6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

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6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

You’ve got your day mapped out. A meeting with a VIP client. A visit to the dentist. And a date with a hottie. But life has its way of throwing a monkey wrench into your well-laid plans. Dental emergencies can crop up when you least expect these but fret not. With these 6 fixes for a dental emergency from your favorite Sterling Heights Dentist, you may have a fighting chance to emerge victorious with sparkling teeth to boot.

Teeth stained by berries

Adding fruits, including berries, into your diet, is a good way to boost your oral and overall health.

But the sugars and acids found in some fruits, notably berries, can immediately stain your teeth.

What can you do?

The first thing you can do is to brush and floss your teeth. But what if you don’t have access to both? You can either grab a sugar-free gum or simply rinse your mouth with good old tap water.

Instant white teeth

Want to impress your clients or a hot date with a sparkling smile?

In the past, if you wanted to whiten your teeth, you had to wait several days for a teeth whitening solution to take effect.

But today, there are some products now available in the market that can produce instant results.

If you opt for this quick fix, you can get better results by avoiding food and drinks that can stain your teeth.

Broken tooth at the cinema

You’ve been too engrossed with the action at the silver screen that you unknowingly shoved a popcorn kernel into your mouth. And now, one of your teeth is broken.

What can you do?

You don’t need to leave the cinema in a hurry. Finish the movie but avoid chewing on the side where your broken tooth is located. Once you get out, clean the affected area and then book an appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist. In the meantime, if you are bothered by pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication.

Toothaches

If a toothache has been bothering you before your scheduled appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist, you can do a few things to ease your pain. First, make sure that you continue to clean your mouth. Next, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication.

You’re too shy to show your teeth to the dentist

If you think there is a way to hide your poor oral hygiene from your Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, you’re wrong. Your Sterling Heights dentist knows whether you are taking good care of your teeth and gums. But that does not mean that you can’t make a good impression. Here are a few things that you can do. 

First, consider investing in an electric toothbrush which can do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Next, chew on sugar-free gums to help facilitate the flow of saliva in your mouth. Third, avoid drinking sugary drinks like soda. If you can’t, use a straw.

A few key takeaways

Dental emergencies can happen anytime. In order to respond promptly and correctly, it is a good idea to have a dental emergency kit within easy reach.

This kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (or dental picks), pain relief medication, and a few sugar-free gums.

Can the Dentist Save My Tooth?

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So you’ve always enjoyed eating nuts — almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and more. But, horror of horrors! One day, while biting into one particularly tough but delicious honey-coated almond, you hear a tiny cracking sound from your mouth and realize, oops! That’s not the almond; it’s your tooth.

You look in the mirror and check all your molars (at least, the ones you can clearly see), and here it is: A tiny crack in one of your tooth. You’ve always taken very good care of your teeth, and now this. The first question to haunt you, then, is “Can the dentist save my tooth?”

We’ve asked Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to help shed light on this and answer your troubling question.

Can my tooth be saved?

If the injury is minor and affects only the enamel (the hardened external layer of your teeth), it is usually referred to by dentists as a “craze line.” This type of tooth injury is pretty easy to manage. All your dentist has to do is buff or polish the affected tooth to ensure it appears normal, just like the others, and you can keep using it normally as well without any further treatments. You need to give your teeth extra TLC, of course.

But if the injury goes deeper than the enamel, it has to be treated to prevent it from getting infected and to not worsen the fracture. So your affected tooth will require some form of endodontic therapy and, depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist (or endodontist) can recommend a particular mode of treatment.

What procedures or treatments are required to save my tooth?

Some cases, the crack is still minor but also requires filling to ensure the injury doesn’t get any worse. Other types of tooth injury such as the following may require very specific treatments:

Fractured cusp

This usually happens when part of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off. Since this rarely affects the pulp, your dentist may use a filling or dental crown to save your tooth.

Cracked tooth

 When you have a cracked tooth, it implies the crack line has vertically extended below the chewing surface. If it has reached the tooth root, a root canal will be recommended. Additionally, the application of a crown to ensure the crack doesn’t get any worse. However, if the crack has reached that part below the gum line, treatment is no longer an option, so the dentist will have to perform a tooth extraction.

Split tooth

 This type is usually the result of the progressive worsening of an untreated tooth crack whereby the fissure has extended vertically to the rest of the tooth, effectively splitting the tooth into two segments. In this case, saving the tooth may no longer be an option, and a tooth extraction would be recommended. However, if a portion of the tooth can still be saved, your dentist may recommend some form of endodontic therapy.

Vertical root fracture

 These cracks start the opposite way and grow from the tooth root. Usually, a tooth extraction is recommended. However, your dentist determines that it is still possible to save a portion of your tooth. 

Whatever type of injury your tooth is afflicted with, if you experience any type of tooth pain, just be sure to schedule an appointment get your teeth checked by Dr. Farhat. 

Solutions for Tooth and Nerve Trauma

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An injury to the teeth doesn’t happen often to regular folks. However, the stats are high for those in sports, where there’s always the possibility of falling and bumping into things and other people. Dr. Farhat shares his solutions for tooth and nerve trauma. 

Athletes are quite prone to tooth and nerve trauma; they can chip or break their teeth, dislodge the teeth, completely lose a tooth, or have a tooth hit so bad, it turns a sick grey color. For such an injury, an endodontic treatment is required.

There are different types of endodontic treatments that Dental One Care offers. You have a simple root canal therapy for teeth with infected pulp due to cavities, and endodontic surgery for complex dental issues.

Different Types of Tooth and Nerve Trauma, Plus Treatment

For all types of tooth and nerve trauma, an endodontist would have to examine the injury thoroughly first. It will involve taking radiographs (or x-rays) to get the full picture of the teeth and surrounding bone structures. After the extent of damage is established, the repair will commence.

A small chipped tooth will be filled with a tooth-colored filling. Meanwhile, a crown fracture will receive a root canal treatment, especially if the patient feels intense pain. Afterwards, a crown will be placed to secure the hollowed tooth. For split teeth or a vertical fracture, tooth extraction is usually the best solution.

Knocked-out teeth

Knocked-out teeth are a dental emergency. It’s imperative to save the teeth and get the patient to the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will put the tooth back in its original place and support it with a splint. And depending on the stage of root development, the endodontist may perform a root canal treatment, which will eventually be followed by the application of permanent root canal filling.

As for luxated teeth, wherein teeth either get pushed up into their socket or partially knocked out of their socket, time is also of the essence. Make the trip to the dentist right away so he can reposition the teeth and stabilize them with a splint.

Root Canal Treatment

Just like with knocked-out teeth, a root canal treatment may be necessary as well for luxated teeth, but it will involve the application of calcium hydroxide inside the tooth. After a few weeks, root canal filling will be placed.

If the root has been fractured, a stabilization splint is also the solution dentists use.

Success in treating tooth and nerve trauma relies so much on promptness and post-treatment care. Timely treatment is an absolute must, and it should be followed by proper care of the injured teeth and consistent oral hygiene.

How Does Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health

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One question that typically crosses a pregnant woman’s mind is, How does pregnancy affect my oral health?

Dental professionals at Dental 1 Care share some great insights about this topic.

Pregnancy affects almost all aspect of a woman’s life, including your oral health. You might think oral health is an entirely different thing to worry about, but taking good care of your teeth and mouth is crucial during pregnancy. The changes you experience in your oral health are due to the surge in hormones, such as the increase in your progesterone and estrogen levels. These hormones can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to the plaque.

Special Oral Health Concerns When You’re Pregnant

  1. Tooth Erosion

If you are suffering from severe morning sickness, the enamel on the back of your front teeth can erode due to frequent vomiting. So if you are experiencing frequent morning sickness, you need to contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental 1 Care immediately to learn how to prevent enamel erosion.

  1. Gingivitis

During pregnancy, you may notice significant changes in your gums. When you brush your teeth, your gums can become red or even bleed. Also known as pregnancy gingivitis, these changes can happen as early as the second month and could last until the eighth month.

Common in the front of the mouth, pregnancy gingivitis has the same symptoms as the typical gingivitis. Their only difference is the cause. Because of the increase in the level of hormones during pregnancy, the growth of certain bacteria can be enhanced. Also, your immune system can work differently while you are pregnant, which alters how your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis. Aside from brushing twice daily and flossing every day, a Sterling Heights dentist also recommends using mouthwashes that don’t contain alcohol.

  1. Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women suffer from dry mouth. The best way to combat dry mouth is to drink plenty of water and use gum or hard candies to stimulate the secretion of saliva. Make sure that the candies or gum you consume contain xylitol because this helps reduce the destructive bacteria-causing cavities.

When to Visit a Dentist if you are pregnant

The best approach to good oral care is to see your dentist before getting pregnant for a cleaning and an examination. At this time, periodontal disease treatment can be done when necessary. During your pregnancy, it is best for you to visit your dentist during your second trimester. As much as possible, major procedures like surgery and reconstruction should be avoided until your baby is born.

If you need emergency dental treatment while you are pregnant, you can receive treatment when necessary to prevent an infection, ease your pain, or reduce the stress for you and your baby. Your dentist may consult your obstetrician and ask questions regarding the safety of anesthesia or medications.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

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Why does my tooth hurt?

The average person will suffer from mild to extreme toothaches several times during his or her lifetime. The severity or pain level usually depends on the cause behind a toothache.

If you’re thinking “Why does my tooth hurt?” every now and then, a trusted Sterling Heights dentist shares some possible reasons below:

Tooth decay

The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. However, for the tooth and the surrounding area to really hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough that it has already reached the inner layer of the tooth — the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes highly sensitive and a cavity has already developed.

Tooth abscess or infection

If a cavity has already affected the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue will soon become infected. This, in turn, can cause a pulsating and unbearable pain. This is a dental issue that needs to be dealt with professionally as soon as possible since not only is it extremely painful, but it can also result in bone and tissue loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you feel a sharp tooth pain during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot, the pain is usually connected to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity usually means that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves are) is exposed. This dental issue can also be caused by a recent teeth whitening procedure. To reduce this level of sensitivity, you can try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. You can also consult your dentist for other possible remedies.

Damaged fillings

Damaged or dislodged dental fillings or sealants which can expose the sensitive part of your tooth to temperatures, food and drinks can create sharp pains. Your dentist can immediately repair or replace the dental filling or sealant so that you can be free of pain quickly.

Dental trauma or fracture

If you injure, fracture, crack or chip a tooth because of a sports injury, accident, or from biting a really hard object, you will feel an intense toothache. If the pain is intolerable, this usually means that the fracture or damage has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are. Recommended treatments for this painful oral issue include dental fillings and dental crowns.

Growing wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt or if they have already crowned, they can cause teeth misalignment and push against the other teeth. This typically places pressure on your jaws and gums which causes the pain. Extracting the wisdom teeth and other orthodontic treatments will provide you relief from the pain.

Sinus infection

Lastly, if you suffer from sinuses, regular nasal congestion and tenderness in your upper jaw can also cause toothaches. Your dentist and medical practitioner will have to work together to find the most suitable remedy for this problem.

Even if the pain you are feeling is bearable and often comes and goes, it is best to consult your dentist immediately. There may be some underlying and more severe dental issues behind the pain and your dentist is the best person to detect and treat them.

What Happens After A Tooth Dies?

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Healthy, normal teeth have living tissues inside the pulp and they play important roles in the development of a tooth. They also cause you to feel pain and discomfort when you have a toothache or whenever you eat or drink something really cold or hot. When these nerves and other living tissues die or are removed (under a root canal treatment), they will cause the tooth to die.

What Causes a Tooth to Die?

According to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, dental trauma and decay are the two main culprits which can cause a tooth to die.

Dental trauma caused by sports injuries, assault, or a huge fall or slip can cause the blood supply to the tip of the root to be severed, resulting in the pulp and tooth dying off. In cases of severe tooth decay, bacteria will get too near the nerve or pulp. The pulp will try to get rid of the bacteria, but without proper treatment, all it can do is to choke the blood vessels by raising the internal pressure. Unfortunately, this will cause the blood supply to be cut off and the pulp will eventually die.

In some cases, gum disease and excessive clenching can also cause the death of a tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of a dead tooth

You will know if a tooth is dying or is already dead if you see or experience these signs and symptoms:

  • Tooth discoloration or darkening. It can turn into a shade of yellow, gray, or black.
  • Pain or discomfort. It can vary from mild to severe, especially at the time when the nerve is dying or there is already an abscess in the tooth.
  • Some swelling, a bad taste, odor, and a “pimple” on the gum which may be caused by an infection or pus.

Treatment for a dead tooth

So what happens after a tooth dies? Once the nerve is dead, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort when eating and drinking something that is too hot or cold. However, you still need to see your dentist since you have a tooth with a dead nerve inside it which will begin to rot soon.

Root canal treatment may be recommended if you don’t want to lose the dead tooth. This procedure will effectively deal with the bacterial infection and remove the decayed section of the pulp, thereby preserving the dead tooth. The discoloration can be addressed through teeth whitening or the application of a veneer if the dead tooth is in front.

Extraction is the recommended procedure if the tooth is already severely decayed and is beyond repair. However, the extracted tooth has to be replaced with a dental implant or crown to replace the missing bone tissue and to allow the patient to have a complete, functional set of teeth again.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

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Types of Sedation Dentistry

For some people, a visit to the dentist evokes feelings of dread and panic. People don’t fear the dentist; what people fear is the thought of what the dentist could do inside a person’s mouth, like drilling and injecting medicine.

Patients who get anxious easily are advised to undergo sedation dentistry. Sedated patients often stay awake but experience no pain during the entire procedure. This makes dental patients less anxious and more compliant with the dentist’s instructions.

Sedatives can be administered before any type of procedure, from a quick tooth cleaning session to more invasive procedures. Here are some of the different types of sedation dentistry.

Anxiolysis

This mild type of sedation is used to relieve anxiety. With minimal sedation, the patient remains awake throughout the procedure but is visibly more relaxed. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is administered using a small mask placed over the patient’s nose. In some cases, dentists may induce anxiolysis using pills instead of nitrous oxide gas. Patients who would like to avail of this type of sedation will need to be honest about any past or current medical conditions or if they are taking any medications.

Moderate sedation

Patients who undergo moderate sedation may experience slurred speech but will not remember much of what happened during the procedure. They can still respond to physical or verbal stimuli but have a reduced ability to hear, smell or feel pain. There are two ways to administer the sedative: via an IV or via intramuscular injection.

Deep sedation

Under deep sedation, patients can go in and out of consciousness but they can be awakened when needed. They won’t be able to breathe independently, will lose some of their reflexes, and won’t be able to respond to stimuli. For this type of sedation, the sedative is typically administered using an IV.

General anesthesia

Patients who need to undergo surgery or more invasive dental procedures are given general anesthesia. The option is also offered to people who are not considered viable candidates for the other types of sedation. When given general anesthesia, patients are totally unconscious throughout the procedure. The strong effects of the sedative may linger even hours after the procedure is over. As a result, patients who are given this type of sedative will need to be assisted.

Contact Dental One Care if you are looking for an experienced dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. Our staff members are standing by, ready to answer your inquiries and set you an appointment with one of our dentists.

When Is It A Dental Emergency?

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5 times when it is a true dental emergency

Dental emergencies can occur anytime. Normally, they transpire because people aren’t careful – they meet an accident or bang their mouth on something and discover that not only did they break a tooth, but they also cut their tongue and their gums are bleeding. Plus, there’s that mind-numbing, unbearable pain, too.

When such is the situation, the only smart thing to do is to be treated right away by the dentist.

There are all sorts of dental issues that you can experience, but you may be wondering, “When is it a dental emergency?” A Sterling Heights Dentist says any dental problem that’s giving you great discomfort can be considered a dental emergency because an immediate solution is necessary to restore your ability to function properly. But if you want to know which situations qualify as true dental emergencies, they are the following:

A broken jaw

Bleeding, swelling and severe pain often accompany this problem. You also won’t be able to speak and eat. A broken jaw requires immediate attention from a dentist who will have to protect your jaw (prevent it from moving it out place) before surgery can be performed.

Knocked-out teeth

A knocked-out tooth can be salvaged and restored if taken care of quickly by a dentist. This is a dental emergency because time is of the essence for proper restoration, says a dentist in Sterling Heights.

Removed or broken crown

When a crown comes off or gets broken, nerve endings will be exposed and this may lead to great discomfort. Replacement of the crown (a temporary one is provided for emergencies) is a must to protect the area and prevent potential complications.

Removed filling

This is a similar situation to removed crowns because it can expose dental nerves or tubules and will lead to pain. There’s also the risk of further damaging the tooth that is already hollow, so a replacement filling should be applied right away.

Severe cut tongue or lip

This is considered a dental emergency especially if there’s swelling and incessant bleeding. A dentist needs to take care of this as soon as possible to prevent infection and excessive discomfort, especially in going about things that you normally do such as eating and speaking.

Unbearable toothaches

When your tooth hurts so much and it’s preventing you from doing anything, you need to have yourself checked by the dentist in order to determine the cause of the problem and the best solution for it. If there’s an infection, the dentist will put you on antibiotics and pain relievers before further treatment is carried out.

If you have gotten this far and are still in need of an emergency dentist in Sterling Heights, give us a call today!

5 Dental Emergencies and What to Do

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Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can range from painful toothaches to teeth getting knocked out clean.

If you want to preserve your healthy mouth and beautiful smile, you need to take action immediately and see your Sterling Heights dentist right after taking proper dental first aid.

These are the five most usual dental emergencies and what you need to do as quickly as possible before calling your dentist.

Toothaches

The most common culprits in dental emergencies are toothaches. Unfortunately, they can be anywhere from a dull throbbing ache to downright petrifying pain. Regardless, toothaches are like warning sirens going off in your mouth — something’s wrong and you need to take action.

  • Clean the painful area gently; use only soft-bristle brushes and floss.
  • Use warm salt water to rinse out your mouth.
  • Do NOT place aspirin on the tooth or gum area — you can get burned.
  • For relief in case of facial swelling, use a cold compress.
  • For painkillers, acetaminophen (such as brands like Tylenol) are your best bet.

Lost a Tooth

Don’t go Rambo and pull out a loose tooth willy-nilly. If the tooth was pushed outward or inward, apply very light pressure using your finger to try and reposition it. Do NOT forcefully plug it back into its socket — besides, that would most probably hurt a lot. Rush over to your dentist; on your way there, keep the tooth stable by holding it in place with gauze or moist tissue.

Fractured or Chipped Tooth

If you chip or fracture your tooth, there’s a chance the dentist can fix the damage if you tend to it right away.

Find the missing piece of the tooth and keep it in good condition by placing it in a moist baggie or cloth. Use a few drops of water or your own saliva. If it’s in good enough condition, your dentist could potentially re-attach it. As for your mouth, rinse it out with warm water and ensure that it’s clean until you meet your dentist.

Depending on the damage, your dentist could either smooth out the chipped area and bond the piece back with tooth-colored material, place a crown on the damaged tooth, or, in cases where the tooth’s nerve has been damaged, turn to root canal therapy.

Displaced Tooth

If the tooth isn’t just loose and is completely knocked out and you want to be able to re-implant it, it’s crucial you get dental care within the hour. Before you rush to your emergency appointment:

  • Recover the tooth and rinse away dirt and debris with water.
  • Don’t use toothbrushes on it — the fragile cells on the root of the tooth are vital to re-implantation into the jaw bone.
  • Either place the tooth between your cheek and gums when you take it to the dentist, or use gauze or a clean cloth soaked in saline or milk to wrap it up for transport.
  • Keep it moist to have higher chances of success for the re-implantation.

Injury to the Mouth’s Soft Tissue

Your tongue, gums, and lips are no match for your teeth. If you puncture or cut these soft tissue areas, you need to stop the bleeding by applying firm pressure to the area using a clean cloth or gauze. If it’s still bleeding after 15 minutes, you need to contact your dentist and you may need to get some stitches if the wound is too big.

If you notice no bleeding and just pain, clean the area in question with a piece of clean cloth or gauze soaked in warm water. Use an ice compress. In case swelling and pain don’t subside, you’ll need further instructions from your dentist in Sterling Heights.

Most Common Types Of Dental Phobia And Tips For Dealing With Them

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Many people have the misconception that dental phobia only refers to the issue of being afraid of a dentist. The truth, however, is that this is just one of the usual types of dental phobia.

Dental phobia actually encompasses a variety of dental-related fears and anxieties. Aside from the dentist, there are other things and ideas about or related to getting a dental treatment that people who suffer from this type of phobia are afraid of.

A dentist in Sterling Heights shares below the most common types of dental phobia and tips for managing them:

Fear of the dentist.

This is the most well-known type of dental phobia. Many people are afraid to get dental treatments because they fear the actual dentist. This fear usually stems from having a bad experience with a dentist in the past or with the notion that dentists don’t care about the pain the patient feels when they are undergoing a treatment.

To overcome this fear, the best way to start is to familiarize yourself with the dentist. Before going to a dentist for treatment, speak with him or her and explain your problem. A good dentist should be able to allay your fears, gain your trust, and help you understand that he or she only wants to help you.

Fear of pain.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia may have undergone a painful dental experience in the past which caused their fear of pain. Although certain dental procedures may be painful, there are a number of solutions that can help reduce the pain or discomfort. Ask your dentist about them and find out which one would be the best for you. You can also do some research about these options so that you can gain a better understanding of them.

Fear of the needle.

Patients who have this fear usually had a bad experience with a needle as well. Unfortunately, a bad dentist can be blamed for this. If a dentist used a dull needle or administered the anesthetic too quickly, the patient will feel some pain before and during a dental procedure.

You can overcome this fear by choosing a dentist who truly believes in maintaining patient comfort. These dentists will have developed techniques that make dental injections as comfortable as possible. Ask your potential dentist outright if he or she can give painless injections and if he or she uses a numbing gel.

Fear of the drill.

Lastly, many people are afraid of the dental drill and other dental tools. Even the mere sound of the drill could result in a serious anxiety spell for some people.

The best way to handle this issue is through distraction and exposure. Have an honest discussion with your dentist and ask him or her to help you become more familiar with the drill or the dental tool you are afraid of. During the procedure, listen to your favorite music so that you can drown out the drilling sound.

To have a healthy and great set of teeth, you have to overcome your fears of going to the dentist. With some personal effort and the help of your dentist, you will be able to handle your anxieties and get the treatment you need. Call us today to set up your appointment!

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