5 Types of Dental Emergencies

5 Types of dental emergencies

5 Kinds of Dental Emergencies

When you inadvertently cut your finger while chopping veggies for supper, you know it’s time to head to the ER. But what would happen if you bite onto something and chip a tooth? Many individuals would still seek care in an emergency department. However, according to a recent American Dental Association paper, many forms of dental crises can redirect from the emergency department to the dentist’s office in Easton PA.

While redirecting dental crises to an emergency dental office may seem ideal, the issue immediately arises. “what is a dental emergency needing a dentist versus what sorts of emergencies necessitate an emergency hospital visit?” To help you in making this decision, here are five typical dental emergencies that need a visit to an emergency dentist:

Toothache

Various dental issues may cause toothache, and the source should be targeted so that your dentist can treat it. Infections and anything that can wedge between two teeth are the two typical causes of a toothache. When tooth pain happens abruptly, worsens gradually, or is severe, it is critical to consult an emergency dentist in Easton PA. A cold compress may help relieve some of the pain in the interim.

Cracks or chips

Chips and cracks in the teeth may occur due to utilizing teeth for purposes other than biting and chewing, biting down on hard objects, or as a result of an accident. In addition, people who grind or clench their teeth are more prone to chipping or breaking their teeth. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, you should see an emergency dentist. Any tooth pieces we should wash and place in a glass of milk or water. Then brought to your emergency dental appointment in Easton PA.

Teeth That Are Loose or Have Been Knocked Out

Any injury to the face that causes teeth to become loose or fall out requires prompt emergency dental treatment. Our friends over at OG Dental, a dentist in Denver CO talk about how if a tooth comes loose, it is critical to retain it in its socket to avoid slipping out. This is done by gently chewing down the tooth to keep it in place. If a tooth is knocked out, it is critical to attempt to find the missing tooth. If the lost tooth is discovered, it should only be touched and cleaned by the crown. You may save a lost tooth by performing two things: first, put it back in the socket and bite down like you would a loose tooth. Second, much like tooth pieces from a chipped tooth, you may preserve it in a glass of milk or water.

Damage to Soft Tissue

Soft tissues in the mouth include the gums, lips, inner cheek, and tongue. If one of these structures is destroyed, you should call your Easton PA emergency dentist right once for guidance on where to go. Some situations may need the services of your emergency dentist, while others may necessitate a trip to the emergency hospital. Soft tissue injuries, such as punctures, lacerations, and tears, should be cleaned with warm water before applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

Loose or Missing Dental Restoration

Both permanent and temporary restorations may become loose or fall out, however, temporary restorations are significantly more prone to do so. They both need emergency dental treatment, regardless of the process of repair. You will have to bring in the restoration for a lasting repair. You may be able to maintain a temporary repair in place using Vaseline, chapstick, or denture glue until you visit your dentist.

Contact College Hill Dental Group Today

Toothaches, chipped, broken, loose, or missing teeth, soft tissue injuries, and missing dental restorations are all considered dental emergencies. If you or a family member suffers from one of these dental emergencies, make an appointment with an emergency dentist right once. While most medical crises need a trip to the emergency room, most emergency departments will simply send dental emergencies to an emergency dentist. As a result, to save time and avoid unnecessary agony, go directly to your nearest emergency dental practice. Contact College Hill Dental group today for an appointment.

Tooth Abscess Stages

tooth abscess stages - easton PA

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.

Stages of Gum Disease

stages of gum disease - gum disease awareness month

Stages of Gum Disease

February is also Gum Disease Awareness Month! To celebrate, our Easton PA dentists are exploring the different stages of gum disease. If you believe you’re at any of these stages of gum disease, please contact our dental office immediately.

Gum Disease

There are three stages of gum disease. They range from moderate to extreme depending on the severity of the tooth infection. These three stages are considered to be gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Read the following to learn more about gum disease and how it affects your oral health. 

Gingivitis 

You’ve probably heard of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Most people experience gingivitis at one point in their lives. This stage of gum disease is a mild tooth infection. In contrast to the more serious stages of gum disease, gingivitis is the least damaging since it does not affect the bone. Dr. Moghadam says that immediate professional care can, in fact, reverse the infection, bringing you to a fast recovery. 

Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms are subtle. The symptoms of gingivitis include sensitive, swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Other implications that you might have for gingivitis include the occasional bad breath, plaque buildup, and apparent gaps between gums and teeth. Dr. Ben Kacos, an endodontist in Shreveport, LA, points out that these holes are created as a result of disruption to the periodontal fibers known to connect the gums to the teeth.

Moderate Periodontitis 

Moderate periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. This stage happens when gingivitis progresses due to a lack of treatment. Similar to gingivitis, your gums and teeth will be tender, red, sore, and bleeding. Dentists in Easton, PA, agree that bad breath is usually permanent at this stage.

For periodontitis, the condition is more advanced, which means the bone loss is now likely. This happens as a result of the development of periodontal pockets, which remove the teeth and establish a hub for infection. The infected gums cause the teeth to become brittle and loosen. However, there is still time to reverse the harm caused by moderate periodontitis. If you are at this stage of gum disease, please visit College Hill Dental Group for periodontal treatment in Easton, PA. 

Advanced Periodontitis 

Advanced periodontitis is the last and third-degree of gum disease. It is perhaps the most serious stage, causing tooth decay and tooth loss. Once you’ve reached this stage of gum disease, there is no going back. Unfortunately, advanced periodontitis is permanent. Signs of advanced periodontitis include swelling around the root of the tooth, a defective bite, and pus from the gums.

The magnitude of this stage means that periodontal pockets have now increased in size, deepening and providing more space for bacteria to flourish. As a result, this infection causes considerable damage to the bone and causes loss of teeth and decay. Your dentists may need to extract your teeth and restore them with dental implants or dentures. 

Visit College Hill Dental Group

If you’re at any stage of gum disease, please contact College Hill Dental Group immediately. Our team of experienced professionals will do everything possible to save your teeth and restore your smile to its original glory. We offer different dental savings plans to make our services affordable. If you have any questions at all, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you soon!

February is also Gum Disease Awareness Month! To celebrate, our Easton PA dentists are exploring the different stages of gum disease. If you believe you’re at any of these stages of gum disease, please contact our dental office immediately.

Gum Disease

There are three stages of gum disease. They range from moderate to extreme depending on the severity of the tooth infection. These three stages are considered to be gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Read the following to learn more about gum disease and how it affects your oral health. 

Gingivitis 

You’ve probably heard of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Most people experience gingivitis at one point in their lives. This stage of gum disease is a mild tooth infection. In contrast to the more serious stages of gum disease, gingivitis is the least damaging since it does not affect the bone. Dr. Moghadam says that immediate professional care can, in fact, reverse the infection, bringing you to a fast recovery. 

Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms are subtle. The symptoms of gingivitis include sensitive, swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Other implications that you might have for gingivitis include the occasional bad breath, plaque buildup, and apparent gaps between gums and teeth. Dr. Ben Kacos, an endodontist in Shreveport, LA, points out that these holes are created as a result of disruption to the periodontal fibers known to connect the gums to the teeth.

Moderate Periodontitis 

Moderate periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. This stage happens when gingivitis progresses due to a lack of treatment. Similar to gingivitis, your gums and teeth will be tender, red, sore, and bleeding. Dentists in Easton, PA, agree that bad breath is usually permanent at this stage.

For periodontitis, the condition is more advanced, which means the bone loss is now likely. This happens as a result of the development of periodontal pockets, which remove the teeth and establish a hub for infection. The infected gums cause the teeth to become brittle and loosen. However, there is still time to reverse the harm caused by moderate periodontitis. If you are at this stage of gum disease, please visit College Hill Dental Group for periodontal treatment in Easton, PA. 

Advanced Periodontitis 

Advanced periodontitis is the last and third-degree of gum disease. It is perhaps the most serious stage, causing tooth decay and tooth loss. Once you’ve reached this stage of gum disease, there is no going back. Unfortunately, advanced periodontitis is permanent. Signs of advanced periodontitis include swelling around the root of the tooth, a defective bite, and pus from the gums.

So, the magnitude of this stage means that periodontal pockets have now increased in size, deepening and providing more space for bacteria to flourish. As a result, this infection causes considerable damage to the bone and causes loss of teeth and decay. Furthermore, your dentists may need to extract your teeth and restore them with dental implants or dentures. 

Visit College Hill Dental Group

If you’re at any stage of gum disease, please contact College Hill Dental Group immediately. Our team of experienced professionals will do everything possible to save your teeth and restore your smile to its original glory. We offer different dental savings plans to make our services affordable. If you have any questions at all, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Ways to Fix a Broken Tooth

Ways to fix a broken tooth - College Hill Dental Group

Ways to Fix a Broken Tooth

Have you fallen and cracked or broken your tooth? Perhaps a piece of hard candy or a bone in your dinner resulted in a painful crack? Realizing that your tooth is damaged can be worrisome. It would be best if you considered calling your emergency dentist in Easton, PA.

Your tooth can be repaired, but you are definitely on the clock. A cracked or broken tooth can lead to advanced decay and the ultimate loss of the tooth. As soon as you recognize that there is damage to a tooth, make an emergency appointment to be seen by Dr. Moghadam.

We offer several options to help to fix a broken tooth. The option that is right for you will be determined by the extent of the damage.

Factors That Can Contribute to Broken or Cracked Teeth

The enamel on our teeth is considered to be the strongest part of the body. That said, it is under constant attack by bacteria. It can also sustain damage from excess force or a direct blow. Many everyday activities put our teeth at risk for damage. Whether it’s riding a bike to work or enjoying a big cup of coffee, our teeth are susceptible to damage. 

Over time, decay will weaken your tooth. From there, it’s just a matter of biting down the wrong way. 

Repairing a Broken Tooth With Veneers

Veneers are wafer-thin coverings that are applied to the outer surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can be color-matched to your natural teeth to get a seamless look you’ll love. As a cosmetic dentist in Easton, PA, we are confident that you’ll love your veneers’ results.

The veneer is bonded onto the tooth’s front surface and can last for decades with adequate care. Some patients opt to get just one veneer set on a misshapen, stained, or otherwise chipped tooth. In comparison, others may opt for veneers on every tooth.

Veneers can only be placed on healthy teeth. Any cavities or other signs of decay will need to be addressed before the veneers can be placed.

Repairing a Broken Tooth With Dental Bonding

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to repair teeth that are chipped, discolored, misshapen, cracked, or have minor gaps. The composite bonding can last for as long as a decade.

Your Easton, PA dentist will mold and smooth the composite resin until the desired result is achieved. A special UV light will be applied to set the bonding materials. Once set, your dentist will polish the tooth, so it looks natural. 

Repairing a Broken Tooth With a Dental Crown

If there is extensive damage to the tooth, you may be a candidate for a dental crown. Additionally, a crown is one of the most popular restorative options for fixing a broken tooth.

A dental crown is a tooth-colored porcelain cap that is set over the natural tooth. The crown will offer protection for the tooth, and it can improve the appearance of the repaired tooth. Without the crown, the tooth is at risk for advanced decay. Dr. Cody Boals, a family dentist in Colorado Springs, says that you are also at risk of losing the tooth if the damage progresses too far. Suppose your dentist recommends that a dental crown, visit College Hill Dental Group for same-day crowns in Easton, PA. With advanced dental technology, our team can repair a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Replacing a Broken Tooth With a Dental Implant

If the damage to the tooth is extensive, the tooth may be no longer treatable. Your dentist in Easton, PA, will recommend that a tooth extraction be your next step. Loss of a tooth can feel upsetting, but there are plenty of options available.

One of the options Dr. David Moghadam may recommend is a dental implant. The implant serves as the new permanent root for a prosthetic tooth. Made from a biocompatible titanium post, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.

The titanium post will need time to heal and fuse with your jawbone. Once this has been accomplished, the dental crown will be placed atop the implant. Your smile will be restored, good as new!

Visit Your Easton, PA Dentist

If you have any damage to your tooth, whether it is broken or cracked, you will need to be seen by a professional. From there, you will undergo a full-mouth examination, and then you’ll be given a treatment plan.

So, if you cracked or chipped your tooth, don’t wait to get it repaired. Contact College Hill Dental Group to learn about your options. Remember, we offer same-day crowns!