Accidents happen. You can take precautions to avoid some, but not all of them. Sometimes accidents affect the teeth and gums, and sometimes sudden pain develops in the mouth due to an infection. Any of these events are considered a dental emergency.
There are measures you can take to prevent some dental problems from happening; they are not always inevitable. Some of them you can deal with at home, some you cannot. The question is: Which is which?
A dental emergency is a situation concerning your teeth and mouth that requires quick dental treatment. This treatment may be necessary in order to avoid a permanent loss of a tooth, to ease pain, or to treat an oral infection. If an oral infection is ignored, dental emergencies can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease.
Note: If bleeding is excessive and is not stopping, or if there is oral trauma, go to an emergency room. The emergency personnel will provide immediate treatment and will notify your dentist.
The following conditions require a prompt visit to the dentist’s office:
A fractured tooth is a typical dental emergency, especially in athletes. When it happens, follow these steps:
A luxated tooth occurs when the tooth is loose but not completely knocked out. It can be pushed forward, backward, or sideways. However, you should not move it to avoid completely pulling it out. If your tooth is loose, contact your dentist for treatment as soon as possible.
This injury happens when the tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth. If this happens:
Your tooth has a higher chance of being saved, and successfully re-placed back into your mouth, if you see a dentist within an hour after it is knocked out.
Bleeding in your mouth can be due to injuries to the soft tissues: cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips. Here are the first-aid steps to do if your mouth is bleeding:
Other dental emergencies that require quick dental care (within 24 hours) are a lost filling, lost crown, broken braces wires, and loose brackets. Should something lodge between your teeth, try to remove it with dental floss, not a pin or another sharp object; if you cannot remove it safely, seek dental care right away.
Our caring and experienced dentists at El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California, are trained to perform treatments on all types of dental emergencies. Contact us right now if you have an urgent dental issue.
Dental emergencies can occur at any time, yet many people feel unprepared to handle such situations. In dental emergencies, it can be hard to determine whether you need immediate dental care or you can wait until we open for normal business hours. Here are our tips for what to do in the most common dental emergency situations:
When a tooth is chipped:
The severity of the chip determines the urgency of treatment needed. Minor chips are usually not treated as emergencies, while more severe chipping that exposes dentin, pulp, or roots will need emergency treatment. If a large piece of the tooth is chipped, and you’re able to recover the missing piece, keep it moist in milk or saline solution on your way to our office.
When a tooth is cracked:
Again, small cracks, especially if they’re painless don’t necessarily need to be treated as emergencies; a regular dental visit the next day we are open is fine. More severe cracks, particularly if the pulp or roots are exposed, ought to be treated right away. Also be wary of excessive pain or bleeding.
When a tooth is moved out of position or almost knocked out:
First, attempt to reposition the tooth by using light pressure with your fingers. It’s important to not force the tooth. If you are able to reposition the tooth, the next available dentist appointment will do, unless there is extreme pain or bleeding. If you are unable to reposition the tooth, seek treatment right away to increase your chance of proper healing.
When a tooth is knocked out:
Recover the tooth, if possible. Gently rinse the tooth with warm water to remove dirt or debris, and rinse the mouth and socket as well. Apply gauze or a used tea bag to stop the bleeding and seek urgent dental care. Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saline solution.
When a cut or accidental bite causes bleeding:
If the soft tissues (lips, tongue, cheeks) are bleeding due to an accidental cut or bite, usually they are able to heal by themselves relatively quickly. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or is very severe, seek medical treatment for the wound.
When you notice a gum abscess:
A gum abscess looks like a boil or pimple on the gum, and it is a serious infection. Left untreated, abscesses can spread to other areas in the body through the bloodstream. Swish and rinse with warm water and a pinch of salt to help with swelling and tenderness, but do not attempt to drain the infection site. Emergency dental treatment outside of normal business hours is usually not necessary unless you’re in severe pain, but you should make an appointment as soon as possible.
When there is severe toothache:
There are many causes of toothache: food particles stuck between teeth, gum disease, tooth abscess, or even tension from grinding. Try flossing to dislodge any stuck food particles. This may alleviate the pain immediately. If your tooth looks discolored or gray, it may be an abscess, or infection. See us as soon as possible if pain persists or if you have an infection.
When there is bleeding:
If your gums bleed during brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible to address this issue.
In dental emergencies, use your best judgment; either the pain can be managed until the next available dentist appointment, or the situation is serious enough to warrant immediate, emergency treatment. Bear in mind though that time is of the essence in many dental emergencies, so err on the side of caution and at least talk with one of our dentists right away. Delaying treatment can result in permanent damage, complications, and loss of the affected tooth.
El Portal Dental Group has emergency appointments available every day, with extended office hours and a dentist on call 24/7 for your peace of mind. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait! Our dental professionals are always ready to help.
Khang Nguyen, DDS has been at the top of the field since graduating from New York University College of Dentistry, one of the most prestigious dental schools in the nation. Dr. Nguyen brings over a decade of experience to dental emergency situations. Call (209) 385-1479 today for an appointment with Dr. Nguyen or one of our other amazing dentists.
So, you’ve made an appointment with your dentist because you have a tooth that’s been bothering you. It doesn’t hurt all the time, but every once in a while, it starts to throb. One of your friends even said, “I bet you need a root canal or a crown.” She seemed to know a lot about what she was saying, but she isn’t a dentist and you’ve never needed any dental work, so you have no idea what she’s talking about. The good news is, until you see the dentist, you don’t know what or if something actually needs to be fixed. The truth is, there are times when a crown is enough. A crown is used to cover a damaged, discolored, or disfigured tooth. Getting a dental crown can either be a necessary, or a cosmetic procedure. However, a root canal is only done when there is a problem, and it is always followed by the placement of a crown to protect the tooth. So, for peace of mind, here’s a little information on the difference between a dental crown and a root canal.
To understand a root canal, or a crown, it helps if you know a little about the anatomy of a tooth. There are several layers in every tooth. The outermost, and hardest, part of the tooth is the enamel. It is what you see when someone smiles. The next layer under the enamel is the dentin. It is softer and has millions of narrow tubes that lead directly to the center of the tooth, where the pulp is found. This is where all the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth are located. The pulp is very important as your teeth are growing and developing, because that is how nourishment gets in. However, after the tooth is fully developed, the pulp is not as important because other structures can provide nourishment to the adult tooth. What is important to note is that decay can affect all layers of the tooth, but the deeper inside the decay is, the more serious the problem.
A root canal is a procedure that is necessary when someone has inflammation or an infection in the pulp of the tooth. There are a number of ways that this can occur. If you have deep decay, bacteria can get into the pulp and cause an infection. It can also occur if you have a chip that provides an opening into the tooth. Repeated dental work, or injury from trauma can also cause the problems that will require a root canal. If any of these things are left untreated, you will not only experience severe pain, but may develop an abscess or even more serious infections.
To determine if you need a root canal, your dentist will examine you and take X-rays. Next, he or she will numb the area with local anesthetic injections. To get to the pulp, your dentist will have to make an opening in the crown (outside) of your tooth, through the enamel and dentin and into the pulp. This will be done with a small drill. Next, the dentist will use tiny instruments, or files, to clean out all of the damaged or infected pulp from inside of your tooth. At this point, he or she might put an antibacterial solution inside the tooth to minimize the risk of further infection. Finally, your tooth will get a temporary filling and will then be sealed. The entire procedure may take one or two visits, and with modern dentistry, you should feel minimal or no discomfort. Your tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days but if you have any true pain, you should notify your dentist immediately. So, now that your tooth has been rid of any disease or infection, you will be ready to get a crown in a few weeks.
A dental crown is a permanently attached structure that is cemented to your tooth, or to a dental implant. It is used to completely cover either a damaged tooth, or a tooth that is misshapen or discolored. The reason it is used after a root canal is to protect the tooth and give it strength and stability.
Before a crown can be cemented into your mouth, your existing tooth has to be reduced in size with a drill, by your dentist. Next, an impression of soft material will be taken, so that a mold can be made. The products of the impression will then be sent to a lab so that your crown can be made to your dentist’s specifications. A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth until the permanent crown can be put in. Once the final crown is received, and cemented into your mouth, it is permanent and can only be removed by a dentist. This is also true of crowns placed on dental implants, except of course; the implant will not need to be reduced in size before the crown is placed.
There are a number of different materials that a crown can be made of, depending on the location and the function of the crown. For instance, porcelain or ceramic crowns can be made to match the color of your teeth, are the most natural looking, and are best for your front teeth. However, gold and other metals are stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for teeth that are in the back and not in plain view. It is important to discuss your options and the recommendations by your dentist before the crown is ordered from the lab.
So, while a root canal is only used to address a dental problem, crowns are not only indicated to cover the tooth that has had the root canal, but are also used for a number of other reasons. They can be used to cover a tooth that has been weakened from a fracture, or one that has a very large filling in it. It can also be used to cover a dental implant or to fix a fractured tooth. Sometimes a bridge (which is a complete replacement of a missing tooth) can be attached to a crown to fill a gap. And finally, crowns can be used for purely cosmetic reasons, to improve the look of a misshapen or a discolored tooth.
Crowns should last a lifetime, although sometimes the cement loosens and it may come out. If this happens, you can try to reattach the crown using toothpaste or denture glue, but notify your dentist immediately so that it can be reattached with permanent cement as soon as possible. Care for your crown should include good oral hygiene to prevent decay, and the avoidance of eating hard foods like ice or candy that might cause damage.
After a root canal, good oral hygiene is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. This includes brushing and flossing daily, as well as cleanings and dental check-ups at least every six-months. The root canal should fix the problem at hand, but that doesn’t mean you will never have an issue with that tooth again. In some cases, root canals may need to be repeated, even years later. So, see your dentist regularly and contact them if you experience any new pain.
If you have any more questions about root canals or crowns, or have any other dental concerns, please call El Portal Dental at (209) 385-1479 today, or schedule an appointment online. We are here to meet all of your dental needs.
Things can often happen fast. You can be busy with your day one minute, and urgently in need of dental care the next. A dental emergency can occur any time of the day or night. From a lost filling to a throbbing toothache, a broken or damaged tooth to a lost crown or bridge, dental emergencies happen every day.
A dental emergency is any situation in which you need immediate treatment to prevent the permanent loss of a tooth, alleviate pain or stop excessive bleeding. A dental emergency can also arise from an abscess or infection which needs to be addressed immediately. Many people do not know that severe infection in the mouth or jaw can actually become life-threatening if left untreated.
Your actions will largely depend on the severity of the injury or illness. For instance, if your face or jaw has swollen, it is likely that you have a serious infection and need to contact a dentist immediately. A dentist can assess the condition and prescribe appropriate medications such as an antibiotic and or medication to reduce pain and inflammation. You should also exercise care if there is bleeding and or swelling and avoid lying down, to prevent choking.
Call your dentist as soon as possible. Try to recover the tooth is you can. Be careful to pick it up by the top or crown instead of the pointy area on the bottom, which is the root. Your dentist may advise you to try gently replacing the tooth, again without touching the root. You can look into a mirror to see how the teeth on either side are placed. You can also place a tooth in milk to keep it moist or hold it gently between your cheek and gum to protect the tooth.
If you have chipped, broken or cracked a tooth, you are probably going to need at least a filling, if not a crown. Your dentist will be able to assess the amount of damage and recommend a treatment plan to correct it. If you are in pain, you will want to see your dentist immediately. If you are not in pain, you should still contact your dentist to schedule a visit and advise them of the situation. You may notice some sensitivity if the nerve has been exposed. Try to avoid very cold or very hot food and eat on the other side until you can see your dentist.
Bleeding can be caused by a variety of things. Blood on floss, for example, could mean early gum disease. Bleeding after an injury or a procedure may need to be evaluated by your dentist. If, for instance, you have had a dental procedure that continues to bleed, you will need to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Prolonged bleeding can be a medical emergency. You need to keep your head up, to minimize bleeding, just as you would want to elevate an injured hand or foot.
As a rule of thumb, when in doubt contact a professional. Dentists are trained to treat all forms of dental emergencies. Dental problems do not go away on their own and the sooner you can get treatment, the better. If you’re in need of expert care for your teeth, call El Portal Dental at (209) 385-1479 today or schedule an appointment online. No problem is too big or too small. Our caring dentists are always happy to help you get the outstanding dental care you and your loved ones deserve.
Some people have tooth sensitivity when they eat or drink cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods or drinks. Sensitivity most often means that the root area is exposed somewhere in your mouth. However, tooth sensitivity can also happen after a dental procedure; usually, the symptoms go away on their own as the mouth heals after the procedure. Here are some dental procedures that may leave your teeth feeling sensitive.
A root canal involves removal of infected pulp from inside the tooth to prevent further infection. The area where the root is located contains nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells. A root canal removes all of this, leaving the inside of the tooth hollow. During the root canal, the dentist will clean out all contamination and then fill the void with a temporary, then permanent filling. With root canals, the pain is temporary and over the counter, painkillers are generally good enough to deal with the pain. Your dentist can also prescribe medication to help deal with the pain.
Dental crowns are needed if you have a cracked, decaying, or broken tooth. The crown is sort of a manmade tooth that covers an implant or is cemented to part of a broken tooth. When the crown is put in, it can irritate the nearby nerves and gums and cause some pain. It is common to feel pain after a crown is put in because of the inflammation. Fortunately, this pain is temporary and will go away on its own. You can control the pain symptoms through over the counter painkillers. If there is rubbing or sharp pains, see your dentist immediately; an improperly placed or jagged crown can irritate the gums and cause infection.
You may need to get a tooth removed for any number of reasons – from tooth decay, crowded teeth, gum disease, and painful wisdom teeth to a baby tooth that refused to come out on its own. Pain after an extraction is expected as it leaves nerves and the pulp under the tooth exposed. Dentists generally prescribe pain medication to control the pain and to prevent infection.
Gum tissue grafts are used to fix roots that have been exposed due to receding gums. You are more likely to feel pain and sensitivity while the wound heals. Your dentist or periodontist may prescribe pain medication as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you recently have undergone one of these procedures will be getting one done soon, you should expect pain and sensitivity. However, if your symptoms last longer than a few days or get worse over time, it’s important to seek medical attention. Finally, there are many other dental procedures that can cause tooth sensitivity. If you are about to get any dental procedure done, make sure to talk to your doctor about what symptoms to expect and what you can do to reduce them.
Getting braces can result in sensitivity. After all, you are applying hardware to reform the placement of your teeth. Pain and sensitivity are to be expected as your teeth shift; if the pain comes from sharp wires or rough edges, see your dentist or orthodontist immediately to repair the wire or bracket.
At El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California, Dr. Khang Nguyen and his staff provide state-of-the-art dental care for you and your family. Dr. Nguyen offers general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and emergency dentistry services to adults and children in Merced, California in a comfortable and caring environment. In addition, we speak English, Spanish, Hmong, and Vietnamese. Dr. Nguyen can create beautiful, confident smiles that are as healthy as they are functional. Come and discover dental excellence at El Portal Dental Group. Request an appointment with Dr. Nguyen, cosmetic and family dentist in Merced, California. Call (209) 385-1479 today. Same-day emergency and weekend dental appointments are available.
One of the first things that your dentist or specialist will do when you walk into their office will be to conduct what is called, a comprehensive oral evaluation. This evaluation gives your dentist a complete picture of your oral health. Due to the unique connection between the mouth and the rest of your body, it also gives dental providers a glimpse of what is happening with your overall health. Ideally, if you are a new patient, you should receive this evaluation. However, if you have been a patient in the office for years but you’ve not had any active treatment in three or more years, you are due for a comprehensive exam.
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were usually pulled. But today, a tooth can often be saved by a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and general dental procedures. Each tooth has at least one nerve that runs through the tooth and connect to the gum. The nerve is the life source of the tooth. If the nerve becomes infected or exposed (due to decay or structural damage), it can be very painful.
To understand better, we need to learn the anatomy of a tooth. The crown is the part of the tooth that is normally visible in the mouth, located above the gum line. The root of a tooth is the part embedded in the jaw. It anchors the tooth in its bony socket and is normally not visible, and is located below the gum line.
It’s no secret that a healthy, radiant smile can improve your appearance, self-esteem, and relationships, both personal and professional. Therefore, if you have tooth decay or missing teeth, that can lower your confidence and self-esteem. You would give just about anything to have your teeth back, to restore your beautiful smile. This is where dental implants can help.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are an artificial titanium replica of your tooth’s root, which are screwed into an implant. In other words, dental implants are prosthetic roots that serve to function the same way a natural tooth root does. These implants are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line to support a dental crown, bridge, or even a full arch of teeth. Dental implants are secure and are not removable, like dentures. If you have healthy gums and bone, you might be a candidate for dental implants. A dental implant has three parts, the implant, which is a screw that acts as a tooth root, and permanently attaches to the jaw, the abutment, which is a permanent connector that supports your set of teeth, and lastly, the crown, which are the prosthetic teeth that is on the dental implant.
As technology and dental procedures keep evolving, today, dentists offer people many different treatment options to rebuild and restore the health and beauty of your smile. In other words, thanks to advanced technology, today's dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, where before they maybe didn’t look as natural and aesthetically pleasing. Patients have said, that today’s version of dental implants are comfortable and natural-looking, people won’t even notice that you have had any dental work done.
Depending on your situation, Dr. Nguyen of El Portal Dental Group can use implant dentistry to do the following:
· Replace one or more teeth without affecting the other teeth
· Support a bridge and eliminate the need for dentures
· Provide support for dentures, making it more secure and comfortable
· Restore function and balance to your bite
· Give you a naturally beautiful smile
However, besides these general uses of dental implants, there are unexpected benefits of these implants that people may want to know about. These include:
1. Dental implants are the next best thing, besides your normal teeth: Dental implants today are strong and stable, restoring missing and decayed teeth, but in a natural way, so it feels, functions, and fits like your normal teeth. Other possible options such as dentures or bridges can lead the bone to deteriorate, and may interfere with everyday actions such as eating, smiling, and speaking. Dental implants have long-term successful outcomes, and give people a natural and beautiful smile, helping them regain their confidence again.
2. Dental Implants protect your jawbone and your other healthy natural teeth: Losing one or more teeth can lead to large gaps and spaces in your mouth that don’t look aesthetically pleasing, and can cause additional oral health issues such as gum disease, infection, and the loss and deterioration of some of your jawbone. When it is not being used to support your natural teeth, the bone in your jaw starts to deteriorate, causing it to lose strength and firmness. As a restorative dental procedure, dental implants are one of the only options that help preserve and stimulate natural bone growth, and protect your mouth from bone loss, avoiding jaw pain, and other major complications.
3. Dental implants keep your teeth in place, so you don’t have to worry about your teeth: Dental implants unlike dentures are fixed to your jawbone, making it comfortable and easy for you to carry on with daily occurrences, such as eating, talking, and avoiding jaw clicking due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction. A face without teeth can make your face look unappealing, sad, and different. Dental implants help retain your face’s natural shape, or restore your appearance, and your face’s natural shape, along with restoring your smile, which is the ultimate goal.
4. No cavities with dental implants: Dental implants unlike your natural teeth, are not prone to cavities. However, to protect your oral hygiene, it is imperative that you still brush and floss regularly, and get dental cleanings when need be.
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, call our implant dentistry office in Merced, California at (209) 385-1479 or use our online form to request an appointment with Dr. Khang Nguyen.
The dental crown procedure is one of the most common procedures practiced by dentists. The biggest reason is that it is often the best way to prevent the total loss of a tooth. If, for instance, it hurts when you bite down, you may have a cracked tooth, which may be able to save the tooth. (If the crack is large enough and extends below the gumline, you may also require a root canal along with the crown to save your tooth. There are several other reasons that a patient may choose to get a dental crown, ranging from aesthetic reasons to medical ones. That’s why we compiled with helpful guide to help you know what to expect from a dental crown procedure.
Put simply, a dental crown is a small custom-made cap that fits over a tooth. Crowns may be made from porcelain, metal, resident, or other materials, depending on the reason for the application. Common reasons for the application of dental crowns are:
· to cover a cavity that is too big to fill
· to make a bridge that covers a missing tooth
· to enhance the appearance of your smile, such as by covering a discolored tooth
The process of applying a dental crown is often split up into two visits to the dentist’s office. During the first visit, the dentist will inspect the area which the crown is supposed to cover, in order to make sure that it can support the crown. The dentist may also either file down, fill in the tooth, or shave the tooth down in preparation for the crown. (Anesthetic will be used during this part of the procedure.
After the area has been properly prepared, the dentist will take an impression the tooth which will then be sent off to make the crown itself. The dentist will also note the color, carefully matching it to the exact shade of your own natural teeth for a flawless dental crown.
The corn will be custom milled based on the impression, the material your dentist has selected and the specific shading required. Once this permanent crown is ready, you will be ready for the second half of this process. Your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown to last until you come back in for the final fitting of your new dental crown.
On the next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, and put the permanent crown in its place. Overall, used experience very minimal pain associated with this process, though some patients do report an uncomfortable feeling with the temporary crown. It should be noted that this is comfort is often not present with the permanent crown, as the permanent crown was molded especially for your mouth.