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The Importance of Timely Emergency Dental Care

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The Importance of Timely Emergency Dental Care

Emergency dental care is essential to prevent further damage, relieve pain, and maintain good oral health.

Introduction: 

Emergency dental care is a topic that, although not discussed frequently, is of utmost importance for maintaining good oral health. A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional to alleviate pain, save a tooth, or stop ongoing tissue bleeding. Such emergencies can occur anytime, resulting from accidents, sports injuries, or untreated dental issues. This blog will discuss the importance of timely emergency dental care, its benefits, and how to recognize the signs that warrant a visit to the emergency dentist.

The Benefits of Timely Emergency Dental Care:

  1. Prevention of Further Damage: One of the primary reasons for seeking emergency dental care is to prevent further damage. When left unattended, dental issues can worsen, leading to more severe complications such as tooth loss, infections, and extensive dental procedures. Timely intervention can help preserve your teeth and oral structures, saving you from pain and expensive treatments in the future.
  2. Pain Relief: Dental emergencies can be extremely painful, and waiting to seek treatment can prolong your discomfort. You can alleviate the pain faster by seeking immediate dental care and returning to your daily routine. Many dental professionals offer emergency services to help you manage pain and provide appropriate treatment to address the root cause.
  3. Prevention of Infections: Untreated dental emergencies, especially those involving broken or cracked teeth, can leave your mouth vulnerable to infections. Bacteria can enter the tooth’s pulp, causing abscesses and eventually spreading to other body parts. Immediate dental care can prevent infections and help you maintain your overall health.
  4. Cost-Effectiveness: While it may seem counterintuitive, seeking emergency dental care can be cost-effective in the long run. Addressing dental problems right away can prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments in the future. Emergency dental care can be a wise investment in oral health and well-being.

Recognizing Dental Emergencies:

Knowing the signs of a dental emergency can help you act quickly and seek the necessary care. Here are some everyday situations that warrant emergency dental treatment:

  1. Severe Toothache: A severe toothache can be a sign of an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. If you experience sudden, intense pain in your tooth, it’s crucial to see a dentist immediately.
  2. Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out due to an accident or injury, it’s essential to seek dental care immediately. In some cases, a dentist may be able to reattach the tooth if treated within an hour of the incident.
  3. Chipped or Broken Tooth: A chipped or broken tooth can cause pain and sensitivity, making it difficult to eat and speak. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage and infection.
  4. Loose or Dislodged Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown becomes loose or falls out, it’s crucial to seek dental care immediately. A lost filling or crown can expose the tooth’s sensitive inner layers, leading to pain and a higher risk of infection.
  5. Dental Abscess: A dental abscess is a painful, pus-filled pocket that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. Immediate dental care is necessary to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Conclusion: 

Emergency dental care is crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing further damage. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency and acting quickly can save your teeth, alleviate pain, and save you from costly and extensive treatments. By understanding the importance of emergency dental care and seeking prompt treatment, you are proactively safeguarding your oral health and overall well-being. Remember, when it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence, and seeking immediate care can make all the difference in preserving your smile.

If you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Tree Dental Today.

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

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Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors

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Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors

Introduction:

Although dental implant surgery (DIS) has a high success rate, it is not suitable for everyone. It also has the potential to cause long-term complications.

We’ve put together this content that explains “Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors” Be aware and take care of your teeth.

[1]Early And Late Dental Implant Failure

A dental implant is a metal post that’s surgically attached to the jaw bone to support an artificial tooth. Once in place, a restorative dentist or oral surgeon mounts a replacement tooth to the implant.

Dental implants have a high success rate, but some people experience dental implant failure. It’s estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail, either shortly after a procedure or months or years later.

If you’re scheduled to have dental implant surgery, or if you currently have an implant, here’s what you need to know about implant failure and other potential complications.

[2]Potential Complications From Surgery

There are several potential complications that can occur following DIS. The sections below will outline some of these.

Below are some of the more common problems that may develop following DIS.

Infection

An infection at the implant site is the most common complication Trusted Source of DIS.

Treatment for an infection depends on the severity and location of the infection. For example, a bacterial infection in the gum may require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. A bacterial infection in the bone may require the removal of the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant, followed by a bone and soft tissue graft.

Gum Recession

In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Getting a prompt assessment from a dentist is essential to prevent the removal of the implant.

Loose Implant

In the first few weeks of Trusted Source following DIS, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. This process can take many months.

If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it. A person may be able to reattempt the implant procedure once the area has healed.

Nerve Or Tissue Damage

Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms.

A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be potentially serious Trusted Source. Some possible symptoms of an IAN injury include:

  • Persistent numbness on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin
  • Persistent pain or discomfort
  • Tingling, tickling, or burning sensations in the gums and skin

Less Common Problems

DIS may also result in some less common problems, such as sinus issues and damage to the dental implant itself.

Sinus Issues

Upper jaw dental implants can protrude into the sinus cavities, causing inflammation of the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.

Some potential symptoms of sinusitis include:

  • Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
  • Green or yellow nasal mucus
  • A blocked nose
  • A reduced sense of smell
  • Sinus headaches
  • Toothache
  • Bad breath
  • A high temperature

Damage From Excessive Force

As with any tooth, excessive force or impact can cause a dental implant to crack or become loose.

Some people may apply excessive force to dental implants without even realizing it. For example, some people grind, or brux, their teeth while sleeping. People who are prone to this behavior may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the implant as well as their natural teeth.

Long-Term Issues

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant.

According to one 2017 reviewTrusted Source, peri-implantitis can take about 5 years to progress and cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include bleeding or swelling around the site of the dental implant.

There is also a rare possibility of the body rejecting a dental implant. Based on a 2019 review, researchers are investigating the risks of using dental implants made from titanium or other metals. Some people have a rare metal sensitivity that causes their body to reject metal implants. The researchers recommend that people undergo metal sensitivity testing before receiving such implants.

Conclusion:

DIS is not suitable for everyone. A person will need to undergo an extensive dental examination by a surgeon to determine whether or not they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

For Assistance, Visit Apple Tree Dental

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article Reference Links:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-implant-problems ↑

  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-implants-problems ↑

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Toothache Symptoms & Causes”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]What Is A Toothache?

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation that you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won’t get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Why Is My Toothache So Painful?

The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.

What Are Symptoms Of Toothache?

Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something).

  • Swelling around the tooth.
  • Fever or headache.
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
  • A bad odor from the mouth.

If you experience trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, call a dental professional right away.

[2]Could It Be A Damaged Tooth?

Your teeth come under attack every time you eat. Bacteria cling to them until you brush them away. They produce acid, which makes the holes in your enamel called cavities.

Or you could have a crack in a tooth that’s exposed the sensitive inner layers. Maybe you bit down on a cherry pit or were hit in the face during softball.

A cavity or a crack can cause sharp pain and make your mouth sensitive when you bite down. The longer the pain lingers, the more serious the damage is likely to be.

If it’s deep enough, a cavity or crack can let bacteria into the inner layer, called pulp, of your tooth. The pulp can become infected, and that can lead to a buildup of pus called an abscess. The infection can spread to tissue and bone, too.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

This is a common problem brought on by stress, sleep disorders, or a bite issue. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it can wear away your enamel and even cause a crack.

Could It Be Your Wisdom Teeth?

Teething hurts whether you’re a baby or an adult. You’re likely to feel it when your wisdom teeth start to push through your gums. Food can get stuck under the gum and cause decay and infection.

[3]Toothache: Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around a tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay. Dental cavities and toothache can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. Another common cause of toothache is gum disease. Toothache can also be a result of an injury or an abscess of the tooth. Toothache symptoms can be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw. Symptoms of a toothache can be mimicked by sinus infection, shingles, and other diseases.

[4]What To Know About Throbbing Tooth Pain?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess.

A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist for throbbing tooth pain as soon as possible.

This article discusses the most likely causes of throbbing tooth pain and their treatments.

Causes

There are many possible causes of throbbing tooth pain, and the cause will determine the treatment options.

Dental Appliances

New or recently adjusted dental appliances, especially braces or orthodontic headgear, slowly move the teeth. This movement can cause pain and feelings of pressure. A person may feel throbbing throughout the mouth or in a specific area.

This pain is not dangerous, and it is not typically a sign that something is seriously wrong.

A person can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

However, if the pain is unbearable or does not improve in a few days, a person should see an orthodontist.

Caries And Cavities

Dental caries refers to decay in the teeth. Significant decay can cause cavities, which are holes or pits in the teeth.

While some very severe cavities may cause visible holes, it is not always possible to see tooth decay. A throbbing tooth may be a sign that decay has damaged the tooth enough to injure the nerve and cause pain.

A dentist can treat caries and cavities, with the extent of the damage determining the precise treatment. Sometimes, a filling will suffice, but for more severe damage, a person may need a root canal, tooth extraction, or other procedure.

Dental Infections

An infection in the tooth or gums can cause throbbing pain, as well as other symptoms, including swelling in the face or mouth.

These infections usually appear when a person does not seek treatment for a severe cavity, but they can also happen following oral surgery or injuries to the mouth. Dental infections may grow or spread, so they require prompt treatment.

In most cases, a person will need antibiotics, as well as treatment for the underlying cause. They might require a root canal, tooth removal, oral surgery, or other treatment.

OTC pain relievers may help while a person awaits care. However, a person should see a dentist as quickly as they can — ideally, within a day or two.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache ↑
  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache ↑
  3. https://www.medicinenet.com/toothache/symptoms.htm ↑
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/throbbing-tooth-pain#causes ↑

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Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction

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Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction.” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]Toothache is highly prevalent in the community which makes patients seek necessary pain-relieving treatments. Root canal therapy (RCT) and tooth extraction are amongst the most commonly administered treatments for pain relief. During the past two decades, new advances such as the introduction of biomaterials, the application of dental operating microscope (DOM) during surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and the improvement of engine-driven instruments for root canal preparation have led to higher success rates in endodontic treatment.

The paradigm shift and increasing tendency of dentists to replace the tooth with an implant rather than conventional RCT has led to controversy. The increasing number of dentists that think implants may offer better results than RCT has caused great concern among specialists.

Up to now, not a single non-biased evidence-based study has been published indicating that extraction and placement of implant (EPI) is more preferential than RCT. Moreover, excessive commercial emphasis on EPI has resulted in an obsessive tendency in dentists to choose it, even for endodontically treatable teeth.

In addition, patients’ interest and their ability to afford more expressive treatments may affect their decision-making potential. In a study conducted in Canada, only 39% of patients who had extracted their posterior teeth due to periapical periodontitis, have sought for their replacement with implants. In a recent study in England, most of the patients did not tend to treat their necrotic molars due to high treatment charges and preferred single-tooth edentulism. Based on the above-mentioned studies, it can be concluded that the dentists’ tendency to choose EPI is not always in harmony with the patient’s interest. Therefore, inappropriate guidance from the dentist may result in a toothless patient. Hence, in patients who cannot afford implants, the dentist’s decision should be towards keeping the tooth as long as possible.

Incorrect treatment planning may result in implant failure, so dentists should not always think of implant placement as the ideal treatment. Although an implant is a highly successful treatment, failure is probable.

[2]Myths About Root Canals

The thought of a root canal may make you fearful or uneasy if you aren’t familiar with the procedure. There are common misconceptions that endodontic treatments such as root canals, cause pain and/or illness and should be avoided at all costs. The exact opposite is true. The pain, inconvenience, and cost of avoiding endodontic treatment in favor of tooth extraction or a wait-and-see approach can be easily avoided. The longer you postpone treatment the more you risk the chance to save your tooth. Take the time to read the information on our website to find out what endodontists do to save teeth with minimal time and discomfort. Then address any remaining concerns or questions with your dentist or endodontist.

Three Common Myths About Root Canals:

Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Is Painful.

Decades ago that may have been the case, but with modern technology and anesthetics, you won’t experience any more pain than if you went to have a cavity filled. The pain from a severe toothache, often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth, can be easily remedied when an endodontist removes the damaged tissue through root canal treatment. In addition, endodontists are experts in pain management, and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably.

Myth 2: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness.

Information you may find on the Internet or elsewhere, claiming that if you receive a root canal treatment you’re more likely to become ill or contract a disease in the future simply isn’t true. This false claim was based on long-debunked and poorly designed research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the causes of many diseases. There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to disease elsewhere in the body.

Myth 3: It’s Better To Pull A Tooth Than Have Root Canal Treatment.

Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth so it’s important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires more time in treatment and may result in further procedures for neighboring teeth and supporting tissue.

[3]Root Canals Vs. Dental Extractions

If you have a “bad tooth” that’s been giving you problems for an extended amount of time, you may be wondering if the easier thing to do would simply be to plan a dental extraction. After all, if you remove your tooth for good, you don’t have to bother with it anymore…or so you assume.

In reality, it might actually be better to have your tooth treated with a root canal. During endodontic therapy, the infected or dying nerve is removed from the inside of your tooth. This step eliminates the source of discomfort and delays further infection. But a lot of people think that root canals have to hurt and would rather get their teeth pulled.

The Consequences Of Losing A Tooth

When you have a tooth extracted — regardless of the reason — it creates extra space inside of your mouth that wasn’t supposed to be there. This open gap can alter the alignment of the teeth on either side, causing them to drift inwards. One by one, the teeth gradually start leaning until your entire arch is affected.

Not only are adjacent teeth impacted by tooth loss, but opposing teeth are also as well! When a tooth no longer has a biting partner, it will start to erupt further out of its natural socket, looking for something to bite against.

So not only does tooth loss affect the area’s immediate neighbors, it alters your entire smile.

That being said, there are instances where having a tooth removed is in your smile’s best interest. For instance, severe damage that can’t be repaired, aggressive periodontal disease, or a dental emergency. When that’s the case, you’ll want to find a solution for replacing your missing tooth as quickly as possible, such as a dental implant or bridge.

The Truth Behind Root Canals

Endodontic therapy is designed to protect your tooth and help it function for several more years. Even though your tooth is no longer “alive” after a root canal, it’s still capable of working alongside of its partners when we reinforce it with a full-coverage crown.

Getting a root canal is easier than it’s ever been, thanks to modern techniques and advanced technology. For instance, specific equipment makes cleaning out the chambers gentler and more efficient, compared to older manual methods. And 3D imaging allows your dentist to evaluate different nerve chambers, as opposed to relying on two-dimensional X-rays.

With a little local anesthetic to numb your tooth, getting a root canal in a modern dental office shouldn’t feel much different than any other routine procedure.

Which One Is Right For You?

Should your tooth be removed, or is it better to try to save it? Visit an Apple Tree Dental in your area for a holistic approach that puts your entire smile’s health at the forefront of every care plan. Working with Apple Tree Dental allows you to feel confident knowing that your future smile is in good hands. Find a partnering dental team in your area today for more information!

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509120/ ↑
  2. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/ ↑
  3. https://www.koiscenter.com/patient-education/smile/root-canals-vs-dental-extractions/ ↑

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How to Avoid Tooth-Related Dental Issues While On Summer Trip

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How to Avoid Tooth-Related Dental Issues
While On Summer Trip

Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable!

Here are some pre-vacation tips to help in making your next vacation as stress-free as possible! And how to avoid tooth-related dental issues while on vacation.

Get a Dental Checkup.

Dental checkups are an ideal way to get all possible dental issues checked out and treated. If it has been quite a long time since you had your last checkup, then book an appointment before your vacation. Our dentists at Apple Tree Dental can take X-rays and review them for any gum-related issues if required. For example, dental decay might appear around dental refurbishments; these are regions that the naked eye cannot detect. Further, a teeth cleaning will also eliminate plaque that is responsible for causing gum infections and cavities.

Maintain Good Dental hygiene.

People who take good care of their dental hygiene are less likely to experience tooth problems. Nevertheless, even with good dental care, a broken tooth can occur during a trip. Therefore, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential.

Get a Dental Cleaning.

Getting teeth cleaning before your trip helps prevent gum infections and teeth cavities, both of which may lead to an unanticipated toothache.

Tips on avoiding dental problems before a summer trip

Visit Your Dentist Before Leaving on Vacation.

When preparing against oral health problems, the first step to consider is to ensure you are on track with your dental visits. Have you been to the dentist in the last six months for a cleaning and dental checkup? At the Apple Tree Dental office, our dental experts will examine your teeth and look for gum diseases, tooth decay, and cavities, as well as other potential issues like loose crowns or filings.

While on Vacation Eat Carefully

Many individuals like to use a trip as a reason to go off their recommended meals and consume sugary snacks. Although desserts are lovely, remember to eat carefully. For instance, while enjoying a treat, make sure to brush your teeth afterward.

Purchase Travel Insurance

For instance, we recommend buying travel insurance coverage that covers dental care if you are traveling abroad. That can protect you against paying vast amounts of money for any potential dental issues you might encounter while on your trip.

Take a List of Emergency Dentists.

Whether you are vacationing in Canada or any other country, it would not take much effort to research dentists where you may be visiting. For best results, search for dentists that specialize in emergency care. Take this list of emergency dentists with you and make sure it has their names, address, and phone numbers.

Pack your Dental Appliances

Don’t use your trip as a reason to avoid using your dental appliances. Your mouthguard, night guard, oral, or retainer appliances are critical to good oral health. If you use any oral device and want to avoid dental issues, carry them everywhere you go on your vacation.

Handling a Dislodged Tooth

One of the bad things you can experience on your vacation is a dislodged tooth. If this happens to you, you might need to call a dentist as soon as you can. If any of your teeth fall out, you should look for it and put it in saliva or a cup of milk.

Dealing with a Broken or Cracked Tooth

If your tooth happens to break or crack on your trip, the first step to take is to call an emergency dentist. Although we suggest you take every chance to avoid dental emergencies while on the trip, some problems are out of your control. A cracked or broken tooth is one issue that will not go away. It is easy for food particles or bacteria to find their way to your broken or cracked tooth. To avoid this, we recommend that you visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can.

Toothache?

While on an airplane, it is normal for air pressure alterations to cause toothaches, especially if you have filings. Fillings tend to expand. However, this pain should disappear a few hours after you reach your destination. If the pain fails to subside, consider taking over-the-counter pain killers to hold you over till you get back home. And if the condition persists, consult an emergency dentist soonest possible.

Conclusion:

So make your vacation as stress-free as possible. We at Apple Tree Dental wish you the best on your upcoming trip, and we hope that this bit of insight may bring about a worry-free trip. So give us a call if you need a pre-trip tooth inspection and cleaning!

 

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