Day: December 7, 2019

Dental Care

All About Dental Implants

Despite the developments that dental care has seen in the last couple of decades, teeth loss is still a common dental issue in the US. It results from issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even trauma. Traditionally, dental bridges and dentures were the main ways of treating people with missing teeth. Unfortunately, these methods are usually associated with a number of demerits. For instance, they look and feel unnatural, and this can affect a patient’s ability to perform basic day-to-day tasks such as chewing and speaking. This is why dental implants in Emerson come in handy.

Below are some important things you should know about dental implants:

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They are surgically inserted into the jawbones with the aim of replacing the roots of the natural teeth. The artificial replacement may then be attached to these implants. In other words, the titanium implants work as the anchors that hold the replacement teeth in position.

Dental Implants

What the Procedure Entails

The procedure of getting a dental implant is usually a three-part process that can take several months. Your family dentist may perform the procedure, or you may be referred to a periodontist, a prosthodontist, or an oral surgeon. The first step involves placing the titanium implant on the jawbone. A screw is inserted into the implant to ensure that debris and gum tissues do not get in. Then the surgeon will secure the gum over the implant where it has to remain covered for about six months as it fuses with the bone. Some pain after the surgery is normal, and it can be treated with pain medication.

The second step begins after about six months, and it involves uncovering the implant and attaching an extension known as “post” to the implant. Once the gum tissues around the post have healed, the implant and the post will serve as the foundations of the replacement tooth.

In the final step, the dentist will make a custom artificial tooth, also known as a dental crown, with exactly the same size and shape as the missing tooth. The crown is then attached to the post.

The Procedure’s Success Rate

All surgical operations involve the risk of failure. However, dental implants are highly successful, with a success rate of between 75 percent and 95 percent. The success of the procedure largely depends on a patient’s oral hygiene and how healthy the jaw bone is. The success rate is generally lower among patients who smoke.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that dental implants are an excellent way of replacing missing teeth. Implants are great because they are durable and they look and feel like natural teeth. Therefore, if you have lost one or several teeth, the best way for you to replace them is by going in for dental implants. If you are looking for a reliable dentist who is experienced in dental implants, Emerson Dental Arts is an excellent dental facility to visit.

Health

All About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be understood as an abnormal growth of cells that mostly occur in the skin that is exposed to the sun. However, it can also occur on the skin that is not usually exposed to the sun. Some of the common types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US. In fact, more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer more than any other type of cancer every year. Although this may sound shocking, the good news is that if it is detected early, skin can easily be treated by a reliable Midtown East dermatologist. Below are some important things you should know about skin cancer.

Symptoms

Skin cancer primarily develops in areas that are most exposed to the sun, including the face, scalp, ears, neck, lips, chest, neck, arms, hands, and legs. It can also form on areas that are not exposed to the sun, including the palms, beneath the toenails and fingernails, and around the genitals. It affects people of all skin tones. Depending on the type of skin cancer that a patient is suffering from, there are several symptoms that they can experience.

Skin Cancer

Some of them include:

A waxy or pearly bump

A flesh-colored or brown flat scar-like lesion

A scabbing or bleeding sore that heals and returns

A firm, red nodule

A flat lesion with a crusted, scaly surface

A large brownish spot with dark speckles

A mole that bleeds or changes in feel, size, and color

Dark lesion on toes, fingertips, soles, or palms

Causes

Skin cancer results from mutations in the skin cell’s DNA, which causes the skin cells to grow uncontrollably and form a mass of cancerous cells. In most cases, skin cancer results from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. However, exposure to the sunlight does not explain why parts of the skin that are not ordinarily exposed to the sun can get cancer. This implies that there are other factors that can contribute to skin cancer. For instance, having a condition that weakens the immune system or exposure to some toxins can cause skin cancer.

Some risk factors that are associated with skin cancer include:

History of sunburns

Excessive exposure to the sun

Having less melanin or skin pigment

Living in high altitude or sunny areas

Family history of skin cancer

Having a weak immune system

Exposure to radiations

Exposure to certain toxic substances

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, your doctor will subject you to more tests to demine the extent of cancer. Small skin cancers that have not gone beyond the surface of the skin may not require any treatment beyond the initial biopsy removing the growth as a whole. Other common skin cancer treatments include freezing, excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent that although skin cancer is quite common, it is an issue that can easily be treated, especially when it is diagnosed at its earliest stages of development when it is still easy to localize. Therefore, if you have any signs that indicate that you might have skin cancer, it is wise to seek the attention of a dermatologist immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnancy Care Tips
Health Tips

Pregnancy Care Tips

Getting pregnant can be quite an exciting experience. However, it comes with new responsibilities. For instance, you have to stay healthy for the sake of your baby and your well-being. Therefore, in addition to working closely with a reliable San Antonio women’s health nurse practitioner or OB/GYN, it is imperative for you to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and discard the bad ones. For instance, if you smoke or abuse alcohol or other drugs, then you may have to stop for you and your baby to stay healthy. Below is a rundown of some health tips for expectant women.

Get an OB/GYN

If you have not visited an OB/GYN yet, then it is imperative for you to see one as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. This is because pregnancy comes with the need for specialized care. An OB/GYN will perform several tests to ensure that the pregnancy is developing properly and in the right place. Your blood pressure and blood sugar level will also be monitored. In case of any complication, an OB/GYN will advise you on the best way to move forward.

Eat Right

A healthy diet is a necessity for pregnant women. This is because the developing baby needs healthy foods as opposed to fat and sugar. Therefore, you should start eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Your diet should be low in saturated fats and rich in calcium. During pregnancy, it is also necessary for the mother to take a lot of water to prevent fatigue, hemorrhoid, headaches, UTIs, constipation, and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms.

Pregnancy Care Tips

Avoid Toxins

Toxins such as illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nail polish removers, and paint thinners are closely linked to miscarriages, congenital disabilities, and other problems. Therefore, it is imperative for you to avoid them during pregnancy. If you cannot easily quit smoking and abusing drugs, it is important for you to let your doctor know about it. A good OB/GYN can offer the necessary support and advice, and even refer you to programs that help women like you.

Exercise

Staying active is necessary for a person’s general health. It plays critical roles in reducing stress, improving sleep, boosting moods, and managing weight. You can choose to take a pregnancy exercise class or simply walk for about 20 minutes at a moderate pace on a daily basis. You can also try swimming, yoga, or Pilates. However, it is imperative for you to inquire from your OB/GYN before you start any exercise program during pregnancy.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent that when you learn that you are pregnant, there are several things that you are supposed to do for you to remain healthy and keep your baby safe. For instance, you have to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. It is also important for you to get a reliable OB/GYN to take care of any pregnancy-related healthcare needs. If you are looking for a reliable OB/GYN to help you with pregnancy care, Bluebonnet OB/GYN is an excellent facility to choose from. Feel free to contact or visit them today for more information about their practitioners and services.

Sports Medicine And Physical Therapy
Health & Fitness

Differences Between Sports Medicine And Physical Therapy

Sports Injuries:

According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), there are millions of causes related to sports injuries in the U.S every year. Sports injuries require special consultation from an exceptional specialist. Sports injury specialists can be categorized as sports medicine physicians or physical therapists. It is essential to identify the most suitable specialists to consult based on the nature of your injury. Dr. Kevin McElroy is one of the most competent and reliable sports medicine physicians in Ramsey, NJ.

Who is a sports injury specialist?

A sports injury specialist is a qualified and certified health physician who focuses on sports injuries rehabilitation as well as treatment. Sports injury specialists handle a variety of people ranging from professional athletes, active people, and amateur athletes who strive to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Sports injury specialists can be classified as either sports medicine physicians or physical therapists. It is very important for you to realize that the two are not one and the same. The confusion or mistake of treating them as one is not far off since the two are aimed at the treatment of muscles and bones after the occurrence of an injury.

Sports Medicine And Physical Therapy

Difference between sports medicine and physical therapy?

Physical therapy is the process through which individuals who have a known medical condition that restricts their normal functionality or performance undergo rehabilitative treatment procedures in an attempt to restore or regain the original functionality or performance in their day to day tasks. For you to operate as a physical therapist, you need to complete the required learned years, undergo training, and become certified by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Sports medicine, on the other hand, involves the provision of medical care to active individuals or athletes. The sports medicine physicians are responsible for providing active individuals, sports teams, or athletes with a comprehensive range of medical care. The treatment techniques used are mainly non-surgical, for you to start practicing as a sports medicine physician, you will need to undergo the relevant education, training and finally become licensed by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). Sports medicine specialists also undergo proper training to accurately health issues associated with sports psychology, diet, and abuse of controlled substances.

Roles and treatments used:

The main purpose of sports medicine doctors is conducting diagnoses on the hurt or injured areas, evaluating the disorder, performing various treatment procedures, requesting for additional tests, making referrals to physical therapists for injuries that require personalized therapy, and prescribing medication pills or injections for multiple conditions. There are a variety of treatment procedures that can be performed by sports medicine specialists such as the reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), ankle-knee-elbow and shoulder arthroscopy, restoration of the articular cartilage, casting, repair of fractures, labral repair, rotator cuff repair, Meniscus repair, shoulder instability surgery and repair of tendons. These and other treatment procedures are used to treat diverse sports injuries such as lower back pains, shoulder pains, neck pains, herniated discs, etc.

Roles and treatments used by therapists:

Physical therapists do not only cater for sports-related injury but also other individuals who require treatment therapies to heal bones and muscles without surgery. The treatment recommended and the time taken to yield results will depend on your injury assessment and the patient’s willpower. There are various types of therapies that can be used, such as concussion management, fibromyalgia therapy, dry needling, manual therapy, injury screening, spine rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, and total joint rehabilitation.