OW! MY MOUTH HURTS! 7 Dental Issues That Are Dental Emergencies
We can’t predict the future, and sometimes unexpected things happen that we aren’t prepared for — some of these instances can be dental emergencies. These kinds of emergencies can happen at any time. But it’s important to note what’s considered a dental emergency and what you should expect from these visits. WHAT ARE COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES? While some oral issues may be uncomfortable, not all dental problems are considered emergencies. Below are some dental cases that are deemed to be urgent.
Is there a protocol for a dental emergency? What should you expect?
SCHEDULING TREATMENT Depending on how severe the issue is, your dentist will schedule you into their day as soon as possible. You could be seen immediately after calling, later that same day, or within the next few days. If your dentist cannot see you the same day as your injury, they will provide directions to handle the situation until you’re back at the dentist’s office. EMERGENCY DENTAL EXAM Unlike a typical exam in which your entire mouth is examined, an emergency exam will only focus on the root of the problem. Your dentist will evaluate the severity and determine the best treatments. They may use anesthetics or sedation for your treatment to numb the affected area and prevent you from enduring more pain.
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Broken filling/veneer
Missing, broken, or chipped tooth
Out-of-position tooth
Severe toothache
Abscess tooth Broken jaw
• Something stuck in your teeth that cause severe pain and inflammation For those who have already come to Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants for their dental needs, you can even come to us for emergency 3D PRINTING AND DENTISTRY
Time-Saving Benefits Galore
In the last few years, 3D printers have become increasingly mainstream. Originally
invented in the 1980s, only certain industries utilized these printers because they were so expensive. Now,
you can get a 3D printer for less than $10,000, which is amazing because it can make so many things, including furniture, jewelry, and toys. The dental industry has taken advantage of 3D printer technology, and many offices have started to use them to expedite treatments. Before 3D printing became available, if you needed a crown or a bridge at the dentist’s office, it was a time-consuming process. Typically, a patient scheduled a visit for an impression of their teeth, which would then be sent to a lab to be made. It could take weeks for the lab to create the crown or bridge. Once completed, the patient returned to the office so the product could be fitted to their mouth. At that point, if it didn’t fit, the dentist made small adjustments, but anything major would mean sending it back to the lab. Now, because of 3D printing, some offices can even offer same-day treatment. By using an intraoral scanner, the dentist or dental assistant takes a scan of your mouth to create a digital impression of teeth. Then they transfer the impression from the scanner to the 3D printer. Very quickly, the 3D printer creates the crown from a porcelain or ceramic block and is ready for the dentist to seat.
3D printing isn’t used solely for treatments in the dental industry, though. Orthodontic work has also changed due to this technology. Many people have opted for clear aligners in place of braces, and 3D printers create many of the clear aligners people use today. Even better? Using the aligners can shave 6–12 months off the average orthodontic treatment time! There’s no telling how 3D printing will influence the dental industry in the future, but some companies have begun using them to print dentures. Only time will tell if they’ll become as popular as 3D-printed crowns.
2 • www.dentalimplantsnorthdakota.com
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