Know What To Do If You Ever Face A Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are frightening, and sometimes painful. To relieve discomfort and ensure the teeth have the highest possible chance of survival, timely care is always essential.

Occasionally, teeth get broken by scratching, scraping or chewing on hard surfaces. In other situations, they can get damaged by fillings, crowns, and other restorative devices, or fully fall out of the mouth. If there is extreme pain, it is important to make an appointment as soon as possible with the dentist. Without care, the pain caused by dental emergencies often gets worse and dental complications can seriously endanger physical health.

Types of dental emergencies and how to treat them

A knocked out tooth

When a tooth is knocked out of the mouth, having a dentist immediately is important. Once a tooth is knocked out, it affects the gums, nerves and blood vessels. If the tooth can be placed back in its socket within an hour, then there is a possibility that the tissues can expand again to support the tooth.

Here are a few steps to follow:

Call the dentist.
Rinse the tooth by the crown under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
Place it back in its socket if necessary.
When the tooth can not be put in the mouth, as a last resort, place the tooth in a cup of milk,saliva, or water. It ‘s critical that the tooth does not dry out.
Get to dentist, quick.
In his normal hole, the dentist must primarily try to restore your tooth. In some cases, the tooth may re-attach, but if the teeth ‘s internal structures are seriously damaged, root canal therapy may be required.

Lost filling or crown

A crown or filling usually comes loose when eating on tough surfaces or due to a dental injury. Once out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be highly sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. Crowns typically become loose as the underside of the tooth decays. The decay induces changes in the shape of the teeth – which means the crown no longer fits.

If a crown falls from the mouth, start making a dental appointment as early as possible. Keep the crown in a clean, safe place, because the dentist may be able to reinsert it. If the crown is long out of the mouth, the teeth can move or suffer further damage.

Here are the steps to take when the dentist is not immediately accessible:

To soothe pain, put some clove oil to the tooth.
Restore the crown and place it back with dental cement onto the tooth. This can be acquired at the local pharmacy.
DO NOT use any form of glue to add crown.

The dentist tests the crown to see whether it still fits. If it does, it is connected to the tooth again. In some cases, you might need a new crown, for which you need to undergo a dental crown procedure. This will be done where decay is noted and a new crown will be made.

Teeth missing or damaged

The teeth are sturdy but still vulnerable to fractures, cracks, and breaks. Fractures are sometimes fairly painless, but if the fracture reaches down to the root, the pain is likely to be severe. Fractures, cracks, and breaks can take various forms, but are usually caused by rubbing, grinding, and biting. There is no alternative to seeing the dentist as quickly as possible if a tooth has been broken or cracked.

Where a tooth fragment has been broken off, here are some steps you can take at home:

Call the dentist.
Rinse with lukewarm water on the tooth fragment and lips.
If bleeding is present, apply gauze to the area for ten minutes.
Hold a cool, damp dishtowel on the cheek to alleviate pain and swelling.
When there is no way to see the dentist immediately, cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental adhesives.
Take a pain reliever.

The essence of the crack or fracture will limit what the dentist can do. When a fracture or crack grows into the root, root canal therapy may be the only reliable way of retaining the tooth. In the event of a complete split, the dentist will usually add the fragment back as a temporary measure to restore the tooth.

Dislodged / loose teeth

It could be rescued if a tooth has been displaced or loosened from its socket by damage or decay. If the tooth stays in the mouth and attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is no need for a good chance of root canal therapy.

To make an appointment, it is necessary to call the dentist immediately. In the meantime, use over-the-counter and cold compress drugs to relieve pain. The dentist must reposition the tooth and apply splints to keep it secure. If the tooth is not healing, it may need root canal therapy.

Please contact your emergency dentist in Jacksonville FL if you have any questions or concerns about any dental emergencies. We are open for all sorts of dental emergencies with the highest safety standards amid COVID-19.

Root Canal Therapy: Everything You Need To Know

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a curative dental treatment. This involves taking the pulp and surrounding tissues of a tooth out and filling the area with a dental filling. It is one of the most common dental procedures and is usually a result of severe dental cavities. It is also called endodontic therapy in dentistry.

Why do you need root canal therapy?

You need root canal therapy when you have a condition called pulpitis. Pulpitis is a condition in which the pulp of a tooth is contaminated with bacteria. This happens when bacteria penetrate a tooth or the pulp of a tooth has been exposed.

Why you may get pulpitis

You may need pulpitis broadly because of two reasons. The first is the most common of the two- poor oral health. When plaque and tartar have built up on your teeth, they can form cavities if not cleaned. Untreated dental cavities let bacteria further penetrate the tooth to reach the pulp of the tooth.

You may also get pulpitis if the pulp of a tooth has been exposed. This may happen due to a dental injury. When you have a chipped or cracked tooth, the innermost layer can get exposed to the bacteria inside your mouth.

Symptoms that you may need root canal therapy

Often times, pulpitis could go unnoticed. This is because the symptoms may feel very subtle in the beginning. It’s only at an advanced stage that you feel like something’s seriously wrong with your tooth. To stay ahead, look for these common symptoms that you need root canal treatment:

- Heightened teeth sensitivity
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food.
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen gums around a particular tooth.

The root canal treatment procedure

1. At first, the dentist will create an access hole in your infected tooth.
2. Dental files will be used to pull out the infected pulp and surrounding tissues through the access hole.
3. A dental filling called Gutta Percha will be used to fill the hollow area.

Is a root canal treatment Painful?

A root canal treatment probably wouldn’t hurt you at all. This is because firstly, the dentist will provide sedation to you to ensure a painless dental procedure. Secondly, due to pulpitis, nerve tissues around the pulp could be too much damaged to transfer distress signals.

Often, the nerve tissues do stay proactive despite the infection. What if you can’t find a dentist who provides sedation in that case? Don’t panic! You can get the best dentist for root canal treatment near you in Jacksonville FL who offers sedation, here.

Dental Fear in Children: Brought on by parents?

A study conducted in Washington State in 2004 and another conducted in Madrid, Spain in 2012 both reported findings that support a direct relationship between parents’ dental fear and their child’s fear of the dentist.

The Washington study examined dental fear among 421 children ages 0.8 to 12.8 years old. They were patients at 21 different private pediatric dental practices in western Washington state. The Spanish study observed 183 children between the ages of seven and 12 as well as their parents.

The Washington study used responses from both parents and the Dental Sub-scale of the Child Fear Survey Schedule. The survey consisted of 15 questions, which invited answers based on the child’s level of fear. The scale was one to five: one meant the child wasn’t afraid at all, and five indicated he or she was terrified. The maximum possible points (based on the greatest fear) was 75.

Spanish researchers found a direct connection between parental dental fear levels and those among their kids. The most important new discovery from the Madrid study was that the greater the fear a father had of going to the dentist, the higher the level of fear among the other family members.

Parents, but especially fathers, who feared dental procedures appeared to pass those fears along to every member of the family. Parents can still have some control over fear levels in their children. It is best not to express your own concerns in front of kids; instead, explain why going to the dentist is important.

Dr. Franklin Rios and our team work hard to make your child’s visit at our Jacksonville office as comfortable as possible. We understand some patients may be more fearful than others, and will do our best to help ease your child’s anxiety.

Pregnancy: What should I know about my oral care?

Dr. Franklin Rios and our team at Baymeadows Park Dental know this is an exciting time as you anticipate the arrival of your new little one. We want to take this opportunity to provide you with some important information pertaining to your oral health during pregnancy. Just as the rest of your body is changing, the amount of bacteria in your mouth also changes. Scientists don’t understand all the reasons why, but during pregnancy, your mouth is more susceptible to bacterial complications that could result in increased risk for gingivitis or periodontal disease. What researchers do know is the change in hormones creates a more favorable environment for gum infections and diseases when you are pregnant.

You may experience an increase in gingivitis, even while continuing with regular daily brushing and flossing, and routine semi-annual month cleanings. You will likely complain of increased bleeding of the gums with routine daily care and more tenderness in the mouth. This is due, in part, to the increased blood flow and volume that naturally occurs with pregnancy. There is a greater amount of blood flowing through your veins, which translates into slightly engorged gum tissues. If gingivitis prevails, you may also experience pain and tenderness. We can help you navigate through your specific needs.

Brushing your teeth two times a day may not be quite enough. Similarly, if you only floss on occasion, consider making this activity a daily habit. Mouthwash is also advised, or sometimes a mild saltwater rinse may feel better than a commercial brand. Consider other products with xylitol and a WaterPik for additional cleaning.

Finally, we now know that bacteria in the mouth circulate throughout the body. These harmful bacteria compromise your immune system and may increase your risk for respiratory illness and cause other strains on your immune system. Remember that nutrients as well as pathogens are shared with your baby. If you feel tired or tempted to slack on your home-care routine, remember the importance and implications of your daily decisions on how your care for your oral health.

Contact our convenient Jacksonville location if you have more specific questions. We’re here to help you!

What’s on your fall reading list?

How better to spend the fall months than inside by the fireplace with a warm cup of cider and a book in hand? Dr. Franklin Rios and our team at Baymeadows Park Dental encourage you to warm up your mind this fall season with a few great books. Sure it may be easy to put off reading when balancing a hectic schedule, but reading is vital to brain development. Besides, reading is always a blast!

This week, we thought we’d ask what you or your child are reading this fall. Do you have any suggestions for must-read books this year? Out of ideas for great fall reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian here in Jacksonville for some ideas.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your fall picks or your all-time favorites below or on our Facebook page!

Most Valuable Dental Treatments

At Baymeadows Park Dental, we work to find a dental plan that will work best and most effectively for you. But we’ve found that three treatments tend to be the most common and useful. If you ever find yourself in any of the following situations, we suggest you look at these options.

If you’ve lost teeth due to trauma, fracture, or decay, dental implants are a great choice. With all the technology available to us now, dental implants look and function exactly the way a natural tooth would. They blend in perfectly and are custom made to fit you. They’re a great investment that will restore the balance to your smile.

If you struggle with stress and catch yourself clenching or grinding your jaw, you may want to consider a bite guard. Constant grinding of teeth is dangerous for fillings and crowns, as well as natural teeth. It can cause serious joint inflammation as well as headaches. Luckily, bite guards can be worn night or day (depending on what you need), and are a great way to prevent further grinding.

Finally, there’s teeth whitening. It’s not uncommon for patients to want to brighten their smile, and the best way to do it by far is with in-office tooth whitening. There are many DIY options out there, of course, but in-office whitening has greater benefits.

When the whitening gel is applied to your teeth, we make sure your gums are protected. The results are generally faster and last longer with this approach, as well. Other methods may work, but they typically don’t last as long; sometimes they may not fully whiten all areas of your teeth.

No treatment is as easy and free of challenges as it seems. You still have to care for implants like regular teeth, which means no skimping on brushing and flossing just because they’re fake. Bite guards must be worn regularly to be effective. They also must be customized for your teeth; otherwise, they can be uncomfortable.

Whitening may cause temporary sensitivity in some mouths. For others, genetics may prevent you from achieving the precise shade you want.

If you have additional questions, feel free to call our Jacksonville office. Our team is here to help you achieve your best possible smile!

Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

Depending on how long the thumb sucking or constant pacifier use continues, and how aggressively the child sucks a thumb or the pacifier, it can indeed be an oral health issue. Generally speaking, most children outgrow these behaviors or are able to be weaned off them successfully sometime between ages two and four. When children wean off the behaviors in this age range, long-term damage is unlikely.

Why Kids Suck Their Thumb or Pacifier

Both of these habits are actually a form of self soothing that your child likely uses when he or she is very upset, or feeling stressed, confused, frustrated, or unable to properly express the emotions. If your son or daughters is a regular thumb sucker, or the child wants to use the pacifier almost constantly, it is best to try to taper off these habits at a young age.

If your child continues to suck a thumb or request a pacifier consistently after leaving toddler-hood, this could be a source of concern, and it should be addressed with Dr. Franklin Rios and our staff. We will be able to evaluate your child’s mouth to look for any signs of damage such as palate changes or teeth shifting.

Say Goodbye to Old Habits

In the event that your child is quite reluctant to give up a pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, there are a few things you can do to discourage these behaviors.

When you notice that your child is not using a pacifier or sucking a thumb, offer effusive praise. This type of positive reinforcement can be much more effective than scolding the child.
Consider instituting a reward system for giving up the habit. If the child goes a certain amount of time without this behavior, award him or her for being such a “big kid.”
Employ the help of older siblings or relatives that your child admires. When a child’s role model says that he or she stopped sucking thumbs at a certain age, your child is likely to try to emulate that.

Teeth Grinding: Not just a bad habit, but a dental concern

Perhaps you don’t even know you grind your teeth. Maybe a spouse or loved one woke you up in the middle of the night and made you aware of what was happening.

For many people, teeth grinding is a habit and a mechanical reflex; when they’re awakened and informed they were grinding their teeth, they have no recollection of it at all. According to the American Dental Association, this is the nightly situation for roughly ten percent of Americans. From young children to the elderly, teeth grinding, known in the dental community as bruxism, is a serious concern.

Many people who grind their teeth in their sleep have no idea they’re doing it. In fact, when they wake up in the morning they feel no jaw pain and their teeth are fine: if it hadn’t been for someone telling them about it, the teeth grinding would have gone unnoticed.

There are other people, however, who wake up with jaw pain, shoulder and neck pain, and headaches. Teeth grinding can cause a host of dental complications. From cracked teeth and receding gums to a misaligned jaw, teeth grinding is not something to take lightly.

Preventive measures are the key to combating bruxism, and a visit to Baymeadows Park Dental can set you on the path to a healthy and safe night sleep.

The Reasons for Teeth Grinding

There are many reasons for teeth grinding. For some people, it’s a habit they acquired when they were a child and never grew out of. On the other hand, some research claims that the condition is related to stress, anxiety, or some other type of psychiatric issue.

Still other studies point to everything from poor muscle control or over-eating before bed to gastro-esophageal issues. However, the root cause of the teeth grinding is less important than identifying preventive measures against it.

Common solutions to teeth grinding include:

Wearing a protective nightguard
Stress management techniques
Medications and muscle relaxers

When you make an appointment with Dr. Franklin Rios at our Jacksonville office, we will assess your situation and determine what the best course of action is. Teeth grinding is a dental concern that can cause serious health issues down the road, so be sure to take preventive measures today.

How do I handle my child’s dental emergency?

With children undergoing developmental dental changes and engaging in rough-and-tumble activities, dental emergencies can sometimes arise. If your child knocks out a tooth or experiences any type of oral discomfort, call Baymeadows Park Dental right away so we can provide you with a quick assessment and pain-free treatment.

Before an emergency occurs, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the problems your child may encounter. Here are a few things you should keep in mind about teething pain, loose baby teeth, and other common dental issues.

Teething Pain

Typically occurring in babies that are between four months and two and a half years old, teething may cause excessive drooling, tender gums, and some irritability. Giving your baby a cold teething ring or gently rubbing her gums with wet gauze or your finger may also make her feel better.

Loose Baby Tooth

It is normal for a child’s first set of teeth to become loose and fall out. On the other hand, if your child’s baby tooth is knocked loose, schedule an appointment with our office so we can assess whether any damage has been done.

Issues with Permanent Teeth

Sometimes a child’s permanent teeth will grow in before the baby teeth have fallen out. Even if this condition isn’t causing any discomfort, you should schedule an appointment with our office so we can determine whether your child’s permanent teeth are growing in correctly.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can result from a number of factors, including periodontal disease, rough brushing, or an injury to the gum tissue. If your child’s gums are bleeding heavily, call our office right away so we can address the situation. If you have time before your appointment, wash your child’s mouth with salted water and gently put pressure on the affected area.

Regardless of the type of dental issue your child has, you can always consult Dr. Franklin Rios for further guidance. We make sure our emergency services are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so you have ready access to convenient and professional dental care that will have your child feeling better in no time.

Summer is Almost Here: Tips for a bright, white smile!

Summer is almost here, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is just around the corner for our patients at Baymeadows Park Dental.

Everyone wants a glowing and radiant white smile when the sun comes around and we have a few reminders to keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful over the summer! Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark colored juices. Not only will drinks like this weaken your enamel but they will also darken that fabulous smile you’re working on! Another tip is to try and focus on brushing your teeth; everyone knows that when busy schedules start picking up, getting a good brushing session in tends to take the backseat! A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal you can’t fully brush your teeth after. Your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!

And remember, whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just having fun in the backyard this summer, we want to hear all about it! Make sure to let us know what you’re up to below or on our Facebook page! We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures!

Know What To Do If You Ever Face A Dental Emergency

Category: dental care