Emergency Dental Services in Calgary

www.expressionsdental.ca 

Have a dental emergency? Call At +1 (403) 252 7733 

You can’t predict when an emergency will strike. Unforeseen accidents and disorders can send you reeling with dental pain. If you are experiencing anything from mild tooth discomfort to painful throbbing, contact Expressions Dental™.

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Emergency Dental Care In Calgary

www.expressionsdental.ca 

Call: +1 (403) 252 7733 Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

Health Risks with Oral Piercing

Oral piercings, usually in the tongue or around the lips have quickly become a popular trend in today’s society. With this popular trend, it is important to realize that sometimes even precautions taken during the installation of the piercing jewelry are not enough to prevent harmful, long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling, problems with swallowing and taste, and scars. There is also a possibility of choking on a piece of dislodged jewelry, which makes it important to ask if the risks are warranted.

One of the most serious long-term health problems that may occur from oral piercings come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as some kind of infections. When performed in an unsterile environment, any kind of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. A tongue piercing is a common form of body piercing. However, tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing can cause uncontrolled bleeding.

People with oral piercings -- especially long-stem tongue jewelry - have a greater risk of gum disease than those without oral piercings. The jewelry can come into contact with gum tissue causing injury as well as a recession of the gum tissue, which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Caring for your Oral Piercing

• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hard and sticky foods.
• Don't smoke or use tobacco-based products.
• Eat soft foods. Consult with your dentist about taking vitamins to promote faster healing.
• Make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect a problem or have a concern. It is critical for dentists to check your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues for early signs of any problems.

If you notice any warning signs such as scarring, increased redness or pain at piercing site, bleeding or tearing after initial healing, yellow or green discharge from piercing site etc, contact a health care professional right away.

Ref: www.webmd.com

www.atooth.com

Caring for Teeth with Braces and Retainers

Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food and plaque, which can stain teeth if not brushed away. Food can also react with the bacteria in your mouth and the metal in the braces to produce a bleaching effect, which can cause small, permanent light spots on the teeth. It is recommended brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. You may also be prescribed or recommended a fluoride mouthwash, which can get into places in the mouth that a toothbrush can't reach.

Brush your teeth with specially designed brush for cleaning between braces.

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces

There are certain foods that can break or loosen your braces and should be avoided, such as:

• Hard or tough-to-bite foods, such as apples or bagels
• Chewy foods, such as taffy or caramels
• Corn on the cob
• Hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts and carrots

In addition to foods, do not chew ice or bubble gum.

Caring for Retainers

Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Once a day or at least once a week, disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser.

While playing sports, use mouth guard, designed to fit comfortably over your braces.

Broken Braces

Broken braces, loose bands or protruding wires can cause problems but rarely require emergency treatment. However, call your an orthodontist to set up an office visit to fix the problem. If you suffer a more severe mouth or facial injury, seek immediate help.

Other Problems

Because braces brush up against the inside surface of your mouth, you may be prone to developing sores. If a sore develops, your orthodontist or dentist may prescribe an ointment or a prescription or nonprescription pain-reliever solution to reduce the pain and irritation and help heal the sore.

Ref: www.webmd.com

Do you need a Root Canal?

To make an accurate diagnosis about your tooth's need for endodontic therapy (root canal), your dentist will need to evaluate information collected from a number of different sources.
And while there are some obvious signs that nearly everyone is familiar with, there are also a number of less apparent ones that quite possibly only your dentist will notice.

Here are the types of issues and events that they'll need to evaluate.

1. Symptoms you have noticed - It's usually the presence of discomfort and/or swelling that signals to a person that their tooth has a problem. Your dentist will quiz you about what you have experienced.

• Pain
• Sensitivity to hot/cold
• Gum tenderness or swelling
• Frequency of pain or swelling

2. Signs noticed by your dentist - Some teeth give little indication that there's a problem within their nerve space. But to the trained eye, these subtle hints can be an obvious sign that a problem likely exists.

• Identifying problem teeth with x-rays
• Recurring or persistent gum pimples
• Individually darkened teeth
• Exposure of a tooth’s nerve

3. Additional testing - Once a dentist has identified a suspect tooth, they may then perform additional testing that can help to confirm their suspicions.

• Percussion testing – tapping the end of one of their instruments on your tooth.
• X-ray evaluation
• Thermal testing
• Electric pulp testing – A pulp tester transmits low-levels of electrical current to a tooth. The general idea is that a healthy nerve will respond with a tingling sensation. A dead nerve will have no response.

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned here, you should contact your dentist and make arrangements to be evaluated and receive treatment in a time frame they determine is necessary.

Don’t make assumptions and don’t delay

Some people won't seek treatment promptly if, in their mind, they think it's already too late, will cost too much money or else the idea of having the treatment is too unnerving for them. 

Don't make this mistake. If you have a tooth that's displaying symptoms, have your dentist evaluate it sooner rather than later. Doing so may make a big difference in what you experience, what type of treatment you require and its total cost.

DentalMyth: Missing teeth are always replaced by bridges or removable dentures.

There are several reasons that you want to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth has many functions, some being to chew, to speak, to keep the facial muscles and tissue in a proper position, to smile, and to keep the other teeth from shifting. Once a tooth is lost this whole balance is disrupted and it may lead to many problems.

To minimize the possibility of problems, the missing tooth should be replaced promptly. There are many ways to replace that missing tooth or teeth:

• Conventional fixed bridge - The conventional fixed bridge is a tooth replacement that is attached with cement to the adjacent natural teeth. If you have one or two missing teeth on a single side this can be a good method of replacement. If the two teeth adjacent to the space are healthy and the supporting structure (bone and gum tissue) are adequate a fixed bridge can be placed.

• Removable partial or full denture - A partial or full removable denture is a set of artificial teeth that are not fixed permanently to natural teeth. This set consists of usually plastic teeth set in an artificial plastic or plastic and metal framework that rests on the gum tissue. A partial denture is used for people who have multiple spaces on one or both sides or whose teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge. A complete denture is just that, it replaces all the teeth on either the top or bottom jaw. The full denture can be the most difficult restoration to get accustomed to.

• Implants - Implants are used to replace a single tooth, many teeth on one side, or used to support an entire fixed or removable bridge replacing all the upper or lower teeth. The implant is placed in a hole which is drilled into the patient’s lower or upper jaw. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, one or more implants are placed in the bone. If necessary a substructure is fabricated and then a crown, bridge or denture is securely fastened to the substructure or implant. Implants are useful for patients that have tried but can’t wear conventional dentures.

• Flipper – This is probably the cheapest option to restore missing teeth, however it should be seen as a temporary solution. The expected longevity of a flipper should only be a few months, though with meticulous care and minimal use with chewing, it could last a bit longer. Flippers are similar to removable partial dentures, except they are made from weaker materials.

There are other methods such as using a combination of crowns and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight. From the available options, the most appropriate treatment will depend on various factors including the number of teeth missing; therefore it is advisable to consult your dentist about the right solution for you. 

What is Dental Floss?

When it comes to your teeth nothing is more important than proper dental health and dental hygiene. Without proper oral hygiene your teeth can break down and decay causing many problems including tooth loss. Flossing is such an essential part of dental care. There are several health benefits to maintaining proper dental care and flossing. Without proper flossing, your teeth will a buildup with plaque which leads to tartar and several types of gum disease. Not flossing can also cause an increase of cavities in the areas your tooth brush cannot reach. Without flossing your teeth can start to stain which keeps your teeth from looking bright, white and clean.

Dental floss is a tool you should use daily to remove food and bacteria build-up from in-between your teeth. Floss, which is commonly made out of plastic or nylon, is a thin thread that you place between your teeth and pull in order to clean the gaps. As you pull on the thread, you should remove food and debris.

 Benefits of Flossing:

• Remove plaque
• Prevent gum disease
• Prevent cavities
• Better smelling breath
• Whiter teeth

How Can I Remove An Object Caught Between My Teeth?

This is a dental problem, which you can possibly fix yourself.

If you have a small object caught between your teeth, first try to gently remove the object with dental floss. If flossing doesn't work, tie a knot in your floss and carefully place the floss between your teeth and pull the knot through gently.

If the above tips don’t work, place a toothpick in between the two teeth where the item is lodged. Push it in slightly so it stays in place and keep it there for a minute or two. This allows your teeth to move slightly. Push on the toothpick once more so the teeth will move a bit further and wait a couple of minutes again. Then remove the toothpick and try flossing again.

Remember, never use anything sharp or pointed objects like a pin around your teeth as it may cut your gums or damage your tooth.

You can also try swishing with warm water and brush again. This may dislodge the food.

If you still can’t get it out, then contact a dentist for advice or to schedule an appointment.

Is Whitening Safe for my Teeth?

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that makes teeth appear whiter. Teeth whitening is a part of dentistry and should be recommended by your dental professional after assessing if you are eligible. You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but these may carry risks.

Risks of home kits:

Some home kits don’t contain enough of the whitening product to be effective. More generally, if a dental professional is not doing the whitening, the mouth guard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity. Remember to follow the directions carefully. Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than advised – that may cause sore gums and set you up for other problems.

Even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home, you should see your dentist first. Your dentist will look for cavities and check the health of your gums during the exam. Treating any problems before you whiten is safer for your mouth.

No matter whether you decide to whiten your teeth at home or at dental office, to be on the safe side, pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening.

Protect sensitive teeth:

Your teeth may become mildly sensitive after you whiten, but it’s usually short term. It might be less of an issue if your teeth and gums are in good shape. If it bothers you, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist.

Gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, can also bother your gums if they

don't fit well. It’s a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem. If you want more information about teeth whitening treatment, contact Expressions Dental™ Calgary NW general dentists.

What can I do for Toothache Relief?

A toothache is a common reason for visiting the dentist. Pain from toothaches can affect the teeth and jaws. Tooth decay is a common reason for toothache, which won't usually get better on its own.

If you’re having continual mouth pain or discomfort, here are some steps to take to resolve the problem, or at least provide some temporary toothache relief until getting to the dentist:

• Brush and floss your teeth to remove food fragments on and in-between your teeth. Rinse with warm water.
• You may take painkillers for the pain, but DO NOT put an aspirin or any other painkiller directly against the gums near the aching tooth. This can burn and cause damage to the gum tissue. If the pain persists, call to see a dentist as soon as possible.
• Avoid very cold or hot foods as they may make the pain worse.
• Relief may be obtained by biting on some cotton wool soaked in oil of cloves. Oil of cloves is available at most pharmacies.
• It is important to know that persistent toothache pain may temporarily subside, but will usually return until the underlying problem has been addressed. Failure to treat these problems in a timely manner may lead to further deterioration and more costly treatment.

Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary. A root canal might need to be done if the cause of the toothache is found to be an infection of the tooth's nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed.

See your dentist as soon as possible if toothache lasts longer than 1 or 2 days or if it is severe. Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.

Importance of Flossing

It is very surprising that majority of people believe that regular brushing is enough to keep their teeth healthy. They don’t realize the importance of flossing. The fact is, brushing alone does not clean your entire mouth. Flossing is such an essential activity to maintain good oral hygiene.

Here are the health benefits of flossing:

• Flossing removes the tiny trapped food particles and also the plaque trapped between the teeth which a tooth brush cannot reach.
• It also prevents the formation of calculus or tartar which if formed can only be removed by your dental hygienist.
• With regular flossing, you reduce the growth of bacteria. 
• Flossing can help prevent bad breath. If bacteria and food particles are left in between your teeth it can actually cause really bad breath.
• Flossing regularly will keep your teeth looking whiter and shiny. With plaque buildup on the teeth, food and drinks stick and staining occur. By flossing you can remove the stubborn spots and food particles providing a cleaner, healthier smile.

Proper dental care begins at home. Make sure you are not only brushing regularly but flossing as well. You need to take the time to floss well at least once a day, and try to floss after meals to remove food particles. Brushing, flossing and the use of mouth wash will help you keep your mouth healthy and clean. It is also important to schedule regular visit to your dentist to give your teeth and gums a good deep cleaning.

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

A permanent tooth which has been knocked out can be saved if it is put back quickly. If you cannot put the tooth back, store it in milk. Always call your dentist straightaway after a tooth injury. Every minute the tooth is out of the gum, the less chance it has of surviving.

First aid for permanent tooth:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (smooth white part), not the root (yellowish pointy parts).
2. Gently put the tooth back into the gum. Make sure the pointy root is the part that goes into the gum. Only do this if the person is conscious.
3. Hold the tooth in place by gently biting on something soft, like a handkerchief.
4. See a dentist immediately.
5. If the tooth is dirty, rinse gently with water and don’t rub or scrub.

What not to do with the tooth

1. Don’t clean the tooth by scrubbing or using cleaning products or water.
2. Don’t handle the tooth by the root.
3. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

If the knocked out tooth is placed in the socket, subsequent treatment may include antibiotics to prevent infection. If the tooth is knocked loose or pushed out of position (inward, outward, sideways or into the jawbone), contact your dentist as soon as possible.

The treatment of a fractured tooth depends on how deep the fracture is. Regardless of the damage, treatment should always be determined by a dentist.

If you cannot close your upper and lower teeth together, your jaw may be broken. This requires emergency dental help.

Prevention

1. Wear a sports guard when playing any contact sport.
2. Avoid fights
3. Avoid hard foods
4. Always wear a seatbelt.