What is an emergency dentist?
If you have fractured a tooth or are experiencing intense tooth pain, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. An emergency dentist is a type of dentist that is capable of treating patients with a wide range of oral health issues that require immediate attention. These types of dentists are equipped to treat patients of all ages and are capable of treating dental emergencies such as toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and lost fillings. If you are in severe pain, you should seek the care of an emergency dentist right away to avoid possible complications.
In the event of an accident that causes facial trauma that results in a broken jaw or if your tooth is loose due to infection, it is important to see an emergency dentist for treatment. In addition to fixing broken smiles, these dentists also have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a variety of complex dental procedures, including tooth extraction and dental implant surgery. Emergency dentists are available during normal business hours as well as during the evening and weekend hours to accommodate the needs of their patients.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that is designed to fit over a tooth in order to restore the tooth’s shape and size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are often made from durable materials such as metal or porcelain that are able to withstand the severe forces of chewing.
The crowns can cover and support the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. They can also cover and support multiple teeth that are aligned together. For example, a crown can be used to support a dental bridge. They can also be anchored to dental implants to replace missing teeth.
The first thing your dentist will do is take an impression of the damaged tooth to create a model on which the crown will be based. Your dentist will also examine your bite to make sure that your new crown won’t interfere with your ability to chew and speak properly. In some cases, the dentist may order an x-ray to check the internal structure of the tooth below the gum line to make sure the root is healthy and strong enough to anchor a crown.
Once all the details are finalized, the temporary crown will be placed on your tooth while the final one is being made in the dental lab. If you’ve selected a metal alloy for your crown, your dentist may use a lab kit to create an impression of your mouth and send it to the lab for the fabrication of the custom cast. Once the permanent crown is ready, you and your dentist will carefully check to make sure that it fits correctly and matches the color of your teeth. Then, it will be cemented into place.
If your tooth is damaged but not lost, then you may be able to get a same-day crown. CEREC technology allows dentists to take digital impressions of the mouth and use an in-house milling machine to make a custom ceramic crown in a single appointment.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth that fill the gap left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. They are held in place by crowns placed on healthy adjacent teeth. These crowns hold the bridge firmly in place and serve as anchors for the replacement teeth.
A bridge can help restore your smile and improve the appearance of your face, as well as your ability to speak and eat properly. Given proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, your dental bridge should last anywhere from 7-15 years.
How do Invisalign braces work?
You can straighten your teeth with Invisalign without wires and brackets. Instead, you wear a series of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next one in the series. The aligners gradually move your teeth into position based on the exact movements your dentist plans for you ahead of time. Your aligners are also removable, so you can eat whatever you want and clean your teeth normally. Plus, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.
You wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time before moving on to the next set in your series. You’ll visit us about once every six weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time typically lasts nine to 15 months. You’ll see us less often than if you had traditional metal braces.
Invisalign clear aligners are also more comfortable and easier to clean and maintain than traditional braces. With Invisalign, there’s no need to worry about food getting stuck in wires or brackets because you can simply take the aligners out at mealtimes. You can also brush and floss your teeth normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Invisalign can help you transform your smile discreetly and comfortably, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Who is a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children’s teeth — from infancy through the teenage years. These specialized dental services typically include preventive care and oral examinations, as well as treatments like fillings, orthodontics, and other procedures that can help your child maintain the best oral health possible throughout their childhood.
Children need to see their dentist for regular checkups just like adults do. While a child’s primary teeth will fall out in a few years, these temporary teeth are just as important to a child’s development as permanent teeth are. By visiting the dentist every six months, you can ensure that your child is developing properly and that their teeth are developing correctly. Additionally, catching tooth decay early will help keep your child’s mouth healthy for years to come.
A pediatric dentist can also treat certain issues that affect children differently than it affects adults. For example, when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, they may require a space maintainer to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the gap. Or if a child has underdeveloped jawbones, which can delay adult teeth from coming in normally. A pediatric dentist can prescribe special appliances to help correct these issues.
At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist at or before the age of one. Starting early allows your child to form a relationship with their dentist and familiarize themselves with the office and staff. Early visits also give parents an opportunity to prepare young children for their first visit, addressing any anxiety they may be feeling about being at the dentist. Start getting your child used to the idea of visiting the dentist by bringing him or her with you to your appointments. Children learn best by example, so seeing their parents coming in for regular checkups can be a good way for them to start understanding the importance of dental care. Regular visits to the dentist can also help you catch any potential problems with teeth, gums, and overall oral health early on, which can make treatment easier and reduce the need for more complex procedures in the future.
What are sealants? Why are they recommended?
Sealants are coatings that, when applied on the chewing surfaces of the molars, prevent cavities from forming. They are recommended for children for two reasons. First, the molars in the back of the mouth are the most difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Even with regular brushing and flossing, food particles can get trapped in the deep grooves of the back teeth, where bacteria can multiply and cause decay. A sealant covers these grooves so that food and plaque can’t get into these areas and cause damage.
Second, even when kids take good care of their oral health, sometimes cavities still happen due to a number of different factors. Eating habits such as drinking a lot of soda or juice, snacking throughout the day, and forgetting to brush after meals all increase a person’s risk of tooth decay.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The pulp inside the tooth can become inflamed and infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, trauma to the face, or even large fillings. Symptoms of this inflammation may include visible injury or swelling of the gums near the tooth, pain when chewing or biting down, or sensitivity to temperature extremes.
During your root canal procedure, our team will remove the damaged area of the tooth and then thoroughly clean and shape it. We then fill the hole left in the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha before sealing the tooth back up with composite resin. This will help prevent further infection and pain. After the procedure is complete, you may expect some sensitivity for a couple of days as you begin to heal from this procedure. If you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort after the procedure, then contact our office right away so we can help!
Why is a root canal performed?
A root canal is performed when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp of the tooth begins to die, causing painful symptoms. Once the infection has spread to the root tip, it can only be treated by extracting the tooth and performing a root canal. Otherwise, the infection will continue to spread and cause further discomfort.
When the root of a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, the dentist may recommend a dental crown. This is a durable restoration that covers the entire tooth, including the root. If it is only necessary to restore a portion of the tooth, then a crown is likely not recommended.
What are the symptoms of a root canal infection?
A root canal is a procedure used to treat an infected tooth, which can result from tooth decay or an injury to the mouth. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
- Severe pain in your tooth.
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Swelling in the gums near the affected area.
- Pus coming from the affected tooth.
- Tooth discoloration.
If any of these symptoms are causing you significant discomfort, contact a dentist right away. These signs could indicate a severe infection that needs to be treated immediately. Otherwise, the infection could spread to other nearby teeth and lead to even more serious complications.
Your dentist will be able to determine what type of treatment is necessary for your unique situation. If the infection is caught early, it’s possible that a root canal is all that’s necessary to fix the problem and restore your oral health. However, if further intervention is necessary, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon for treatment. They will help determine if there are any signs of an abscess forming and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small posts made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implants act as tooth root substitutes, fusing with the jawbone to provide stable support for artificial teeth.
Your dental implant consists of a screw-shaped post that is surgically placed in the jawbone below the gum line. Over time, the post integrates with the bone to provide stable support for your restoration. The restoration is then attached to the post above the gum line to form a complete smile.
Dental implant restorations offer a number of benefits, including:
- They look and function just like natural teeth
- They are permanent and stable
- They require no special care beyond good oral hygiene
- You can eat your favorite foods without worrying about slippage
If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist about the benefits of dental implants. It’s never too late to restore your smile with dental implants!
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
At your consultation, your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and jawbone to determine if dental implants are right for you. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that fits your needs and budget. Your dentist will take the time to explain each step of the implant process so that you know what to expect at every stage of your journey.
In the first stage of your procedure, the dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw. After the implant is placed, it will take four to six months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, you will return to your dentist’s office to have your abutment and crown placed over the implant. An abutment is a small connector on the implant that connects it to the dental crown. If you are receiving a single tooth implant, the crown will be the only visible part of the restoration after the procedure is over. However, if you are restoring an entire arch of teeth with implants, multiple crowns will be placed on top to complete your new smile.