Distinguished Dental Blog

When it comes to your dental health, it can be hard to know if you’re having an emergency or not, especially since certain symptoms can mean different things. Puffy gums are a great example: In some cases, you should get immediate care, while in others, you can wait. Having said that, it’s always a good idea to call a dentist if you notice puffy gums. That way, you’ll know what the source of the problem is and how to address it so you can maintain a healthy smile. Learn more below! 

Today, more and more adults are investing in their oral health and appearance with orthodontic treatment. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reported that the number of adults in braces increased by 40% between 1989 and 2012. But what about Invisalign? Busy professionals are understandably hesitant to spend years in brackets and wires and are commonly interested in this clear alternative to braces. Keep reading to find out why a dentist may recommend Invisalign for adults and how the process works!

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It makes a big difference in the way your smile looks for a relatively small investment of time and money. But you may have heard that whitening can cause sensitive teeth or feel concerned about its impact on your oral health. Below, you’ll find out how teeth whitening works and why it causes temporary sensitivity in some people but not others. You’ll also get tips to alleviate sensitivity so you can have the beautiful results you want as comfortably as possible. 

Understandably, no one wants to see a dentist unless they really have to. But while you would clearly schedule a visit if you’re in pain, what if you have a toothache that comes and goes? Or one that flares up for only a day or two and then goes away entirely? It may be tempting to chalk this up to good luck and consider the problem solved. But, in this blog, you’ll find out why a “disappearing toothache” could actually be a serious problem and why seeing an emergency dentist is still essential. Keep reading below to learn more! 

Why Would a Toothache Go Away? 

Some toothaches have ongoing symptoms that don’t go away until they’re treated. Other toothaches are more “random” and may only flare up for a short time. Here are some possible reasons for toothaches that seems to go away on their own: 

• Mild toothaches – In some cases, tooth pain is caused by gum recession, where the gums pull back and expose the sensitive root of the tooth. This is usually fairly mild and may even improve over time on its own. Another potential cause for pain that comes and goes is a small cavity that’s only starting to be symptomatic. 
• Moderate to severe toothaches – If you have moderate or severe pain, it’s usually a sign that the nerve of your tooth is badly inflamed or infected. This can occur from a cavity or some type of trauma to the tooth. If this type of toothache goes away, it’s typically because the nerve of the tooth has “died” or been destroyed by the infection, which is why the pain goes away. But the infection is still there and can lead to serious problems if it isn’t treated. 

The Importance of Seeing a Dentist, Even If a Toothache Goes Away 

If the nerve of a tooth has died, but an infection is still there, the infection will continue spreading and destroy the bone that surrounds the root. This may make an extraction necessary, along with additional treatment to replace the missing tooth such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Even worse, it can spread to other areas of the body such as the brain and become dangerous or even fatal. 

Simply put, any type of tooth pain is an indication that something is wrong. To determine if the problem is minor or serious, you must see an emergency dentist for an evaluation, diagnosis, and possible treatment. Although the pain may have subsided, you’re always better off safe than sorry, especially with the potential consequences of not getting treatment!

About the Author 

Dr. Sheri McIntosh is a general and emergency dentist with more than 15 years of experience and also a native of north Texas. She doesn’t believe in taking chances with her patients’ health and always encourages people to have a toothache checked out, even if their pain has gone away. If you have a toothache that’s come and gone or have any questions, you can contact Dr. McIntosh via her website.

The symptoms from a toothache can vary from person to person. But one commonality people experience is wanting to get out of pain ASAP. Especially if the discomfort is so bad that you can’t eat, sleep or go to work. If you have a toothache, the first thing you should do is call an emergency dentist. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in pain until your appointment! Keep reading to learn about common symptoms from toothaches and get some helpful tips for staying comfortable while you’re waiting to be seen. 

Did you know that an estimated 5 million teeth are knocked out each year? The majority of these injuries occur while playing sports and come with an annual cost of around 500 million dollars. If you or a loved one knocks out a tooth, acting quickly and taking the right steps will give you the best chance of saving it. One tip you may have heard is to put a knocked-out tooth in a glass of milk until you can see an emergency dentist. But is that actually helpful and, if so, how does it work? Keep reading to find out!

When it comes to dental care, most people are looking for a combination of convenience and high quality. With CEREC same-day crowns, you get both! This technology allows a dentist in Fort Worth to create strong, beautiful dental crowns right in their office. This prevents the need for a second appointment and ultimately means less time in the dental chair for you. But one common question patients have about same day crowns is what material they’re made of. Below, you’ll get the answer to that question and find out more about the many benefits of this procedure.

Regular dental care is essential for good oral health, overall quality of life, and self-confidence. And if you have dental insurance, you’re in the fortunate position to make your dental visits affordable. But you may be surprised at how many people fail to use their insurance benefits each year. In addition to neglecting their dental health, they also miss out on what could be called “free money” from their insurance company. In this blog, you’ll read some interesting dental insurance statistics, learn why regular preventive care is so important, and find out how to avoid missing out on your benefits. Find out more below! 

If you’re in braces now or have been in the past, you know how much you look forward to getting them off and seeing your results. But while there’s no question that orthodontic treatment is well worth it, it does require extra effort to keep your teeth clean when you’re in brackets and wires. Unfortunately, regularly leaving plaque behind after brushing often leads to white spots, which ultimately takes away from the aesthetics of your straight new smile. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry can correct many common problems with enamel and ortho, including white spots. Keep reading to learn more and find out what your treatment options are!