Month: January 2024

So, you were going about your day, minding your business, and suddenly, you lost your temporary crown. It happens. While it might feel like a dental emergency, the good news is that you can take steps to address the situation until you can see your dentist. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to do if you face a temporary crown emergency.

Understanding Temporary Crowns

Before we jump into the action plan, let’s quickly recap what temporary crowns are and why they slip. Temporary crowns are essentially placeholders. They’re used to protect your tooth after it’s been prepared for a permanent crown, but before that crown is ready. Here’s why they’re essential:

• Protection: Temporary crowns shield the vulnerable, freshly prepared tooth from bacteria and further damage.
• Functionality: They ensure you can eat and speak comfortably while you wait for your permanent crown.
• Aesthetics: These crowns maintain your smile’s appearance, so you don’t have to worry about gaps or oddly shaped teeth.

The First Steps You Can Take During a Temporary Crown Emergency

When you are dealing with a temporary crown emergency, here’s what you should do:

• Don’t Panic: Yes, it can be a bit alarming when it happens, but staying calm is the first step. A lost temporary crown is not a dental emergency, although it does require attention.
• Retrieve the Crown: If the crown is still intact, try to find it. Gently rinse it with lukewarm water to remove any debris.
• Inspect Your Tooth: Check the tooth that used to wear the crown. Ensure there is no damage or debris on the tooth surface. If you notice any issues, make a note of them.
• Temporary Adhesive (Optional): Some drugstores sell temporary crown cement that you can use to reattach the crown temporarily. If you have access to this product and feel comfortable using it, follow the instructions carefully.

What Not to Do When You Have a Temporary Crown Emergency

Before we proceed with more steps to address the situation, it’s essential to understand what you should avoid doing when your temporary crown falls off:

• Don’t Force It Back On Attempting to reattach the crown on your own can lead to complications. The crown might not align correctly or could damage your tooth.
• Avoid Household Adhesives: Never use household glues or adhesives to reattach the crown. These can be harmful if ingested and are not suitable for dental use.
• No Superglue: Superglue, as convenient as it might seem, is not suitable for fixing dental issues. Avoid using it on your temporary crown or teeth.

Preventing Future Incidents

While losing a temporary crown can be unexpected and a little inconvenient, there are ways to prevent it from happening again:

• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Certain foods can dislodge a temporary crown, so be cautious when eating sticky or hard items.
• Chew on the Opposite Side: Try to minimize pressure on your crowned tooth by chewing on the side without the crown.
• Gentle Oral Care: Brush and floss your teeth gently, especially around the temporary crown. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to minimize any risk of damage.
• Regular Dental Appointments: Keep up with your scheduled dental visits. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your temporary crown and make adjustments as needed.

In Conclusion

While losing a temporary crown might catch you by surprise, it’s not a dental emergency. By following the steps outlined above and contacting your dentist promptly, you can ensure that your crowned tooth receives the attention it needs, and you can avoid any temporary crown emergency.

Remember, your temporary crown is designed to be a temporary solution. It protects your prepared tooth until your permanent crown is ready. So, when it takes an unscheduled leave of absence, stay calm, follow the recommended steps, and contact your dentist for guidance.

 

Orthodontic treatments have evolved significantly, offering solutions for misaligned teeth. One of the most discreet options available today is lingual braces. While traditional braces are undoubtedly effective, their visibility can impact self-esteem. Lingual braces, placed on the inner surface of the teeth, are virtually invisible. This guide delves into the intricacies of lingual braces, from their functionality and benefits to maintenance.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

Lingual braces operate similarly to traditional braces, with the primary distinction being their placement. Instead of being affixed to the front of the teeth, they are mounted on the backside (lingual surface), rendering them almost undetectable from the outside. Comprising brackets and wires, these braces gradually shift teeth to their desired positions over time.

Benefits of Lingual Braces

Here are some advantages of lingual or invisible braces:

• Aesthetics: Their discreet nature is their main selling point, ideal for those wanting to straighten teeth without drawing attention to the treatment.
• Customization: Tailored to fit each patient’s unique teeth structure, they ensure precise and predictable outcomes.
• Versatility: Lingual braces can rectify numerous orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, and underbites.

Are You a Candidate for Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are apt for most orthodontic cases. They cater to both teenagers and adults, especially those seeking a concealed method to attain a straighter smile. However, specific complex cases might be better addressed with traditional braces or alternatives like clear aligners.

The Process of Getting Lingual Braces

Achieving a confident smile with these braces involves:

• Consultation: An initial assessment by your orthodontist will determine the suitability of lingual braces for your dental structure.
• Impressions: After deciding to proceed, your teeth’s impressions will be taken to craft custom brackets and wires.
• Placement: Customized brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth during the placement appointment, followed by wire threading.

Maintaining Lingual Braces for Optimal Results

Ensuring the effectiveness of lingual braces requires proper maintenance:

• Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing are vital to prevent plaque accumulation around the braces.
• Dietary Restrictions: Refrain from consuming hard, sticky, or chewy foods that might damage the braces.

Potential Discomfort and Speech Implications

Initial discomfort and speech alterations are common after getting lingual braces. The tongue might need some time to adjust to the new fixture. However, most patients find their speech normalizing and initial discomfort waning within a few weeks.

Summing It Up

Lingual braces present a concealed yet effective orthodontic solution. By positioning the braces on the teeth’s inner surface, they tackle misalignment without sacrificing aesthetics.

Capable of addressing various alignment issues, lingual braces pave the way to a healthier, straighter smile. If this innovative orthodontic solution intrigues you, consult a qualified orthodontist to ascertain its suitability. Remember, a radiant smile is attainable, and contemporary orthodontic solutions have made the journey more seamless and aesthetically gratifying than ever.

 

Your molars play a crucial role in chewing during meals, and a cracked molar can be a significant concern. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if you have a cracked molar, the causes of molar cracks, the severity of the issue, associated pain, and potential treatments.

How Does Molar Cracking Occur?

Molar cracking is common because these teeth endure significant chewing forces. Cracks can result from chewing on hard objects like ice or candies. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also contribute to molar fractures. In some cases, you might not immediately notice the crack, but sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold items can be a sign.

Assessing the Severity of a Molar Crack

The severity of a molar crack can vary. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the condition from worsening. The timing of treatment can influence whether a cracked molar can be saved with a less invasive procedure or if more extensive dental work is required.

Does a Cracked Molar Cause Pain?

A cracked molar typically hurts when you release biting pressure. This means that you may experience discomfort when you release the pressure, even if it doesn’t hurt while you’re biting down. Cracked teeth can also be highly sensitive to specific foods and beverages, causing discomfort or pain in your mouth.

Treatment Options for a Cracked Molar

• Minor Cracks: Sometimes, your dentist may discover minor surface-level cracks, often referred to as “craze lines.” These tiny cracks may not require treatment and can be left as they are.
• Moderate to Severe Cracks: When a molar crack extends beyond the enamel, it can lead to more significant issues. Treatment options may include:
• Filling: If the crack is not too severe, your dentist may recommend filling material to repair the tooth.
• Root Canal: If there is damage to the interior of the tooth or signs of infection, a root canal may be necessary to remove the affected tissue.
• Crown: In cases where a crown is deemed the best solution, your dentist may recommend this to protect and restore the cracked molar.
• Extraction: In the most severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option.

Conclusion

Molars are crucial components of your dental structure, and a cracked molar should not be ignored. If you suspect you have a cracked molar or experience pain or sensitivity, it’s essential to seek professional dental evaluation promptly. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can make the difference between a straightforward dental procedure and more extensive dental work. Maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental check-ups, and follow your dentist’s recommendations to ensure the health of your hard-working molars.