Category: Blog

Pursuing a flawless smile takes heart and requires patience, persistence, and some lifestyle changes. In the past, people who wished to alter their smiles had limited options, mainly because dental technology was limited. But now, you can almost do anything to alter your appearance.

This is why you will find options such as teeth contouring at our dental clinic near you for people who wish to take their smiles to the next level.

Dental flaws such as misshapen teeth, unevenly shaped teeth, and cracked teeth may affect the quality of your smile. That’s why contouring and bonding teeth are popular among many patients because these treatments guarantee to change their smiles.

However, every moon has a dark side, so you can expect that tooth contouring will have its benefits as well as disadvantages.

But before we delve into the risks involved when you undergo teeth contouring, let’s get some definitions out of the way.

Understanding Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring is also referred to as odontoplasty, enameloplasty, reshaping, stripping, or slenderizing. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that entails the removal of tiny quantities of your enamel to alter the shape, length, texture, and proportions of your affected teeth.

Tooth reshaping is considered the most conservative cosmetic dental procedure since it is a painless and quick procedure that guarantees immediate results.

Our dentist will commence the procedure by shaving off a few millimeters of enamel using precision lasers or drills to bring about a more uniform smile. Like the other cosmetic dental treatments, this procedure is a blend of science and art.

Are Tooth Reshaping and Dental Contouring Right for You?

Contouring or reshaping can transform the smile of almost anyone who sets foot in our dental clinic. That being said, it doesn’t mean that it is the best solution for everyone. Every case is unique and will need specialized treatment to achieve the desired smile.

In any case, this treatment can be ideal for you if you have the following dental issues:

• Small chips on teeth
• Small fractures on teeth
• Pointy teeth
• Excessively small teeth
• Excessively large teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Pits or bulges on the enamel
• Slightly misshapen teeth

Tooth contouring is perfect for anyone who needs to make tiny adjustments or repairs to enhance their smiles.

There are instances where reshaping and contouring are performed as the first steps toward extensive cosmetic dental work. It sets the stage for procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening, or even crown lengthening that can be done days, months, or years after the contouring.

If you are lucky, tooth reshaping might be the only procedure you need to undergo to get the smile you dreamed of.

But remember that contouring is not appropriate for you if you have unhealthy gums, root canals, or decaying teeth.

Disadvantages of Tooth Reshaping and Dental Contouring

If you have lived long enough, you must know that perfection is something that you cannot come by in this life. So, even though tooth contouring may have benefits, it also comes with disadvantages that you must know.

Some of the disadvantages may include:

• Subtle Change 

When people undergo different cosmetic dentistry procedures, they expect dramatic results. If you undergo teeth whitening or get dental veneers, you can expect a dramatic change after the procedure. But this is not the case with tooth contouring.

Dental contouring will only eliminate tiny imperfections, whereas veneers can cover the entire front surface of your tooth, changing your smile instantly.

• Risk of Tooth Damage

Since tooth reshaping or contouring involves the removal of some of the enamel, there is always the risk of tooth damage. This is dependent on how much enamel has been removed. In some cases, patients may complain of tooth sensitivity after the procedure. If too much enamel was removed during the procedure, then there is a chance that tooth breakage can occur.

• Temporary Solution

In some scenarios, tooth contouring might not suffice, and you might need to combine it with another procedure such as bonding.

• Only On the Surface

Reshaping or contouring requires the removal of some of your enamel (the outer shell). Our dentist can remove only so much enamel without causing tooth sensitivity or tooth damage. This means that nothing much can be done beyond shaving some of the enamel.

If you are thinking of undergoing teeth contouring, contact us Family Dental Care, and we would love to redefine your smile.

Many names are used to define dental operations in various ways, and they might signify different things to different individuals. Permanent dentures vs. temporary dentures and transitional dentures vs. replacement dentures are just a few examples.

People who have had their teeth extracted struggle to choose which dentures are suitable for their teeth or issue. It is vital to note that temporary dentures are put after having your tooth extracted. It might take many months to construct or make your custom permanent dentures once a dentist removes your teeth. You have the option of wearing immediate or temporary dentures in the meanwhile.

Dental implants are used to implant permanent dentures into the jawbone surgically. Permanent dentures are made from the impression your dentist makes to ensure the dentures are comfortable and, therefore, will be used for a longer period than temporary dentures. Family Dental Care – Calumet City, looks at the differences between temporary and permanent partial dentures.

Are Temporary Dentures Made from the Same Material as Permanent Dentures?

Polymethyl methacrylate resin is used to make the majority of temporary and permanent dentures. While temporary dentures can be made from the same high-quality materials as permanent dentures, this is usually a waste of money.

Temporary dentures made of basic materials make more sense since they are disposable, while permanent dentures made of high-quality resin are more expensive. In addition, because permanent dentures are made of high-quality resin, the material makes the dentures longer lasting and durable.

Acrylic, nylon, or metal are commonly used for denture frameworks. The materials utilized to make your denture framework will vary depending on the type of denture you’re getting. It is advisable to check with your dentures dentist in Calumet City before having them fixed, as prices vary with the material and type of dentures you want to be fixed.

Are Permanent Dentures Thinner Than Temporary Dentures?

The answer to this question is yes. This is because temporary dentures are made before your tooth is extracted, and therefore the fit and thickness of temporary dentures are not ideal.

It’s also worth noting that some of the thickness a patient feels once the dentures are in place is related to the fact that the dentures are a foreign thing, and they seem extremely thick because you’ve never worn dentures before.

Permanent dentures are thinner than temporary ones as your dentist makes an impression that matches your teeth’ shape and pattern. Therefore, the permanent partial dentures that will be made are similar to your teeth and fit better than temporary dentures.

Which Are More Expensive? Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent

The amount of money you will pay depends on the types of dentures you want to fix. It is important to note that permanent dentures are made from more durable material than temporary dentures. Still, many patients falsely conclude that the temporary ones cost more because they include tooth removal, surgery, relines, and other treatment costs with the cost of temporary dentures.

A well-made pair of high-quality permanent dentures will cost not less than $1,200 per arch, and this price range is affected by the denture care you go to and the complexity of your situation.
Temporary dentures are often less expensive since they are produced from common stock materials that may not necessarily offer the finest cosmetic outcomes. For temporary dentures, budget around $600 per denture or more.

How Long Do Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures Last?

A patient must know how long the dentures they have will last. You will use temporary dentures until your gums shrink and fully heal. Depending on your age, general health, and the number of teeth removed before acquiring dentures, this can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for most individuals.

If you’ve had oral surgery and have been wearing temporary dentures for more than a year, chances are they no longer fit well and may be contributing to other tooth problems. It is recommended to visit a dental care facility to remove the temporary dentures to avoid dental issues.

It is important to note that although permanent dentures are considered permanent, they do not last forever. This is because, as you continue wearing the permanent partial dentures, your gum tissue and bone gradually change as the years go by. Therefore, permanent dentures should be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

Proper dental health is slowly becoming a priority for many people globally. However, it seems to only apply to adults, without too much concern over dental health for children. Unfortunately, unless kids get started on excellent dental care at an early age, they stand to suffer many dental consequences in the future.

Understanding Dental Health for Children

Dentists at Family Dental Care – Oak Lawn prioritize dental health for children, which explains why Children’s pediatric dentistry exists as an independent unit in dental facilities. It provides oral services tailored for the varying dental needs of children, right from infancy through to the teenage years.

Pediatric Dentistry exists so that every child has an opportunity to create and sustain a healthy dental lifestyle that will yield long-term benefits.

How Do I Prepare My Baby for The Dental Office?

Unless you have consulted a pediatric dentist near you, you may feel hesitant about dental care for your child when they are in the infant stages. However, even before your child starts teething, they are still a prime candidate for dental care. Some tips to help you prepare your baby for their first dental visit are:

1. Play pretend – you would be surprised by how much children can learn when having fun. Instead of randomly taking your child to a dentist during your free time, start by practicing with them what happens in a dental office. Build up the excitement for visiting a dental office to learn how things are done. Dental-themed activities and plays in the house can help okay the idea of visiting a dentist.
2. Familiarize with dental terms – although you should not throw medical jargon at your child, some dental words are necessary for familiarity. Talk to them about various parts of the oral cavity while promoting notions of proper dental health for healthy teeth.
3. Schedule an appointment during happy times when your child is in a generally good mood – they are likely to accept the new dental environment.
4. Bring comfort items – during the appointment, bring your child’s comfort items, including dolls, toys, and blankets, to help them feel safe during their dental exam.
5. Introduce incentives – rewards are great motivators to help children achieve set goals.

​Reasons Children Need Dentists

Generally, children need dental care for the same reasons adults do. The reasons you must take your child to a dentist at a young age are:

1. To prevent dental cavities – children are highly prone to dental cavities when they reach the age of around six years. Without preventive measures in place, chances are very high that your child will incur one or more dental caries on teeth. A dentist will incorporate dental approaches like dental sealants and fluoride treatments that will help teeth fight against dental cavities.
2. To create a culture of proper oral hygiene – children can be a bit resistant to dental hygiene approaches at home. However, with the help of a dental expert, they can begin creating a healthy lifestyle for maintaining good oral hygiene.
3. Encourage healthy eating lifestyles – most children are fond of sweets and sugary foods over healthy options like fruits and vegetables. To encourage good nutritional habits, you can rely on nutritional counseling dental protocols by a pediatric dentist.
4. Avoid the need for restorative treatments – patients who neglect dental care at an early age eventually require restoration procedures when older.
5. Preserve natural teeth – other than permanent teeth, and baby teeth need protection. Preserving baby teeth helps protect the proper alignment of teeth by managing the existent spaces until adult teeth start erupting.

How Often Should You Take My Child to The Dentist?

There is nothing wrong with visiting a dentist frequently. If anything, the frequency of the visitations can help your child feel more at ease with the different dental protocols for preserving good oral health. Depending on the state of your child’s oral health, they should visit a dentist at least once every six months. A frequency of up to once every three months is also okay.

Before you can choose to have a tooth extraction procedure, be open to the idea of dental restorations that can save your natural teeth. Fortunately, you have more than two options to choose from, including dental fillings, tooth crowns, onlays, and inlays.

​

What Are the Inlays and Onlays?

They are indirect fillings used in restorative dentistry to repair and restore damaged teeth. These dental restorations are easily comparable to dental fillings and dental crowns, even though they are different. Inlays and onlays feature three materials, either porcelain, gold, or composite. Your dentist in Munster will use onlays or inlays when the tooth filling is too large, and the restoration is not big enough to necessitate a dental crown.

​

Inlays VS. Onlays: What’s The Difference?

The difference between onlays and inlays is not that big. You can differentiate the two by the filling material used when restoring a damaged tooth. Ideally, an onlay covers a larger surface than an inlay. Inlays fill the hole of the tooth without spreading over to the cusps of the tooth. However, onlays fill the tooth as well as the cusps thereof. It is why inlays are sometimes called partial dental crowns.

​

Why Do Dentists Use Inlays and Onlays For Dental Restorations?

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative materials that can restore decayed teeth. However, it is not always that our dental team at Family Dental Care – Munster will use onlays or inlays. Usually, dentists employ inlays where dental fillings are not suitable to complete your treatment because they are too big. Instead of a large tooth filling, therefore, a dentist will opt for an inlay.

On the other hand, onlays are used instead of dental crowns. Ideally, the level of damage on your tooth would require a considerable restorative material but not big enough to necessitate a dental crown. Therefore, instead of preparing the whole tooth, the dentist will prepare the top part only, covering the chewing surfaces instead of the whole tooth.

​

Dental Issues Treated with Onlays and Inlays

Dental restorations help restore natural teeth and treat dental pain and infections. When your dentist determines to use onlays and inlays, it is for the following reasons:

1. Dental decay and tooth cavities – cavities are very common among both children and adults. One of the ways to restore a decayed tooth is using an onlay or inlay.
2. Cracked or broken teeth – stakes are higher if the tooth has also suffered nerve damage.
3. Weak teeth enamel – when your enamel begins to thin out, it weakens the overall tooth structure. A dentist may determine to use an onlay to reinforce the strength of your tooth.

Top Reasons Why You Should Opt for Inlays and Onlays

As you decide about the fate of your dental health, you should liaise closely with your dentist to identify the best oral restoration approach for your smile. Some of the benefits of inlays and onlays over other dental restorations are:

1. Structural benefits – when restoring the structure of your natural tooth, inlays and onlays are better than dental fillings. They help reinforce the strength of your tooth’s structure.
2. Less invasive procedure – compared to getting dental crowns, inlays and onlays require less preparation. Your dentist will not need to remove too much of your tooth’s enamel to make room for an onlay or inlay, as would be the case with a dental crown.
3. Durability – inlays and onlays can last a long time, depending on the material used to make them. Those made of composites last anywhere between 5 to 10 years. However, gold and porcelain onlays and inlays can last up to 30 years with proper care.
4. Stability – typically, dental fillings contract and expand with temperature changes, risking tooth damage. Onlays and inlays do not expand with usage, particularly those made of porcelain.
5. Aesthetic benefits – when you choose composite or porcelain inlays and onlays, the result is a natural-looking smile. It is because the materials are tooth-colored and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Perfect fit – onlays and inlays fit like a glove because they are created using the impressions of your tooth.

Oral cancer is a condition featuring the overgrowth of cancerous cells in any part of the oral cavity. It can affect anyone regardless of age, but it is more prevalent among adults than children.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Cancer of the mouth results due to various factors. Since there is no particular cause of oral cancer, consider the following risk factors as contributors to getting cancer of the mouth:

1. Genetics – if other members of your family have been diagnosed with oral cancer, you are highly likely to get it too.
2. Having another type of cancer – patients who have previously been diagnosed with other types of body cancer are at a Hugh risk of getting oral cancer.
3. Smoking and other tobacco usages – tobacco does not only damage your lungs or cause gum infection. Long-term use of tobacco substances can result in oral cancer.
4. Excessive intake of alcohol – other than cirrhosis and other liver diseases, consuming a lot of alcohol over a long period can result in oral cancers like throat and gum cancer.
5. Direct exposure to sunlight for long hours – exposes you to lip cancer.

Types of Oral Cancers

Oral cancers affect any area of your mouth. The common types of cancers are:

1. Lips cancer
2. Tongue cancer
3. Throat cancer
4. Cancer of the roof and floor of the mouth
5. Gum cancer

​What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

The symptoms of oral cancer vary, depending on the type of cancer you have. They may mimic symptoms for other oral conditions, which is why you must prioritize oral cancer screening near you. Some symptoms of oral cancer to consider are:

1. Mouth Sores and ulcers that do not heal but rather keep recurring.
2. White and red velvety patches in your inner lips and cheeks.
3. Bumps, limbs, and tumors in the mouth.
4. Sore throat -ay make your voice hoarse, and cause difficulty swallowing.
5. Pain and your jaw and swollen gums
6. Loose teeth – without treatment, your teeth can begin to fall off.
7. Bad breath – will be persistent even after brushing your teeth.

​What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

It is a type of test done to check the presence of precancerous cells in the mouth. The dental expert will examine your oral cavity to identify any signs and symptoms that may indicate oral cancer. Ideally, an oral cancer screening will only identify the likelihood of precancerous cells. However, for diagnosis, your dentist will need to conduct further tests, including a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

How Can a Dentist Help You?

Although not everyone is at a high risk of getting oral cancer, we still recommend screening sessions to our patients. Screening tests are not just about having cancer but that a dentist can help you with your dental needs. Some of the benefits of visiting a dentist when it comes to managing and treating oral cancer are:

1. Early diagnosis of oral cancer – oral cancer is treatable if caught early. However, many people succumb to oral cancer because they find it late. The benefit of visiting a dentist in 60805 is that he/she can help you detect any signs of cancer early.
2. Getting a correct diagnosis – some symptoms of oral cancer closely resemble those of other oral infections. Unless you have visited a dentist, you can easily mistake oral cancer for gum disease.
3. Identifying risk factors – some patients have a higher risk of getting oral cancer than others. When your dentist helps you identify the risk factors, you can make lifestyle changes to influence your health.
4. Creating a medical record – dentists can only generate a medical record for you when you have been a patient for a consistent period. Usually, the medical record can help identify any risk factors that can increase your chances of getting oral cancer. Such medical records also account for your family history and preexisting health issues you may have.

How Often Should You Get Screened for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer screenings near you are available at any time of the year as a proactive measure for managing oral cancer. The frequency of screenings will depend on how high-risk a patient you are. Technically, you can get screening done once every year to ensure you have no traces of cancerous cells.

Mouthguards are oral appliances in dentistry that protect natural teeth from external trauma caused by accidents and injuries. The primary goal of using mouthguards in dentistry is to protect your oral cavity. As such, mouthguards are considered oral appliances for preventive dentistry.

Technically, mouthguards work by protecting your upper teeth. However, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard for both your upper and lower teeth, depending on the underlying circumstances. It is a common approach for patients with other dental devices like braces. An ideal mouthguard should:

1. Amply protect your teeth from cracks, chips, and breaks.
2. Allow you to breathe properly.
3. Allow you to speak well.
4. Stay in place without moving unnecessarily.
5. Comfortable to wear
6. Resistant to tears
7. Tasteless and odorless

​Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards do not exist for usage by particular people in society. Generally, anyone can benefit from mouthguards. If you have to be in situations that put your dental health at risk of external trauma, consider getting a mouthguard. However, some groups of people need mouth protectors more than others, including the following:

1. Sportspersons – especially those involved in high contact sports like boxing, football, and rugby.
2. Children – especially hyperactive children, typically at a higher risk of getting into accidents. Other kids with developmental problems related to mobility, balance, or mental activity can benefit from mouthguards.
3. Patients who grind their teeth – special types of mouthguards can help treat bruxism, a condition that features excessive teeth grinding.

​Why Use a Mouthguard When Playing Sports?

The people who use mouthguards the most are sportspersons. The reason is that they are at a higher risk of incurring dental accidents that is typical for everyone else. When playing sports, you cannot predict when you will fall or collide with a teammate or opponent. It is, therefore, advisable that you put on protective armor as a proactive measure to protect yourself. As such, consider mouthguards similar to knee pads and helmets that protect other parts of your body.

​Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards differ based on their design and creation. The common types of mouthguards in dentistry are:

1. Stock mouth protectors – are the most readily available mouth protectors. You can find them at a local vendor near you. These mouthguards are pre-made and come in a one-size-fits-all. For that reason, sometimes these mouthguards can feel uncomfortable, making it even difficult to breathe and speak well.
2. Boil and bite mouthguards – they are also pre-made like stock mouth protectors. However, the material for these mouthguards is thermoplastic. It means that it expands and contracts accordingly with temperature changes. Therefore, to wear the mouthguard, you need to dip it in hot water before shaping it for a proper fit in your mouth. You can use your finger or tongue to fit the mouthguard to your teeth.
3. Customized mouthguards – at Family Dental Care – Crestwood, we recommend these types of mouthguards to our patients since they are the best. Dentists make them based on the impressions of a patient’s mouth. They fit perfectly and serve the exact purpose they are meant for, based on a dentist’s diagnosis and prognosis. A dentist can even customize the mouth protectors for use at night to treat or manage particular oral problems.

​Benefits of Mouthguards

Ultimately, the best type of mouthguard is that which is custom made for your mouth. It serves the intended purpose without compromising your comfort and functionality. Some other benefits of wearing a mouthguard are:

1. They prevent severe dental issues – instead of always rushing to a dentist in Crestwood for urgent dental care, you can choose to wear a mouthguard. Dental mouthguards prevent many dental problems that result from accidents and injuries.
2. To protect your teeth – teeth are easily damaged by dental trauma. You can incur chips, cracks, or breaks on your teeth. The worst-case scenario would be having knocked out teeth, which is highly likely after an injury. Mouthguards cushion your teeth to absorb most of the shock you incur after dental trauma, which is why they are called teeth protectors.
3. To protect your jawbone – mouthguards do not just cushion your teeth but also protect your jawbone, preventing fractures.

Tooth loss is a common problem globally, affecting both children and adults. For adults, tooth loss is more impactful to dental health because adult teeth do not grow back once lost. Therefore, finding a way to replace your lost teeth sooner than later is the best approach once you lose your natural teeth. Thankfully, you do not have only one option to rely on for tooth replacement. At Family Dental Care – East Side Chicago, we offer our patients various alternatives. The two most-common tooth replacement solutions in dentistry are dental implants and dentures.

​Reasons for Tooth Replacement

Some of the reasons you need the help of a dentist near you to replace your lost teeth with either dentures or dental implants are:

1. To prevent gum recession
2. To prevent jawbone disintegration
3. To prevent shifting of teeth
4. To promote optimal mouth functioning – including chewing and speaking

What to Consider While Choosing Dental Implants VS. Dentures?

1. The number of teeth you are missing – dentists do not handle one missing tooth the same way as multiple missing teeth. If you have more than three missing teeth in a row, one way or another, you will require dentures. The case is not the same for patients with one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth spread out in their mouths. In the case of multiple missing teeth, you can still get dental implants. The only difference is that you will need dentures to cover the dental implants instead of a dental crown for each implant.
2. The time frame of procedure – when you have lost your natural teeth, the next best thing is to replace them as soon as possible. For a quick fix, dentures are better because implants require a long time before the treatment is complete.
3. Durability – how long would you like to have your artificial teeth? Other than getting a quick fix for your smile, you must also think ahead, considering the longevity of your artificial teeth. For such a situation, dental implants are far better than dentures since they can last you a lifetime without needing to replace them.
4. Nature of procedure – the dental protocols involved when getting dental implants are very different from those of getting dentures. With dental implants, surgery is necessary when installing the implant in the jawbone. The same does not apply to dentures, which only need customization to fit the measurements of your mouth. In that case, conservative patients are likely to opt for dentures over dental implants.
5. Ease of use – when you get artificial replacement teeth, you will feel odd for some time, whether with dentures or dental implants. Your goal, therefore, should be to select an oral appliance that will be easier to use without compromising the optimal functionality of your mouth. Dental implants are easier to use because they become one with your oral cavity. Besides, implants can hardly ever be ill-fitting.
6. Flexibility – once you get implants, you cannot remove them unless through surgery. Therefore, if you prefer a removable tooth replacement solution, you would be better off with dentures than dental implants.

​The Benefits of Implants

1. They are permanent – you do not have to worry about your teeth slipping off mid-conversations. Instead, implants are permanently secured in your jawbone, becoming one with your dental system.
2. Bio-compatibility – the metal that dentists in a dental implant clinic use to create implants does not cause allergic reactions. It is bio-compatible, which means it integrates naturally with the bone tissue of your jawbone.
3. Sturdiness – thanks to the metal for making tooth implants, they are very strong. Besides, the implant gets added support from the jawbone and gum tissue, closely mimicking the sturdiness of natural teeth.
4. Restoring the bone tissue and the facial framework – teeth play an important role in the general framework of your face. When you get dental implants, it overcomes bone degeneration and reinforces it. The result is a firmer, fuller, and more youthful look.

Aesthetic advantage – other than restoring your facial framework, dental implants are natural-looking. Dentists cover implant sites with dental crowns, which are tooth-colored to mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

When was the last time you visited a dentist voluntarily? The unfortunate fact in dentistry is that many patients only visit the dentist when they have a dental problem. Worse, most of them wait until they have severe symptoms indicating dental emergencies before visiting a dental clinic near them.

What Is Emergency Dentistry?

It is an area of dentistry that focuses on offering urgent medical attention to patients with severe and urgent oral problems. Emergency dentists near you exist, so you do not have to wait in line to see a dentist when you have an urgent oral problem.

How Will You Know You Have a Dental Emergency?

The line between a typical dental problem and a dental emergency is thin, making it difficult for many patients to differentiate them. As such, some of the pointers that are crucial for identifying an oral emergency are:

1. The severity of the problem
2. The intensity of your pain
3. The potential risk of the rest of your oral cavity
4. The degree of danger for both your oral and general body health

Once you can clear on the above factors, you can easily pinpoint a dental emergency. From there, you can identify the symptoms you have, which will also help indicate dental emergencies. Some of the symptoms patients have during dental emergencies include:

1. Severe dental pain – you may be able to point out the root cause of the pain, but it may not always be obvious. Dental pain can be due to a toothache, jaw pain, or even pain in your gums.
2. Bleeding – any type of bleeding in your mouth should be alarming. However, be more concerned if you have been bleeding for a prolonged period without healing. Bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, cancer, or an open wound on your mouth, all of which are dental emergencies.
3. Swelling – when something is wrong in any part of your body, swelling is one of the typical responses of your immune system. Any unusual swelling in your mouth should get your attention. Be more alarmed if the swelling keeps spreading to other parts of your face and upper body.
4. Crack, chip, or break on your tooth – while it could only translate to the damaged tooth structure, sometimes it can cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity due to nerve damage.
5. Jaw lock – occurs when you have a problem with the connective tissue of the jawbone. Your mouth will regularly get stuck on the open mouth position. You may also experience other symptoms like pain when you chew or move your jaw, as well as weird sounds in your ears when you use your mouth.
6. Affiliate body symptoms – while it may only be your ailing mouth, you may experience other symptoms in different parts of your body. Some of them include headaches, fatigue and muscle pain, sore throat, neck pain, to mention a few.

Common Dental Emergencies

At Family Dental Care – Calumet City, we have a list of potential oral emergencies that can help you figure out whether you need urgent care or not. The common dental emergencies in our dental clinics are:

1. Knocked-out tooth or a partially dislodged tooth
2. Fractured or broken jawbone
3. Damaged oral appliance – for orthodontic devices like braces. It can also occur for dental crowns and fixed dentures.
4. Severe toothache
5. Severe dental decay
6. Tooth abscess
7. Periodontitis – an advanced stage of gum disease
8. Objects stuck between your teeth
9. Loose or lost tooth filling – without urgent care, it could compromise the health of the initially treated tooth.

Benefits of Emergency Dentistry

In most cases, seeking emergency care for your urgent dental problem will be a voluntary action, especially where intense pain is involved. However, if you still need convincing that emergency dentistry is worthwhile, consider the following benefits:

1. Alleviating and treating pain – dentists for urgent oral problems do not only offer a temporary solution to your pain. Instead, they treat the root cause of your pain.
2. Saving your natural teeth – if you make it to an emergency dental facility in time, a dentist has the chance to save your knocked-out tooth.
3. Curbing progression of dental issues – unfortunately, in medicine, the longer you go untreated, the worse your condition gets. Emergency dentistry intervenes to ensure that your dental problem does not get worse than it already is.