Author: Dr. Gurpreet Gill

This author has written 180 articles
Read more about the article Fractured Tooth

Fractured Tooth

Even though our teeth are extraordinarily strong, they might chip, or break. Biting something very hard, being hit or punched on the mouth or face or falling are some of the causes of fractured teeth.

When your teeth chip or break, it doesn’t hurt. You might not even perceive the damage caused. Minor fractures of the tooth might not cause any pain, but if a larger piece of tooth chips off, it can be very painful. This is because the underlying nerve is damaged and if this is exposed to cold or hot drinks or foods, air and saliva, it can cause extreme discomfort. Pain caused by a cracked or a broken tooth can either be constant or it might be periodic. Some people feel this pain while chewing something as it exerts pressure on the teeth.

What Can You Do?

  • Fractured or cracked tooth – A fractured or a cracked tooth cannot be treated at home. You’ll have to seek your dentist’s help. A tooth might only hurt while you eat or there’s a change in the temperature of your mouth (after drinking something cold or hot). If you are experiencing a continuous pain, it can be a case of damaged blood vessels or nerves.
  • Broken tooth – In case of broken teeth, visit your dentist immediately. Your dentist will be able to understand the cause of the breakage, whether it is caused due to cavities and if the nerve is injured.

Treatment:

Different tests are performed in the mouth to determine if a tooth fracture is present. In some instances, dental X-rays can help to diagnose, locate, and measure the extent of tooth fractures.

A serious fracture is one that exposes both the dentin and the pulp tissue and should be treated promptly. Serious injuries may make the tooth displaced and loose, and cause the gums to bleed. To prevent the loose tooth from falling out completely, the dentist can splint the loose tooth by bonding it to the adjacent teeth to help stabilize it while the underlying bone and gums heal. Because of the high risk of pulp infection after the exposure of the pulp to the oral environment, a root canal procedure may need to be performed during the first visit.

Alternatively, the dentist may elect to only apply a sedative dressing on the splinted tooth to help calm the tooth pain. The tooth will then be reevaluated in two to four weeks to determine if a root canal procedure is necessary. If the tooth appears to have recovered and is stable in the mouth, the splint is removed at that time and a filling or crown is placed to restore the fractured tooth.

The most serious injuries involve vertical, diagonal, or horizontal fractures of the tooth roots. In most instances, a fracture of the tooth root leaves the injured tooth very loose and unable to be restored with dental work, thus necessitating tooth extraction.

If you experience injury to your tooth, contact Expressions Dental. Our general dentist can examine your tooth and recommend various treatments depending on the location and extent of the break.

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Read more about the article What to do if Tooth is pushed out of Position?

What to do if Tooth is pushed out of Position?

If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, call your dentist right away for an emergency dental appointment. In the meantime, you can follow these steps to prevent further damage:

  • Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth.
  • Bite down to keep the tooth from moving.
  • Bite gently on gauze to keep tooth in place, and/or prepare soft orthodontic wax molded over several teeth to temporarily stabilize teeth.
  • Eat soft food and avoid disturbing the tooth while eating.
  • Your dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth.

If the tooth has come out and you can’t place it back into socket then save it carefully. Do not touch the root of the tooth. To protect the tooth, keep it in moist condition by immersing it in saline solution or milk. Do not try to clean the tooth by rubbing of it.

Once your tooth has been repositioned, you need to take special care to brush your teeth gently for a few weeks. You also need to make sure that you take medications as prescribed by your dentist in order to prevent infection. Try to avoid chewing with the tooth and, watch for signs of infection such as swelling or redness.

What to do when a baby tooth is pushed out of position

For a baby tooth that has been moved out of its normal position, the dentist will possibly has to remove the tooth to prevent further damage to the developing adult tooth that is forming underneath it

Your dentist may recommend a children’s pain killer to relieve pain. Keep your child on a soft diet for 2 weeks to prevent further damage. Contact us at Expressions Dental if you have any other questions or if symptoms get worse.

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Read more about the article How to Handle Dental Emergencies?

How to Handle Dental Emergencies?

After a tooth accident or trauma, it may take time to reach your dental provider’s office in an emergency. Here are some tips that could possibly save your teeth in the meantime, and at the very least, could help prevent further damage.

  • Cracks or fracture – Gently rinse your mouth and protect the area. Do not apply topical pain killers. Avoid eating or drinking cold foods and beverages until the tooth has been repaired by your dentist.
  • Knocked out tooth – Do not touch the root. Pick it up by crown and rinse it. If possible, insert the tooth back into the socket and bite down to hold it in place.
  • Loose tooth – If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but don’t force it.
  • Toothaches – Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put pain killer on the aching tooth or gum tissues. For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.
  • Injured mouth – Injuries inside the mouth include tears or cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations to the cheek, lips, or tongue. The wound should be cleaned immediately with warm salt water. If bleeding, apply pressure with a moist gauze or tea bag for 15-20 minutes.
  • Soft tissue trauma – Apply a cold compress to the traumatized area to reduce swelling.
  • Jaw fracture – If you can’t open your jaws properly or your teeth do not come together normally you should be screened at the hospital emergency department for a possible jaw fracture.
  • Lost fillings or crowns – When a crown has fallen out and there is some pain, take a cotton swab and some clove oil and apply it on the sensitive area.
  • Broken braces – If a wire of your brace sticks out or even breaks, you can use a soft object to return it to its original position. If that’s difficult, you can cover the end with either some orthodontic wax, a piece of gauze or a cotton ball before you rush to your orthodontist. Never attempt to cut the wire because that may lead to swallowing the pieces or inhaling the broken pieces to your lungs.

Contact emergency dentist in Calgary for help.

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Read more about the article Alternatives to Dental Veneers

Alternatives to Dental Veneers

If you are thinking of veneers as a possible way to make your teeth look better, it is good to first consider all the available options.

Here are some basic choices for the patients looking for brighter smile:

  • Tooth whitening – This is a conservative way to remove tooth discolorations. The basic structure of your teeth remains unchanged. Not all stains can be whitened with this approach. This approach will only provide a color change for your teeth, so if their alignment or shape isn’t already pleasing, it’s not the right solution.
  • Micro abrasion – It is a process where a thin outer layer of tooth enamel that contains blemishes is abraded and eroded away. It involves the use of a coarse polishing compound mixed with 5 to 10% hydrochloric acid.
  • Reshaping – Some patients choose to have their teeth actually reshaped in order to improve the look of their mouths. This is generally not effective for changing discolored teeth, but it is a similar service that some patients consider as opposed to filling in gaps with porcelain veneers.
  • Porcelain crowns – These are a good solution for teeth that are damaged, misshapen or decayed. Crowns can be used alone or with dental bridges and dental implants. A crown will improve a tooth’s size, shape, strength and appearance.

If any of these procedures sounds like something that could help you improve your smile, talk to our general dentists at Expressions Dental about these dental treatments and the risks and benefits.

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Read more about the article Tips To Take Care of Dental Veneers?

Tips To Take Care of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers do not require any special care. But you can take good care of them with proper oral hygiene, flossing and routine cleanings.

Home care:

Porcelain is stain resistant, however, the resin composite cement used to bond to the teeth can be susceptible to stain. Alcoholic beverages soften the surface of the resin, increasing the likelihood of staining and wear. Aggressive tooth brushing can wear away the glaze on the veneer. Avoid frequent carbohydrate intake and increase home flossing to maintain your veneers in good condition. Also avoid highly abrasive toothpastes, as you may lose the shiny lustre of the veneer.

During visit to a dentist’s clinic:

Your hygienist will be conservative with power polishing equipment. It can remove the glaze layer put on veneer. Once the glaze layer is removed, it cannot be reapplied. With the glaze intact, porcelain is resistant to stain.

If you have any questions about porcelain veneers, contact Expressions Dental.

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Read more about the article Life Span of Dental Veneers

Life Span of Dental Veneers

It is difficult to put a number of years for a lifespan for porcelain veneers. Everyone’s mouth is different.

If you are using veneers you should avoid certain things such as:

  • Biting pins or other metal objects, which may chip an edge of veneers
  • Power polishing of veneers. By doing this, the surface can become rough and porous and the porcelain veneers will then stain very easily
  • Frequent snacking, which can lead to cavities on the edges
  • Clenching and grinding your teeth

The chances of longer life span depends on your oral habits, your occlusion and how well you maintain oral hygiene.

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, contact Expressions Dental. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve optimal dental health.

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Read more about the article Tips to Prevent Tartar Buildup

Tips to Prevent Tartar Buildup

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tartar can also form at and underneath the gum line and can irritate gum tissues. Bad oral hygiene habits cause dental plaque to build up and dental tartar to eventually collect above your gum line, which provides more sticky surfaces for dental plaque to grow on that again collect dental tartar. It’s a vicious cycle. This leads to more serious conditions, such as cavities and gum disease.

Tips to Prevent Tartar Buildup:

  • Having your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
  • Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Preventive debridement or dental scaling atleast twice a year is recommended if your teeth tend to accumulate tartar.
  • Using tartar control toothpastes
  • Using non-alcoholic anti-bacterial mouthwashes
  • Munching fruits and vegetables like apples, carrot or celery sticks is recommended. They help remove food particles, plaque or tartar on your teeth.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Drink sufficient amount of water after each meal to wash out any food particles in the mouth.

Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.

If you have been affected by tartar, Visit Expressions Dental Clinic in Calgary and seek dental help.

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Read more about the article How to Take Care of Removable Dentures?

How to Take Care of Removable Dentures?

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Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best. For good denture care:

  • Remove and rinse dentures after eating – Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won’t break if you drop them.
  • Handle your dentures carefully – Be sure you don’t bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
  • Clean your mouth after removing your dentures – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate).
  • Brush your dentures at least daily – Gently clean your dentures daily by soaking and brushing with a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Do not use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
  • Soak dentures overnight – Most types of dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
  • Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution – These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups – Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort. Your dentist can also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it’s healthy.
  • Think of them as real teeth – Just as you would brush your natural teeth twice a day, you should brush your dentures twice a day as well.
  • Follow directions – Be sure to follow all instructions that your dentist gives you regarding care and cleaning, and do not hesitate to ask questions.
  • See your dentist if you have a loose fit – See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.

Here are a few things you typically should avoid:

  • Abrasive cleaning materials – Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
  • Whitening toothpastes – Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes are especially abrasive and generally should be avoided on dentures.
  • Bleach-containing products – Do not use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don’t soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
  • Hot water – Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.

You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. If your denture breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call your dentist immediately.

At Expressions Dental, our general dentists can answer your questions. Click here to connect to our general dentists to know about dentures and removable dental appliances options.

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Read more about the article Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of the tooth, for aesthetic purposes. It is like an artificial covering over a tooth surface.

Pros of wearing a veneer:

  • Aesthetic.
  • Stain resistant.
  • Minimal tooth preparation.
  • Covers up imperfections in tooth.

Cons:

  • It is an irreversible procedure.
  • Fragility of the veneer.
  • Teeth sensitivity may occur after placing the veneer.
  • De-bonding of the veneer may occur when you bite hard food stuff.
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