Suffering From Fractured Teeth? We Can Help!

Feb 20th, 2020
Easton Dentists Mar 2nd, 2020

Fractured teeth are quite common, especially as we age. There are several types of fractures that affect the teeth, and treatment options vary depending on the condition of the fracture.

From small cracks or fissures, to actual split teeth with root damage, Dr. Gilmer can address and correct your this type of tooth damage. Don’t wait to have your fractured teeth examined – the longer it is ignored, the greater the long term health impact can be.

There are several types of fractures, and The Dental Clinic at Easton can treat them all. The most minor fracture is a craze line, or minor crack, which is simply a surface crack affecting the enamel of the tooth. These don’t need any treatment, but if they bother you cosmetically you can consider polishing, or dental veneers.

Other cracked tooth damage can be quite significant, involving the tooth as a whole. These cracks often affect the surface and even the nerve of the tooth- and can be treated with typical dental filling materials such as those used in filling cavities. The pulp may be damaged as well, which may require a root canal.

Minor chips on the teeth are quite common, and most don’t require treatment for the architecture of the tooth. Many minor chips can be polished, or treated with a bit of filling material to address the appearance of the tooth.

Split teeth are the most serious and dangerous type of fractures. In these cases, most patients experience significant pain and tooth sensitivity. Treatments include root canals, followed by crowns. Severe vertical breaks may require the removal of the tooth, and a dental implant to restore your smile.

It’s important to visit your dentist for any type of tooth pain in order for a correct diagnosis.

Do You Have a Dental First Aid Kit?

Feb 13th, 2020
Easton Dentists Mar 2nd, 2020

It is always a good idea to have a first aid kit in your home.  Inside, you more than likely have all the essentials: Band-Aids, gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment, wrap, and some sort of ice pack.  This simple but useful kit plays a crucial role for any family in the event of an emegergengy.  It is designed to quickly and efficiently treat injuries that are bad enough to need care but do not need the immediate attention of a medical professional.

However, there is another first aid kit that every home should have.  Dental first aid kits are a necessity for homes because they provide the specialized care that is meant exclusively for oral care.

While there may be some similarities between the two kits, both should be kept fully stocked in order to take care of any dental emergency that may arise.

  • Floss.  Whether you prefer the traditional roll of floss or the one-time-use sticks, having a handy supply of floss will help relieve much of the irritation that can be associated with eating certain foods.
  • Mild pain medication.  You may use this to stop pain entirely or to make it subside until you can get proper care.  Either way, having an emergency supply of pain medication is never a bad idea.
  • Oral Wax.  Especially for people with braces or any other piece of oral equipment, wax can be placed on and around any sharp protrusion to ease pain and reduce the chance of further injury.  If you’re not sure where to get oral wax, ask your dentist where you can get your hands on it.
  • Emergency ice packs.  When swelling needs to be controlled, ice packs are the quick and effective solution.  If something traumatic happens and you need to make an emergency trip to your hospital or dentist, you’ll want to use an ice pack during the trip.
  • Cotton balls.  Bleeding is never wanted but when it does occur, you’ll want to be ready.  A cotton ball is typically a safe and effective way to help stop the bleeding.
  • Camellia teabags.  This may sound out of place amongst medical supplies but tea has been used for centuries to help sooth oral traumas.  They can even help stop bleeding after oral surgery.
  • Your dentist’s contact information.  Your dentist knows your teeth better than anyone else so who better to help during an emergency?

In the case of an emergency, there is nothing more important than your health.  A dental first aid kit is the first step to take in ensuring your oral health.  For more information on keeping your oral health in order, call us today!