Why Ignoring Bleeding Gums Is A Big Mistake
Plaque, Bad Habits & Gum Disease
Plaque, Bad Habits & Gum Disease
You notice a little pink when you rinse and spit after cleaning your teeth. Or there's a little blood on your floss when you remove it. No big deal right? Maybe not if it's a very occasional thing, but if your gums bleed regularly, even if it's just a little, it very well be a sign of a bigger problem you need to address as soon as possible. Here are some possible reasons for those red spots on your toothbrush and what you can do about it.
Pesky Plaque Problems
One possible cause of bleeding gums is a plaque buildup around the gumline. Plaque is nasty stuff at the best of times, but if it is allowed to build up it hardens into tartar, which in turn irritates the gums, causes them to bleed and can eventually lead to full blown gum disease.
The fix here is to up your oral care game. The best thing to do is start of with a good professional cleaning and then keep things nice and squeaky clean from there. Brush AT LEAST twice a day and, no matter what you might have heard recently, to keep plaque buildup at bay you do still need to floss once a day as well.
Bad Brushes
It may be that it is the very tools you are using to try and keep your teeth clean are actually the cause of your bleeding gums problem. Often people think that the harder the bristle on their toothbrush the better the clean, but very hard bristled toothbrushes can be very tough on the gums. To avoid cutting your gums with a brush that is just too stiff - because that is what can happen all too easily - opt for a softer option. It will still get your teeth clean, it will just do so a little more gently, and your gums will thank you for that.
Pill Problems
Occasionally a certain prescription medication can have, as one of its side effects, the ability to cause your gums to bleed. This can be particularly true of some antihistamines, blood pressure medications and certain stronger antibiotics. If you suspect that your pills may be the problem, discuss the issue with your doctor, they may be able to change your prescription or offer some advice on how to deal with the problem.
Your Gums and Gingivitis
Gum disease - medically known as gingivitis - is probably one of the biggest causes of regular gum bleeds and only your dentist can help you solve the problem for good. How your gum disease is treated with depend upon the severity. In some cases improved oral hygiene can be the simple answer, but if the gingivitis is more advanced
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Rather than ignoring those 'little gum bleeds' make an appointment to do something about it today, before the problem gets worse or becomes irreparable.
What Bad Breath?
Don't Be Embarrassed To Discuss Bad Breath With The Dentist...
Don't Be Embarrassed To Discuss Bad Breath With The Dentist
Bad breath. It's always an elephant in the room. The chances are that those who suffer from it won't ever hear about it from their friends and their significant other may never say too much about it either. The whole issue is an embarrassing one that, the chances are, you probably don't even want to be reading about right now because it kind of makes you feel uncomfortable.
There are many causes of bad breath, and, with the right information, and sometimes the right treatment, they can be very effectively addressed. And the best person to turn to for help is your dentist.
The Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath - medically known as halitosis - can have a number of different causes. Some are pretty obvious while others less so. Forgetting to brush and floss on a regular basis, smoking, a love of garlic. All pretty obvious causes of bad breath to most people. But what if you, like more people than you might imagine - do brush and floss and avoid garlic every bit as much as Dracula does and still battle bad breath?
Well, did you know that dehydration causes bad breath? And that following one of those uber trendy low carb diets can do the same because that way of eating causes your body to release something called ketones that can be smelled on your breath and they often smell pretty bad? Or that an as yet unseen forming cavity can really do a number on your breath as well?
Well you may not have done, but your dentist does. He or she also knows about a number of other causes of bad breath, like taking a certain medication. They also know that, in rare cases, halitosis can be a symptom of an underlying, non oral related disease that will call for a medical doctor's care. And while they may not know the minute you sit down in the chair just what's causing the problem they will keep working with you until it's figured out.
But I Don't Want to Talk to My Dentist About Bad Breath!
We get it, you're embarrassed and you really don't want to bring up the halitosis thing with anyone, including your dentist. You'd rather keep chewing on a new stick of gum every five minutes and downing enough mouthwash to sink a ship and hope for the best.
However, even if you just finished your 12th stick of Extra of the day before you hopped up into the dentist's chair they will detect that bad breath. It's their job. But fear not, they are not going to recoil in horror or call you out in front of the entire office. They know you're upset. They know you're puzzled. And they are just going to help you deal with the problem in a quiet, discreet and non-judgmental way. Then you can finally face the world - and all your friends - with great breath and an improved sense of self confidence, that, to be honest, will be worth every minute you felt a bit squirmy talking about all of this at all.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Dentists are here to help, not to judge. Never be afraid to discuss bad breath - or any other oral health concern - with us. Trust us, we've pretty much seen it all before and our only concern is helping to fix the problem, not to make you feel bad about it.
First Impressions Count
"...And Remember To Smile
And Remember To Smile
Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Appearances matter, and remember to smile”. As dentists we have adopted the latter part of that quote, #RememberToSmile. In context, Mandela was talking to Time Magazine about some important lessons he had learnt during his 90 years and we can see why.
Before an interview, a big presentation and certainly before a date or a night out you take great care to make sure your clothes are on point, your hair looks good and everything smells good. In fact, you no doubt spend more than a bit of time and money on these efforts to make the best possible first impression. But here's a question for you, how much did you spend on your smile?
“Appearances matter, and remember to smile”
You've heard the expression 'million-dollar smile' right? It's more than just a jaded saying though. Your smile has a far bigger impact on that great first impression than you might realise. According to a psychologist from the States, Dr Paul Ekman, professor of psychology at the University of California and a man known as 'Professor Smiles', as he has devoted his career to studying them, people respond to a great smile from up to 30 meters away. And a smile, he says, lets people they are likely to get a good reception, making it hard not to reciprocate. In other words a smile is a great way to set up a good interaction before you ever say a word, a real plus when you are on that big interview or first date.
That having been said a great smile is about a lot more than the ability to get those facial muscles into the right place. The focus is on the mouth when you smile, which means your teeth. A bright white smile and a set of healthy, well-cared for teeth and gums can say an awful lot about you, mainly that you take pride in your appearance and that your health is important to you. It is also a confidence booster for you, as people with teeth that are stained, cracked, discoloured or otherwise imperfect smile a lot less than people with 'good teeth', whether they realise it or not, and people who avoid smiling often come across as self-conscious, nervous or even rather rude.
The Keys to a Confident Smile
These 'smile problems' are far from unusual of course, lots of people have problems with more than just the colour of their teeth, their teeth might also be broken, cracked and/or crooked. And they may think there is not too much they can do about those latter problems other than keep their mouth closed as much as possible. However, that really isn't the case anymore. Modern dentistry has a 'fix' for pretty much all of them.
A good smile really starts in the most mundane of ways; with a simple check up at the dentist. Regular checkups and basic cleanings really are the foundations of a great smile and they are also the way that more serious issues can be examined, addressed, and yes, fixed, so that you can begin your journey to that 'million dollar smile.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are the first steps to a healthy smile. And remember, a smile comes from the inside out.
Don’t Fear The X-Ray
Dental X-Rays Explained...
Dental X-Rays Explained
For years now, x-rays have been a standard part of dental care and most of us are used to the idea and have been since we were little kids. Being used to something does not always mean being OK with it though, and it's fair to say that more than a few people are a little nervous and scared about dental x-rays and some even avoid them, fearing that an x-ray may in some way be harmful to their health.
The fact is that dental x-rays are very safe, and in the 21st century they are safer than ever before. Yes, a very low level of radiation is produced when an x-ray is taken - that is, after all, how they do their 'job' - but you are actually exposed to more radiation during an hour's flight on a plane than you are during a routine four image bite wing x-ray session!
However, if you are still a little wary it might help for us to explain dental x-rays, why we need them and what they really involve in a little more detail:
Who Needs Dental X-Rays?
Our Dentists. Dr Amrinder Oberoi & Dr David Graham
Dental x-rays are used by dentists to help them get a clear look at oral health issues that may be hard - or even impossible - for them to see with the naked eye, even the very trained eye of a dentist. Making use of these images your dentist can:
Decay, including areas of decay that are often 'hiding' between the teeth or underneath an old filling or crown.
Abscesses, which are basically areas of infection that sit at the root of a tooth or between a tooth and the gum.
Bone loss caused by gum disease
Changes or abnormalities in the root canal of a tooth
If an x-ray is not performed some of these issues may be missed and go untreated until the condition is more serious and painful than it needed have been. In addition a dental x-ray can also help a dentist when they are preparing fillings, crowns and braces.
Kids and Dental X-Rays
Some parents are especially concerned that dental x-rays may be harmful to their kids, as they are younger and smaller and their bodies are still growing and developing. However, the very low levels of radiation are so low that they are safe for kids of all ages and a dental x-ray can be especially useful to a dentist when he or she is treating a child. Why? Because thanks to an x-ray a dentists can:
Ensure the child's mouth is big enough to properly accommodate incoming teeth.
Determine whether or not primary teeth are loosening properly to allow secondary teeth to erupt properly.
Monitor the growth of wisdom teeth.
Identify gum disease and decay at an earlier stage.
It is especially important that children visit the dentist regularly - at least every six months - and that get x-rays when their dentists recommends them. Childhood is a crucial time in terms of oral health and a lack of dental care when you are a kid can have serious lasting effects well into adulthood.
Dental X-Rays and Pregnancy
As a general rule pregnant women are advised to avoid x-rays while pregnant, not because there is any real proven danger to them or their unborn child but as a matter of simple and sensible precaution.
Dental care is very important during pregnancy though and there are certain situations in which a very carefully administered x-ray may still be necessary. For example, it is an accepted fact that periodontal disease in pregnant women can have adverse effects on their pregnancy, and so in some cases a patient's dentist and OB may agree that an x-ray presents far less of a risk than the damage that can be caused by gum disease, as several bodies of research have found that women suffering from gum disease during pregnancy are at an increased risk for giving birth to a pre-term or low birth weight baby.
If an x-ray is called for during pregnancy a dentist consults with a patient's OB first and extra protections like having the patient wear a lead lined apron and thyroid collar and keeping the number of images taken to an absolute minimum.
Every dental professional does understand that there are lots of things that many people find scary and daunting about a visit to the dentist's office and are more than happy to discuss concerns they have before any procedure, including dental x-rays, is started. If you have concerns about x-rays and whether or not they are really needed, ask and any dentists will be more than willing to address - and allay - your fears, even if they seem a bit silly to you.
One inexpensive alternative to standard floss in a box are floss sticks, or floss picks as they are also known. Lots of people do prefer these to standard floss as a lot of the measuring and guesswork is taken out of the equation and although you can only really use each pick once for hygiene reasons, making it a bit pricier to use them, the potential oral health benefits of actually flossing make the investment worth it.
There are also several different kinds of 'mechanical flossers' on the market. Some make use of water, some make use of air and they are priced anywhere between $10 and about $75, depending on the model you choose. Some do work well, and a water flosser can be an especially good choice for those with braces or bridges, as they can remove food particles that brushes and flosses often miss. Should you make the larger investment in one of these gadgets? If you struggle to floss now but think they might change that, by all means go ahead.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Dental x-rays are safe and the images they produce are the key to making sure we receive the correct information to treat you appropriately.
Dental Flossing 101
Yes It's a Bother, But You Still Need to Do It...
Yes It's a Bother, But You Still Need to Do It
Flossing has, to be fair, been a topic of much discussion and even a little controversy over the last year or so, but, as we have explained before, it really is still a must. And, we'll admit, sometimes the most annoying and challenging part of a good oral health routine. It's a fiddly procedure that many of us get annoyed with and even get it more than a bit wrong sometimes. However, flossing the right way is not really as hard as it might seem, all you need to know are the basics of the best way to do it. Not really sure what those are? Read on to find out.
A Step by Step Guide to the Proper Way to Floss
After brushing your teeth take around 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the majority of it around your middle finger.
Next, wrap the remaining loose floss around the opposite finger, leaving enough floss between them to rub between your teeth comfortably.
Holding it tight between thumbs and forefingers, insert the floss between your teeth using a careful seesaw motion. Don't do so too quickly as you may injure the sensitive gum tissue around your teeth if you do.
Once the dental floss is between your teeth curve it into a rough 'c' shape around one of them and rub up and down gently, ensuring that you keep the floss pressed against the tooth. Again, go slow to avoid injury.
Reverse the 'c' to clean the other side of the tooth, repeat the process and then gently remove the floss from your teeth.
Clean all of your teeth in this manner, using fresh floss as necessary. Pay special attention to your back teeth, as this is where a great many instances of gum disease and tooth decay begin, as the tartar and plaque buildup there is much harder to see with the naked eye.
As we mentioned, some people get pretty desperate when they are stuck with a toothache that just won't quit. Two aspirins didn't work, so they take four. Four don't work either so they take four more. That, however, is a terrible idea. The correct dosage of an anti-inflammatory OTC pain reliever might provide some relief - hopefully it does - but if it doesn't, taking so many more that you start to rattle a bit is not going to help.
It also won't help to try to booze away the pain. Well, it might for a little while, if you drink enough, but within a couple of hours you'll have a banging hangover AND a terrible toothache to contend with and, if you were also popping Advil, you could seriously have damaged your health.
Then there are those weird home remedies that Google's thrown up for you. A few temporary pain killing home remedies do work (more about that in a moment) but most are nonsense. Some suggest gobbling garlic over a visit to a dentist asap, but unless you are also dealing with a vampire infestation or something, that really won't help. And don't even think about trying something daft like pulling your own tooth, whatever Grandpa might say.
Alternatives to Standard Floss - Are They Any Good?
Standard dental floss - which is basically just specially coated string - is pretty cheap and easy to find in the shops. However, since, even when they do understand the right way to use it some people skip flossing because it's too time consuming a number of products have been launched in an attempt to make flossing easier. But are they actually any good?
One inexpensive alternative to standard floss in a box are floss sticks, or floss picks as they are also known. Lots of people do prefer these to standard floss as a lot of the measuring and guesswork is taken out of the equation and although you can only really use each pick once for hygiene reasons, making it a bit pricier to use them, the potential oral health benefits of actually flossing make the investment worth it.
There are also several different kinds of 'mechanical flossers' on the market. Some make use of water, some make use of air and they are priced anywhere between $10 and about $75, depending on the model you choose. Some do work well, and a water flosser can be an especially good choice for those with braces or bridges, as they can remove food particles that brushes and flosses often miss. Should you make the larger investment in one of these gadgets? If you struggle to floss now but think they might change that, by all means go ahead.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
The bottom line is, however you floss, you still need to do so and there's no getting out of it if you want to maintain truly healthy teeth!
Toothache: What to Do When the Pain is Too Much
An expert opinion...
An Expert Opinion
A severe toothache can, as many know, be a real nightmare. The pain can be horrible and, at its worst, it can be unbearable. And when pain is unbearable, people do silly things. If you Google toothache you'll quickly find page after page of advice on how to cope with it. Some of it's good, but an alarming majority of it isn't and can even make things worse.
Why Does a Toothache Hurt So Bad?
In many ways, a toothache is a unique form of pain unlike any other you might experience in your body. For starters, this is literally a pain in your head, so it's almost impossible to find a comfortable position that might help alleviate the pain in the way you might for, for example, a sprained ankle.
Secondly, a tooth does not respond to trauma in the way other parts of your body do. If you hit your arm hard it bruises, because the injury is being mitigated by a rush of blood to the damaged area that is the beginning of the healing process. But because a tooth is a solid, closed container - even though it's full of soft tissues and a surprisingly large number of nerves - the blood supply is not as plentiful and the healing process is not as effective.
Finally, often a toothache has an underlying, hidden to the untrained eye cause. If you have a broken or cracked tooth then the reason for the agony you're in is a little more obvious, as that sensitive soft pulp is usually exposed to the world and it's easy to understand why it hurts. However, if a tooth is infected or decayed, or perhaps there's an underlying gum problem, it's harder to see and harder to understand. In fact, all you know is that you're in pain and you want that pain to stop as soon as possible.
The Wrong Ways to Deal with Tooth Pain
As we mentioned, some people get pretty desperate when they are stuck with a toothache that just won't quit. Two aspirins didn't work, so they take four. Four don't work either so they take four more. That, however, is a terrible idea. The correct dosage of an anti-inflammatory OTC pain reliever might provide some relief - hopefully it does - but if it doesn't, taking so many more that you start to rattle a bit is not going to help.
It also won't help to try to booze away the pain. Well, it might for a little while, if you drink enough, but within a couple of hours you'll have a banging hangover AND a terrible toothache to contend with and, if you were also popping Advil, you could seriously have damaged your health.
Then there are those weird home remedies that Google's thrown up for you. A few temporary pain killing home remedies do work (more about that in a moment) but most are nonsense. Some suggest gobbling garlic over a visit to a dentist asap, but unless you are also dealing with a vampire infestation or something, that really won't help. And don't even think about trying something daft like pulling your own tooth, whatever Grandpa might say.
The Right Ways to Deal with Tooth Pain
A toothache almost never goes away on its own. And even if it does dissipate for a little while, it's usually back pretty quickly. For tooth pain you really do need to see a dentist and you need to see one asap. If, while you are waiting for your dentist to open, or for an emergency dentist to have you come in, you want to try rinsing with warm salt water or dabbing the painful tooth with clove oil (dabbing, not swallowing, the stuff can really burn) these are things that might provide a little temporary relief. However, in the end, even if you're not a big fan of them, a trip to the dentist is your best chance at finally getting rid of a toothache, and the sooner you get there, the faster you'll feel better.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Toothache is horrible and it's one of the biggest reasons emergency dentists exist in the first place. 'Toughing out' a toothache isn't being brave, it's being silly. So when toothache strikes at the wrong time, give us a ring, it's the only sensible thing to do.
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Mending A Broken Smile
Cosmetic Dentistry in the 21st Century...
Cosmetic Dentistry in the 21st Century
There is no doubt that the way your teeth look is important. And if they are damaged it's often hard to hide that fact, something that many find more than a little distressing.
The good news is that cosmetic dentistry has come a long way over the last few decades and it is continuing to get better and more innovative every day. This often means that even teeth that a person thought were beyond repair can not only be fixed but restored to their former glory in terms of aesthetics as well.
There are lots of ways teeth can be damaged and there are also a number of other cosmetic dental issues that simply develop to spoil your smile. Here's a look at some of the most common and how they are treated.
Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth as a kid is exciting. It means you are growing up AND you're likely to be waking up to a few extra dollars left in the night by the elusive tooth fairy (no, before you ask, even dentists have no idea what she wants all those teeth for) Losing a tooth as an adult is a very different matter. It's traumatic, shocking and ultimately very upsetting. How are you supposed to the face the world with that big embarrassing gap in what was once a nice smile?
Thanks to the skill of a good cosmetic dentist a missing tooth does not have to be the end of the world (or the end of that nice smile anyway) The treatments used vary according to the location and size of the missing tooth but bridges, crowns and implants are all ways that a 'gappy' smile can be restored to its former glory with relative ease.
Cracked/Broken Teeth
It's easier than you might think to crack, chip or break a tooth. They may seem tough but a particularly crispy apple, an argument with a pavement or a dozen other accidental scenarios are more than a match for tooth sometimes, and even though it survives the trauma it doesn't do so intact, leaving you with a damaged tooth that not only looks pretty bad but is also now prone to decay, infection and further collapse if not treated promptly.
Natural looking fillings, a treatment known as bonding, crowns and other cosmetic dental innovations can be used to correct all kinds of cracks, breaks and similar damage to teeth, but for them to be most effective you will need to see your dentist asap after the damage is first done.
Discoloured Teeth
Seems like everyone is in pursuit of that dazzling white smile these days. The chemist's is not really the best place to begin your quest though. Most over the counter whitening kits are both pretty ineffective and often contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage teeth. Your dentist, on the other hand, has the safe, effective and long lasting whitening solutions you are looking for, as well as a few tips for how changing the way you eat, drink and care for your teeth can keep them that way.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders, but don't overlook the fact that preventive care can also help keep teeth stronger, healthier and less prone to damage in the first place.
5 Reasons Why Your Teeth Might Be Hurting More This Winter
Winter in Sydney...
Winter in Sydney
Although it's not everyone's favourite season, winter in Sydney can be great for lots of reasons. But, as you may have noticed over the years, it's not always that great for your teeth. Colder weather often brings along with it tooth pain and especially tooth sensitivity, even if at your last dental check up your teeth got a relatively good bill of health.
The bad news is that the winter weather can indeed affect your teeth. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimise the damage - and pain - that the colder months can cause. With that in mind here's a look at the top five reasons why your teeth might give you extra problems this winter and what you can do about it.
1. Overly Aggressive Brushing
Yes, you have been told, correctly, since you were a kid that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. But the operative word here is brush, not scrub away like a maniac. If you brush your teeth too hard, or with a very stiff bristled toothbrush, you may begin stripping away enamel as well as plaque, leaving the softer inner part of your tooth exposed to the elements, something you'll feel a lot more when the air hitting them is cold.
When brushing your teeth take you time and use gentle strokes, as doing so will not only shield your smile from winter sensitivity but protect them from damage in general as well.
2. Winter Whitening Overkill
Winter in Sydney offers up all kinds of fun festivals and events that are a great excuse to get out and party. And if you are going to party, you want to look your best and dazzle everyone with a stellar smile. Those tempting home whitening kits at the chemists promise they can do that, but if you are considering using one this winter you'll need to take care.
Although home teeth whitening kits can have some effect, they often contain overly harsh chemicals that eat away at the enamel of the teeth, weakening them and making them more sensitive. A better way to go is to head to the dentist to discuss getting a professional whitening treatment that will look better, last longer and not leave lasting damage behind.
3. Your Hot Drink Habit
When winter comes we all tend to crave a few more hot drinks, especially if we're outdoors, something that's really only natural. This can have a downside for your teeth though, even if your tummy's warm and happy. The problem is that if your drink is hot - and the air is cold - the temperature difference can be quite a shock for your teeth and cause pain that rather sharp and stabby. To help prevent this, sip your hot chocolate - or whatever your preferred winter beverage option might be - slowly and try to stick to drinking it warm rather than boiling hot.
4. Colds and Flus
Not all winter tooth pain is directly related to your teeth. If you have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection, all common winter ailments, then tooth pain may be just one of the nasty symptoms that come along with it. Often if your nose is all stuffed up your sinuses are all inflamed and that can put pressure on your teeth, especially those at the front. On this one there's not too much you can do, except practice good hygiene and take some extra Vitamin C to try to ward off winter colds and flus altogether.
5. Thermal Stress
Did you know that your teeth expand and contract in reaction to the weather in the same way as many other materials? It's only very slight, but it can cause pain, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Don't stress. Some winter tooth pain is temporary and goes away on its own, often when you get back to your nice warm house after a day in the cold.
However, if the pain is particularly bad, or lingers longer than a day or so it's a good idea to make an appointment to see the dentist to make sure something else - like decay or gum disease - is the problem, and not the winter weather after all.
What's The Point of Wisdom Teeth Anyway
The evolution of wisdom teeth...
The Evolution of Wisdom Teeth
With such a grand sounding name you'd think that wisdom teeth served a grand purpose in the scheme of things related to your oral health. And, once upon a time, it's believed they certainly did. These days, however, for many people, they are nothing more than a big pain, literally.
What are Wisdom Teeth Anyway?
Although you may not have ever actually seen yours very clearly, everyone has two sets of wisdom teeth, one at the top, one at the bottom, at the very back of your mouth, behind the molars. These teeth often appear last, sometimes when a person is in their teens, occasionally not until some time later.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Exist?
Wisdom teeth were once something of a puzzle to dentists and other medical professionals. It's now generally agreed however that they are evolutionary throwbacks that no longer serve the purpose they were designed for.
You see, back when prehistoric man - and woman - roamed the Earth their primary diet was, obviously, very different to ours. Lacking a cave-based Woolworths to food shop in they ate a lot of pretty tough, chewy stuff, including sticks and reed plants. This usually led to teeth falling out and wearing down, so wisdom teeth could move in as replacements.
As we all know eat much softer foods, and (should) practice much better oral hygiene wisdom teeth no longer have a purpose. The human mouth is designed to accommodate 28 teeth, so if the wisdom teeth come in, that goes up to 32 and then there's a problem, often a rather painful one.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Eruption Problems
As there is no room for them to exist, it is not very common for a wisdom tooth to erupt nice and straight and then slide in without a problem. Instead, they usually impact, or partially impact, in the gum. There are four common types of wisdom tooth eruption (or lack of) and they break down as follows:
Angular - The wisdom tooth impacts into the gum, behind the molar, at an angle.
Vertical - The wisdom tooth is still straight, but it simply sits in the gum.
Partial Eruption - The tooth partially erupts from the gum and can be seen with the naked eye if you look hard enough.
Horizontal - The tooth 'falls over' and impacts sideways against the adjoining molar.
Wisdom Tooth Problems and What to Do About Them
In any of the scenarios mentioned above the potential for painful problems exists at all times, but sadly it's often at the most inconvenient times that they really become a nuisance. Signs that you probably need to see a dentist about a wisdom tooth can include all the following:
Pain, often centered at the back of the mouth
Swelling in the gum
Bad taste in the mouth
Redness
As an impacted wisdom tooth can cause all kinds of problems, including nasty infections, the usual course of action when one does begin to cause problems is to remove it asap. If the tooth has erupted it is an easier procedure than if it has become impacted but either way, in the hands of good dentist wisdom tooth removal is not anywhere near as bad as some might have you believe, and living with a wisdom tooth gone bad can be much, much worse.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Did you know that these days it's often better to take a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to wisdom tooth problems? Discussing wisdom tooth extraction as a preventative measure, and then getting on with having it done now, can save you, and the rest of your teeth, a lot of pain and hassle later.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
When to Ask for Help Out of Hours
When to Ask for Help Out of Hours
When does a dental problem become a dental emergency? And where should you go if it is? These are questions many people have asked themselves, when in pain, often at three in the morning, or on a Sunday afternoon when they assume that every dentist in town is closed.
When we think of health emergencies in general, the place we tend to think of heading is the local hospital emergency department. For oral health emergencies, not so much. In amongst the broken bones, fevers and other cases waiting to be attended to it can be very hard to get someone to come and help you with that broken tooth.
The good news these days is that emergency dentists exist. Like hospital emergency departments, they are open seven days a week. This means that not having to suffer through hours of pain and agony waiting for the sun to come up and 9 am to roll around is an option.
To Call or Not to Call?
So, you've determined that yes, an emergency dentist exists in your area. But do you really need to call, or will they think you're just being a wimp? And if you do, is the trip going to cost you extra money that you could have saved yourself by toughing things out until regular business hours?
The fact is that some oral health conditions really are emergencies. If you were fine at 5 pm when you left work but have now been fighting oral pain since 8pm that's a good sign that you'll need help sooner rather than later.
Alternately, if you've had an accident or injury - anything from getting hit while playing footie to awkwardly biting a juicy apple - and you have broken, or even knocked out a tooth - an emergency dental appointment is probably your best bet too. There is only a very limited time to work with to save a knocked out tooth and a big crack can go from unsightly annoyance to serious dental health problem more quickly than you might think too.
On the other hand, if you think your jaw is broken or your lips, gums or tongue are severely severed or damaged it's the hospital you should be headed for.
The best advice we can offer is if you are in oral pain, give the emergency dentist a call. Our staff are trained to help patients determine what is and isn't something they need to be seen for right away and if they should be seeing an emergency dentist or an emergency department doctor. The one thing you shouldn't do? Suffer in silence - or whimper quietly in the corner. Even if your dental problem can wait the emergency dental staff will be able to offer you advice about what to do in the meantime.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
No one should be in pain if they don't have to be. Calling the Emergency Dentist for help isn't silly, it's sensible and it also may be the best way to avoid a serious oral health problem.
Lasers in Dentistry Explained
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie right?
A Must Have for Dental Practices
Lasers in dentistry. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie right? If dentists weren't scary enough, now they're wielding lasers like some kind of dental Darth Vader? What do they do with them? Is it safe?
Whenever people first hear about the use of lasers in modern dentistry these questions often come to their minds. However, there is nothing strange, or scary, about the practice at all, and in fact, lasers are helping to make dental treatment faster, more effective and, in many cases, a lot less uncomfortable.
Uses for Dental Lasers
Dental lasers are actually not really new, they've been around since the mid-nineties, but it's only more recently that they are being more widely used. And they are being used in a number of different ways. Lasers can be used more efficiently remove decay from a tooth and then prepare it to receive a filling. They can also be utilised to help fight infection and reduce inflammation, especially when a patient is suffering from painful gum disease.
And then there is that most feared of dental procedures; the root canal. If you've never had one, you have quite probably heard that this is a dental procedure from hell. In the right hands, that is nowhere near the truth, as the modern root canal is a far more efficient dental surgery than it might have been back in your parents or grandparents day.
However, lasers are helping to make the root canal even more effective. A laser root canal often means the procedure is shorter, there is less initial pain and bleeding, the recovery and healing time is faster, and being approached with what essentially looks like a simple beam of light is a lot less scary than a sharp metal instrument.
How Do Dental Lasers Work?
Now that we've established that lasers are very useful tools for a skilled dentist to have, you are probably wondering just how they work.
Like all lasers, dental lasers work by delivering energy in the form of a beam of light. When used in dentistry the laser can be used as a cutting tool, or to safely 'vaporise' damaged tissue. This is especially effective in a root canal, as the laser can be manipulated more easily to clean the root and remove all that nasty debris more effectively than traditional tools can.
Now, dental lasers are not replacing traditional dentistry tools and procedures completely. Instead, they are being used in conjunction with them to help offer patients a better overall experience when they visit the dentist. Not all dentists are trained to use lasers right now, there is a learning curve, but by taking the time to seek one out who is you may just be getting closer to that shorter, less painful, less intimidating experience in the dental chair we're all looking for.
The Emergency Dentist Says:
Dental lasers are just one of the innovations we make use of to provide you with the best possible experience. And no, we're still wearing our white coats, there's not a black cape or helmet in sight!
Resolving Oral Health Problems in Emergencies
Our best advice for when you least expect it...
Our Best Advice
Most people do know that regular dental checkups are a must for the good of their oral health in the same way that a checkup with their GP is for the rest of their body. What they don't always understand is why emergency dentists exist. That is until they need one that is.
Oral health emergencies - broken teeth, knocked out teeth, severe toothache - are no respecters of schedules and appointments. And as 'silly' as it sounds, until it happens to you, tooth pain can be some of the worst there is, especially at midnight on a Sunday evening. That's why emergency dentists exist though, to help people deal with their oral health emergencies as soon as possible to get the best possible results.
What Can an Emergency Dentist Really Do?
If you have yet to ever need the services of an emergency dentist, you might wonder just what they can do, and how taking a trip to one in the middle of the night, or on a big public holiday, can make a difference versus waiting for an appointment during 'normal' business hours. The simple answer is that often prompt treatment can not only help relieve pain - which is the number one reason people seek emergency dental care - but also get treatments started that, if delayed, could lead to poorer outcomes. Here are some examples.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Dental implants have become a popular treatment.
Getting a tooth knocked out is for many one of their worst nightmares, especially if it's one that is in a very visible spot. As shocking and upsetting as it is though, fast action can make all the difference.
What you might not know is that if an adult tooth is intact it can often be saved if action is taken within the hour. So, in this situation, getting yourself - and that tooth - off to the dentist as soon as possible is a must. If the tooth can be re-implanted and it 'takes' you may still need a root canal later but at least you'll still have your natural tooth. And if it can't, it's not the end of the world as your emergency dentist can help get the process of getting an implant or dental bridge to replace it started.
A Painful Chipped Tooth
It's all too easy to chip a tooth. Bite into something a little too hard - a very cold ice lolly, a hard piece of crackling, a very crisp apple - and a piece of your tooth may suddenly be gone.
A small chip doesn't always have to be treated after hours but if there is pain present, discomfort or distress from the appearance of the tooth, it should be treated as soon as possible. As a solution there are a few options depending on the damage. Dental composites (bonding), crowns, porcelain veneers and fillings can all be used to treat a chipped tooth.
Abscesses
Traditional and laser root canal treatment.
Some of the most severe toothache people experience is not actually cause by their teeth at all, but by an abscess, either in the gum or the pulpal (soft) matter in a tooth's root. Pain aside - and the pain can be truly excruciating - these abscesses are often infected, and so treating them immediately is a must. The underlying cause of the abscess - gum disease, tooth necrosis - will probably call for additional treatments but an emergency dentist can begin the diagnosis process and get you on the antibiotics that will treat infection and begin killing that terrible pain.
These are just a few of the conditions that warrant a speedy visit to an emergency dentist, there are more. Although not all oral health emergencies can be solved overnight, the faster you get help, the better, a great reason to make sure that you add the number of an emergency dentist to that list of important numbers in your phone (or on your fridge).
The Emergency Dentist Says:
The faster you get help for your oral health emergency the better the outcome is likely to be. And if you're not sure if yours is a real emergency give us a call and we'll help you figure it out.
Patient Care First
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