Aug 28 2013
Cosmetic Dentistry: What It Can Do For You
Cosmetic dentistry is no longer just for actors in Hollywood or for the elite. If you find yourself shying away from the camera or avoiding smiling all together, you may be looking for a cosmetic dentist. Whether you simply have a gap in your teeth or if you have a more severe condition, such as missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry through offices like Cleveland Smiles will give you back your smile. There are an abundance of options for services and the right procedure can help you regain your confidence.
Veneers
If your teeth are incredibly stained and can’t be fixed by professional whitening alone, you may benefit from veneers. Veneers are porcelain pieces that are placed on top of your teeth to improve their appearance. The top layer of your teeth is removed to the exact width of the veneer to ensure it is the same level as your natural teeth. The result is a bright white, even smile that you will love to show off. The procedure is for those with relatively healthy teeth and gums, but who have permanent stains.
Implants
To restore missing or unhealthy teeth, you may consider dental implantation. During this process, your mouth is fitted and custom porcelain pieces are created to match the size and color of the existing teeth in your mouth to create an even smile. These pieces are then surgically implanted into your jawline with a metal root, such as titanium to create a permanent fusion. From one missing or damaged tooth to your whole mouth, your cosmetic dentist can create a whole new smile.
Minor Services
Your cosmetic dentist can help with less severe issues as well. For slightly crooked teeth, products like Invisalign can move your teeth where they belong, without the unsightly metal from traditional braces. They can even offer UV teeth whitening for incredibly white results. Whatever your needs, talk to your professional cosmetic dentist to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Dec 6 2013
How to Reduce Hip Surgery Recovery Time
Patients who have experienced the chronic hip pain associated with degenerative arthritis or other conditions understand that undergoing hip replacement surgery may be the best option to alleviate their condition. This is a major decision, and many factors should be considered with a doctor before electing to proceed with the surgery. If the decision has been made to undergo the surgery, there are a number of steps that should be taken to reduce hip surgery recovery time. Investing time and effort into recovery will greatly improve the likelihood that the surgery will be successful and that the patient will be able to regain functional use of their hip.
Preoperative Preparation
The recovery process from hip surgery actually begins in the preoperative phase. There are a number of activities that preoperative patients can engage in that will increase the likelihood of a successful surgery while also helping to ensure a relatively quick recovery process. Engaging in physical activity will help to build muscle and strengthen the tissues around the hip, which can help to combat the loss of muscle strength in the postoperative period. Stretching can also be of great benefit, as increased flexibility is an important goal in the postoperative physical therapy. Any activity taking place before surgery should be first approved be a physician, and performed only if the patient is strong enough to do so.
Postoperative Physical Therapy
During the postoperative period, physical therapy is the most important aspect of recovery. Therapy can begin as soon as the day after the surgery, with patients performing exercises while seated, and with the assistance of a physical therapist. The routine prescribed by the physician and physical therapists must be strictly adhered to, though it may be modified by the doctor or therapist depending on a patient’s progress. If the program is not adhered to, there are a number of potentially negative outcomes:
Through physical therapy, the muscles around the hip are strengthened and flexibility is improved. If the therapy is ignored, contractures can result from the formation of excess scar tissue. The excess scar tissue will then serve to impede the patient’s mobility, and will threaten the success of the surgery.
Explore Alternative Hip Surgery Methods
New techniques are being developed that may allow patients to recover much faster than traditional surgeries. These new methods use a smaller incision and do not surgically dislocate the hip. This procedure allows patients to recover significantly faster, with some patients being able to walk the same day as the surgery was performed. This is because there is less trauma to the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip, thereby reducing the amount of physical therapy necessary in the postoperative period.
Having surgery to replace a hip is a very major procedure, and must be taken seriously in all aspects. Preparing for the surgery by engaging in strengthening exercises can help to reduce recovery time, while proper performance of physical therapy will also aid in the recovery process. Additionally, patients can explore alternative surgical methods that are less invasive, leading to a significant reduction in the recovery time necessary.
Source: www.medicinenet.com, “Total Hip Replacement,” W.C. Shiel, 2013
By admin • Arthritis • • Tags: benefit, Explore Alternative Hip Surgery Methods, hip pain, muscles, physical therapy, Postoperative Physical Therapy, Preoperative Preparation, recovery time, Total Hip Replacement