DR. Sakunthala Boppana Explains Some Dental Emergency Situations in Garland, TX

Sometimes a dental emergency is unprecedented such as when you have been in an accident, but at other times, it is of our creation, such as ignoring the toothache or the clicking sound coming from your jaw joint. The crucial question is when should you head for emergency dental services? We are here to help you decide.

 Loose tooth- While losing our baby teeth to the tooth fairy used to be exciting, loose adult teeth are something that you should be worried about. There can be multiple reasons for an adult tooth to become loose. Some are sports injuries, accidents, gum problems, bruxism, stress, pregnancy, and certain medications.

Sports injury is a prevalent cause of loose teeth. Therefore, always wear your mouthguard to protect your teeth. If the tooth has come out of the socket completely, don’t try to brush it. Just run cold water over it and store it in a saline solution or milk. If you reach your dentist within the first 45 minutes, your tooth will likely survive and return to health.

Accidents might involve not only your teeth but also other facial bones. It would help to rush to your dentist or ER for the required first aid and mitigate the damage.

Gum health can also impact your teeth. A gum disease known as periodontitis gnaws away at the bone surrounding your tooth, causing your gums to detach from them and recede. You can prevent this by caring for your gums, i.e., following your oral hygiene routine industriously. You should see your dentist immediately to avoid the loss of a tooth or emergency tooth extraction.

Bruxism is the habit of grinding teeth at night. It can be due to various reasons. But if you don’t talk to your dentist and get a nightguard, you might fracture your tooth and damage your jaw joint or the TMJ.

Stress is another factor that leads to frequent clenching of your teeth, resulting in loose teeth. Avoid stress because it will never solve your problems, but your dentist will. So, make an immediate appointment with your dentist if your teeth need help.

Pregnancy causes a surge of female hormones, which tend to relax the ligaments and joints. So, if you feel your teeth have become loose, don’t panic; it is temporary. Just try to maintain your oral hygiene.

Certain medications, such as phenytoin, used for seizures, can cause loose teeth by interfering with calcium absorption, which, in turn, can weaken the bone and your teeth. Talk to your doctor to get the dose adjusted but don’t stop the medication without consulting your doctor first.

Bleeding- a tiny amount of bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth might seem harmless, but it is just the beginning of gum disease, which can even lead to tooth loss. Gum disease such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) can progress into a severe form called periodontitis (gum inflammation involves the bone of the tooth socket, and teeth become loose as a result). Treatment will depend on the stage of gum disease, and therefore, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Pain- A toothache is as alarming as pain in your jaw joint. Dental caries or cavities start minor but give them some time, and the bacteria reaches the center of the tooth, which houses its nerve and blood supply. If you are experiencing excruciating pain accompanied by swelling and fever, it is a dental emergency.

A painful and swollen jaw joint should also is a dental emergency since it may result in the locking of the jaws or severe headaches in no time. Generally, your upper and lower jaw bones slide on each other at the joint. However, they may become painful and swollen because of various factors such as stress or bone disorders. Timely dental intervention can save you from experiencing a dental emergency.

Swelling- Any swelling that has formed recently, inside or outside of your mouth, painful or non-painful, should be treated as a dental emergency. A swelling inside your mouth might indicate a dental abscess caused by a tooth infection. If left untreated, it can spread to other oral planes and lead to breathing difficulty, difficulty swallowing, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. It might also mean that a salivary gland duct is blocked. In any case, visit your dentist immediately.

Oral growth or sore- any oral lesion that doesn’t heal within two weeks should be a matter of concern. It might be oral cancer or a dental emergency.

If you need help regarding any of the above, do it immediately. Please don’t wait for it to become unbearable. So, pick up your phone and call our office at (469) 804-5677  to book an appointment with your Emergency Dentist Near You.

Smile is a universal language. A dazzling smile can brighten your day and of everyone around you. Therefore, it doesn’t surprise that ‘smile’ has a staggering number of songs to its name. However, only some have a perfect set of pearly whites. Need that ideal smile? There are many dental cosmetic procedures to help you enhance your mile. A dental cosmetic procedure can be as simple as dull tooth color to as complicated as crowding. The list is exhaustive and intimidating. People attach much self-confidence to how they look, including their smiles. Dental issues can impair self-esteem, stress out, and hinder the overall growth of an individual.

Nevertheless, dental cosmetic procedures can enhance your smile and help you lead a happier social life. On a lighter note, have you ever wondered how your favorite movie stars possess that glorious, heart-warming smile? Allow us to enlighten you.

Teeth whitening/bleaching, One of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, is the first thing that comes to mind when speaking of enhancing smiles. And why not? Teeth whitening can help you to shed years from your age. With many over-the-counter teeth whitening options, it is best to consult your dentist before opting for them. Furthermore, it is advisable to prefer the in-office teeth whitening done at your dentist’s Office in Garland, TX. Over-the-counter bleaching agents contain abrasive agents that remove the stains on your teeth. Excessive use of these toothpaste and whitening strips will damage the outer white layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. It will only aggravate the problem by exposing the inner layer called dentin, which is yellowish in color. Some whitening agents contain peroxides that can bleach the tooth but are not durable. If time is something that you cant spare, you can ask your dentist to provide you with home bleaching kits that you can use according to your time and convenience. 

An important thing to know here is that only some are candidates for teeth whitening. Whitening procedures cannot remediate Dental conditions such as fluorosis. Therefore, consult your dentist before starting.

Dental laminates/ Dental Veneers are thin wafers made of ceramic or porcelain bonded to the outer layer of your teeth. Veneers/laminates are an excellent alternative for those who cannot benefit from teeth whitening procedures. A thin layer is removed from the tooth’s outer surface to accommodate these veneers, and then according to your preferred shade, these veneers are bonded to the tooth.  

Dental bonding is best for repairing chipped teeth and reducing gaps. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resins to restore the esthetics and function of your teeth. Resins are soft clay-like materials that harden on exposure to a particular light. Your dentist will select the resin that best matches your tooth color, prepares your tooth to receive the restoration, place and shape the resin according to the requirement of your tooth, and then harden it by using light and minor adjustments. Dental bonding is also used as a filling material to restore a tooth damaged by cavities. Once restored using dental bonding, it’s nearly impossible to tell if the tooth was ever damaged.

Tooth contouring, sometimes, your dentist may reduce the tooth enamel to shape your smile. However, there is a limitation to the amount of enamel that your dentist can reduce.

Gum contouring, if a ‘gummy smile’ worries you, your dentist will remove the excessive gum tissue to make your smile aesthetically pleasing.

If you want to enhance your smile, there are various options available, or if you have questions about what suits you best, call us at (469) 804-5677  and talk to our dental team.

Dr. Sakunthala Boppana Explains The Side Effect Of Top Ten Foods On Teeth

Everyone knows by now know that sugar is detrimental to oral and overall health. But what if we told you that there is an entire long list of food items that have the potential to damage your teeth? What if we say that the sugar you are avoiding creeps up in your favorite food in some way or another? Just listen to what we have to say here.

Hardened sugar candies

Who doesn’t know that hard sugar candies are just the thing that wreaks havoc on your teeth? The hard ones and even the soft, sour candies fall into the same category. We don’t need to elaborate on how they get stuck to your teeth and cause tooth decay. Have you ever thought about how long it stays in your mouth? Moreover, it damages your teeth in more than one way. It can cause cracks or chipping of tooth enamel if you chew hard candies. But try telling that to a 5-year-old, and all you will get is a ‘whatever’ look. So remember to make them brush their teeth after they have had their fill of these candies.

Chips and crackers

Refined-flour-based products such as chips and crackers contain starch which converts to sugar during the digestion process in your oral cavity. These sugars stick to your teeth and invite bacteria to colonize them, leading to decay in the long run. Therefore, remember to rinse thoroughly every time you binge on your favorite chips or crackers.

Carbonated beverages

All your favorite colas and soda contain carbon-di-oxide gas and sugar as primary ingredients. These colas and sodas do dual damage to your teeth. First, the sugar bath that your teeth experience in every sip of the beverage causes decay, and second, the drink’s slightly acidic pH erodes your weak enamel. Not even diet coke spares your teeth since the acid is still present even though the sugar is missing. So, switch your carbonated beverage with water if you want your smile for longer.

Chewing Ice

Are you one of those who think, water is good for health so should be ice?. The next time you think of chewing on that block of ice, remember what we have to say. Chewing ice can cause micro-cracks and chipping of your teeth.

Citrus fruits

While citrus fruits may provide all the vitamin C to boost your immunity, excessive consumption can damage your teeth. Citrus fruits are acidic; therefore, the longer they are in contact with your teeth, the greater the chances of tooth enamel erosion.

Dry fruits

You may benefit from all the fiber and goodness in dry fruits and nuts. After eating, brush and floss to remove particles left on your teeth. Dry fruits and nuts tend to stick to your teeth and cause decay. Moreover, Frequently crunching dry fruits might also cause cracks in your teeth.

Pickles

Pickled vegetables are a favorite of many. While they may provide health benefits, the vinegar used for the preservation process can erode your enamel if consumed in excess. Try to avoid that extra helping of pickles the next time you feel the urge.

Bread

A staple breakfast item, bread, sticks to your teeth and causes decay, especially the white variety. Bread quickly breaks down into sugar which does the actual damage. Try switching your regular white bread with brown or multigrain ones to decrease the damage.

Peanut Butter And Jelly (PBJ)

While we all are addicted to the combo, we should limit the intake to avoid damaging our teeth. Both are sticky and sugary, which means dual damage to your teeth, causing decay if not washed away promptly. Try a quick brushing after your peanut butter and jelly sandwich to remove the particles sticking to your teeth.

Alcohol

Yes, it is true. Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a condition called xerostomia or dry mouth, which hinders saliva production, leading to dental decay and bad breath. Without saliva, the oral bacteria multiply rapidly and cause plaque, tooth decay, and foul odor. Therefore, remember to rehydrate your body every time that you indulge yourself.

Like every thing else, moderation is the key to a sustainable diet, so avoid excess of anything to have healthy and strong teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and never miss an appointment at your dentist’s office.
These tips will help you have that dazzling smile for a long time.

If you have more question, call your Family Dental office in Garland, TX at  (469) 804-5677 and talk to a professional for advice

Prevention is better than cure (and definitely more cost-effective) and therefore a routine dental examination is something that should not be skipped and ideally be done twice a year. If you have never had a routine dental check-up before, just read on to know what you should expect in one.

Oral examination- your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth are examined and any deviations from normal are documented. The teeth are checked for signs of dental caries or tooth decay, other hard tissue anomalies such as dental erosion(thinning of hard enamel), abrasion(damage by aggressive tooth-brushing), micro-cracks, etc. The dental occlusion, the way your jaws fit together, is observed for deviations. Gums are examined for bleeding and accumulation of tartar or dental plaque. Other soft tissues such as the inside of the cheeks are examined for any signs of oral cancer or any other oral diseases. Principally, everything inside your oral cavity is minutely observed by your dentist and recorded accordingly.

Oral prophylactic measures- however diligent are your oral hygiene practices, plaque is something that can be rid of only by professional tooth cleaning, oral prophylaxis in other terms. Even with regular brushing and flossing, a small bit of plaque can still accumulate in the crevices and curves of your teeth. To prevent damage to the gums, this plaque should be removed thoroughly. A dental hygienist performs the procedure of oral prophylaxis or scaling by use of manual instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. By either means, the procedure is painless and even if a deep cleaning is required, your hygienist will administer local anesthesia so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Scaling is followed by polishing, a procedure that smoothens the tooth surfaces which may have become a bit rough after the disengagement of dental plaque.

You will receive a set of oral hygiene instructions from your dental hygienist depending on your oral hygiene conditions. And you should also not hesitate to ask your queries regarding oral hygiene practices.

Oral radiographs- oral radiographs or x-rays are not mandatory for all. But if it is your first dental check-up or if your dentist recommends, you will need oral radiographs to assess your dental health. The x-rays may vary in number depending on your oral condition. Also, the frequency of taking radiographs is determined by your dentist depending on the requirement.

Treatment recommendations-

On the completion of your oral examination, your dentist might suggest treatment recommendations for any dental problem that is diagnosed. It may include a root canal, replacement of a filling, restoration of a decayed tooth, or referral to a specialist. Your dentist might suggest further tests to further clarify your oral condition if the need be.

Your dentist can not only detect oral problems at an early stage but also prevent them from happening in the first place. Early detection is not only easily manageable but saves you from a plethora of inconveniences while saving your hard-earned money. Book an appointment today at your dentist to prevent a headache tomorrow.

Looking for a dentist in Garland area? Located at 3630 N Shiloh Rd #209, Garland TX Perfect32 Family Dentistry is looking forward to helping you with your dental needs.

Discolored teeth can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile. Coffee, red wine, and tobacco can stain our teeth. Whitening toothpastes or rinses can only do so much to break down the discoloration. For residents near Garland, TX, Dr. Boppana of Perfect 32 Family Dentistry offers teeth bleaching options for dramatically whiter smiles.

Teeth whitening is performed to remove stains and discoloration. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, as patients get visible results quickly. A whiter smile is impressive and can make patients feel better about themselves.

Whitening At Your Convenience

At Perfect 32 Family Dentistry, we offer at-home whitening trays, which allow patients to perform their own treatments at their leisure. You can whiten at home, in the office, or in the car. Whatever time of day works for you. Using impressions of your teeth, we fabricate custom trays designed to fit your mouth comfortably. The gel-filled trays are worn daily for approximately one hour until the desired shade is achieved. Periodic touch-ups may be performed to maintain your bright smile.

Professional Vresus Commercial Whitening

Whitening treatments available from your dentist offer a level of quality not attainable in commercial products.

• Professional grade products use prescription strength gel that is higher quality than over-the-counter products.
• Because the trays are customized, there is no slipping of strips and getting the product all over your gums. It ensures patient comfort by not spreading the gel onto sensitive tissues.
• Our at-home trays do not require lights or lasers to achieve the desired level of brightness.
• By treating with a dentist, your teeth are checked to ensure the health of your smile.

To learn more about your teeth bleaching options for a more dazzling smile, contact Perfect 32 Family Dentistry for an appointment today (469) 804-5677