Cosmetic Dentistry

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Hospitals aren’t the only places to go to treat an accident or health issue. Any dental issue you must deal with immediately, calls for emergency dental care. If you’re not sure what constitutes such an emergency, read on to learn more.

Extreme Pain

There are times when your teeth or gums may cause you extreme pain. According to Vox, over 5 million wisdom teeth are extracted every year. If your wisdom tooth is impacted and possibly decayed, it may begin to throb and require immediate extraction. Major pain may come from deep decay. Once decay has gone down to the root, you may have ongoing pain that will keep you up at night, and need a root canal.

Bleeding

Your teeth or gums can bleed after trauma or due to underlying reasons. However, the reason and level of bleeding can affect if it qualifies as an emergency. For example, you may be in the first stages of gum disease and have some bleeding when you brush. If that happens, you can make an appointment. However, if you fall, have an accident, or get hit in the face, it may result in major bleeding and trauma that you should tend to immediately.

Loose or Knocked Out Teeth

If you or your child is active and plays sports, using a mouth guard is a great way to protect a tooth from becoming loose or knocked out. If you do lose a tooth, pick it up by the chewing surface, gently clean and put it in some milk if you can’t reinsert it. According to the American Association of Endodontists, you can save a knocked-out tooth if you go to emergency dental care services in 30 minutes or up to an hour.

Infection

Infection is never good for any part of your body, and your mouth is no different. If you have a tooth infection and you let it go, you may end up losing the tooth and possibly do more damage to other parts of your mouth and body. Signs of an infection include throbbing pain or a dental abscess.

You may need to see a dentist beyond your regular appointments. Whether you suffer dental trauma or infection, experiencing bleeding or pain keeping you awake at night, visit our local office today. Our caring and professional staff are here to provide expert emergency dental care.

Invisalign Teen

Can Dentists Provide Orthodontic Treatments?

According to BioMed Central, over nine million Americans receive orthodontic treatment, including braces or Invisalign, each year. This makes orthodontics the third-largest dentistry treatment completed. If you have teeth that are overcrowded or have large gaps, you have teeth that are crooked or crossed, or you have an overbite or underbite, you may be looking for a dental professional to help straighten your teeth. One of the questions you may have is whether dentists can provide orthodontic treatments. Read on to find out the answer to this question.

Can Dentists Provide Orthodontic Treatments?

Technically speaking, yes, dentists can provide orthodontic treatments, and many do provide orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and braces. The reason for this is that there is no requirement for a dentist to complete an orthodontic residency program in order to offer orthodontic treatments. However, they are not allowed to call themselves an orthodontist unless they do undergo an orthodontic residency program.

What Should You Look For In a Dentist That Offers Orthodontic Treatment?

If you decide to utilize the services of a general dentist who offers orthodontic treatment, you should always take the time to ensure that they have training when it comes to orthodontic devices. Many general dentists undergo training or certification programs as part of their dental continuing education requirements. If you are looking to work with a dentist when it comes to straightening your teeth, you should always learn what training they have had in regard to braces. You should also always take a look at the before and after pictures of patients they have worked with. This will help you to see the quality of the work and how effective their treatment is when it comes to straightening teeth.

There are many benefits associated with straightening your teeth. You gain self-confidence, improve the spacing between your teeth, and can help to correct bite issues that may cause you pain later in life. There are many different options available to you when it comes to straightening your teeth, including braces or Invisalign. A general dentist can help to oversee the teeth straightening process, as can an orthodontist. If you are looking to straighten your teeth, schedule a consultation with us today. We offer general dentistry and orthodontic services. Call us now to book your appointment!

Aged Couple Getting Dentures

How Can a Dentist Prepare You for Dentures?

If you’re thinking about getting dentures, you probably have a lot of questions. Around 41 million people in the United States had dentures in 2020, according to Statista. Your dentist will inform you of what you need to know about denture wearing and will help prepare you for getting them. To understand the denture process, read on to get an idea of this type of dentistry.

Trust the Dentists

Dentists want you to trust them and the process. They have years of experience and education behind them, and they stay up to date on the latest techniques. They want to make sure you are confident going into any procedure that you’re going to be taken care of.

Trust Your Options

We want you to know that there are choices that you have for your dentures. There are several types on the market, and we can go over which is best for your situation.

Trust the Budget

There are several different costs that come with getting dentures. You will want to talk with us about your options and the costs associated with them. They can help you figure out the best way to pay for your upcoming dentistry.

Trust the Process

There are three stages of getting dentures. There is extraction, an optional temporary denture stage, and your final dentures. Here’s how it will work.

Tooth extraction – The dentist will pull your teeth to get ready for the dentures. All will be extracted for full dentures, but you still may need one or more pulled for partials if they aren’t healthy. Your dentist will talk with you about that.

(Optional) Temporary dentures – You may get temporary dentures to help ease the wait time between extraction and your final set. You will need to heal in the meantime as well.

Final dentures – You will have an impression made of your mouth, and your final dentures will be created. Once received, we’ll check the fitting, make adjustments, and have you begin to get used to your final set of dentures. You may need a few adjustments before they are well-fitted.

If you have dentistry questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give our office a call. We’re here to answer all your concerns.

4 Signs You Need a Dentist Right Now

Regular visits to the dental office are essential for maintaining good oral health. They allow your dentist to check and pick up on any dental issue while it’s in its early stages. However, there are times when you may experience sharp or nagging pain in your tooth. This is when you should visit your dentist right away, even if the pain comes and goes. Pain, regardless of its severity in teeth, should be treated as an emergency as it jeopardizes oral health. Here are other common reasons to see a dentist.

1. Your Gums are Bleeding, and They Appear Red and Inflamed

Gum disease is a common oral condition. If you notice your gums appear swollen and bleeding every time you brush your teeth, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is easy to treat in its early stages as it involves removing built-in plaque. If left untreated, it leads to the deterioration of gum tissue and, in critical stages, leads to periodontitis and loss of teeth. According to the Dental Association, 47.2% of adults 30 years and above have some kind of periodontal disease.

2. You Have a Broken, Cracked, or Loose Tooth

Chipping, cracking, or breaking teeth occurs when you have had an accident requiring an emergency trip to the dentist. Whether you fell and knocked your teeth on a rock or you were involved in a car accident, cracked and broken teeth require a visit to your dentist. If ignored, the tooth will become extremely painful and sensitive. It will also allow bacteria to enter, leading to other infections.

3. You Have Persistent Headaches

Many people still don’t know that some headaches could be connected to their dental issues. Persistent headaches in the morning could result from teeth grinding as you sleep. If this is the case, seeing a dentist immediately is essential to fit you with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding and damage.

4. You Have Consistent Bad Breath

Bad breath is embarrassing, and many people attempt to avoid going to the dentist. As a result, it can quickly worsen, leading to other oral issues. Infections, gum disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, diabetes, and acid reflux often cause bad breath. Visiting the dentist on time helps save the situation.

Visiting a dental office regularly keeps your oral health in check, but also feel free to visit when you experience the above issues. Contact our team today to help you learn more about how dentists can help manage your oral health.

dental cleaning

How Important Is A Yearly Dental Visit?

According to experts in the dental industry, approximately 90% of people 20 years old or older have at least one cavity. Even if you’re lucky enough to have come this far without any cavities, an annual dental cleaning should be a part of your routine. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of yearly dental visits.

Your Dentist Will Conduct a Cancer Screening

One of the most important parts of your regular dental visit is the screening that your dentist conducts for signs of oral cancer. Like most other types of cancer, when it’s discovered in its earliest stages, cancer of the mouth, gums, and tongue can be successfully treated. Your dentist will also check your head, neck, and throat for any signs that something may be amiss. This is an important reason to visit your dentist.

Clean Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

Your regular dental cleaning helps to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. This prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar and helps to curtail the development of cavities. Regular cleanings are also great for your gums. If you are showing early signs of gum disease, or gingivitis, it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis to prevent the condition from worsening. And, you’ll love the way your teeth and gums feel when your hygienist finishes your cleaning. Who doesn’t love a fresh and clean mouth?

Regular Check-Ups Catch Problems Early

X-rays are often part of a regular dental appointment. Even without x-rays, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows them to notice any problems as they are developing. When spotted early, gum disease and tooth decay can be treated before they become major problems. There are even some medical conditions that your dentist could be the first to notice. When regular dental visits are a part of your medical routine and care, you give yourself a better chance of staying healthy. Don’t underestimate the importance of dental care and good oral hygiene as part of your overall health and wellness.

Our team is here to take care of all your dental needs. We recommend that you undergo a dental cleaning at least once, if not twice a year. If it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, give us a call today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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