What Are Same-Day Crowns

same-day crowns Easton PA

What Are Same Day Crowns?

Dental crowns will provide you with a smile that hides dental imperfections, such as holes, cracks, discoloration, and crooked teeth. Patients who don’t choose a modern dentist will be required at least two visits to complete their dental crown treatment. However, if you find a dentist in Easton, PA, which offers same-day dental crowns, then you can get everything done all at once! Below, we discuss the differences between traditional dental crowns and same-day crowns. 

Comfort & Time

As we’ve previously stated, traditional dental crowns require two visits, sometimes several weeks apart. This is because your dentist is not able to make your restoration in their office. Meaning they have to send your dental impressions to a dental lab. This downtime can be inconvenient for some patients, especially those with poor dental health. Same-day dental crowns are created within the dental office by modern dental technology. After creating impressions of the tooth, detailed digital images captured by our CAD/CAM computer give us the data we need to design your new restoration. 

Quality Material 

At College Hill Dental Group, our same-day dental crowns are made entirely of ceramic. Traditional crowns, on the other hand, maybe made of a variety of materials, including glass, porcelain, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Metal dental crowns are very durable since metal fuses very well to dentin. Our friend, Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, recommends porcelain dental crowns for the most natural look and feel.

Optimal Strength

Dental crowns are a great way to strengthen your smile. Furthermore, materials like leucite-reinforced ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal can only be used to make conventional crowns stronger and more robust. Unfortunately, these products do not have the same aesthetically appealing properties as ceramic. As a result, they are not suitable for a dental crown on your front teeth.

Temporary Crowns

If a patient opts for traditional crowns, your Easton dentist will likely place a temporary crown over your tooth until your permanent crown is ready from the lab. These temporary crowns have many drawbacks. They can be uncomfortable or come loose since they’re not permanent. Same-day crowns reduce the overall need for temporary crowns since it’s all completed in one appointment. 

Aesthetically Pleasing

Patients are pleased to undergo same-day crowns because they look and feel natural. Dr. Dave Moghadam and Dr. Seth Walbridge will perfectly match your new dental crown to your existing smile. You won’t have to worry about a noncohesive smile. Our team will ensure that you’re perfectly happy with your new smile.

Contact College Hill Dental Group

Finding a modern dental office in Easton, PA, is highly recommended, especially in the event that you need emergency dental treatment. If you’re interested in same-day dental crown services, contact College Hill Dental Group today. We will find a solution for your dental needs! Our dental office is welcoming new patients. Ask us about our new patient special today.

Tooth Abscess Stages

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Tooth Abscess Stages

A tooth abscess is a dental problem many patients deal with at one point in their life. An abscess is a mass of pus that grows within a tooth or the structures surrounding it. Tooth abscesses form as a result of a bacterial infection within the tooth, gums, or jaw bone. Infections of this kind may occur as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or a mouth injury. A tooth abscess can worsen or spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Understanding what causes a tooth abscess and the tooth abscess stages will help an individual avoid this dental problem. Below, Dr. Moghadam, an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, discusses the different factors of a tooth abscess.

What’s a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is a mass of pus that forms within a tooth or the structures surrounding it. They occur as a result of a bacterial infection in one of the following areas of the mouth: 

  • The pulp of the tooth, the innermost portion of the tooth, the gums, and the jaw bone.
  • Tooth decay from untreated cavities is the most common cause of tooth abscesses. They can, however, develop as a result of gum disease or an open wound in the mouth.

Tooth decay stages

An abscess is a form of tooth decay in its later stages. The various stages are as follows:

  1. Enamel decay is caused by damage to the tooth’s outermost layer. Some people have no symptoms, whereas others may have increased sensitivity to heat and cold. White spots on the teeth may be caused by enamel deterioration.
  2. Dentin decay: Degeneration of the layer under the enamel of the tooth. Some individuals may experience pain or sensitivity. In certain situations, a clear hole or cavity in the tooth can exist.
  3. Pulp decay occurs as bacteria penetrate deep into the tooth’s innermost layer. Bacteria in the pulp of the tooth may attack the nerve of the tooth, causing excruciating pain. When a nerve is damaged, a person will experience extreme pain at first, followed by no pain at all.
  4. Abscess Form: An abscess develops in the later stages of tooth decay after the bacteria has reached the tooth pulp or has penetrated further into the gums or jawbone. Pressure near the tooth can be felt, as well as swelling and redness of the gums. Our friend, Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says a serious abscess can also result in a fever.
  5. Tooth loss: A badly decayed tooth can break or fall out.

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

An abscess can cause the following symptoms:

  • Tooth pain that can spread to the jaw, ear, or face swelling of the mouth, face, or swollen lymph nodes around the face or neck generally feeling ill a broken tooth
  • Bacteria from a tooth abscess will spread to the bloodstream if not treated. This may lead to the development of a severe and potentially fatal infection known as sepsis.

The following are some of the signs of sepsis/infection:

  • Chills or fever
  • Rapid heartbeat rapid breathing shortness of breath
  • Dizziness, faintness, fatigue, or disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Extreme muscle ache

Causes of Tooth Abscess

Tooth abscesses form when bacteria in the mouth penetrate deep within a tooth or its surrounding structures and grow uncontrollably.

The following are some of the most common causes of a tooth abscess.

Cavities

Many patients experience cavities at some point. When plaque builds, the bacteria in the mouth start to develop plaque. Luckily, plaque can be removed with adequate flossing, brushing, and professional cleanings. However, over time it causes tooth decay. Eventually, an abscess can form if left untreated.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums. Periodontal disease will develop due to plaque, tartar, and cavities. Those who experience gum disease can expect their gums to recede, become swollen and sensitive. As a result, bacteria form within the pockets, causing an abscess.

Injuries 

A tooth abscess can also be caused by an injury to the tooth or its underlying structures. These injuries may be caused by surgery or damage to the mouth.

Treating Tooth Abscess

  • Dr. Moghadam will administer antibiotics to destroy the bacteria and prevent them from spreading while treating a tooth abscess.
  • Filling cavities, treating gum disease with scaling and root planing, which cleans below the gumline
  • Replacing missing or damaged teeth with crowns or implants

Preventing Tooth Abscess

To help avoid dental abscesses, the following steps should be taken:

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly and get rid of as much plaque as possible. Pay close attention to the area just under the gum line, where plaque can hide.
  • To help prevent tooth decay, use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth on a regular basis to remove plaque between your teeth.
  • Make routine preventative dentistry appointments to ensure proper cleaning. A dentist may also extract hardened plaque or tartar that brushing alone cannot remove.
  • Treat diabetes, as well as any other underlying medical condition that can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
  • Visit your dentist for treatment for cavities as soon as possible before bacteria can enter deeper structures of the tooth.
  • A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that occurs as a result of a bacterial infection within the tooth, gum, or jaw.

Tooth abscesses may form as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral trauma. The infection can spread throughout the body, so it’s important to visit your dentist immediately if you’re experiencing a tooth abscess. Contact College Hill Dental Group for quality dental services in Easton, PA.

Oral Health Tips for Halloween

oral health tips for Halloween - College Hill Dental Group

Oral Health Tips for Halloween

Halloween is a night of spooky good fun. Scares are around each corner, with little goblins and ghosts running from door to door collecting their candy. If you ask Dr. Moghadam at College Hill Dental Group, he’ll tell you the scariest part of Halloween might just be those delicious sweet treats. Not only will kids come home with their Halloween buckets overflowing with assorted sugary treats, but the copious amounts of candy in stores makes it tempting for adults too. As your family dentist in Easton, PA, we are dedicated to working with you to help to achieve a healthy smile. This includes helping you to protect your oral wellness from some of the frights of Halloween. In this article, we share some simple oral health tips for Halloween.

Moderation in Treats

We all know that moderation is a key part of almost everything that we do in life, including the sweet treats we love. We aren’t saying you should completely cut out candy and other sweets from your diet.

Taking an approach that focuses on moderation is much better for all involved. Limit your treats to around mealtimes and avoid mindlessly reaching for the delicious mini candies in the bowl.

There is an increase in saliva production during mealtimes. Saliva plays an important role in helping to rinse your mouth of any remaining debris. This includes the sugar that may otherwise cling to your teeth and contribute to cavities.

Drink Plenty of Water

It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in Halloween festivities, to the degree that we neglect to keep hydrated. Keep yourself and your little ones drinking plenty of water, particularly if you will be consuming those sugary treats.

Water can help to keep your body hydrated. It can also help to rinse your teeth and your mouth’s interior when you’re out enjoying your Halloween celebrations.

Be sure to limit or skip those sugar-filled sodas and fruit punches that may flow freely with spooky regularity on Halloween.

Try to Limit Sticky and Hard Treats

If you or your child have fixed traditional braces, you know the importance of skipping those sticky and hard treats. Although these treats are tasty, they can significantly damage the brackets and wires of the braces.

There are also concerns with dental crowns. Hard candies can quickly lead to cracks or other damage to those crowns. If a crown has been damaged or dislodged, you should call before you need to see an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. Unchecked, the damage may allow decay to set in.

These same treats can also be a bad idea for those without braces or crowns. The sugar from that sticky candy may cling to your teeth. It can be hard for the sugar to be washed away without brushing your teeth. So, the sugar could sit on your teeth for hours on end.

Brush, Floss, and Maintain Good Habits

There is no better time to remind everyone in the family of just how important it is to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Children should be using a toothpaste with fluoride in it, and get frequent reminders that brushing after meals will prevent cavities.

This is also a great opportunity to get new toothbrushes. Children are often more likely to use spinning toothbrushes. Choosing a toothbrush with their favorite character on it can help them get excited about brushing again.

Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, says that it’s a good idea to wait half an hour before brushing after eating acidic foods. Acidic foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Brushing too hard can result in damage to the enamel.

If you or your little ones need guidance about the right brushing and flossing habits, remember that your dental hygienist can offer some great tips at your next cleaning.

Skipping Those Prosthetic Toy Teeth

Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to wear fake toy teeth. Even the cutest little vampire could accidentally damage their teeth and gums. What may start as a fun night of Halloween festivities could result in a trip to an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. Some of these toy teeth are also potential choking hazards, which is an extra safety consideration.

Visit Your Easton, PA Dentist

Now that you’ve learned some oral health tips for Halloween, you can enjoy your spooky holiday. Don’t forget to keep up with your routine checkups and cleanings. Preventative dentistry is key to a happy and healthy smile! If you’re interested in dental care in Easton, PA, please contact College Hill Dental Group. Our team is here to serve you and your family.

So, what are your plans for this Halloween? No matter where your Halloween adventures may take you, we hope you stay safe! 

Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist

conquering your fear of the dentist - College Hill Dental Group

Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist

How long do you wait until you call the dentist when you’re feeling discomfort? Quite often, we find that some of our patients only call their dentist in Easton, PA, when their pain is unbearable. So, why do people put off going to the dentist? Great question. As a dentist who’s been serving the Easton, PA community since 1944, we’ve heard and seen it all. Most patients who avoid the dentist are doing so out of fear. Their fear of the dentist can stem from a few different things, whether it be from past dental experiences, myths, etc.

We understand that going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do. However, the longer people put off going to the dentist, the more time and money they will spend. Not to mention the amount of pain or discomfort, their dental problems can cause. 

No need to worry, Dr. David Moghadam, your favorite emergency dentist in Easton, PA, shares some tips for conquering your fear of the dentist. 

Identify the Cause of Your Fear

We understand that not all fear is based on the same experiences and worries. To find the best solution for you to overcome your fear of the dentist, you will need to understand what is triggering this anxiety and fear.

  • Are you worried about pain?
  • Are you concerned about needles?
  • Have you had a bad experience at the dentist?
  • Is it the fear of the unknown?
  • Does the sound of the drill overwhelm you?

We offer a number of solutions to help get you through each concern that you may have. This includes encouraging you to listen to favorite music or a podcast while you’re in the chair, to help you to relax.

Communication Is So Important

Rest assured, we take all of our patients’ concerns very seriously. A good dentist and compassionate team of professionals will encourage you to share your fears and concerns. The more that we know about you and your concerns, the better we can help you. 

We see patients who have a fear of the dentist regularly. Communicate your fears and your needs. This allows us to best support you. We want you to have a positive experience when you are in our hands.

Schedule a Visit to Our Dental Office in Easton, PA

Anxiety can stem from not knowing what will happen. With this in mind, we suggest that you schedule a visit to our office before you come in for treatment. If you do have the ability to come and pay a visit to the office. Our team can help to schedule a good time for you to stop by and meet everyone. Becoming familiar with friendly faces can make the idea of placing your trust in their hands much more manageable.

This visit will also serve as a great opportunity for you to share your fears with the team members. The more that we know, the more support we can offer you.

Schedule Your Appointments Early In The Day

There’s something about getting something over and done with first thing in the morning. Dr. O’Grady, an emergency dentist in Denver, CO, says that if you schedule your appointment first thing, you’ll be able to get your appointment done without needing to spend the day dreading it.

You’ll feel less frazzled and stressed, which will allow you to better focus on working through your fears when you’re in the chair.

Make Your Needs Clear

While our dental professionals are skilled at understanding the assortment of noises our patients make when working on their teeth, sometimes clear communication is the better way. Before treatment, make your needs clear. Establish a clear signal for stop, so your dentist can stop if you need to take a break.

Ask for music, blankets, and other comforts if you need them. At College Hill Dental Group, we want you to have the best experience possible.

Know Your Sedation Dentistry Options

Sedation dentistry is incredibly helpful for all dental patients. Certainly, it’s a must when considering procedures like dental implants in Easton, PA. But did you know that there are several methods of sedation dentistry to consider? 

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most commonly used options. This gas can help you to better relax while you’re getting work done. Other options could include anti-anxiety medications to be taken prior to your appointment.

Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist with College Hill Dental Group

The best way to learn what will work for you is to call and discuss your options. Whether it has been a few months or a few years since you last saw a dentist, please don’t let it keep you from getting the oral healthcare that you need. We offer a judgment-free office and the compassion needed to help you conquer your fears. Our patients are always our number one priority. 

Common Dental Emergencies

common dental emergencies - College Hill Dental Group

Reasons for an Emergency Dental Service

Accidents happen. You can take all the precautions in the world, but at the end of the day, you can’t protect yourself from the unexpected. That’s why insurance is a booming industry: it allows you to live freely knowing that whatever happens down the road, you’ll be covered. According to the American Dental Association, more and more Americans have been visiting their dentist for emergency dental services. 

However, according to the association, not all of these patients actually needed to visit an emergency dentist in Easton, PA. About 55% of the visits were considered semi-urgent, and 20% were considered non-urgent, meaning they could have been easily handled by a dental office instead. Are you having a hard time determining whether a dental issue needs emergency treatment or not? This guide explores tooth injuries as one of the common dental emergencies patients have.

Common Dental Emergencies: Tooth Injury

Simply put, dental emergencies are dental problems that need swift medical attention from an Easton, PA dentist. A lot of dental issues can go unnoticed for quite a while, especially if you don’t keep up with regular dentist appointments. Eventually, this can result in more severe dental issues like periodontitis or even tooth loss. Other dental issues make themselves known right away. You just have to find the best dentist in Easton, PA, to treat them. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies Dr. Moghadam sees at his dental office in Easton:

Tooth Injury

Although the teeth are pretty sturdy and meant to last your entire life, they are still susceptible to physical trauma. Accidents involving motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles can be quite serious, and they often result in tooth loss. Additionally, according to the American Dental Assistants Association, five million Americans lose teeth every year from sports injuries. The most common types of tooth injury are:

Types of Tooth Injuries

They are usually caused by an abrupt blow to the face, either during a sport or at an accident, and the level of severity depends on the force of the blow. The best cosmetic dentists in Easton, PA, refer to a tooth with a longitudinal crack as having craze lines. This kind of fracture only mildly affects the enamel and isn’t very high risk. However, if a crack or split starts at the crown and extends down into the tooth, contact an emergency dentist in Easton, PA.

Dental Emergency Symptoms 

These are some of the symptoms you may experience:

  • Sharp pain which dissipates afterward when you bite down
  • Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages
  • Tooth pain that comes and goes
  • Damaged enamel, which ends up exposing the dentin, pulp, and even the surface of the tooth’s root.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be put back in place, but the chances of it being successful reduce significantly with time, so make sure you seek emergency treatment within 30 minutes of the injury. Dr. O’Grady, an emergency dentist in Denver, CO, recommends keeping the knocked-out tooth moist at all times. This will help with saving the tooth.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Note that cracked teeth aren’t always accompanied by pain. Additionally, the crack isn’t always visible to the naked eye, so you may have to rely on your dentist to spot it. However, if you experience any pain in your teeth, contact an emergency dentist in Easton, PA right away. Restorative treatments such as fillings and dental crowns in Easton PA may be used to fill in cracks, but if the tooth is too severely damaged, it may have to be extracted.

Fractured Teeth

Fractured roots are also pretty common. If you get hit in the jaw at just the right (or wrong) angle, the force might fracture a tooth root. A crack will then start in the root and travel upwards to the crown. Such a crack might be even more difficult to spot by yourself, and you will only realize that something’s wrong when an infection develops. 

Tooth Intrusion

Tooth intrusion is when instead of getting knocked out, the tooth is driven into the jaw. This type of injury is more common with children as their alveolar bones, which hold the tooth socket, aren’t as mature and hard as an adult’s. Without emergency dental treatment in Easton, PA, a tooth intrusion can lead to:

  • Destruction or necrosis of the tooth pulp resulting from permanent damage
  • Root resorption, or shortening of the tooth root. Up to 70% of the adults that experience tooth intrusion experience root resorption
  • Ankylosis, the fusion of the injured root to the alveolar bone. 

Treatment Dental Emergencies

If you experience any sort of physical blow to the mouth and jaw area, contact an Easton, PA dentist ASAP. You may not have suffered a serious injury, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dr. David Moghadam explains that prevention is well worth it. So, make sure you get ahead of any potential dental issues. The best way to do that is to visit your Easton PA dentist at least once every six months for a full-mouth dental exam.

Did you suffer an injury or accident that has left your teeth feeling a little sore? Or are you in need of alternative dental services like dental implants, dental crowns, or Invisalign in Easton, PA? We at College Hill Dental Group would be happy to help. Call College Hill Dental Group today for a consultation.