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Posts for tag: dental emergencies

If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
July 25, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental emergencies   dental injuries   oral health   sports dentistry   pediatric dentistry   bonding  
IfYourChildChippedAToothWhatShouldYouDo

Nearly every parent and caregiver has experienced that almost instantaneous sick feeling when they see that their child has been injured, especially when it is an injury to the mouth and teeth. For some, it is just a bloody lip; however, if the accident chipped a tooth, then you may have a completely different situation on your hands. If the nerve of the tooth has not been damaged, you needn't worry too much — a composite (plastic) tooth-colored restoration that is actually bonded to the tooth is an ideal material for repairing most broken or chipped teeth. See us as soon as possible to assess the extent of injury, so that proper and appropriate action can be taken.

An additional reason why bonding with composite resin may be the ideal choice for repairing a child's chipped tooth is that it can be custom created in virtually any shade so that it perfectly matches the damaged tooth and the surrounding teeth. It is also far less expensive than a crown, an important factor to consider when repairing a primary (baby) tooth that will eventually fall out to make room for a permanent tooth. If the injury is to a permanent tooth, a composite resin still may be ideal to use as a restoration until your child or teenager has stopped growing or playing contact sports. This is because your teenager may be too young for a more permanent restoration such as a crown or porcelain veneer.

An important, proactive step you can take to be prepared for the next time your child has a dental injury is to download Dear Doctor's Field-side Pocket Guide for Dental Injuries. This handy, quick reference guide is a must have for athletes, parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches or anyone who is often in an environment where a mouth injury is likely to occur. Knowing what to do and how quickly you must respond can make the critical difference between saving and losing a tooth.

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Dental Injuries: The Type Of Sports You Play Really Matters

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
April 12, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental emergencies   dental injuries   oral health   sports dentistry  
DentalInjuriesTheTypeOfSportsYouPlayReallyMatters

When it comes to sports, all athletes need to know how to assess their risk for experiencing a sports-related injury as well as how to prevent one. The first step to accomplish this is learning how sports and activities are classified, as they define risks from little-to-no chance of injury to highly susceptible for injuries. These categories include:

  • Low velocity, non-contact sports: These sports and activities have the lowest risk, as they typically include sports where the athletes perform individually at reasonable speed without physical contact. Examples include: golf, Nordic skiing, weight lifting, running and swimming.
  • High velocity, non-contact sports: These sports and activities are those where athletes move at high rates of speed but with no contact with other participants. While there is no contact, anytime you are moving at high rates of speed, accidents can happen. Examples include: bicycling, motocross, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding.
  • Contact sports: As the title states, these sports and activities include frequent body-to-body contact or body to equipment (e.g., a ball, glove, etc.) contact. Examples include: basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball.
  • Collision sports: With these sports and activities, strong, forceful, body-to-body or body-to-equipment contact is a primary goal of the sport. Examples include football, ice hockey, rugby, and boxing. Without the proper protective head and mouth gear, participants are highly likely to experience an oral-facial and/or head injury.

The good news is that you can dramatically reduce the odds of serious dental and oral-facial injury by ensuring that you wear a professionally made mouthguard in addition to a helmet, facemask, or other protective gear that is appropriate to the sport. This is especially true if you participate in the high velocity, contact and collision categories. These simple steps can help reduce worries for not only players, but also for parents, caregivers and coaches. For more information, read, “An Introduction To Sports Injuries & Dentistry.” You can also download a FREE, pocket-sized guide for managing dental injuries.

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Test Your Dental Injuries IQ

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
July 03, 2011
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental emergencies   dental injuries   oral health   sports dentistry  

Every parent, caregiver, coach, sports fan and especially injured party dreads the moment when an injury to the mouth occurs during a sporting event. The first thought observers have after looking closely to see if it is their child or someone they know is, “I hope someone knows what to do!” Do you know what to do in case of a dental sports emergency? Test your dental injury IQ with this simple, quick quiz. The answers are listed at the bottom of this article.

Dental Injury IQ

  1. If a tooth (including its root) is totally knocked out, what can you safely store it in while finding a dentist within 5 minutes of the injury?
    1. Water or salt water
    2. Milk (preferably cold)
    3. Inside the cheek (mouth) of the injured person
    4. All of the above
  2. True or False: Immediately following the injury, fresh cold tap water or bottled water is the best way to remove debris from where a tooth was knocked out.
  3. If a tooth has shifted from its original position following an injury, you should...
    1. See a dentist within 5 minutes
    2. See a dentist within 6 hours
    3. See a dentist within 12 hours
    4. Only see a dentist if the tooth is not better in a few days
  4. True or False: You treat a knocked out baby tooth in the same manner as you do a permanent tooth.
  5. The most important thing to do to save a tooth that has been completely knocked out of the mouth is to…
    1. See a dentist as soon as possible
    2. Replant the tooth within 5 minutes
    3. Stop the bleeding before re-planting the tooth
    4. Rinse the tooth with fresh, clean water

The Answers

1) d = all of the above, 2) true, 3) b = see a dentist within 6 hours, 4) false – baby teeth are typically not replanted, 5) b = replant the tooth within 5 minutes

Want To Learn More?

Contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more about treating dental injuries when you read the Dear Doctor article, “The Field-Side Guide To Dental Injuries.” Or, you can download a FREE, pocket-sized guide for managing dental injuries.

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Sports-Related Dental Injuries: Do You Know What To Do?

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
March 14, 2011
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental emergencies   dental injuries   oral health   sports dentistry  

Witnessing or being involved in a sports-related dental injury can be a scary event not only for the player, but also for onlookers even if the injuries turn out to be minor. However, knowing what to do — and more importantly — how quickly to react can make a radical difference to the outcome. This is just one reason why we want to share the following easy-to-remember guidelines for what, how and when you need to respond to various types of dental injuries.

  • Immediate — within 5 minutes of the injury: If a permanent tooth is totally knocked out (avulsed), it requires immediate treatment by cleaning and re-implanting the tooth back into its original position to have any hope of saving the tooth long-term. Knocked out baby (primary) teeth are not reimplanted for fear of damage to underlying permanent teeth.
  • Urgent — within 6 hours of the injury: If a permanent or primary tooth is still in the mouth but has been moved from its original position, it is considered an acute injury and should be treated within 6 hours.
  • Less urgent — within 12 hours of the injury: If a permanent or primary tooth is broken or chipped but has not shifted from its original position, the injury is classified as less urgent. You still need to see a dentist for an exam; however, you generally can wait up to 12 hours before possible irreversible damage occurs.

Want To Learn More?

There are several ways you can learn more about sports-related dental injuries.

  • Read the Dear Doctor article, “The Field-Side Guide To Dental Injuries.”
  • Download and print the FREE quick reference guide
  • Or if you have a traumatized, damaged, chipped or missing tooth from a sports or any other type of injury, contact us to discuss your situation or to schedule an appointment.
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Oral Health: When Should You Call Our Office?

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
February 20, 2011
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental emergencies   dental injuries   oral hygiene   tooth decay   oral health  

People always wonder when it is appropriate to contact their dentist. To answer this, we have put together the following list to provide some guidelines for you and your family. However, your calls are always welcome! Our goal is simply to give you some clear scenarios that illustrate when you should give us a call or come in to our office.

For Bite Related Problems

  1. Early or late loss of baby teeth.
  2. Difficulty in chewing or biting.
  3. Mouth breathing.
  4. Finger sucking or other oral habits.
  5. Crowding, misplaced, crooked or even missing teeth.
  6. Jaws that shift, jaw joints that “pop” or “click” or are uncomfortable.
  7. Any change causing speech difficulty.
  8. Cheek or tongue biting.
  9. Protruding teeth — large overbite.
  10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all.
  11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry.
  12. Grinding or clenching of teeth.

For Injuries And Immediate Care

  1. Knocked out permanent tooth: Call us immediately. You need to take action within 5 minutes of the injury for best results.
  2. Injuries to lips, cheeks, tongue or gums that appear to require stitches: Call us for instructions as soon as possible.
  3. Tooth injury — if a tooth has shifted from its original position: Call us to tell us you are on your way to our office and see us within 6 hours of the injury.
  4. Chipped or broken tooth that is still in its original position: See us within 12 hours of the injury.
  5. A knocked out baby tooth: Call us as soon as possible.
  6. Bleeding without any significant tears in tissue that could require stitches: Call us for instructions.

What To Do Now

If any of the above describe you or another member of your family, then contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about treating dental injuries by reading the Dear Doctor article, “The Field-Side Guide To Dental Injuries.”

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  • 2020
      • December (3)
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        • Do You Have Periodontal Disease?
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        • Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?
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        • Root Canal Treatment FAQ
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        • The Effects of Soda on your Teeth
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        • When to Visit Your Dentist
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        • Breathe Life Back into Your Smile with Dental Veneers
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        • What Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Offer Your Smile
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        • Don't Neglect Your Regular Dental Cleanings
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        • Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?
  • 2016
      • November (1)
        • Do I Really Have to Brush Twice a Day?
      • September (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
      • July (1)
        • Dental Crowns And Bridges Stabilize Your Smile
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        • A Dentist for Your Whole Family
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        • Protect Your Family's Teeth with Sealants
      • January (1)
        • What Should I Do if I Have a Toothache?
  • 2012
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
        • Top 5 Reasons Not to Fear Bone Grafting
        • Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
      • October (5)
        • Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?
        • Some Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • Facts You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment
        • Are You at Risk For Oral Cancer?
        • Sleep Apnea - a Hidden Danger
      • September (3)
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings - Do They Really Look Natural?
        • Don't Like the Drill? Now There's Drill-Free Cosmetic Dentistry
        • Grrr! FAQs about Teeth Grinding
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        • Your Cure for Bad Breath
        • Understanding The Maintenance And Lifespan Of Porcelain Veneers
        • What Is A Veneer?
        • How Modern Dental Fillings Mimic Real Teeth
        • Dental Implants: Quiz
        • Rebuilding Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Father's Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
        • Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
        • Nancy O'Dell Helps Put New Moms At Ease About Infant Oral Health
        • Five Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
      • July (4)
        • If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?
        • When Teeth are Lost, Bone is Lost
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bumps in the Mouth
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Heart and Gum Diseases
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        • How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
        • Nine Things to Expect During Your Appointment with the Dental Hygienist
        • Oral Health Tips for Special Needs Children
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        • Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
        • Understanding Dry Mouth
        • Whitening a Discolored Tooth from the Inside Out
        • How Tooth Decay Can Cause A Root Canal Problem
      • April (4)
        • Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • Dental Injuries: The Type Of Sports You Play Really Matters
        • Aspirin: Not Just a Harmless OTC Medication
      • March (4)
        • Understanding the Latest News on Fluoride
        • Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
        • Facts You Should Know About Tooth Wear
        • Gum Disease & Diabetes: Two Diseases With A Common Enemy — You.
      • February (3)
        • Determining Your Risk For Tooth Decay — And Reversing It
        • Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
        • Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
      • January (4)
        • Can A Root Canal Save My Tooth?
        • Little Known Facts About Bad Breath
        • TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
        • The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
  • 2011
      • December (4)
        • Cracks in Corners of the Mouth: Are They Serious?
        • TV Wellness Guru Jillian Michaels Discusses Breaking Her Two Front Teeth
        • Seal Your Children's Teeth from Decay
        • How We Make Dental Implants Match Existing Teeth
      • November (3)
        • Bleeding Gums Mean Something is Wrong
        • Don't Keep It A Secret: Tell Us About Your Dry Mouth
        • Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants vs. Bridgework
      • October (5)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQs
        • Are Dental Implants A Good Choice for My Teenager?
        • Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
        • Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
        • Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?
      • September (4)
        • Testing your Knowledge on the Facts and Myths of Thumb Sucking
        • Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
        • Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
        • Testing your Knowledge on Tooth Pain
      • August (4)
        • The Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • A Chewing Gum That's Good for your Teeth: A Quiz About Xylitol
        • Your Crowning Achievement
        • Six Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
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        • Rate Your Oral Hygiene
        • Fluoride: You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing
        • Is Thumb Sucking Really that Bad?
        • Can You Whiten Traumatized Teeth?
        • Test Your Dental Injuries IQ
      • June (4)
        • Sinus Surgery — Creating Bone for Dental Implants “Out of Thin Air”
        • What Can A Deep Cleaning Do For Gum Disease?
        • How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
        • Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
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        • The Effects Ordinary Tap Water Has On Your Oral Health
        • What Are Baby Teeth, And Why Do They Come Out?
        • Oral Piercings — Tongue & Lip Bolts: Trendy But Dangerous
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        • “Prepless” Porcelain Veneers: Are They Right For You?
        • The Top Ten Reasons To Consider Porcelain Veneers
        • Dental Implants: The Best Solution For Missing Teeth
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
      • March (4)
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting A Dental Implant
        • Testing Your Oral Health IQ
        • Sports-Related Dental Injuries: Do You Know What To Do?
        • Oral Health Tips: Brush Up On A Great Smile
      • February (2)
        • Can A Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
        • Oral Health: When Should You Call Our Office?
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