It’s an unfortunate truth in life that accidents can happen at any time so you never know when you might end up in the middle of a dental emergency. Whether you broke your tooth biting into bony barbecued ribs or had one knocked out during a sports game, you’re probably feeling worried, flustered, and possibly in pain.

While you can’t plan for these things to happen, it is possible to avoid putting yourself in scenarios likely to end with a call to your dentist. After all, no one wants the added stress or cost that comes with making the necessary repairs. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips to prevent a possible problem down the road!

A tooth can become dislodged anywhere at any time. In fact, children and adults in America suffer from more than five million teeth being knocked out every year. The good news is that a tooth that becomes dislodged from the gum isn’t necessarily lost. If you act quickly and take the proper steps, you can maximize the chances of your tooth being reimplanted in your mouth. Here are a few steps to take while you make your way to the emergency dentist after you knock out a tooth.

Many people experience dental anxiety which can stem from bad past experiences or fear of pain. Dental phobias are even more severe and can cause complete avoidance of the dentist. This can lead to many oral health problems down the line as small issues get worse. But there is a solution: sedation dentistry.

If you are one of the many people who need dental care but are too afraid to go, IV sedation can offer relief. Continue reading to learn more about sedation dentistry and the four most common drugs used in IV sedation.

Does your heart race and your palms sweat when it’s time to visit your dentist? Maybe you need to have some dental work done? You might be a candidate for oral conscious sedation. It’s a safe, effective solution to ensure a comfortable day in the dentist’s chair. Here are 4 things you should know to determine if it’s right for you.

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Many dental patients have undergone nitrous oxide sedation. Commonly called “laughing gas,” it will quickly decrease awareness, reduce stress, slow reaction time, inhibit the gag reflex, and make a procedure much more comfortable. All these factors lead to a patient able to tolerate procedures that could otherwise cause much distress.

Unlike intravenous or general anesthesia, nitrous oxide is not meant to put patients to sleep or leave them unconscious. It is among the safest forms of sedation available and can be viable for patients with sensitivities to other forms of medical numbing.

Dental implants are a great solution to treat tooth loss because they have over a 95% success rate. They can last for decades, so you’ll never have to worry about gaps in your smiles again. However, the process of getting dental implants takes longer than with traditional methods, like bridges or dentures. It’s time well spent to invest in the next best thing to your real teeth. Unfortunately, this can put a kink in your travel plans. Here’s how long you’ll need to wait before you can travel after getting dental implants.

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Getting in shape is almost always a good thing. Doing what you can to feel your best and make your body more mobile is something that just about any health professional will recommend.

However, if you aren’t careful, exercise could potentially damage your oral health (indirectly, anyway). If you’re wondering what to watch out for, here are some of the dangers to your teeth associated with exercise.

A full mouth reconstruction may be the solution for a damaged smile. It’s a treatment plan comprising several procedures meant to improve gum and tooth health and is ideal for patients who have significant dental or periodontal problems. The recovery process varies depending on the procedures involved, but continue reading to learn what you should know and what you can generally expect during this process.

Tooth decay isn’t the only threat to your dental health. Gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral and general health. Although gum disease is easy to treat during the earliest stage, gingivitis, it can progress quickly with no treatment. The infection can cause your gum line to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. Your teeth and underlying structures will be vulnerable to bacteria if too much tissue is lost. Your periodontist may recommend gum grafting to keep tooth loss at bay. Your gum disease specialist will determine which type of graft is necessary to restore a healthy smile.

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Cavity prevention and fresh breath aren’t the only reasons to brush and floss. Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy gums. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 50% of Americans have the infection. It is a leading cause of tooth loss, and gum disease can increase your risk of many health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. Thankfully, the infection is easy to treat when caught during the earliest stage, gingivitis. Learn how to spot the warning signs of gum disease.

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