Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent most dental problems, but unforeseen conditions can still arise, leading to dental emergencies. During such situations, it is crucial to remain calm and take control to protect your oral health. A & A Dental Clinic Commercial Drive Vancouver provides the best emergency dental care services to help preserve your smile. Missing work and disrupting daily routines are common consequences of dental emergencies, which is why it’s important to visit an experienced emergency dentist promptly. Our dentists are trained to handle dental emergencies and restore oral health. Thankfully, they are often available outside regular hours to assist patients in unexpected situations. This article discusses common treatments performed by emergency dentists to address dental emergencies and restore oral health.
Healing of dental traumas
Dental traumas, such as a blow to the mouth, can result in severe complications, including dislodged teeth and bleeding. Emergency dentists advise athletes to wear custom mouthguards during sports to protect their mouths from impact. If a tooth is dislodged or knocked out, seeking immediate dental attention increases the chances of saving it. It is recommended to rinse the tooth with water or milk and keep it moist by placing it inside the cheek. If the emergency dentist cannot save the tooth, they may refer you to an implant dentist or other specialists for tooth replacement.
Fix of damaged tooth restorations
Tooth restorations, such as crowns or tooth-colored fillings, are commonly used to repair damaged, severely cracked, or decayed teeth. However, it is possible for a porcelain crown or filling to become lost or damaged, which constitutes a serious dental emergency. Bacteria can enter the exposed tooth tissue, leading to inflammation. In such cases, a visit to an endodontist for root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infection before replacing or repairing the restoration.
Restoration of cracked teeth
Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth should be addressed promptly. Causes can include biting hard objects, excessive pressure on the teeth, or dental trauma. Treatments such as crowns, cosmetic veneers, or tooth bonding may be used to repair a cracked tooth before it develops into a more severe condition.
Toothache relief
Toothaches can stem from various causes, and it is important to visit an emergency dentist before a simple toothache escalates into severe periodontal disease or pulpal abscesses. Through X-ray imaging and oral examination, our emergency dentist experts can determine the cause of the toothache, which may include impacted wisdom teeth, decay, or lodged food particles.
Cold Sensitivity
The unpleasant sensation caused by the cold temperature of ice cream on your teeth can be attributed to various underlying factors. These may include issues like cavities, worn enamel or fillings, gum disease, cracked teeth, or exposed tooth roots. To determine the specific cause, it is essential to consult with your dentist. Depending on their diagnosis, potential treatments may involve getting a filling, undergoing a root canal procedure, receiving gum tissue replacement for root damage, or using desensitizing toothpaste, strips, or fluoride gel as a more straightforward solution.
Gum Bleeding
If you experience frequent gum bleeding, or tenderness, or notice your gums receding from your teeth, it could indicate the presence of gum disease, known as gingivitis. This type of condition is caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky bacterial substance, below the gum line. Neglecting treatment for gingivitis can eventually lead to bone loss, potentially resulting in tooth mobility or shifting. This can affect your chewing ability and speaking comfortably. To prevent gum disease, it is important to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine consisting of brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Additionally, regular dental cleanings should be scheduled to keep your gums healthy.
Root Infection
Bacterial infection and swelling can occur at the base or root of a tooth, typically due to cavities, cracks, or fractures. This infection can cause damage to the tooth’s tissues and nerves, eventually leading to the formation of abscesses.
A persistent and throbbing toothache is a common indication of a chronic root infection. Biting and chewing will be painful, and the affected area in the mouth becomes highly sensitive to hot and cold food or beverages. Swelling may also occur in the facial region surrounding the infection. To address a root infection, a dental procedure called a root canal is performed. Although the idea of a root canal can be intimidating, it is a safe procedure with minimal discomfort. Dentists administer anesthetics during the root canal to ensure patient comfort.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion is a gradual process that results in discolored and rounded teeth. It is mainly caused by prolonged consumption of sugary and acidic foods like soda and sweets. Another uncommon cause is excessive and forceful brushing.
Enamel erosion leads to increased tooth sensitivity, weakened enamel, and higher vulnerability to cracks, chips, and cupping. Unfortunately, once enamel is lost, it cannot be restored. However, you can significantly reduce further erosion by eliminating the intake of sugary and acidic foods. Opting for toothbrushes with softer bristles is also beneficial. Additionally, the appearance of affected teeth can be greatly improved with dental veneers.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, which refers to the grinding of teeth, can occur during sleep or while awake. It can result in tooth damage, jaw pain, and even headaches and earaches.
Several dental factors can contribute to teeth grinding, including the presence of a new filling or crown that is higher than the surrounding teeth, an abnormal bite, or underlying conditions such as sleep disorders, stress, or anxiety. Addressing these underlying causes can potentially alleviate or eliminate the grinding.
To address bruxism, a dentist can provide a custom-made mouthguard specifically designed for nighttime use. This mouthguard helps minimize grinding and offers protection for the teeth, while also assisting in correcting bite issues.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can affect individuals of any age, although it is more prevalent among older adults. It is not an inherent aspect of the aging process. Various factors can contribute to dry mouth, including cancer treatments, salivary gland disease, nerve damage, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain medications. Dry throat can also be associated with these causes.
To alleviate dry mouth and dry throat, it is recommended to regularly sip water throughout the day. It is important to avoid substances known to have drying effects, such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugary foods.
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