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Let’s face it; no one loves the idea of having to go through dental surgery. However, some dental problems may warrant you to go through such a treatment. Oral surgery can either be performed by a general dentist or an oral surgery specialist depending on the level of complication.
A majority of people think that oral surgery only includes dental procedures meant to fix the gums and teeth. However, it goes far beyond that. Oral surgery covers other aspects, such as temporomandibular structure and other supporting structures. This article takes a look at some of the dental problems that require surgery.
1. Impacted Teeth Removal
If a tooth fails to emerge out of the gums as they are expected, they can cause a myriad of dental problems. Some of these problems include infections, crowding, and diseased tissue. This problem can be fixed with a simple tooth extraction procedure. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your teeth and recommend if the tooth should be removed or not. Misaligned and crowded teeth should be removed to maintain the integrity of your mouth.
2. Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures. These sets of teeth were used by our ancestors to crack some hard nuts and chew hard foods. However, today we no longer consume such foods, rendering these teeth useless. Additionally, our jaws are no longer that big to accommodate them. In the event that they fail to grow in properly, and they can cause problems such as swelling, infections, and shifting.
3. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a form of tooth roots placed into the jaw bone. The process involves surgically placing titanium rods into the jaw bone that will act as substitute roots. The main reason why a titanium rod is used is that titanium is one of the metals that can fuse with the human body without facing resistance. The dentist then places artificial teeth on the implant. This process can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth.
4. Biopsies
If you have a lesion in your mouth that seems suspicious, your dentist will perform a procedure known as a biopsy to diagnose oral cancer. The sample will then be sent to the laboratory for further examination.
5. Reconstructive Surgery
Facial injuries and knocked out tooth can make some of the common days to day activities such as eating and talking to be a nightmare for you. The dentist might be forced to use some surgical means to treat facial injuries, and a knocked out tooth.
6. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where one experiences severe snoring while sleeping. If you have tried other methods to solve the problem and none seems to work, your dentist can perform and oral surgery to solve it.
Bottom Line
The list outlined above of the dental conditions that might require surgery is certainly not conclusive. However, if you have any dental condition and you suspect that might require a surgery, don’t hesitate to call Carrum Downs Dental Clinic. Our dentist uses your preferred anaesthesia, depending on your anxiety to make sure that the process is painless and comfortable.
Most homes have a first aid kit that is easily accessible in case of any emergencies, but what about a first aid dental kit? Most children and adults participate in numerous fun activities that can potentially cause dental injuries. It is recommended always to keep dental emergency information such as your dentist’s phone numbers handy in case you or your family member experience any tooth trauma.
Moreover, an on-the-go dental first aid kit and dental emergency information can help in case of a minor dental injury, thus keeping you protected until you are able to visit the dental office. Whether you experience a broken or loose tooth or even loss your tooth filling, your emergency first aid dental kit should contain whatever you need to prevent any further injury.
Setting Up an Emergency Dental Kit
Your emergency first aid dental kit should contain instructions for every dental equipment or medication. This way, in case you or your family member needs to use something in the kit and lacks the knowledge, it will be surprisingly easy after reading the instructions. So, go ahead and write out the instructions for each item in your emergency dental kit on a piece of paper or index cards. You can find the instructions for these items on the web.
On the other hand, some people find it useful to get the proper advice from a dentist about what they should include in an emergency dental kit. An emergency dental kit can be customised to suit unique orthodontic devices, denture, and dental needs. An emergency dental kit for someone who has braces may differ from that who has veneers.
Usually, an emergency dental kit includes the following:
Cotton Wool- this is used to stop bleeding by pressing down against the injured area.
Pain-killing oral Gel- It is used to give relief when a toothache is experienced.
Clove oil- It reduces oral pain and toothache while giving you a fresh breath.
Antiseptic Mouthwash- Used to rinse out blood and food remains to reduce oral infections.
Dental Mirror- this will help to see exactly what the problem is inside the mouth.
Latex or vinyl Gloves- These are important when performing the first aid on another person.
Importance of Emergency Dental Kit
Imagine an instance whereby you or your family member hurts their gums, tongue, or teeth while playing around in the home. You are miles away from an emergency dentist. Your primary dentist is preoccupied with patients who have pressing issues or even is on vacation. So, if you do not have an emergency dental kit containing the instructions, you may not be able to do much about the situation. The equipment and dental tools in your kit can help to stop the bleeding, reduce pain, and keep the injured person as comfortable as they wait to visit the dentist.
Bottom Line
An emergency dental kit can be a valuable asset when it comes to your oral health. No one knows when a dental emergency will take place. Therefore, it is always important to be prepared in case one happens. If you have any questions or concerns about dental first aid kits, our dentists at Carrum Downs Dental Group who’d love to answer them and attend to you. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us by calling or scheduling an appointment.
When most people think about the dangers of smoking, lung cancer and heart disease typically come to mind first. However, the devastating effects of tobacco use begin the moment smoke enters your mouth, wreaking havoc on your oral health in ways that many smokers don’t fully understand. From stained teeth to life-threatening oral cancers, smoking creates a cascade of dental problems that can permanently damage your smile and overall well-being.
The Immediate Impact on Your Mouth
Smoking doesn’t wait years to show its effects on your oral health. Within minutes of lighting up, tobacco smoke begins altering the environment in your mouth. The heat, chemicals, and tar immediately start coating your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria while weakening your mouth’s natural defense mechanisms.
The most noticeable immediate effect is the yellowing and staining of teeth. Nicotine and tar penetrate tooth enamel, creating stubborn stains that worsen with each cigarette. Unlike surface stains from coffee or wine, tobacco stains penetrate deep into the tooth structure, making them extremely difficult to remove with regular brushing or even professional cleaning.
Gum Disease: A Silent Destroyer
Perhaps the most serious immediate threat smoking poses to oral health is its impact on gum health. Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing periodontal disease, with smokers being up to seven times more likely to develop severe gum disease compared to non-smokers. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s a progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Smoking affects gum health in several devastating ways. First, it reduces blood flow to the gums, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen needed for healing and maintenance. This compromised circulation means that even minor gum irritation can quickly become a serious infection. Additionally, smoking impairs the immune system’s ability to fight off bacterial infections in the mouth, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish unchecked.
The reduced blood flow also masks one of the key warning signs of gum disease bleeding gums. Many smokers don’t realize they have gum disease because their gums don’t bleed as readily as they should when infected. This delayed recognition often means the disease progresses to advanced stages before treatment begins.
Delayed Healing and Dental Treatment Complications
One of the most frustrating aspects of treating smokers is the significantly delayed healing process. Whether it’s a simple tooth extraction, gum surgery, or dental implant placement, smokers experience slower healing times and higher complication rates. The reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues means that what might take a non-smoker a week to heal could take a smoker several weeks or even months.
This delayed healing also increases the risk of infection following dental procedures. Compromised immune function and reduced blood flow create perfect conditions for bacteria to establish serious infections in surgical sites. Many dental procedures that are routine for non-smokers become high-risk endeavors for smokers.
The Link to Oral Cancer
The most frightening consequence of smoking is its strong connection to oral cancer. Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, and the risk increases dramatically with the duration and intensity of smoking habits. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, gums, and throat.
Early signs of oral cancer include persistent sores that don’t heal, white or red patches in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, and unexplained bleeding. The tragedy is that many of these early symptoms are often dismissed as minor irritations, allowing the cancer to progress to more advanced and dangerous stages.
Beyond Cigarettes: All Tobacco Products Pose Risks
While cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco use, it’s crucial to understand that all tobacco products pose significant risks to oral health. Cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and even newer products like e-cigarettes all contain harmful chemicals that damage oral tissues. Smokeless tobacco products, in particular, cause severe gum recession, tooth loss, and dramatically increase the risk of oral cancer.
The Path to Recovery
The encouraging news is that many of the oral health effects of smoking are reversible once you quit. Within just a few weeks of quitting, blood flow to the gums begins to improve, and the risk of gum disease starts to decrease. Within a year, the risk of oral cancer begins to drop significantly and continues to decrease over time.
However, some effects of long-term smoking may require professional intervention to address. Severe gum disease may need specialized treatment, deeply stained teeth might require professional whitening or cosmetic procedures, and lost teeth may need replacement with implants or other restorative options.
Taking Action for Your Oral Health
If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to quit as soon as possible. Even if you’ve been smoking for years, quitting now can prevent further damage and allow your mouth to begin healing. Regular dental checkups become even more critical for smokers, as early detection of problems can prevent more serious complications.
At Carrum Downs Dental, we understand smokers’ unique challenges with their oral health. Our experienced team is committed to helping you maintain the best possible oral health, whether you’re working on quitting smoking or dealing with the effects of past tobacco use. We’re conveniently located at Shop T5, 100 Hall Road, Carrum Downs, and we’re open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm to accommodate your busy schedule. Don’t let smoking rob you of your smile – contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward healthier teeth and gums.
When you are experiencing some pain in any part of your body, one thing is for sure is that you want to know the root cause of the pain and stop it. If you have been getting a constant headache and eye pain, the culprit could be related to one of your dental problems. In fact, one of the most common causes of headache and eye pain is dental health problems. Read on to find out the relation between dental problems, headache, and eye pain, and how you can stop it.
How are Dental Problems Related to Headache and Eye Pain?
Headache and eye pain may be brought about by dental or sinus conditions. Some of the dental conditions that may result in these problems include temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition is also commonly referred to as TMJ disorder. TMJ is the point where the skull and the TMJ bone meet each other. The movement of these two bones may sometimes be abnormal due to some dental problems, such as teeth grinding. When this happens, the patient may suffer from a headache or eye pain.
Also, sinus infection is another issue that may result in headache or eye pain. Sinuses are air spaces found in the skull, lined with the mucous membrane. Most human beings have four sets of sinuses. Infection of the sinuses, which originates from the tooth, can result in a headache or eye pain. In severe cases, sinus infections may spread to the brain, causing more serious health complications such as meningitis.
Common Dental Issues that can Result in Headache or Eye Pain
Bad Bite
Missing, loose, or misaligned teeth are what is referred to bad bite. This problem can cause the jaw muscles to work more than normal to bring the teeth together and keep the mouth closed. This can result in a headache or even eye pain.
Grinding or Clenching the Teeth
Teeth grinding is a dental problem that mostly occurs due to stress. People who grind their teeth in most cases do it during sleep. Teeth grinding can irritate the jaws and thus resulting in a migraine and eye pain.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is another dental problem that can result in a headache or eye pain. In fact, tooth decay can cause a migraine, making the patient think that he/she is suffering from a headache rather than the tooth. So, the next time you are suffering from a never-ending headache or eye pain, have your dentist check your mouth first.
Conclusion
It is important to visit your dentist every six months. During your dental visits, make sure to let your dentist know if you have been experiencing constant headaches or eye pain; the problem may be in your mouth. At Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, our dentist will be able to diagnose any dental problems before they start affecting other parts of the body. Call us or visit our dental clinic today!
Your smile is midst the first things people notice when you meet them. It is your personal introduction. If you are considering straightening your smile with an orthodontists’ treatment, then you have a good reason to invest in yourself. Studies have it that more than 80% of people of patients who straightened their teeth was one of the best life-changing decisions they ever made.
The cosmetic benefits of having your teeth straightened are obvious. Nonetheless, the benefits of having straight teeth go far beyond cosmetics. Here are some of the surprising reasons why straight teeth matters.
1. Straight Teeth Protects Your Teeth from Themselves
Our teeth are not designed to compete with each other for space in the mouth. However, this is exactly the case when you have crooked teeth. Crooked teeth fight against each other, thus promoting wear and tear of the enamel. This can cause you to lose a large amount of your enamel. You may also find yourself chewing abnormally, which can further damage your teeth. Also, if you fail to chew your food properly, you may develop indigestion problems.
Crooked teeth are also more susceptible to damage in case of an impact due to an accident. Help your teeth protect themselves against each other by straightening them.
2. Straight Teeth Mean Great Overall Oral Health
Did you know that it is healthier to have straight teeth? Well, having straight teeth results in fewer cases of cavities, discoloration, and uneven wear and tear. Moreover, the gum tissue surrounding the teeth is less likely to develop periodontal disease. Straight teeth and healthy gums mean that you can be able to chew any food since your teeth will be less sensitive.
3. You are Likely to Lower Dental Cost
Straight teeth are unlikely to develop dental problems that will end up forcing you to pay a costly dental fee. Straight teeth are much more natural to care for, and thus they will have fewer instances of tooth decay and periodontal disease. They are also not prone to damage in the event of an impact.
4. Self-Confidence
Straight teeth will make you want to smile more whenever you are in social gatherings. It helps make you more attractive to other people. Research has it that 99% of people across the world think that a bright, straight smile is a vital social asset. It helps in improving self-confidence.
How to Achieve Straight teeth
The points listed above are just but a drop in the ocean of some of the surprising reasons why straight teeth matters. There are several techniques your dentist can apply to straighten your teeth. One of the most common ways is the use of invasilng. It is an effective way of straightening out crooked teeth since no one can notice you are wearing the appliances.
Visit Carrum Downs Dental Clinic for Teeth Straightening
Our qualified and trained team at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic can help you identify the best method to straighten your crooked teeth. Don’t allow crooked teeth to spoil your next date or job interview ever again. Contact us today!
Your teeth are warriors in a daily battle, and like any good fighter, they need the proper support, training, and backup to emerge victorious. Every day, your mouth becomes a battlefield where harmful bacteria clash with your natural defenses, acidic attacks threaten your enamel, and poor choices can turn the tide against your oral health. The uplifting reality is that you have the ability to provide your teeth with every edge they require to prevail in this battle.
The Hidden Connection: Why Your Mouth Matters More Than You Think
When we talk about giving your teeth a fighting chance, we’re not just discussing cavity prevention. Your oral health serves as a gateway to your overall well-being, with research consistently showing strong links between gum disease and severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Consider your mouth to be the first line of defense for your entire body; if it is weakened, it affects every part of your body.
Gum disease-causing bacteria are not limited to your mouth. They can enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation that affects your cardiovascular system and complicates diabetes management. Gum disease during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight and early delivery.These connections aren’t coincidental they’re biological realities that underscore why dental care isn’t a luxury, but a necessity.
Daily Habits That Turn the Tide
The Two-Minute Rule That Changes Everything
Brushing for two full minutes twice daily isn’t arbitrary it’s the minimum time needed to disrupt bacterial colonies before they establish strongholds on your teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste and focus on technique over force. Plaque may be removed using gentle, circular motions that don’t wear down your enamel or harm your gums.
Flossing: Your Secret Weapon
Approximately 60% of tooth surfaces are cleaned by brushing, while the other 40%, where bacteria prefer to hide, are reached by flossing.Those tight spaces between teeth become breeding grounds for the most destructive oral bacteria. Daily flossing disrupts these communities before they can cause significant damage.
The Mouthwash Advantage
Antibacterial mouthwash reaches areas that brushing and flossing might miss, providing an additional layer of protection. Look for mouthwashes containing fluoride for added enamel strengthening, and avoid alcohol-based formulas if you have sensitive gums.
Nutrition: Feeding Your Teeth for Victory
Foods That Fight Back
Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds provide the building blocks for strong teeth and bones. Together with calcium, phosphorus from lean meats, fish, and eggs helps to remineralize dental enamel.Vitamin C from citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables supports healthy gums and helps your body fight infection.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, stimulating saliva production and physically removing food particles and bacteria. Green tea contains compounds that fight oral bacteria and reduce inflammation.
The Enemies Within
Sugar produces acids that damage tooth enamel by feeding dangerous germs. However, hidden sugars in processed foods, dried fruits, and even nutritious smoothies can promote bacterial development, so it’s not only clear-cut offenders like candy and soda. Timing is also important because eating frequently exposes teeth to acid attacks throughout the day.
Acidic foods and drinks, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, and wine, can temporarily soften enamel. While these foods offer health benefits, consume them as part of meals rather than alone, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow enamel to reharden.
Professional Care: Your Strategic Advantage
Regular dental checkups aren’t just about cleaning they’re about early detection and prevention. Professional cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that home care can’t eliminate, while examinations catch problems when they’re small and easily treatable.
Modern dental technology allows for precise diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments. Digital X-rays reveal hidden problems, while advanced cleaning techniques remove bacteria more effectively than ever before. Professional fluoride treatments provide extra protection for vulnerable teeth.
Warning Signs: When to Call for Reinforcements
Your teeth and gums communicate when they need help. Persistent bad breath often signals bacterial overgrowth or gum disease. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing indicate inflammation that requires attention. Tooth sensitivity might suggest enamel wear or the development of cavities.
Don’t ignore pain, swelling, or changes in your bite. These symptoms often indicate problems that worsen rapidly without professional intervention. Early treatment is typically more comfortable, effective, and affordable than waiting until problems become severe.
The Power of Consistency
Oral health isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Small daily actions compound over time, creating powerful protection for your teeth and gums. Missing a day of flossing occasionally won’t doom your oral health, but consistent neglect will.
Creating sustainable routines makes oral care automatic rather than burdensome. Keep floss visible on your bathroom counter. Set phone reminders for the first few weeks until habits form. Make dental care a family activity that children see as usual and vital.
Your Partners in Oral Health
At Carrum Downs Dental, we understand that giving your teeth a fighting chance requires both excellent home care and professional support. Our team combines advanced technology with compassionate care to help you achieve optimal oral health. Located conveniently at Shop T5, 100 Hall Road, Carrum Downs, we’re open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, making it easier than ever to prioritize your dental health.
Whether you need routine cleanings, treatment for existing problems, or guidance on improving your home care routine, we’re here to help you give your teeth every advantage in their daily battle for health. Your teeth are fighting for you every day let us help you fight for them.
Your teeth work tirelessly daily, helping you chew, speak, and confidently smile. At the forefront of this daily battle against wear and tear stands tooth enamel the hardest substance in the human body and your teeth’s primary defense against decay. Yet, despite its remarkable strength, enamel can be damaged, leading to serious dental problems affecting millions worldwide.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the translucent outer layer covering each tooth’s crown. This remarkable substance is more complex than steel and is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals. Enamel serves as a protective shell, shielding the more sensitive inner layers of your teeth, the dentin and pulp, from bacteria, temperature changes, and the mechanical forces of chewing.
Unlike other tissues, enamel contains no living cells, so it cannot regenerate once damaged or lost. This unique characteristic makes protecting your enamel crucial for maintaining long-term oral health.
How Enamel Damage Occurs
Enamel damage doesn’t happen overnight. It typically results from a gradual demineralization process, where acids dissolve the mineral crystals that strengthen enamel. These acids come from two primary sources:
Dietary Acids: Consuming acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, sodas, sports drinks, and wine can erode enamel. Even seemingly healthy choices like fruit juices can be surprisingly acidic and harmful to tooth enamel when consumed frequently.
Bacterial Acids: A more concerning source is harmful bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches from food particles, producing acid as a waste product. This acid attacks your enamel, creating an environment ripe for tooth decay.
Other factors contributing to enamel damage include teeth grinding (bruxism), acid reflux disease, certain medications that reduce saliva production, and aggressive brushing with hard-bristled toothbrushes.
The Connection Between Enamel Damage and Tooth Decay
When enamel becomes weakened or develops microscopic holes, it can no longer effectively protect the tooth’s interior. This creates the perfect opportunity for tooth decay to begin. The process typically follows this progression:
Initially, acids create tiny pores in the enamel surface, a stage called incipient decay. The damage may still be reversible through remineralization with fluoride treatments and improved oral hygiene.
As acid attacks continue, these pores enlarge and deepen, eventually forming cavities that penetrate the enamel into the softer dentin layer beneath. Once decay reaches the dentin, it spreads more rapidly because dentin is less mineralized and more vulnerable to bacterial invasion.
If left untreated, decay can progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp where nerves and blood vessels reside. This can result in severe pain, infection, and potentially tooth loss.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Early enamel damage often occurs without obvious symptoms, making regular dental checkups essential for early detection. However, as damage progresses, you might notice:
Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
White or chalky spots on teeth, indicating early demineralization
Yellow or brown discoloration as the underlying dentin becomes more visible
Rough or uneven tooth surfaces
Small pits or holes in teeth
Pain when biting down
Prevention: Your Best Defense
Preventing enamel damage requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both dietary and hygiene factors:
Optimize Your Diet: Limit consumption of acidic and sugary foods and beverages. When you do indulge, try to consume them during meals rather than sipping or snacking throughout the day. This gives your saliva time to neutralize acids between eating occasions.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Wait at least 30-60 minutes after eating before brushing to allow your saliva to neutralize acids and prevent brushing away softened enamel.
Use Fluoride: Fluoride helps remineralize early enamel damage and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash in addition to fluoride toothpaste.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production, naturally cleansing your mouth and neutralizing harmful acids.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Avoid using teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or hold objects, as this can chip or crack enamel.
Treatment Options
When enamel damage does occur, early intervention is key. Modern dentistry offers several treatment options depending on the extent of damage:
Professional fluoride treatments and prescription fluoride products can help reverse the damage through remineralization for early-stage demineralization.
Small cavities typically require dental fillings using tooth-colored composite materials that restore function and appearance.
More extensive damage might necessitate crowns, which cover and protect the entire visible portion of the tooth.
In cases where decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between enamel damage and tooth decay empowers you to protect your oral health proactively. While enamel damage can seem inevitable, the right combination of preventive care, dietary awareness, and professional dental treatment can keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
At Carrum Downs Dental, our experienced team is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health through comprehensive preventive care and advanced treatment options. Located conveniently at Shop T5, 100 Hall Road, Carrum Downs, we’re open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm to accommodate your busy schedule. Whether you need routine cleaning, fluoride treatment, or restorative care for existing damage, our skilled professionals are here to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. Don’t wait until minor problems become big Contact Carrum Downs Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your enamel and preventing tooth decay.
When we think about our teeth, we often imagine them as hard, lifeless structures designed to chew our food. However, the reality is far more complex and fascinating. Each tooth is a living organ with its own blood supply, nerve system, and the ability to sense pain, temperature, and pressure. But what happens when a tooth dies? Understanding the life cycle of a dead tooth can help you recognize the warning signs and take action before serious complications arise.
What Does It Mean for a Tooth to “Die”?
A dead tooth, medically known as a non-vital tooth, occurs when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, inflamed, or dies due to trauma or decay. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this pulp dies, the tooth loses its ability to feel sensations and can no longer repair itself naturally.
Think of it like a tree cut off from its root system. While the trunk may still stand and appear intact from the outside, it’s no longer alive and will eventually deteriorate without proper intervention.
How Does a Tooth Die?
Several factors can lead to tooth death, with dental trauma and severe decay being the most common culprits. A hard blow to the face during sports, a fall, or even biting down on something challenging can damage the blood vessels supplying the tooth’s pulp. Sometimes this damage is immediate and obvious, but other times it can be subtle, with the tooth dying slowly over months or even years.
Deep cavities represent another major pathway to tooth death. When bacteria penetrate the enamel and dentin layers, they can reach the pulp chamber, causing infection and inflammation. As the disease progresses, it cuts off the blood supply to the pulp, killing the tooth from the inside out.
Poor dental hygiene, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, and gum disease can also compromise a tooth’s vitality over time. Age plays a role, too, as older teeth have smaller pulp chambers and reduced blood flow, making them more susceptible to dying from minor trauma that might not affect a younger tooth.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dead Tooth
The tricky thing about dead teeth is that they don’t always announce themselves with dramatic symptoms. Once a tooth is completely dead, it may stop hurting altogether since the nerves are no longer functioning. However, there are several warning signs to watch for during the dying process and aftermath.
Pain is often the first indicator, ranging from mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing discomfort that may worsen when biting down or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This pain might come and go initially, but typically becomes more persistent as the condition progresses.
Color changes are another telltale sign. A dying or dead tooth often becomes discolored, turning gray, yellow, brown, or even black. This happens because the dying pulp tissue and blood cells break down inside the tooth, creating pigments that show through the enamel.
Swelling around the affected tooth is also common, sometimes accompanied by a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing. You might notice increased sensitivity to temperature, or conversely, a complete loss of sensation in the tooth.
The Dangerous Journey of an Untreated Dead Tooth
When a dead tooth is left untreated, it becomes a ticking time bomb in your mouth. The dead tissue inside provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can multiply rapidly in this oxygen-free environment. These bacteria produce toxins that can seep out through the tooth’s root tip, potentially causing a painful abscess.
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when your body tries to fight the infection. This can cause severe swelling, intense pain, fever, and even difficulty swallowing if the infection spreads. In rare but severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, heart, or bloodstream, creating life-threatening complications.
Beyond the immediate health risks, a dead tooth can also affect your surrounding teeth and gums. The infection can spread to neighboring teeth, potentially causing them to die as well. The bone that supports the tooth may begin to deteriorate, and you might experience persistent bad breath that affects your social interactions and confidence.
Treatment Options: Giving Dead Teeth New Life
The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent options for treating dead teeth. Root canal therapy is the most common and effective treatment, allowing you to keep your natural tooth while eliminating the infection. During this procedure, your dentist removes the dead pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection.
Many people fear root canals, but modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure comfortable and highly successful. After a root canal, the tooth is typically crowned to restore its strength and appearance, giving you many more years of function.
In cases where the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be necessary. However, this creates the need for replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to maintain proper bite function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
Prevention: Keeping Your Teeth Alive and Healthy
Preventing tooth death starts with excellent oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and using antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent the decay and gum disease that often lead to tooth loss.
Protecting your teeth from trauma is equally essential. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing on complex objects like ice or pen caps, and being cautious with activities that could result in facial injury can prevent traumatic tooth death.
Regular dental checkups are crucial for the early detection and treatment of problems before they become serious. Your dentist can identify cavities, cracks, or other issues that might compromise your tooth’s vitality and address them promptly.
Conclusion
Understanding the life of a dead tooth empowers you to recognize warning signs and seek treatment before complications arise. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain, notice color changes, or want to maintain optimal oral health, professional dental care is essential.
At Carrum Downs Dental, located at Shop T5, 100 Hall Road, Carrum Downs, our experienced team is committed to helping you maintain healthy, vital teeth throughout your life. We understand that dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule, which is why we’re open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Our comprehensive approach to dental care ensures that whether you need preventive treatment, root canal therapy, or emergency care for a dead tooth, you’ll receive the highest quality treatment in a comfortable, caring environment.
Don’t let a dead tooth compromise your health and well-being. Contact Carrum Downs Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward optimal oral health.
During pregnancy, women experience numerous body changes, and this includes changes in the oral cavity that can highly affect their oral health. Therefore, pregnant women must be fully aware of these changes so that they can take positive oral health care measures. Pregnancy leads to hormonal changes thus increasing the risk of developing cavities, pregnancy tumour (pyogenic granuloma), pregnancy gingivitis, tooth erosion, and gum disease. All of these oral problems can become intense affecting the health of the unborn baby.
So, here are some tips to help you maintain your good dental health during pregnancy.
– Eat a Balanced Diet
You are probably experiencing all sorts of crazy food cravings now that you are pregnant, however, try as much as possible to avoid sugary and acidic foods such as sodas and candies. These foods can destroy your tooth enamel and encourage bacterial growth. Hormonal changes already make you prone to gum infections and all the health complications that come with it. Therefore, you do not want to add fuel to the fire. Also, you must take a lot of calcium since your baby’s teeth need it for proper development. Some of the great sources of calcium are leafy greens and dairy products such as milk and yogurt.
– Turn Flossing into a Daily Routine
Pregnancy increases your risk of developing gum disease. About 40% of pregnant women develop gum disease sometime during their pregnancy. To prevent this, it is advisable that you floss regularly. Flossing once a day helps to remove bacteria and clean out food remains that are stuck in between your teeth thus keeping them from turning into plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that can lead to gum irritation and eventually resulting in gum disease. However, if you are already suffering from gum disease, visit your dentist immediately. When gum disease is not treated soon enough, it might turn into periodontitis which is a more severe problem that can destroy your jawbone and gums.
– Chew Gum with Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener which helps to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. It is advisable that you chew gum with xylitol or rinse your mouth with fluoride to reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chew the gum three to four times a day, especially after eating.
– Do not Brush after Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is most common during the first three months of pregnancy, and it can increase the level of acidity in your mouth hence eroding the tooth enamel. After an episode of morning sickness rinse your mouth with water rather than brushing your teeth immediately. Rinsing your mouth will give saliva time to neutralize the acidic effects, and then brush your teeth an hour later.
– Visit the Dentist
Visiting the dentist during pregnancy will ensure that your mouth is in perfect condition. Get the necessary treatment before you deliver the baby and take care of your mouth after the baby is born.
Bottom Line
If you are experiencing any oral problems or you want to have the peace of mind that comes with regular dental check-ups, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic. Our friendly and approachable dentists would be glad to answer any of your questions and to help keep your mouth healthy during your pregnancy.
What are the causes of sensitive teeth how to prevent it
Does the taste of ice cream or some hot coffee bring a sharp shooting pain to your tooth? Do you feel some discomfort whenever you breathe some cold air, brush your teeth or consume sweet, sour, or cold food? If this is the case for you, then you have sensitive teeth. Thousands of people in Australia suffer from tooth sensitivity which can occur at any time. The pain resulting from a sensitive tooth is usually a sudden, sharp, and shooting pain.
This article will take a look at some of the causes of tooth sensitivity and what you can do to prevent it.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
– Bruxism or Tooth Grinding
Bruxism is a very common problem, especially amongst individuals who are suffering from anxiety or stress. In most cases, bruxism occurs at night during sleep. If you do grind your teeth at night, the condition may be difficult to diagnose though your dentist can examine your tooth for any signs of broken or worn-out tooth enamel.
– Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks are another major cause of tooth sensitivity. Foods and drinks such as sodas, red wine, acidic fruits, and energy drinks can eat away the enamel over time. A majority of people worsen this condition by brushing their teeth immediately after eating such foods. Foods and drinks that are acidic can weaken the enamel temporarily. So, brushing your teeth immediately after may cause scratches on the enamel.
– Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common problem mostly among the elderly. It is associated with symptoms such as bleeding immediately after brushing or flossing, sore gums, receding gums, and puffy and painful gums. Your dentist can easily tell if you are suffering from gum disease and can help you lessen or reverse the condition. As gum disease progresses, the gum pulls further away from the tooth. This, in turn, exposes the root of the teeth which has no protective layer of enamel. So, the teeth will experience sensitivity whenever it is exposed to certain factors such as a change in temperatures.
How to prevent Tooth Sensitivity
– Use Toothpaste Meant for Sensitive Teeth
Some types of toothpaste are formulated in a way that they can help relieve and even prevent any pain and discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity. Such toothpaste contains some special ingredients that can protect your teeth from sensitivity. Due to the many products available on the market, it can be a doubting task to choose the most appropriate one. Thus, it is important that you speak to your dentist to help you choose the most appropriate one.
– Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth can bring detrimental effects to your enamel. If you have such a problem, talk to your dentist to design a mouth guard for you.
– Reduce Taking Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks have a damaging effect on the enamel, making them more sensitive. Try and take healthy meals that can strengthen your enamel such as fish, eggs, and almonds.
Bottom Line:
If you constantly experience tooth sensitivity due to different reasons, it may be time to talk to your dentist about the available treatment options. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group for tooth sensitivity treatment. Our dentist will examine your teeth and diagnose the possible problem causing your sensitivity and the most appropriate way to treat the problem. Contact us today for more information.
As you get old, it becomes more important for you to take proper care of your oral health. One common misconception as you age is that losing your teeth is inevitable. However, this is not true. If you do take proper care of your dental health and visit your dentist regularly, your teeth can last you a lifetime. Your mouth changes as you get old. The nerves in your teeth become smaller, thus making your teeth less sensitive to cavities and other oral issues. If you skip your routine dental exams, this may lead to these oral problems not being treated until it is too late. Therefore, if you want to stay healthy, feel good about yourself and look great throughout your life, you might be surprised at the difference a healthy mouth can make. Below are some simple tips on how to keep good dental hygiene as you get old.
– Brush your Teeth Gently and often
Most people tend to overlook their overall health and wellness as they age since they no longer have to go to work daily or shuffle the kids around all the time. However, in reality, one should do the opposite, especially when it comes to oral health. As one becomes older, the teeth and gums certainly have more wear and tear than the younger years. Therefore, it is important to brush gently and thoroughly and not to over brush.
– Clean your Dentures Daily
Oral routine for those wearing dentures may be a little different from those who don’t, but still, good oral hygiene is still a priority. Always ensure that you follow your dentist’s instructions on how to keep your dentures and the rest of your mouth clean.
– Quit Smoking
Use of tobacco or its products can increase the risk of damaging your teeth and oral tissues by reducing the oxygen amount in your blood and lowering your immune system. Smokers are at high risk of acquiring gum disease, so when combined with the usual aging process, it can be quite a task to maintain proper oral hygiene.
– Stay Hydrated
The issue of having a dry mouth is in no way connected with age. However, with so many regular medications can increase the risk of having a dry mouth. A dry mouth can affect the fitting of dentures and increase risks of infections. Therefore, it is important to keep your mouth hydrated at all times.
– Visit your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly will help you identify any potential oral problem at its earliest stage. Your dentist may also give you a professional deep tooth cleaning, which helps to get to all the hard to reach places leaving your teeth and gums clean.
Bottom Line:
So, whether it has been a while since you last visited your dentist or have never committed to taking proper care of your teeth, now is the time to start making your oral hygiene a priority. At Carrums Downs Dental Clinic we love taking care of patients of all ages, and our hearts have a special place for the old age. Feel free to call or book an appointment with us today.
A dental emergency is something severe that needs urgent treatment by a dentist. Overlooking a dental emergency can lead to serious permanent damage and complications to your oral health. It can also result in high treatment expenses the longer you wait. A dental emergency can happen to anyone and at any time when you least expect it. It can happen during an intense soccer game while eating your favourite caramel apple at the fair or even be caused by tooth decay and infection. Whatever the cause of your dental emergency, your teeth will probably need immediate professional assistance. This article is going to discuss more about the ways to avoid these dental emergencies and some of these dental emergencies.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Deal with them.
– Broken or Fractured Tooth
Your teeth can break or fracture due to trauma, severe tooth decay, clenching your jaw or biting down on a hard object. Your tooth may also fracture if you keep grinding your teeth at night. In some cases, fractured or broken teeth may extend to the sensitive parts of the teeth leading to severe pain. In case you notice a fractured or broken tooth, it is recommended to visit your dentist immediately to prevent further complications and reduce the pain.
It is also important to note that there are three different types of teeth fractures which are managed differently. A tooth fracture can be either minor, moderate or severe and only the dentist can decide on the levels of damage. The proper action in each case involves:
For the minor Fracture: Usually, the fracture is smoothened, and the tooth is restored.
Moderate Fracture: This category of damage means that the enamel and the dentin covering the tooth is damaged. Damage to the pulp is also included in this category. The tooth can be saved in case the pulp is not severely damaged and if the pulp is damaged more treatment is necessary.
Severe Fracture: Normally, this means that the tooth cannot be repaired. However, it is always important to leave it to the dentist to make such a decision. The dentist may find a way out to solve the problem.
However, here are some helpful steps that can be taken at home while you make an appointment with your dentist:
Rinse your mouth and the tooth fragment with some warm water.
If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the affected area for 1o-15 minutes.
Apply a cold compress on your cheek to alleviate the pain and swelling.
If there is no way, you can see the dentist immediately, cover the affected area with some dental cement.
You can also take a topical pain reliever to lessen the pain.
– Knocked out Tooth or Avulsed Tooth
It happens when someone knocks out a tooth or two out of their mouth. A knocked out tooth is a quite severe case because if it’s not treated as soon as possible, it may lead to permanent damage. Dental implants and bridges are always the only treatment option for a knocked out tooth. If you rush to the dentist immediately after your tooth is knocked out, you could potentially save the tooth. Here are some of the steps to take when you have a knocked out tooth:
Pick up the tooth by its crown and rinse it under warm water. Avoid touching the root of the tooth.
If possible place the tooth back to its socket and if it is the impossible to place it into the cheek pouch.
In case the tooth cannot be tucked in the mouth, put it into a cup of milk or saliva. It is imperative to keep the tooth moist.
Contact your dentist immediately.
– A constant and Severe Toothache
The chances are you’ve had many people complain of a toothache, and as much as this is intense pain, most people seem to ignore it or end up addressing the pain other than the actual cause of the pain. Tooth pain can be a signal for something serious happening to your tooth. Some of the causes of a toothache include exposed tooth roots, tooth decay and gum disease. It can be quite challenging to distinguish the source of the pain by yourself; the pain could be caused by chewing muscle spasms or even jaw joint diseases. Therefore, do not hesitate to visit your dentist immediately since toothaches can be quite serious. The dentist will take x-rays to know the exact cause of a toothache, identify the severity of the issue as well as prescribe some antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
– A Lost Dental Filling
A dental filling does not last a lifetime. It is normal for them to become loose and fall out after many years of chewing. It is easy to note when a tooth filling is missing since your tooth will become highly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and pressure while you eat. In case you lose your tooth filling and are experiencing severe tooth pain, contact your dentist for help immediately to avoid any further damage.
– Injuries to the Jaw
Since your jaw is directly connected to your ability to breath and eat, this emergency is a critical one. Astonishingly so, it is very common to find so many people injuring their jaws as a result of car accidents and sports injuries. This type of dental emergency definitely needs some quick dentist help and attention. Also, it is common for a jaw tobe dislocated when acted on by a strong force.
– Bleeding Mouth
There are countless reasons why your mouth could bleed. When your mouth bleeds while brushing or flossing it could be a sign that there is food remains below your gums, high amount of bacteria present or minor gum inflammation. Your mouth may also bleed if you accidentally bit your lip, tongue or the soft tissues in your mouth. If the bitten area is bleeding in excess, apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. Also, swish your mouth with some salt-water solution. Ensure to hold gauze on the area for 15-1o minutes to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists, contact your dentist on the same day while you keep on applying pressure on the bleeding site as you wait to see your dentist.
– Stuck objects between your Teeth or Under the Gums
In case an object gets stuck between your teeth try to remove it using a dental floss before rushing to the dentist. You can make several knots in your dental floss to assist dislodge the stuck object. If the object still fails to get out, make sure that you make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Avoid using any sharp objects because they can damage the surface of your tooth and cut your gums.
– Loose Permanent Tooth or Tooth out of Alignment
When a permanent tooth has been loosened or dislodged from its socket due to tooth decay or trauma, it can be possible to salvage and save it. If the loose tooth is still attached to the nerves and blood vessels, there is a high possibility that root canal treatment will not be required.
Here are steps to take when you have a loose permanent tooth or your tooth is pushed out of position:
Using very little light finger pressure, attempt to reposition your tooth to its normal alignment. However, do not force the tooth.
Then bite down to keep your tooth from moving while you seek immediate dental attention.
– Loss of a dental Crown
Your dental crown can also fall out if the natural teeth underneath are seriously affected by tooth decay. When your tooth is severely damaged,and a large cavity is formed, the tooth may change its shape so the dental crown may no longer fit properly. In case you lose your dental crown make sure that you see your dentist as soon as possible.
If your dental crown has fallen out and the dentist cannot be accessed immediately, here are the steps to take:
Apply clove oil to the tooth to reduce the pain.
Rinse your dental crown and try to fix it back to your tooth with some dental cement.
In case you’ve lost the crown, smear some cement on top of the tooth to reduce the discomfort.
Also, do not use any kind of glue to try fixing the crown.
– A Swollen Face
Facial swelling may occur when your immune system reacts to an allergen or infection. The inflammation can occur in your gums and cheeks. It is essential to seek medical attention urgently since the inflammation can easily spread toother parts of your jaw, mouth and face.
– Loose Band/ Damaged Wire Brackets/ Braces
Contact your dentist immediately in case you experience any damage to your braces. If a wire from your brackets gets broken, it is recommended to push it into a comfortable position and then make an appointment with your dentist. In case you cannot adjust the wire into a comfortable position cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax, a cotton ball or a piece of gauze as you wait to see your dentist. Also, avoid cutting the broken wire since you can accidentally swallow it or breathe it into your lungs which can be disastrous. Additionally, if your band becomes loose, save it and book an appointment with your dentist to have it replaced or re-cemented. Also, in case your wire brackets are loose you can temporarily reattach them using an orthodontic wax while you wait to see your dentist.
– A Tooth Abscess
An abscess is an infection that occurs in the space between the gums and teeth or around the root of a tooth. This is a serious infection that can cause damage to the soft tissues of the mouth and surrounding teeth. The infection can also spread to the other parts of the body if it is not treated on time. If you notice a pimple-like swelling on your gums that usually causes a lot of pain, ensure to see your dentist immediately due to the serious oral and overall body health problems that can be caused by an abscess.
Ways to Avoid Dental Emergencies
As much as there is no real way to avoid all dental emergencies, especially those caused by some sort of trauma. There are a few preventative measures that you can take to help prevent a dental emergency before it occurs. Here is a look at some of the ways to avoid dental emergencies.
– Establish oral Health Routines
One of the most effective ways to avoid any dental emergency is by making sure that you have established a proper dental hygiene routine at home. This includes flossing at least once in a day and brushing your teeth twice in a day, even though it is much better to brush after every meal. It is also important to be keen with your flossing to remove that food debris that your toothbrush cannot clean. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will not only keep oral bacteria away from weakening your tooth enamel but also control the bacteria from weakening your oral health system. Establishing a proper dental hygiene routine at home is important in preventing tooth decay, which can lead to toothaches and other oral problems if it’s left untreated.
– Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
The fact is that we have all used our teeth as tools. We have once in a while opened up a bag of chips or a wrapper with our teeth. The main problem is, this bad habit can possibly result in major oral issues more often than we may think. In case you have some bonding or a tiny crack in your teeth that you did not know existed, you could easily end up cracking or even breaking off your tooth. Not using your teeth as tools is a simple way to avoid any dental emergency.
– Use Protective Mouthguards
Always use a protective mouth guard to protect your teeth if you play a sport where your teeth could come in contact with the sports equipment, hard surfaces or even the other players. Custom made mouth guards from the dentist are much more comfortable and offer superior protection for athletes of all ages than those you can buy from the store. Also, if you suffer from unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching, it is important that you consistently wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage results from repeated teeth grinding. These mouth guards provide a physical barrier between your teeth, thus protecting your smiles from damage.
– Add a Good Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash to your oral Hygiene Routine
As much as brushing and flossing your teeth are important, adding a good anti-bacterial mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene will come in as a major bonus. A good anti-bacterial mouthwash will help to kill even more oral bacteria, leaving your mouth fresh and clean. Also, it will help to reduce the high amount of bacteria around and below your gums that can increase the risk of getting gum disease or lead to tooth decay. Additionally, some mouthwashes contain fluoride in them. Fluoride is helpful for your teeth because it helps to strengthen your enamel, thus making them strong and resistant to the cavity-causing plaque. Mouthwashes will not only improve your oral health and help you to avoid dental emergencies such as toothaches, but also help you in treating and preventing oral problems like bad breath.
– Kick out Bad Habits
There are some bad oral habits that you can change to reduce your risks for experiencing a dental emergency. Some of these bad oral habits include the use of tobacco since it increases building up of plaque and tartar that leads to feel free to contact us today severe tooth decay. Chewing on ice is also harmful to your teeth as it can subtly chip away the enamel and lead to teeth sensitivity. Also, eating tough foods, biting down on hard candy, biting your fingernails, pen caps or any hard objects can result in a dental emergency as this can easily crack or chip your tooth.
– Stick to Eating a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet can re-mineralise and strengthen your teeth, hence making them less prone to fractures or cracks. Eating foods such as nuts, lean protein, vegetables and dairy products will help your teeth to become strong and healthy, thereby making it possible for them to fight off decay. However, on the other hand, foods that contain high amounts or acid and sugar can result in enamel erosion, teeth sensitivity and increase the risks of tooth decay.
– Receive Regular Dental Check-ups and Professional Cleaning
Another most important dental health routine that you should keenly follow to avoid dental emergencies is to receive regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning. These regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the health of your whole mouth. During these dental check-ups, the dentist will analyse your entire oral cavity and look for any potential concern or problem that can result in major oral problems that may lead to a dental emergency. Use of diagnostics such as x-rays and physical examinations will help the dentist to check whether your teeth are prone to decay or damage long before the problem actually shows any noticeable signs. And if your teeth are vulnerable to decay or damage, the dentist will provide preventable treatments to strengthen your teeth and prevent any further issues. Professional cleanings are also vital to remove build up plaque and tartar that you are not able to clean out with your regular teeth brushing and flossing. It is also vital to note that going for regular check-ups and cleanings is cheaper than going to the dentist for a dental emergency.
– Prepare a Dental Emergency Kit
Due to the many oral health risks at play, it is important always to be prepared. You can pack your dental emergency kit with some helpful items such as a card with your dentist’s phone number, saline solution, handkerchiefs, gauze and a small container with a lid.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
As much as you are now fully aware of the ways to avoid some of the most common types of dental emergencies, there are always some possibilities of unexpected misfortune happening. In case you find yourself with a throbbing toothache or any other kind of traumatic situation, here are two important things to keep in mind.
– Always remain calm
It is important not to panic even though you may be experiencing some momentary shock after a distressing occurrence has happened. This is because in this situation time is of the essence and your next step is crucial to getting the necessary care that you need. Therefore, take a deep breath, try to relax and then move forward.
– Contact your Dentist
After calming yourself down, contact or head out to your dental office and let the staff in the clinic know what you are going through so that they can help you walk through the next steps.
Bottom Line
Do not spend a lot of money on an emergency room visit due to a preventable dental emergency. This will not only cost you, but it will also cost the entire health care system. Maintaining regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning is a great way of achieving the best oral health and preventing dental emergencies. Therefore, our dentists at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic highly recommend that you take a proactive approach and schedule for your initial appointment with us today. Our experienced dentists are happy and glad to help patients who are going through a dental emergency. In most instances, our dentists can see you on the same day that you are experiencing the emergency. We will get started immediately and help you relieve the pain while starting to renew your damaged smile immediately. Feel free to contact us today, if you have any questions or concerns about how to improve your dental health so as to avoid dental emergencies.
