Dealing with Dental Emergencies

If you or a family member have a dental emergency, it is important to take care of the situation as soon as possible. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind.

Understanding a Dental Emergency

People may have different definitions as to what constitutes a dental emergency. Some might define it as a tooth that has been broken while others would refer to severe pain that inhibits their daily activity. In any case, an injury to a tooth or the gums needs to be addressed right away.

Be Courageous and Call

One of the hardest parts of dealing with a dental emergency is making that phone call for help. You may feel embarrassed about what you have done. You may feel silly for calling at three in the morning. Remember that you have to call immediately in order to take care of the situation. Many dental professionals in Bronx, NY, and other communities are available at all times of the day.

Receiving Solid Answers

Once you have given a call to a dentist, he or she can give you the answers you need. Perhaps you need to see the dentist immediately. You may be given directions as to what to do with your chipped tooth. A dental professional may advise you to schedule a time to come in to have the situation addressed. You can receive the advice you need in order to take care of the situation.

Bronx Dentists Install Durable Dental Implants

A dental implant is an excellent alternative to dentures or bridges. Cosmetic dentists in the Bronx, NY can install artificial implants into empty jaw sockets that once held natural teeth. After a tooth is knocked out accidentally or extracted on purpose, empty space may become occupied by surrounding teeth. In order to prevent some teeth from shifting, it's important that the gap be filled with an implant as soon as possible.

There are several major steps in the installation of an implant. First, a surgical incision is made deep into the jaw in order to properly insert a titanium screw or anchor. It may take several months for the metallic part to naturally bond with bone tissue and fully heal. This fascinating biological process is known as osseointegration, when live bones fuse together with external materials that are implanted by humans.

The second step in dental implantation involves the attachment of an abutment, which is a small hook that is used to securely connect a screw with a crown. Made from porcelain, a dental crown is available in a myriad of colors that are designed to mimic the natural texture of enamel. A cosmetic dentist has the expertise to match artificial crowns with a patient’s surrounding teeth.

For healthy adults, the time span for complete installation of a dental implant may take well over six months. Such a comprehensive procedure requires plenty of patience especially if complications arise such as infections around the metal anchor or crown.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

A child's first year of life is filled with many important checkups to ensure his or her health. In addition to checkups with the pediatrician, it's also important to take your son or daughter to the dentist. Knowing what to expect at your  baby's first dental exam can help put both of you at ease.

Oral Evaluation

The first thing that your Bronx dentist will do is perform an oral evaluation of your child. The dentist will look at how many teeth your child has. The dentist will also evaluate the condition of those teeth. The rest of the mouth, including your child's palate, tongue, gums and jaws will also be looked over by the dentist.

Discussion About Oral Care

Your child's dentist will provide you with hints and tips about how to care for your child's teeth. You'll learn about the best types of toothbrushes and toothpastes based upon your child's age and development. You'll also learn techniques on brushing your child's teeth and how to gain your child's cooperation in performing oral hygiene.

Overview of Healthy Dental Habits

If you have questions or concerns about dental health and habits, your dentist can answer them at the checkup. You may want to ask about habits such as thumb sucking, the use of pacifiers or when to stop using a baby bottle. The dentist will also give you tips about foods that are good for the baby’s oral health.