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When Life Knocks Out Your Tooth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There is little more annoying than having something happen to one of your teeth, especially when it is a noticeable one. Unfortunately, we cannot plan for dental issues, we can only get them checked as soon as they happen to prevent even more damage. And if your tooth got chipped or damaged, your dentist will likely suggest getting a crown. Dental crowns can be both an effective and attractive option for individuals who regard their teeth to be an inhibition. But moreover, dental crowns can cover a large filling or help support a dental bridge. Here are some of the main advantages:

Natural looking. Both porcelain and composite dental crowns have the look and feel of natural teeth, so don’t worry about people noticing. It may be cosmetic, but no one needs to know that.

Durable. Crowns are there to last a while. In fact, they can last up to fifteen years depending on their care. Not only are they durable, but they are also stain-resistant. Porcelain is a great surface to restore teeth and not having to worry about coffee stains is a thing of the past.

Stable. Dental crowns are cemented or anchored in place, so unlike dentures, dental crowns won’t slip and slide around in your mouth. This not only keeps you from being self-conscious about your dental work, but it will prevent further infection and/or decay after the surgery.

Speech improvements. We may not automatically correlate the two, but missing teeth and dentures can affect speech. Dental crowns replace the missing teeth and do not slip around, making speech sound clearer. They fix your broken or discolored teeth, but mostly, they all lead to a more confident you.

If you would like more information on teeth whitening, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Emergencies and Halloween | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you think about it – while Halloween is a very spooky holiday, it is really synonymous with candy. And if enough candy is eaten, it can lead to dental issues. It doesn’t even really matter which candy is your favorite, if bitten incorrectly, there is a good chance you could crack your tooth. It’s especially common dental issue comes from the harder candies. Don’t worry – it can be fixed with a dental crown. If you like the stickier candies, you can pull a dental implant out. This is why it is important that you are careful when indulging in Halloween treats. But if you happen to chip a tooth on that jawbreaker, here are the reasons you should consider making that dental appointment as soon as possible:

Undergoing a dental crown procedure can improve the look of broken or cracked teeth. If you are suffering from a loss of teeth, dental crowns are the solution to replace any missing teeth. Receiving dental crowns look extremely natural because the porcelain and composite resin crowns match the exact shade of your natural teeth. With dental crowns, you will not be able to tell the difference from your crowns and natural teeth.

Due to the durable materials used for your dental crowns, dental professionals agree that dental crowns can last up to 15 years. With dental crowns, patients can go about their daily routines without constantly worrying about their dental crowns falling out of place.

Dental crowns are restorative and preventive measures that improve missing or damaged teeth. Dental crowns also drastically decrease the amount of bacteria build-up that can lead to the loss of more teeth.

If you would like more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Sports Injuries and the Dentist | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There are lots of sports that can cause injury. In fact, most sports can injury an athlete in some way, but it is important to know what to do when a dental emergency arises on the playing field. For example, many hockey players consider a lost tooth a badge of honor, but it is possible to reimplant a knocked-out adult tooth. Unfortunately, this is considered a dental emergency and needs to be addressed immediately if you want to save your tooth. A severed root experiences damage to blood vessels and tissue, but the ligaments connecting the tooth to the bone can be re-formed.

Assuming you can find the tooth, avoid scraping off any dirt particles, as you risk damaging the root further. Instead, rinse it gently with a saline solution while carefully handling it by the crown. If possible, place the tooth back in its original socket, or store it in a small container with saline or milk. Milk—containing proteins, sugar, and antibacterial substances—provides the ideal environment for a lost tooth. As an added bonus, the sugars in milk help feed cells, which need to remain alive and growing in the short term.

Don’t have access to any of the above? Don’t panic. Your cheek will work well for storage in the interim; just be careful not to swallow your precious cargo.

Placing pressure on the gums will also help to reduce the bleeding and pain as you are en route to the dentist. Depending on the damage, a successful reimplanted tooth can heal significantly in three to four weeks and become fully repaired within two months. And remember, mouth guards are a great way to keep your teeth in tact on the field.

If you would like more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.