Mouthguards Must Meet Several Requirements to Adequately Protect Teeth

Football helmet and mouthguard Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Todd Wortman has more than 24 years’ experience treating patients with a variety of oral health and cosmetic needs. A member of the Academy of Sports Dentistry, Dr. Todd Wortman often gives back to the community, such as by supplying athletic mouthguards to local high school sports teams. 

A properly fitted mouthguard is a necessity to protect the teeth during sports play. A mouthguard should be worn on the leading, or most protruding, arch, which is usually the top row of teeth. The guard should completely cover the teeth, as well as surrounding tissue. In addition, the mouthguard should be of sufficient thickness, at least 3 millimeters, to resist impact. 

Lastly, the teeth should contact the mouthguard in an even, balanced way to provide ideal absorption of impact energy, and the guard should not come out upon impact. A dentist can help evaluate a sports mouthguard to ensure it provides adequate protection and is positioned correctly. Custom mouthguards, made from an impression of the athlete’s teeth, are often the best way to provide the highest level of oral protection.

Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery

New Rochelle-based cosmetic dentist Dr. Todd Wortman uses the latest innovations in dental treatment techniques to address oral health issues in his patients. In his work, Dr. Todd Wortman is highly-experienced in restorative procedures such as dental implant surgery.

Implant surgeries can be categorized as simple, moderate, or difficult, with more complex procedures usually incurring a longer recovery time. If a patient requires only one implant and no extra surgeries, then the recovery process may last under 48 hours. 

During this period, the patient should eat soft, chewable food and use gentle brushing techniques until bruising and swelling subside. However, in cases where the patient requires a bone graft or the procedure was performed to replace multiple teeth, the recovery process is a bit more protracted. 

The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. A soft diet may need to be followed for up to six weeks. Patients should also refrain from engaging in any strenuous exercise for several days since too much movement can aggravate bleeding.

How Dentist Mission Trips Equalize Access to Care

Respected dentist Dr. Todd Wortman has practiced general and cosmetic dentistry for more than 20 years. In addition to delivering dental services from his private practice, Dr. Todd Wortman participates in international dentist missions every year to provide oral care to those in need.

People in rural areas have less access to preventative and emergency dental services, which contributes to immense health disparities. Rural residents have higher rates of untreated cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Dental missions, or free and low-cost dental services delivered in rural communities, are one of the ways to bring adequate health services to disadvantaged populations. 

There are dozens of dental missions operating in areas around the world, including India, South and Central America, Africa, and rural areas in the U.S. Practicing professionals, dental assistants, hygienists, and dental students can all contribute their expertise to a dental mission. Volunteering opportunities are extremely flexible. Dentists may choose to donate two days a month to offer free local care, or spend several weeks delivering services with an international medical mission.

The 2019 Greater New York Dental Meeting

An Academy of General Dentistry fellow and owner of a New Rochelle, New York, based private practice, Todd Wortman, D.D.S. brings to bear more than 20-years of oral healthcare experience on behalf of his many satisfied patients. To stay current with modern advances in dental care, Dr. Todd Wortman attends the annual Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM).

Each year, oral health professionals gather at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to learn about innovative dental approaches via hundreds of technical exhibits featuring the latest technology. Among the largest gatherings of its kind in the world, GNYDM has a history going back nearly a century. In fact, the 2019 gathering, taking place from November 29th to December 4th, will be its 95th.

The program for 2019’s GNYDM includes an enhanced dental implant exposition and 3D printing conference. Moreover, the gathering will feature numerous opportunities for dental staff to undergo continuing education related to topics like dental laboratory procedures and pediatric care. 

GNYDM 2019 will also feature numerous expert speakers. For example, the meeting will host talks from a clinical professor from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the president of the Sociedad Cubana de Estomatología.

Visit https://www.gnydm.com/ to learn more about GNYDM 2019.