| Whether traveling on a long awaited vacation or business - dental emergencies happen. You should know that most hotels can refer you to a local dentist. If abroad, you should reach out to the local consulate for a dentist.
In any event, is always a good idea to know a few tricks of the trade:
1) Avoid excessively hard or overly sticky foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, taffy, gumdrops - especially if you have crowns.
2) If you lose a filling or part of a tooth, rinse with warm water. Use a fluoride rinse (e.g. ACT) repeatedly to lessen the sensitivity. “Dent temp” is an over the counter temporary available in stores and pharmacies. Contact us as soon as you return and be careful with the tooth.
3) If a temporary or permanent crown comes off - rinse out your mouth and the crown. Fixodent (dental adhesive) is a good temporary measure to re-affix the crown. Avoid the tooth when eating. The tooth will be sensitive if it had had a root canal. Call as soon as you return.
4) Any evidence of swelling—contact nearby dentist or emergency room.
5) If you tooth is knocked out - place the tooth in milk and contact a dentist ASAP! Time is of the essence for a better prognosis.
Always remember we are reachable via pager (617)604-7177 or otherwise noted on our answering message. Additionally, please leave a voicemail at the office in the event our pager fails.
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With the advent of newer restorative materials, we are often asked about the differences between amalgam and composite restorations. While silver amalgam has been in use for 150 years and is very strong, it can expand over time which can cause fractures. The newer composites are 30-70% acrylic or polyurethane with filler material such as finely ground glass or minerals. They are resistant to abrasion and less likely than amalgam to expand or contract. The “better” material is based on the size and location of the restoration as well as the proximity to the pulp. Careful consideration is given to your individual clinical needs before recommending the best material for your treatment. As such, the material selected for your restoration must be based on your individual needs, not dental plan limitations. Additionally, every patient’s dental plan is different. While some plans pay for composite fillings regardless of their location in the mouth, most dental plans will define which teeth are eligible for the reimbursement. Composites are more costly and some plans may have a higher out-of-pocket expense associated with composite restorations. Please contact your carrier for further reimbursement information.
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The market has been saturated with various brands and styles of dental chewing gum. We are frequently asked for our opinion on these products, so…. The Mass Dental Society does believe that “there is some oral benefit to chewing gum providing it’s the right kind”. Studies have shown that xylitol gums can suppress certain bacteria that cause decay. It is obvious that the brand should be sugar-free. Gum should never be a substitute for good oral hygiene—i.e. brushing, flossing and dental checkups. Gum does, however, promote saliva which assists the natural cleansing of one’s teeth. As with everything else, chewing gum should be in moderation, as it can aggravate tempromandibular or jaw (TMJ) issues.
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In many sports, the athlete is at obvious risk for contact with sticks, pucks, balls, and rackets; not to mention the feet, heads, and elbows of other players. As a result, the potential for injury to the head, jaw ,teeth ,gums and tongue is increased.
While the debilitating effects of head trauma, e.g. concussions, are well documented, it is important to point out that dental trauma can be devastating as well.
In fact, dental injuries sustained while playing sports can require a lifetime of costly treatments. To avoid this, mouth protection in the form of mouthguards is your best protection. Mouthguards can absorb forces that cause oral-facial injury and greatly reduce the incidence of broken teeth and facial bones.
A properly fitted mouthguard is essential for all athletes of contact sports. In our office, we suggest the inexpensive sports mouthguard (available in most locations where sports equipment is sold) during the years before permanent teeth are all in. These mouthguards should be replaced every few months, as the teeth are continually changing during these formative years.
For adults, or when all adult teeth are in place, we suggest a custom fitted mouthguard that can be made at our office.
To make these guards, impressions are taken of your teeth resulting in a well-fitted, comfortable mouthguard for your use. We strongly suggest them!
Sports notwithstanding, a mouthguard can be used whenever you feel you or your child are at risk for dental injury. The new razor scooters, bikes and trampolines are increasingly common activities resulting in broken and injured teeth.
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Advances in Dental Research Recently, a specific gene (BARX - 1) has been isolated and identified. This gene can actually be involved in growing a tooth in mice. If it is inhibited, an incisor grows. If un-inhibited, a molar will develop. Knowledge such as this may help us to regrow lost tooth structure caused by cavities. Caro Rx has been developed to prevent the bacterial infection that causes tooth decay. Maybe a vaccine is on the way to prevent cavities? New drugs have been developed to fight periodontal (gum) disease. Periostat is one such drug that inhibits enzymes that destroy the gum’s connective tissue. Another is Arestin, an antibiotic delivered directly to the periodontal pocket. We use Arestin in our practice with very good results.
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Do your teeth appear darker lately? Does it bother you? There are procedures known as TOOTH WHITENING or BLEACHING that may improve the appearance of your teeth. Tooth whitening lightens the discolored tooth structure - both enamel and dentin layers, without harming the teeth. We use custom fitted trays, made in our office, into which a whitening solution is placed. This solution of carbamide peroxide solution is mild, harmless, and comes in the form of many flavors and brands. We use Opalescence and Rembrandt.
The whitening process is quite effective. As the active ingredient, oxygen, breaks down and enters the tooth, the tooth color appears lighter. It is best to wear these trays overnight for 2-3 weeks, or, if you prefer, a few hours a day for a similar length of time. You will definitely see a brightening of your smile rather quickly.
As every individuals teeth are different, results will vary. After the first 2-3 weeks, your tray can be used monthly for just a few hours to keep your teeth their brightest. Staining habits such as coffee, tea, cola and smoking will increase the need for more frequent applications. It is a great technique, ask us about it at your next visit.
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