Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach Blog

Having Trouble Taking Out Your Aligner? Here Are 5 Tips That Could Help

December 21, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 8:18 pm
Young woman holding her aligner

Clear aligners are popular among orthodontic patients because of how convenient they are. Unlike traditional braces, they can be taken out before meals, meaning there are no dietary restrictions for the year or so you’ll be wearing them. Some people, however, have a little bit of trouble removing their aligners when they get them. It can be tricky at first, but taking out your trays will soon become second nature. Until then, here are a few tips that can help you if you’re struggling.

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3 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth in the New Year

December 2, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 8:06 pm
Smiling family holding sparklers

When the new year rolls around, it’s good to take stock of the things that are important. If you’re like a lot of people, you may have been putting your oral health on the back burner for a while now. But if you want to look and feel better this next year, a great way to do that is to start properly caring for your teeth.

Of course, like any new commitment, it can be a little difficult to know where to begin with maintaining good dental hygiene. Here are a few simple tips that can make a big difference.

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4 Questions You Should Ask During Your Cosmetic Dental Consultation

November 2, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 3:55 am
a patient asking questions during her cosmetic dental consultation

More people than ever before are opting to enhance their smiles with cosmetic dentistry; in fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has doubled within the last five years. That said, if you’re curious about joining the masses in receiving an upgraded smile, you might have a few initial questions. Here are five things you should remember to ask during your cosmetic dental consultation so that you can go into the treatment process with confidence and excitement!

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Finding the Best Implant Dentist for You

October 20, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 4:32 pm
A man wondering how to find the best implant dentist

So, you’ve finally decided to get dental implants. That’s great news — these prosthetics will restore and beautify your smile! Still, you’re not yet out of the woods: the next step is knowing how to find the best implant dentist. Without this knowledge, you might choose a dental provider who doesn’t do a good job. Luckily enough, though, your local Vero Beach practice can help you out. Here’s a summary of three crucial qualities you should look for in an implant dentist.

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Smart Tips for Eating & Drinking After All-on-4 Surgery

October 5, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 12:27 am
Oatmeal with bananas in a yellow bowl on the table

One of the biggest advantages of All-on-4 implant treatment is quick results. Not only can you receive a full denture supported by only four implants – but you can often have your prosthetic placed on the same day as your implants. However, you will still need to plan ahead for your All-on-4 recovery. Stocking up on the right foods can help ease your path back to full strength. Here’s everything you need to know about eating and drinking after All-on-4 surgery.

Stage 1: 1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery

Liquid Diet

Stick to a liquid diet during the initial recovery period. You can begin drinking cool liquids the same day that you get your dental implants placed. Avoid hot or spicy beverages for the first three or four days post-surgery and do not use a straw at all for the first few weeks. The suction from a straw can loosen blood clots that form near the surgery site and delay healing.

Safe Foods and Drinks

Drinking fluids that are packed with nutrition can help prevent infection and speed up your recovery. Here are just some of the many foods and drinks you can consume: 

  • Water and milk
  • Tea and coffee
  • Yogurt drinks
  • Fruit juices
  • Protein shakes
  • Smoothies
  • Broth (bouillon — beef, chicken, vegetable)
  • Soups, especially cream-based soups
  • Meal replacement shakes (e.g., Ensure, Boost, Special K)
  • Gelatin (e.g., Jell-O) and pudding
  • Ice cream and frozen yogurt

Stage 2: 2 Weeks to 3 Months Post-Surgery

Soft Food Diet

After about two weeks, you can begin eating soft foods again. Hooray! Avoid munching on hard, chewy, or crunchy foods during this period. Doing so can negatively affect the integration of your dental implants with the surrounding jawbone, an important process known as “osseointegration”.   

Fruits and Vegetables You Can Eat

You can chow down on any fruits and vegetables that require minimal chewing. This includes:

  • Soft fruits like bananas and watermelon
  • Anything canned and without skin or seeds
  • Anything baked or cooked to a soft consistency
  • Mashed foods like avocado, apple sauce, and cauliflower

Carbohydrates You Can Eat

Enjoy a stack of pancakes for breakfast or a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat. For lunch and dinner, it is safe to include soft breads, cooked pasta, quinoa, and mashed potatoes on your plate.

Protein You Can Eat

Protein helps rebuild and repair tissues affected by All-on-4 surgery and helps the body fight infection. During this stage of recovery, you can eat:

  • Yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Hummus
  • Pureed stews
  • Sloppy Joe
  • Chili

Plan Ahead

Now that you know what foods are safe to eat during each stage of All-on-4 recovery, it’s time to plan a trip to the grocery store! Be sure to stock up on the right items before your oral surgery so you can focus on resting after your dental implants are placed.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Bruce McDonald has been taking care of the Vero Beach community for more than 30 years. A fellow in the prestigious International College of Dentists, he regularly helps restore patients’ smiles with All-on-4 dental implants. To learn more about what foods to eat after All-on-4 surgery, visit the Ocean Oaks Dental Group website or call 772-569-4424.

Looking for a Great Cosmetic Dentist? Here’s Some Helpful Tips for Your Search!

August 19, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 1:06 am
a dentist smiling and pointing

You have dreamed of a picture-perfect smile for a while now and finally decided to make that dream a reality! Now it’s time for the next important choice: the cosmetic dentist. Investing in your smile is important and you want to find the best one for your dental goals. Here are some helpful tips to guide you to the best cosmetic dentist for your custom smile!

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The 4 Dental Implant Terms You Should Know

June 14, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 12:24 pm
Dental implant model

You probably feel a bit excited if you’ve decided to get dental implants for your missing teeth. Your dentist will restore your smile and self-confidence in just one or two appointments! However, you may also feel anxious about the words associated with the procedure. Chances are that many of them seem unfamiliar since they rely on specific dental knowledge. To help put you at ease, here’s a summary of five dental implant terms you should know.

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Discover How 3D Printing Is Changing Dentistry

May 8, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 3:45 pm
Advanced 3D dental printer isolated against white background

A dentist’s skill and experience are two huge factors that determine how well they can care for patients. However, technology also plays a big role in the type of service they are able to provide. When you choose a dentist who uses cutting-edge instruments in their practice, you can expect efficient, high-quality treatment. Let’s talk about just one piece of technology that is changing the way dentist’s care for patients — a 3D dental printer.

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5 Things to Know About Same-Day Dental Crowns

April 26, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 9:24 pm
example of a dental crown

Do you have a damaged teeth that need effective replacements? The most common treatment for this is dental crowns. However, traditional ones normally take a few visits to complete since your dentist will need to send impressions to a fabrication lab. If you’re on a tight schedule, you might want to consider same-day dental crowns instead. But what’s the difference between the two restorations? Keeping reading to learn five things you should know when considering single visit dental crowns!

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The Top 5 Benefits of a Smile Makeover

April 6, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — oceanoaks @ 6:36 pm
woman smiling and happy about smile makeover

Are you unhappy with the way your teeth look? You’re not alone. Most people wish they could enhance their pearly whites completely for a brand-new look. If this is the case, you might consider getting a smile makeover! But what exactly can you expect from the results? Keep reading to learn five important benefits of a smile makeover.

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