Dental Emergencies Can Happen Anywhere

Just imagine being all dressed up for your work Christmas party only to experience a Dental Emergency. Spending a couple of hours to get ready only to be rewarded with a broken tooth, lost filling or chipped veneer is the last thing you need, but accidents happen, and a Dental Emergency is something that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Losing a filling or crown, which covers large fillings, root canals, Dental Implants and other dental restorations can be hiding new dental caries. That tooth decay will destroy the restorations causing them to become loose or fall out completely.

Although the loss of a filling or crown isn’t as noteworthy as a knocked out tooth it can still be described as a Dental Emergency. Colgate explains that losing a crown or filling can hurt, as the exposed tissue on the tooth will become sensitive to hot and cold, air or pressure. If you can, save the crown and the filling, keep it in a safe place, and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

You can still attend that long awaited Christmas party, but don’t leave it too long. The tooth under your crown is not as strong and is susceptible to damage until you have it repaired. Your dentist also explains that missing crowns could cause your teeth to move in order to fill the space where the crown used to be. If this occurs, you will have to have a new crown made, as your old crown will not fit. If you lose a crown, apply clove oil to the area using a Q-Tip. This will relieve some of the pain before your dental appointment. Clove oil is available at your pharmacy or the grocery store in the spices aisle.

If your crown is still intact, try slipping it back over your tooth. Make sure that you clean the inside of the crown before cementing with tooth cement, available from your pharmacist. If you are unable to find tooth cement, you can use Vaseline or a denture adhesive. Keep in mind that these are not permanent solutions and are only temporary fixes. Never use Super Glue. Not only is it unsafe if ingested, household adhesives can also damage the crown and the tooth.

Place dental cement or one of the other suggestions above directly on to the tooth if you have lost the crown or the filling as this helps to seal the tooth. Call your dentist immediately as bacteria and food particles can easily seep into the damaged area.

Remember, your dentist may have to prepare your tooth as the shape may have changed because of tooth decay. Without proper preparation, your crown will not fit. If this occurs, it will eventually come off and have to be replaced again.

If you have lost a filling, your dentist will remove the tooth decay that may have developed between your tooth and the old filling before placing a new resin or amalgam restoration. 

It Begins with a Good Preventive Dentistry Plan

Preventive Dentistry is the most important thing to remember when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, good oral hygiene can help prevent serious and even fatal diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you are unsure about Preventive Dentistry. During your checkup, a list of good Preventive Dentistry habits will help you and your family keep your natural teeth for a good number of years.

Brushing twice and flossing once each day is the first step when it comes to Preventive Dentistry. Your dentist recommends that you swap out your old soft bristled brush for a new one about four times a year. Make sure that you use a soft bristled toothbrush as anything harder could cause damage to your gums. Use fluoride toothpaste and be sure that you check out the list of recommended dental products on the American DentalAssociation website.

Flossing is imperative if you want to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Floss between your teeth shaping the floss like a V around each tooth.

Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and film that causes bad breath. Use your toothbrush, or purchase an ADA approved tongue scraper from your local pharmacy.

One of the biggest things people leave out when it comes to Preventive Dentistry is regular dental checkups. Again, the ADA recommends that you schedule appointments with your dentist twice a year, even more so if you have bleeding gums or a nagging toothache that just won’t go away.

When you visit your dentist, you will be given an oral cancer screening along with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. X-rays will also be taken in order to detect any problems that may be going on with your dental restorations.

It’s never too late to begin a good Preventive Dentistry plan, even if you haven’t seen a dentist in years. Schedule your dental appointment today.