Integrity Family Dentist Blog

Dental Emergencies: When to Visit an Emergency Dentist

July 1, 2024

An emergency dentist can provide quick relief for any urgent dental issue. But not all dental issues need immediate resolution. Knowing when to visit this dental care provider can give you the right type of care. Here are the details on when to see your emergency dentist.

An extruded tooth

This condition is also called a partially dislodged tooth. Pain is a common result of this dental emergency. The patient can apply a cold compress to the side of the affected tooth while driving to the emergency dentist’s clinic. An over-the-counter pain medication can help manage the discomfort until the patient arrives at the clinic.

A badly cracked tooth

Take the pieces of the tooth and place them in some milk. Use warm water to rinse the mouth. Placing a piece of gauze in the affected area for about 10 minutes can stop the bleeding. Apply a cold compress on the side of the painful tooth to relieve swelling and pain. See the emergency dentist right away.

Severe dental pain

Rinsing the mouth with warm water can help relieve the discomfort. Dental floss can remove any lodged pieces of food between teeth. Placing a cold compress on the painful and swollen side of the face can help provide relief. Seeing the emergency dentist right away can determine the cause of the pain and this can provide lasting relief.

A knocked-out tooth

It is ideal to find the tooth. Make sure to avoid touching the roots. Hold the tooth by its crown and use clean water to wash away any debris as gently as possible. Refrain from scrubbing the tooth.

Keep the tooth in some milk while driving to the emergency dentist. This will keep the tooth alive and moist. The dentist will then be able to re-plant the tooth back in its socket. The process must start within an hour from the tooth’s detachment.

Dental abscess

This urgent dental issue is a pimple-like infection that occurs around the root of a tooth. An abscess can damage the tooth and its surrounding tissue. Without immediate treatment, this could result in jaw or facial swelling. The infection could spread to other parts of the body as well.

See the emergency dentist right away. Before leaving for the clinic, rinse the mouth with a mild salt solution. This can help relieve the pain. It can also draw the pus to the surface of the gum tissue.

Severe injury to the soft tissues of the mouth

These soft tissues include lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks. Tissue damage often results in severe bleeding. Control the bleeding before seeing the emergency dentist. The following are some tips on how to keep the bleeding down:

Hold a cold compress to the outer cheek of the affected area for about five minutes. Rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution.
Use a caffeinated tea bag or a piece of gauze to apply some pressure to the bleeding area. Hold for 15 to 20 minutes. Go to the ER (emergency room) if the bleeding does not stop.

Damaged or lost dental restoration

Old dental restorations can dislodge, loosen, or crack. When this happens, use sugar-free gum or dental cement to cover the affected tooth. Regular gum will cause discomfort. Drive to the emergency dentist right away.

A damaged bridge or crown will need an emergency dentist’s immediate attention. Bring the restoration if found. Use dental cement to coat the inner surface of the tooth. Denture adhesive or toothpaste can help seal the tooth as well.

Preparing for the visit to an emergency dentist

Some dental issues do not need emergency treatment. Others do. It will help if the patient keeps an eye on the symptoms. The following steps can help the patient decide what to do:

Assess the damage. The patient must compose oneself first and evaluate the extent of damage.
Keep the whole tooth, restoration, or pieces of the tooth. Store the tooth or its pieces in some milk.
Have someone drive the patient to the dentist and back home. This will ensure the patient’s health even after extensive treatment.
Call the nearest emergency dentist in the area. Doing so will help the clinic prepare for the patient. It will also determine where the patient will be driven to right away.

An emergency dentist can relieve urgent dental issues at any time or day

Pain and bleeding are common signs that a dental issue needs urgent attention. The abovementioned occasions can help determine if you need to go to an emergency dental clinic. This can give you the right treatment and prevent any possible complications. Working with your emergency dentist will allow the solutions to last for a long time.

Request an appointment here: https://www.integrityfamilydentist.com/blog/ or call Integrity Family Dental at (303) 337-3000 for an appointment in our Denver office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Denver, CO.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

June 27, 2024

Dental implants are artificial roots that a dentist surgically places into the jawbone. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the implant and acts like a real tooth, replacing missing teeth or repairing broken ones. This guide will review the three different types of dental implants available today.

3 types of dental implants

1. Endosteal dental implants

Endosteal implants contain titanium that dentists place into the jawbone. They anchor to the jawbone by using the jawbone itself rather than attaching to existing teeth or dental...

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Tips and Advice on How to Make Your Dental Veneers Last Longer

June 25, 2024

Dental veneers are an investment. Getting these restorations is a significant decision. The permanence of having these shells on your teeth needs commitment. Knowing how to make these restorations last longer can help motivate you to care for them even more. Here are some advice and tips on how to make your dental veneers last longer.

Have regular dental visits

Keep dental appointments. These will help care for the dental veneers and keep them in position. The dentist can check...

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How Common Are Implant Supported Dentures?

June 20, 2024

Tooth loss can hurt one’s smile as well as the ability to eat or speak. With implant-supported dentures, the entire look of the smile can be transformed, and individuals can enjoy more freedom with food choices. These dentures are long-lasting and have a positive impact on oral and emotional health.

The positive impact of dentures

Dentures are a dental tool for altering the look and function of the mouth, as it provides replacement teeth when a loss has taken place. With an implant-supported option, there are several benefits to the patient.

Appearance

For those who experience significant tooth loss, there is a noticeable impact on their appearance. Many people are embarrassed by the way their smile looks and will retreat from the spotlight out of insecurity. This self-isolation or negative self-talk can do damage to a person’s emotional wellness. Tooth loss also affects dietary habits and speech function, which can only add to the distress already felt over one’s smile. Dentures are a way to change the look of the smile, creating uniformity and a beautiful aesthetic.

Dining options

Dental implants, when used with dentures, also bring freedom back into an individual’s diet. Traditional dentures are typically held in place through adhesives and the suction action against the gums. Though somewhat stable, patients must avoid eating particular foods out of concern that the dentures will move or shift. Food particles and other substances can also get trapped underneath the dentures, creating the potential for bacteria build-up. The construction of dentures supported by implants removes these concerns.

Oral health

Even though the teeth in the dentures are not real, dentures can have a positive impact on one’s oral health. Dental implants go deep below the gumline and fuse to the jawbone. Though it will be the support to which the denture is attached, the implant itself acts like natural tooth roots and provides stimulation to the jawbone whenever a person is chewing. Without this stimulation, the jawbone could experience bone loss, often changing the shape of the face. This could lead to additional concerns with appearance.

Understanding implant-supported dentures

Having implants placed requires surgery and some significant recovery time. However, with so many advantages to enjoy, many people find that the results are worth the time and effort.

The procedure

First, a dentist must evaluate the jaw bone to determine if there is enough healthy hard tissue to support the necessary implants. Those with a weakened or deteriorated jaw bone may be able to have a bone graft first, which will help strengthen and reinforce the area, preparing it for the implant procedure. Once this step is complete, small incisions are made strategically along the gum line and the implants are inserted below the surface. Usually, four to six implants are placed for each upper and lower denture.

The incisions will heal and the implants will fuse to the jawbone over the course of a few weeks or months. After enough healing, an abutment will be attached to each implant, proving a surface for the dentures to attach to. Once everything has healed sufficiently, the dentures can be snapped into place.

Recovery and care

It can take many weeks or months from start to finish when getting implant-supported dentures. It will take some patience but following the dentist's recommendations carefully may help speed up the process. Removable dentures should be cleaned in the same way as traditional ones. If your dentures are permanently attached to the implants, using a water flosser can make it easier to clean the gum tissues beneath the appliances.

The benefits over traditional dentures

Implant-supported dentures can support either a full or partial denture, and the construction makes them a preferred choice among many when looking at tooth replacement options. Denture wearers often feel embarrassed or anxious about the way traditional dentures tend to move around the mouth, and some ill-fitted appliances are known to fall out on occasion. Even though dentures can make life better, it is implant-supported ones that can deliver a life-changing experience.

Implants can be put in both the upper and lower jaws, creating a stable base for the artificial teeth. The composition materials are durable and long-lasting, guaranteeing a beautiful smile for years to come. These dentures are easier to clean and much more hygienic than traditional options.

Conclusion

For help transforming a smile into a beautiful, uniform appearance, speak to a dentist about implant-supported dentures. A few simple steps could create a whole new aesthetic and restore self-confidence.

Request an appointment here: https://www.integrityfamilydentist.com/blog/ or call Integrity Family Dental at (303) 337-3000 for an appointment in our Denver office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Denver, CO.

3 Signs You May Need a Dental Implant

June 19, 2024

You may not be aware that you need dental implants. But your dentist can tell you that you do, especially if you have regular checkups. Knowing if you need these restorations can motivate you to see your dentist about getting these dental replacements. Here are the three signs that you may need dental implants.

1. Significant changes in one’s appearance

Tooth loss causes jawbone loss, which causes facial structures to lose proper support. This results in a sunken or caved-in appearance, making people with this problem...

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What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

June 18, 2024

Dental veneers can improve your appearance and oral health. These porcelain shells can make dramatic changes to your smile. Each one can correct damage, discoloration, and misalignment. Understanding the process can help you relax on your treatment day. Here are the things to expect when you get your dental veneers.

The consultation

Consulting a dentist is necessary before getting custom-fit shells. This is a chance to discuss the aspects of the procedure. The dentist will review the patient’s medical and dental histories. Doing so...

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When To Get Dental Implants

June 11, 2024

Dental implants are effective, long-lasting artificial teeth. Implants are surgically attached to the jawbone to look and function like natural teeth. As a result, patients can chew, talk, and laugh without worrying about slipping. They also improve oral health. This article explores when and why to get implants and the qualifying factors for treatment.

Who should get dental implants?

Patients choose implants over their alternatives for greater comfort, convenience, and durability. There is no set time to get implants; rather, there are common dental conditions and lifestyle factors that...

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Key Benefits of Dental Veneers

June 10, 2024

Those wishing to change multiple aspects of their smile can benefit from dental veneers. They are an all-in-one cosmetic treatment that can address multiple aesthetic concerns. Not only can veneers fix multiple cosmetic issues in just a few dental appointments, but also they can give you a stunning new smile you are excited to show off. This article looks at the key benefits that make dental veneers such an attractive option for those wishing to give their smile a makeover.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers...

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How a Family Dentist Can Treat Tooth Decay

June 10, 2024

One of the many things that a family dentist does is detect and treat tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity at some point in time. Even though this issue is quite common, it does not mean that it cannot also be very serious, especially when left untreated. Tooth decay and cavities usually require prompt treatment from a dentist to prevent complications and to preserve good oral and overall health.

While anyone can develop tooth decay, younger children are especially susceptible to this problem. In children, tooth enamel, the protective coating that shields the inner tissues of the tooth, is often thinner and more easily broken down by acid erosion. Children are also more likely to consume a diet higher in sugar, which can lead to more cavities. It can be difficult for children to clean their teeth effectively. Many children may not receive routine professional dental care because parents wrongfully assume only permanent teeth require cleanings and treatment. All of these factors can increase the risks of tooth decay.

Older adults can also be more likely to develop cavities. As you age, your tooth enamel will weaken over time, making it less resistant to erosion and bacteria. Older teeth are also more susceptible to damage, and the resulting cracks or chips can lead to tooth decay at even faster rates. Decay occurs in stages, and often symptoms do not occur until the later stages. Depending on the severity of the problem, a dentist will treat decay in varying ways.

Stages of tooth decay

There are essentially five stages of decay. The first one occurs when plaque begins to cause the enamel to lose minerals. This area of mineral loss shows up as white spots on the tooth.

The second stage is enamel decay. Further demineralization causes the enamel to break down. This shows up as a brownish color where the white spots were.

Stage three is when the decay penetrates the dentin layer, which is more sensitive to damage than enamel is. This is typically the stage when patients begin to notice symptoms such as tooth pain or sensitivity.

Once it reaches the dentin, the decay spreads quickly. At stage four, the decay penetrates the pulp of the tooth, which houses the blood vessels and nerves.

If left untreated, the bacteria cause an infection in the pulp, which leads to an abscess. This is the fifth stage.

Treatment options for decay

Tooth decay is much easier to treat in the early stages. That is why seeing a family dentist regularly is important.

Prevention and remineralization

During the first two stages, the main focus of treatment is to strengthen the enamel and prevent the decay from worsening. The dentist may recommend brushing more frequently and using products that contain calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride.

Filling

Once stage three is reached, a cavity is formed and there is no turning back. For small cavities, the dentist removes the decayed area and fills it in with a resin material.

Crown

If the cavity is bigger and the decay has interfered with the structure of the tooth, a crown is typically recommended over a filling. This is a cap that fits over the entire tooth. It matches your natural teeth, so it is not visible.

Root canal treatment

Once the decay has reached the pulp, a family dentist will typically perform a root canal. This procedure removes the decayed and damaged material from the innermost part of the tooth. After everything is removed, the dentist places a filling or a crown, depending on the extent of the damage.

Removal of the tooth

If the tooth is abscessed, a root canal may not be sufficient to take care of the problem. If the dentist is unable to save the tooth, he or she will need to extract it to prevent the infection from traveling to the jawbone, neck, and head.

Conclusion

Tooth decay should never be ignored. It could lead to infection, severe tooth damage, and even tooth loss if left untreated. A family dentist can catch the issue before the patient even knows that it is there. Whether caught in the early or late stages, there are multiple treatment options available to stop the spread of decay and infection. Be sure to keep up with routine dental appointments and contact your dentist immediately if you suspect a cavity is forming.

Request an appointment here: https://www.integrityfamilydentist.com/blog/ or call Integrity Family Dental at (303) 337-3000 for an appointment in our Denver office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Denver, CO.

3 Tips for Dental Implant Aftercare

June 4, 2024

Dental implants are the most stable dental restorations you can get. The invasive procedure will cut through your gum tissue. The dentist will drill into the jawbone and place titanium rods into the holes. The right kind of care is important to make sure that the implant site is free from infections. Here are the three tips for aftercare when you get your dental implants.

1. Treat the pain and swelling

Tissue pain and inflammation are common after surgery. The patient will feel these effects after the anesthetic...

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