Handling A Dental Emergency

emergency red cross

Dental emergencies do happen. Despite being careful with your teeth, mishaps and accidents can happen. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the ways in which dental emergencies can be managed. Here are some tips on handling dental emergencies.

Injured tongue and lip

Like other oral tissue, the tongue and lips are very sensitive. When they are injured, controlling blood loss can be a tough job.

The first step is to relax and refrain from panic. Then, try the following:

  • rinse your mouth with lukewarm water
  • firmly hold a piece of cotton or gauze to the area that is injured to stem the bleeding
  • place an ice cube folded in a cloth on the affected area to alleviate pain and reduce swelling and bleeding
  • make a dental emergency appointment with your dentist

Toothache

An extreme toothache can be very painful. To reduce pain until you can see your dentist, try:

  • gently rinsing your mouth with lukewarm, salty water
  • flossing in the gap between the teeth that are hurting to make sure nothing is stuck that might be causing pain
  • using pain relief medication such as aspirin or paracetamol

In the case of severe pain, see your dentist urgently.

Loose crown or tooth cap

If your crown or tooth cap becomes loose or falls out, immediately:

  • wrap the loose crown in a tissue or other protective covering so that it remains safe
  • make a dental emergency appointment, even if you are not experiencing any pain

Broken tooth

In cases of a broken tooth, follow these steps:

  • immediately call your dentist
  • keep the broken pieces of the teeth as our dentist may need the pieces to mend the tooth
  • place an ice cube folded in a cloth on the affected area to alleviate pain and reduce swelling and bleeding

When you have experienced a dental emergency, it is important to ensure your teeth are checked by your dentist even if your pain subsides and your bleeding stops.

Call us immediately if you are experiencing a dental emergency

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Dental Crowns – More Protective Than Standard Fillings

dental crowns

Dental crowns have a reputation as being nothing more than an expensive filling. However, a dental crown is far more protective than a standard filling and can ensure the structural integrity of a tooth in ways that a standard filling cannot. Here’s why and when dentists will recommend the use of dental crowns.

Full coverage treatment

Dental crowns are designed to fit over the entirety of your tooth, providing an all-over protection. Alternatively, fillings are designed to protect a small part of your tooth, usually a spot where decay or other damage has put your tooth at risk of further deterioration.

Both dental crowns and fillings are useful for keeping your teeth healthy but the complete covering of the tooth involved with having a dental crown fitted means that they offer a special kind of protection to the tooth.

Cavity size and dental crowns

If you have a small amount of damage to your tooth, such as a small cavity, a filling may be the best option. However, if the cavity is large, a crown is likely to be a better solution. This is because a filling replaces the damaged piece of tooth, which is drilled away before the filling is placed. If too much tooth is decayed and needs to be removed by drilling, it can affect the structural stability of the remaining tooth. In these instances, a dental crown is recommended.

With a crown, there is no risk to the structure of the tooth because the entire tooth is encased inside the crown, protected from the force of chewing. The crown acts like a splint that holds the sides of the tooth together so that even if a large area is affected by decay, the structural integrity of the tooth can be maintained.

How your dentist decides which option is best

The first thing your dentist will consider when assessing whether a dental crown or filling is required is the size of the cavity in need of repair. If the cavity is small, the dentist will usually suggest a filling. If the cavity is large or on a part of the tooth that makes it difficult to treat without weakening the tooth, the dentist will likely suggest a dental crown.

Of course, a filling could be used in the instance of a larger cavity, but your dentist will assess the likelihood of problems occurring later should the tooth weaken. Your dentist will usually recommend the best treatment option to ensure long lasting protection for your teeth.

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Teeth Whitening For A Celebrity Smile

whitening

Teeth whitening is as easy as visiting your dentist. It is a simple treatment to lighten your teeth and remove stains or discoloration. It is a very popular and effective way to create a celebrity-style smile.

When is teeth whitening used?

Teeth whitening is used to treat extrinsic stains on teeth.

The outer layer of your tooth is called the enamel. The enamel helps to give your teeth their natural colour. If your enamel is too thin, the underlying dentin will show through. The enamel and the dentin can become stained from daily use. Some of the most common reasons for stains include drinking fluids with a dark colour, not taking care of your teeth properly and ageing. These types of stains are known as extrinsic stains.

Stains can also form on the inside of your tooth. These are known as intrinsic stains. They are caused from having too much fluoride as a child, taking tetracycline antibiotics and trauma. Teeth whitening will not treat intrinsic stains.

What method of bleaching do we use at the surgery?

There are two main types of tooth bleaching: in-office bleaching in the dental chair and the home bleach technique. After attending courses on the techniques involved, we do not believe that in office bleaching gives lasting whitening. As a result, we use only the home bleach technique which is normally less expensive.

What does treatment consist of?

At your initial visit we discuss the whitening process and procedure, taking impressions of your teeth and constructing custom-fitting soft, clear silicone bleach trays.

At your next visit we take a pre-treatment photograph and check the trays for fit. You will be shown how to use the bleach gel in the trays which is a simple procedure. The normal process is for you to wear these trays for seven to ten nights while you sleep (which don’t have to be consecutive). We also take a pre-treatment photo at that visit.
Three weeks later we review you on a complimentary visit and take a post-treatment photo and check your tooth colour to ensure that you have been happy with the results.

What to expect during and after whitening

After the procedure, you may feel some minor sensitivity throughout your mouth which will diminish. Provided you regularly brush, floss and attend dental appointments, your teeth should remain whitened for up to two years.

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Your Top Dental Questions Answered

Dr Martin Jest DentistWhen it comes to oral health, there are always many questions. Here are the answers to the top 10 most commonly asked oral heath questions:

How often do teeth need to be cleaned by a professional?

Brushing teeth is recommended twice daily and flossing once daily. Getting the teeth professionally cleaned by your Dentist or Hygienist is also very important. It is suggested to get teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months to once a year, this depends on how well you are doing at home with your brushing and flossing.

What sort of brush should I use for brushing my teeth?

Various types of brushes are available today. Whichever brush you select, it must have soft bristles and a rounded shape is best. Soft bristles ensure that teeth enamel is not damaged by harsh brushing.

Should I use waxed or unwaxed dental floss?

It really doesn’t matter what type of floss you use. The thing that matters is using it in the right way. When you floss correctly, all the food particles that cannot be removed by your toothbrush will be removed with the floss.

Can I use an electric brush to clean my teeth?

Studies have revealed that electric brushes are more effective at cleaning teeth than manual ones. But did you know that the incorrect use of electric brushes can lead to more severe root wear of the teeth? Please ask us at your next visit if you are not sure.

Do bleaching products work?

Bleaching products do work. However, before you think of using any of them, it is recommended that you consult your dentist. He will recommend the right brand to use and make sure there are no existing issues going on prior to commencing whitening, which will be perfect for your oral health too.

Will bleaching be harmful?

Use of the right product should not be harmful. Again, consult your dentist for the best advice.

How long do veneers and crowns last?

Veneers and crowns can last for up to fifteen years. Both are made from strong material but they can still be damaged and damage can decrease their life span. Regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist are recommended to optimise the lifespan of your veneers and crowns.

How often do I need to visit the dentist?

It is recommended that you see your dentist at least twice a year. You can discuss your oral health and seek tips to ensure healthy teeth.

Contact our friendly staff today to make a booking.

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Dental Implants – A Permanent Solution For Missing Teeth

missing teeth

For a long while, bridges and dentures were the only dental solutions available to people with missing teeth. Today, however, dental implants are growing in popularity and have become one of the leading dental procedures performed to close the gap left by missing teeth.

Instead of merely covering over the space of missing teeth, dental implants replace the tooth roots and are covered by permanent or removable replacement teeth made to match the colour and spacing of your original teeth. These new teeth look and feel like your own teeth because they are permanently fused with your jawbone.

Why choose dental implants over other solutions?

There are a number of benefits that implants offer over dentures and bridges. They are permanently fixed in your mouth, so there is no danger that they might slip out of place or cause your speech to slur.

While removable dentures can be uncomfortable, you won’t realize that dental implants are there in your mouth – they actually become part of you as they are permanently fused to your jawbone. This makes eating easier and improves your self-esteem with a natural smile you can be proud of.

What does the implant procedure require?

Unlike bridges, which rely on additional support, your dental implants will not alter any nearby teeth. Implants work best for those who have good overall oral and gum health with adequate bone in their jaws to support them.

Dental implants can replace anywhere from one tooth to all of your teeth. Depending on how many teeth are being replaced with implants, you may need to be on a soft food diet for several weeks while your mouth heals. Once the implants have stabilised and your mouth is healed, your new teeth will be permanently fixed in your mouth.

How do I know if I need implants?

Dental implants are a great option for anyone with a healthy mouth who is missing one or more teeth. It is a permanent dental solution and any implants you do have won’t adversely affect the health of your other teeth.

Call and schedule an appointment with us today and get back to owning a confident smile!

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What can I do about the gaps between my teeth?

Gaps between my teeth before treatment
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