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 It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.

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It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

When to Consider an Emergency Dentist: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

by Jacqueline Byrd

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they often occur when you least expect them. Whether it's a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth, these situations can be both painful and stressful. In such cases, it's important to seek immediate dental care from an emergency dentist. But how do you know if your situation is considered a dental emergency?

In this blog, we'll discuss five signs that indicate you may need to visit an emergency dentist.

Severe Tooth Pain

A prevalent motivation for individuals to visit an emergency dentist is the occurrence of intense toothache. This pain can stem from different sources such as tooth decay, infection, or even a cracked tooth. If the pain is unbearable and accompanied by swelling or fever, it's crucial to seek immediate dental care. Ignoring the pain could lead to further complications and potentially require more invasive treatment.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is another situation where you should consider visiting an emergency dentist right away. If the tooth is completely dislodged from its socket, there is a chance it can be saved if treated promptly. Rinse the tooth with water (without touching the root) and try to place it back in its socket. If this isn't possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saliva until you can see a dentist.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth may not always seem like a dental emergency, but depending on the severity of the damage, it could require immediate attention. If there is bleeding involved, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure with gauze until the bleeding stops. It's essential to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to assess the damage and determine if any further treatment is needed.

Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown might not appear urgent, yet it can lead to discomfort and expose the tooth to additional harm. If you have lost a filling, try to cover the exposed area with dental cement or sugarless gum until you can see an emergency dentist. For a lost crown, you can try to place it back over the tooth with dental cement or toothpaste. However, it's still important to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

Infection or Abscess

An infection or abscess in the mouth is a serious condition that requires immediate attention from an emergency dentist. Symptoms of an infection include severe pain, swelling of the gums and face, and fever. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other parts of the body and lead to more significant health issues. An emergency dentist will be able to provide proper treatment and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

Contact a clinic like Henderson Family Dentistry to learn more.

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