It looks like a dark scab and protects the area while it heals. If you notice the clot, leave it alone and don’t try to touch or remove it. If you don’t see a clot — or if you see bone instead — you might have a dry socket.

✅ Symptoms of dry socket

* Dry socket symptoms may include:

✔️ Mouth and/or facial pain
✔️ Radiating nerve pain from your jaw to your head and neck
✔️ Tooth/gum infection
✔️ Unpleasant taste and/or bad breath

✅ Dry socket causes

A dry socket happens when a blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction breaks down too soon or doesn’t form properly. This clot is essential — it protects the bone and nerves underneath as the area heals. But in some cases, the clot dissolves or dislodges early, exposing the bone and causing pain.

Researchers still don’t know exactly why this happens in some people and not others. However, they’ve identified several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a dry socket.

✅ Risk factors

* These things can raise your risk for dry socket:

✔️ Hormonal birth control. Birth control pills with estrogen can slow down healing and make dry socket more likely.

✔️ Poor oral hygiene. Not keeping your mouth clean can let bacteria in, which raises your risk.

✔️ Smoking. People who smoke are over three times more likely to develop dry socket than those who don’t.

✔️ Using a straw. Suction from drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot. Skip the straw for at least a week.

✔️ Vigorous rinsing. Swishing mouthwash too hard can also knock the clot loose. If your dentist recommends rinsing, tilt your head and let the liquid soak the area instead.

✅ Diagnosis and Tests

* How doctors diagnose dry socket

Dentists usually suspect dry socket when severe pain follows a tooth extraction. They confirm it by checking the empty socket where they removed your tooth.

In some cases, your dentist may also take X-rays to check for any tooth fragments left behind in your jaw.

✅ Management and Treatment

* How is dry socket treated?

Dry socket treatment may include:

✔️ Antibiotics. If your dentist thinks you might have an infection, they can prescribe antibiotics.

✔️ Irrigation. Your dentist may gently flush out the socket with salt water or antibacterial mouthwash.

✔️ Medicated dressings. Your dentist might place numbing medications like lidocaine or eugenol in the empty socket.

✔️ Pain medicine. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) can help reduce discomfort.

👉 Recovery time

With proper care, a dry socket usually heals within seven to 10 days. In that time, new tissue forms to cover the exposed area. Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your mouth healthy and lowers your risk of infection.

⚠️ When should I see my healthcare provider?

Let your dentist know if you’re having pain that keeps you up at night or doesn’t improve with medication. If you can’t reach the provider who did the extraction, head to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.

16/07/2025

Most people don’t realize that cavities can actually spread from one person to another. While cavities themselves aren’t contagious, the bacteria responsible for them—especially Streptococcus mutans—can be transmitted through saliva. That means simple acts like kissing, sharing spoons or forks, or even blowing on a baby’s food can transfer these harmful bacteria from one mouth to another.

Once these bacteria colonize a new mouth, they begin to feed on sugars from food and produce acids that damage the tooth enamel, leading to cavities over time. This is especially important in young children, whose enamel is softer and more vulnerable. Parents, caregivers, and partners should be aware that oral hygiene affects not just themselves, but their loved ones too.

The best way to prevent this transmission is to maintain good oral hygiene, limit sugary foods, and avoid sharing utensils or toothbrushes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings also help reduce bacterial load and prevent decay. A healthy mouth is not only about brushing—it's about protecting those around you as well.

10/07/2025

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that don't have enough space to fully erupt in the mouth. Because of this, they often grow at odd angles — pushing against the second molars. What’s alarming is that this damage usually happens without any noticeable pain in the early stages. You might feel completely fine, while silent destruction is taking place underneath the gums.

As the impacted wisdom tooth presses against the second molar, it can slowly erode the healthy tooth's root or enamel. This constant pressure can create a trap for bacteria and food particles, increasing the risk of deep cavities, gum infections, and even bone loss between the two teeth. If left undetected, the healthy molar — which is critical for chewing — might end up needing a root canal, a large filling, or even extraction.

Since the process is often painless at first, many patients don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. That’s why dentists recommend regular X-rays during the late teens or early twenties, when wisdom teeth typically start to erupt. Catching the problem early means the difference between a simple extraction and permanent damage to your healthy teeth.

If you still have your wisdom teeth and haven’t had them evaluated recently, it’s worth asking your dentist for an updated scan. Early action can save your smile from long-term complications.

07/07/2025

Gum disease often develops quietly, without pain, but its early signs are visible — if you know what to look for. Your gums are the foundation of your smile, and when they’re infected, the damage can be deep and lasting. Many people ignore the early symptoms thinking they’re minor or harmless, but they’re not. Catching these signs early can save your teeth, protect your health, and prevent serious treatment later.

Here are 4 warning signs you should never ignore:

🔴 1. Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, it’s not normal. This is often the first sign of gum disease. The bleeding happens because bacteria and plaque are irritating and inflaming your gums, making them fragile. Many people think they’re brushing too hard, but usually, the gums are already unhealthy.

😣 2. Swollen or Puffy Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pink. If your gums look red, swollen, or feel tender, it’s a sign of ongoing inflammation. This puffiness happens as your body reacts to the bacterial infection in your mouth. The area may feel sore, tight, or uncomfortable—especially while eating or brushing.

⬇️ 3. Receding Gums

When gums pull back from the teeth, exposing more of the root, it’s called gum recession. This can make your teeth look longer and cause sensitivity. It happens because the infection is destroying the gum tissue and bone. Recession is a sign that the disease is becoming more advanced.

😷 4. Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath that doesn’t go away, even after brushing or using mouthwash, can be a sign of gum disease. Bacteria in infected gums produce foul-smelling gases. If this smell returns quickly after cleaning your mouth, it may be coming from deep inside infected gum pockets.

✅ Why It Matters

Gum disease doesn't always hurt in the beginning, but ignoring these signs can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly can catch these signs early and help you reverse or manage the disease before it gets serious.
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Disclaimer : This post is for educational awareness only and does not replace professional dental advice. For any symptoms, consult your dentist.
🖼 Image is representational and AI-generated for awareness purposes.

03/07/2025

𝐃𝐈𝐘 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬? 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝘀? 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐨! 🦷❌

Hindi po ito basta-basta ginagawa — 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐭 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬.

Ang ngiti ay investment, hindi dapat minamadali. 😊
𝗢𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀.

𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚-𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐤𝐚 𝐧𝐚, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐮𝐩𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 — 𝐩𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚.

Kaya kung gusto n’yong ayusin ang ngipin, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞, 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬.🦷🩷

Ｂｏｏｋ ｙｏｕｒ ａｐｐｏｉｎｔｍｅｎｔ!
📞0995-530-9186
📧smilecreationsdentalclinic24@gmail.com
📍Malvar St Poblacion Limay Bataan

09/06/2025

05/06/2025

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12/05/2025

𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙁𝙡𝙪𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 (𝙎𝘿𝙁)

📌 It is a compound used in pediatric dentistry to stop the progression of dental caries in children and also to reduce hypersensitivity in teeth with exposed dentin.

📌 This colorless liquid combines the antibacterial properties of silver with the remineralizing ability of fluoride, offering an effective and minimally invasive solution for the treatment of carious lesions in pediatric patients.

📌 Its application is simple and does not require anesthesia, making it especially suitable for young children, patients with special needs, or those who have difficulty undergoing conventional dental treatments.

📌 When applied to a carious lesion, SDF hardens the affected tooth structure and stops the progression of the cavity. It is important to note that after application, the treated area typically darkens, acquiring a black color due to the reduction of silver ions into metallic silver and silver oxide.
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16/04/2025

Gum disease is not just an oral health issue—it’s a serious systemic health concern.

🔵 Here's how it happens:

When plaque builds up on teeth and gums, it harbors bacteria that cause inflammation. In periodontitis, these bacteria and inflammatory mediators can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums.

Once in circulation, they can:

➡️ Trigger systemic inflammation that contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

➡️ Promote plaque buildup in blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockages.

➡️ Elevate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker associated with heart disease.

➡️ Potentially cause endothelial dysfunction, impairing blood vessel health.

Several studies show a strong link between chronic periodontal disease and increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and even diabetes complications.

06/04/2025

🚫 The Systemic Impact of Periodontal Disease

As dental professionals, it is crucial that we help our patients understand that periodontal disease is not just an oral health issue—it is a systemic health threat. Emerging scientific evidence strongly supports the connection between periodontal disease and a wide range of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney dysfunction, complications in pregnancy, and prosthetic joint infections.

✅ The common denominator? Inflammation.

When bacterial plaque (biofilm) leads to periodontal disease, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs, triggering or worsening systemic inflammation.

This can contribute to:

✔️ Heart attacks and strokes
✔️ Lung infections
✔️ Liver and kidney complications
✔️ Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth
✔️ Prosthetic joint complications

It is our responsibility to educate patients that good oral hygiene and timely periodontal treatment are essential not only for preserving teeth and gums but also for protecting their overall health.

Let’s bridge the gap between dentistry and general health through awareness and preventive care.

06/04/2025

🔰 What is a Dental Overlay and what is it used for?

A dental overlay is a restoration placed over a damaged or worn tooth to rebuild its shape and function without having to cover the entire tooth like a traditional crown. It is primarily used on back teeth (molars and premolars) when they have lost part of their structure but still have a strong base.

📍 When is it recommended?

✔️ If your teeth are severely worn down by bruxism (teeth grinding).
✔️ If you have lost height in your bite and need to restore it.
✔️ If your molars are fractured or severely weakened but you don't need a full crown.

📍 Benefits of Overlays

✔️ It preserves more of your natural tooth.
✔️ It is aesthetically pleasing and durable.
✔️ It is painless and can be performed with digital techniques (more comfortable and faster).
✔️ It helps you chew better and avoid bite or jaw problems.

📍 What material is it made of?

☑️ They can be ceramic or resin, very durable materials that mimic the color of your natural teeth.

⚠️ If your dentist or oral rehabilitation specialist recommends an overlay, it's because they're looking for a safe, conservative, and effective solution to improve your smile without wearing down your teeth more than necessary.

05/04/2025

Injection Site & Technique for Inferior alveolar nerve block

1. Landmarks:

Coronoid notch: The greatest concavity on the anterior border of the ramus.

Pterygomandibular raphe: A vertical soft tissue fold running from the maxilla to the mandible.

Occlusal plane of mandibular teeth: Helps in proper needle angulation.

2. Needle Insertion Point:

Approximately 6-10 mm above the occlusal plane of the mandibular molars.

Lateral to the pterygomandibular raphe.

1-1.5 cm medial to the coronoid notch.

3. Needle Pathway & Depth:

The needle is inserted at a slight upward and medial angle towards the mandibular foramen.

Depth: Around 20-25 mm (⅔ to ¾ of a long needle).

Bone contact should be achieved near the lingula of the mandible.

4. Aspiration & Injection:

Aspirate to avoid intravascular injection.

If negative, inject 1.5-1.8 ml of local anesthetic solution slowly.

5. Additional Considerations:

The lingual nerve may also get anesthetized due to its proximity.

To ensure buccal soft tissue anesthesia in the molar region, a separate long buccal nerve block is needed.