Panic! At the Dentist: What to Do When a Tooth is Knocked Out

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Your smile is often your ticket into the world.  It says so much about your personality, health, and attitude. Undergoing the trauma of losing a tooth can be distressing, whether it breaks suddenly or is knocked out.  However, there are steps in place to minimize its impact.  

The first thing is prevention.  Do what you can to avoid losing a natural tooth in the first place.  

• If you are participating in a contact sport, use a mouthguard.  Examples of contact sports are football, basketball, and ice hockey.  Don’t forget about semi-contact sports like softball, volleyball, and baseball.  Allen Dental can help you learn more about custom-made mouthguards for you or your children.
• Wear seat belts.  This is a common sense approach, but one that often fails when counted the most.  
• Use caution to prevent falls.  Challenging weather, construction, or hiking can catch us off guard so pay attention when walking.   
• Avoid hard foods such as hard candy, stale bagels, and unpopped kernels.

If you do lose a tooth, here’s what you can do to minimize the situation.  

• Do not panic.  It is easy to get emotional when seeing blood, undergoing the trauma, and thinking about long term implications.  Stay in the moment.  If you remain calm,  you will respond with purpose and practicality.  
• Call your dentist immediately.  Oftentimes it is possible to see him immediately and the mouth can be healed and a plan put into place as to how to repair and replant the tooth.  
• Control the bleeding by applying direct pressure on the mouth by using a gauze or wet tea bag.
• Save the tooth or part of a tooth that has been knocked out.  
• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.  Trying placing it back in your mouth to make it level, if this doesn’t work, place the tooth in a small container with cow’s milk or saliva.  Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.  That said, do not try to wipe dirt by scraping the tooth or using a brush to clean it.  It is important to keep the integrity of the tooth intact.  

While this can be traumatizing, if certain steps are taken immediately, it minimizes the effects of the tooth being knocked out.  With the right dentist on hand, a strategic plan can put into place and you’ll return to your radiant smile in no time.    

Allen Dental is there to help with preventive care such as mouthguards, but also provides routine cleanings, pain-free dental procedures, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry.  Call us at 608-786-3303.

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Sources:

www.allendental.net/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000058.htm

Use Your FSA Dollars at Allen Dental

Certain things have an expiration date. Gift cards, TV shows, and even the food in our fridge. If you only have a limited time to finish that cheesecake or only two weeks left to finish Scrubs before your Netflix subscription expires, you’re going to be eating a lot of cheesecake and watching a lot of Scrubs. Why would funding for your dental and medical care be any different?

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with unused funds, now is the time to take advantage of them. If you don’t spend your Flex money before December 31st, you may be in danger of letting that money go to waste. Allen Dental has a variety of services that a Flexible Spending Account can help cover! Dental services such as general care, reconstruction, veneers, tooth pain products, and dentures are all services that can be covered by a FSA. Regardless of where you use your account dollars, it’s important to use them before the new year.

The Importance of Using Your Flex Spending Account Dollars

Take care of yourself and set up a dentist or doctor's appointment! Any unused money will most likely go back to your employer and not your pocket! So, if you haven’t scheduled any medical checkups this year, now is the time! Ultimately, spending the money and taking the extra health precautions will:

• Save you money
• Keep your health in check
• Keep your health records up-to-date with new information
• Purchase prescription medications
• Cover the costs of medical equipment and supplies

Depending on your employer, you may be able to roll over up to $500 in FSA money to use for the next year. The other alternative is to be given up to a two and a half month extension to spend the money. However, you can not do both and it depends on what your employer decides. The FSA allows money to be spent on numerous medical costs. Visit wageworks to see what you else could be covered under FSA and to learn more about the program.

Before you run out of time, stop by Allen Dental today to spend any leftover money on your FSA! From routine dental procedures to teeth cleaning, Allen Dental will make your smile even brighter. Don’t let time run out and receive the proper dental care you need to keep your smile healthy and bright. For more information about Allen Dental and our services, visit us at  www.allendental.net.

Back-to-School Dental Appointments

It’s almost that time of year again, and what better way to kick off the new school year than getting the kid’s dental appointments out of the way. Checking the appointment off your checklist before the school year starts will make life a lot easier in the long run. Once classes, homework, after-school activities and holidays start piling up on the calendar, it can be tough to find the time.  Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. Schedule your back to school appointment today with Allen Dental.

Why Get in Before the School Year Starts?

During your appointment, we evaluate the health of your gums, examine your mouth for any indications of infection of diseases, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, check for any signs of tooth decay or cavities and perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth. At the end of the check-up it may be suggested to use fluoride treatments to prevent decay. According to Colgate, 19% of children have untreated tooth decay. Cavities can be excruciatingly painful and they also make the act of speaking, eating, and playing difficult or even impossible without treatment. Get in for a check-up before the school year starts for your peace of mind and a healthy mouth for your child.

Allen Dental isn’t just for the kids! As a family practice, Allen Dental offers a variety of services and products such as general dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic solutions, Cerec, teeth whitening, dentures and dental implants, shuttle service in West Salem, and mouthguards. Dr. Jim Allen, a 1987 graduate of West Salem High School, feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to provide dental care for people in the area in which he grew up. He enjoys providing high quality dental care for his guests in a low-stress and pleasant environment. It’s the perfect place to get the back-to-school dental check-up. For more information about Allen Dental visit our website at allendental.net/ or give us a call at 608-786-3303.

Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Right for Your Child?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is effective for treatment of hypersensitivity, tooth decay and cavities in pediatric patients. According to an article published in the New York Times, SDF might provide an effective alternative to drilling and fillings. But just what is this new wonder treatment and is it the best option for your child?

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved liquid clinically applied to control active decay and prevent further progression. The optimal way to treat decay is removing the affected area and restoring it with a filling or other restoration (root canal, crown). This alternative treatment stops decay noninvasively. This is particularly helpful when working with young children who still have baby teeth. Using SDF may not eliminate the need for restorative dentistry to repair functionality or improve the aesthetics of a smile, but can be effective at prevention of further decay.

How does SDF work?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is composed of two components, namely silver and fluoride. Silver is an antimicrobial agent that also strengthens the underlying dentin layer of the teeth. Fluoride is the active ingredient that stops tooth decay and helps prevent additional decay issues.

During your child’s visit to the dentist, they will brush and rinse the teeth without paste to prepare for the treatment. Their teeth will be dried and plaque and other debris will be removed. SDF is applied to the affected teeth using a small brush. The solution is allowed to cure for two minutes. Once treated, patients are advised not to eat or drink for at least an hour so the curing process can be completed.

Who should use SDF?

SDF may be recommended for children who have severe early childhood tooth decay or those who may have difficulty cooperating for treatment.  Special needs patients are also good candidates for the treatment as well as patients with issues that cannot be treated in one visit.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to SDF treatments. Among the most common are:

• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Quick treatment time
• Effective cavity prevention
• May stop tooth decay
• Relieves tooth sensitivity

Are you considering SDF treatment for your child? The caring professionals at Allen Dental provide a wide variety of pediatric dentistry treatments using the latest state-of-the-art technologies. Contact them to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Are Fastbraces Right for You?

Before you even speak, your smile is saying a lot about you. For individuals in need of orthodontic work, this beautiful smile can be hidden. Additionally, many think that they are too old for braces or do not want to go through the long process of orthodontic treatment. If this describes you or someone you know, Fastbraces might be the right orthodontic solution.

 

The approach

Unlike traditional braces that use rectangular brackets (as shown in the photo above) Fastbraces use triangular brackets. This configuration changes the spacing between each bracket, and impacts how the pressure is applied to your teeth. Rectangular brackets move your teeth in two stages, starting with the crown of the tooth, followed by the root. However, when a patient has Fastbraces, the crowns and roots move at the same time making the process much quicker. With standard braces, your orthodontic treatment will last an average of 24 months; however, Fastbraces treatments can be completed in as little as three months (typical treatment is about half the time of traditional braces).

 

The Process

The first step in any orthodontic treatment is examining your teeth. The doctor will take X-rays to get a clear view of any issues both above and below the surface of your gums. Once this evaluation is complete, they can determine if you are a good candidate for the Fastbrace treatment or some other orthodontic therapy. While most patients do qualify for Fastbraces, the treatment cannot address impacted teeth, those in need of additional surgical treatments, joint conditions and some extreme situations such as severe underbites.

 

Similar to traditional braces, the next step in the process is to attach the Fastbraces brackets and wires to your teeth. Throughout the Fastbrace therapy, the orthodontist will monitor your progress to makes sure your teeth improving as expected. After the treatment is complete you will be fitted for a retainer which will help your teeth to hold their new and improved placement.

 

Are you considering orthodontic work? Contact the team at Allen Dental to discuss if Fastbraces are right for you. In addition to orthodontia work, our caring staff provides a variety of dental services including general dentistry, dental implants and cosmetic procedures. And, for busy parents. we offer a free shuttle service to all West Salem, Wisconsin Schools. 

Whole Family Dentistry Happens At Allen Dental

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don’t forget to floss. Remember to use mouthwash to kill any extra, hidden germs lurking in your mouth! Keep a careful eye out for potential dangers signs, such as unusual spots, lumps, or discolored patches and let us know if there’s unusual pain!

These are words of wisdom that you have been hearing from  your parents and your dentist since before you can remember. No one understands better than your friends and experts at Allen Dental that your oral health is something that requires yearly care that can change as you age. No matter what stage of life you are in, your teeth, mouth and gums require attention. It doesn’t matter if you are 2, 20, or 70 years old, we will always care about who you are, how you are doing, and what we can be doing to make you better.

Whole family dentistry makes going to the dentist quick, efficient, and stress-free. One of the biggest benefits and conveniences for mom’s and dad’s at Allen Dental is "Fast Family Scheduling." If a family is being seen for their semi-annual routine check-up and cleaning, Allen Dental can schedule the whole family at the same time and get them all checked, cleaned and on their way in about an hour. 

For children, we instill the most vital lessons of oral hygiene early on to prevent pesky problems, such as cavities, from developing. As those children mature into their middle school and teen years, our orthodontic team reminds each patient that braces are a great way to correct crooked teeth and enhance your already beautiful smile. As time continues to pass, other dental services, such as teeth whitening, crowns can be options for cosmetic improvement as your teeth age with you. And finally, at Allen Dental, we offer the highest quality dentures and dental implants to our senior patients, so they can always smile with confidence.

We make it our business to not only know about you and your oral medical history, but the oral medical histories of your entire family as well. When you make an appointment to your personal physician and they ask you the reason for your visit, no matter what brings you into a typical doctor’s appointment, your family’s medical background and how it can impact you today is always considered. So why should that be any different when you visit your dentist? At Allen Dental, it’s exactly the same. Here, we know where you’ve come from and what you’ve encountered in the past. That’s because we take care of entire families year-round, and have in-depth knowledge on their oral health and background. And we’d be honored to give that same care to you and your family.

Allen Dental focuses on the health of you and your whole family, at any point of your life. Request your next appointment today by visiting www.allendental.net You can also reach us by phone at 608-786-3303. 

Allen Dental Spreads Awareness for Oral Cancer During the Month of April

We at Allen Dental pay particular attention to oral cancer. That’s because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. We are so proud to say that all of us at Allen Dental are committed to doing our part to spread education and awareness on oral cancer not just during the month of April, but during every month of every calendar year: Oral and pharyngeal cancer is cancer of the mouth and throat. 

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, or the AAOMS, the scary truth is that oral cancer collectively kills nearly one person every hour, of every day of every year. If that isn’t a frightening and humbling statistic, we don’t know what is.  The AAOMS also states that of those that are newly diagnosed with oral cancer, it’s sad to say that only about 60% of those will live longer than 5 years. Why so high? Because oral cancers are often discovered too late in the cancer’s growth process. 

Those diagnosed with a form of oral cancer can suffer from a number of physically and emotionally painful consequences as well. Severe facial disfigurements or difficulties eating and speaking are often associated with oral cancer, even if you are among the 60% who survive.

During this month of April in particular, we at Allen Dental strongly encourage you to not be among these frightening statistics. It is crucial to participate in an oral cancer screening at least once a year to prevent this terrible ailment.

Allen Dental is committed to keeping you and your mouth as happy as possible. We do our part in protecting the precious asset that is your mouth by expertly fixing the problems that occur, and by giving you the education to proactively protect yourself and remain as healthy as possible. Contact Allen Dental by phone to set up an appointment at 608-786-3303. You can also request an appointment on our website. We look forward to seeing you in the near future and to keeping your mouth happy and healthy in every way.