This time of year gets very busy for everyone.
Some people are trying to maximize there dental benefits and squeeze in treatment before the year ends and that keeps us busy in the office, although there are a some appointment slots left between Christmas and New Years. However, it is the holidays that keep most of us really busy. Whether its trying to get ready to head out of town to see family, prepare the house for family that is coming to visit or just trying to get all that last minute shopping and decorating done, the countdown to the end of the year begins well before the countdown to see the ball drop in Times Square.
We all know of Murphy's Law as well. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. The dental extension of this is that it will go wrong at the worst time possible. You may be out of town, it may be the weekend we aren't open here at the office, or you may be just too busy to get in.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the emergencies that we see year round and with increased frequency this time of year.
Lost Caps or Crowns: All those holiday caramels that your Great Aunt dropped by can definitely pull off crowns. The great hope is that the top part of the tooth did not come with it. If the tooth hasn't had root canal treatment it is probably sensitive as well. Try and get in ASAP to get it re-cemented as teeth can shift and break. Do you best to be prepared to not swallow it as well. It happens more than you think.
Broken or Lost fillings: The same candies that pull off crowns can break off fillings. Again, teeth under fillings are almost always sensitive, get in and have a new one placed.
Cracked teeth: Biting into those hard nuts and candies can break more than fillings, it can break the tooth. Teeth that are cracked are typically very painful on release of pressure. Cracked teeth can be tricky. If they crack in the best way possible, we may be able to smooth it out or put a small filling in. Most teeth that have cracks due need a full coverage crown at the very least. Depending on the path of the crack, it may break the wrong way and need a root canal, if it breaks REALLY the wrong way, it may need to come out. Some cracks are readily visible and some don't show up on xrays. Avoiding eating on the tooth is usually key to preventing pain.
Swelling: If you are starting to experience swelling it is usually due to a gum infection or a tooth that needs a root canal getting out of hand. Many times you've know about it and have been putting it off. Call us immediately. If we can't be reached, urgent care or the emergency room should be your next call. You need treatment immediately.
Sometimes, things are easy to treat at home. Some cold sensitivity on breathing the freezing cold can send a sharp pain to the tooth. Trying a sensitivity toothpaste is usually a great way to take care of it. If the tooth has any lingering sensitivity that seems to hang on or cause spontaneous pain, again get in and see us.
There are many other types of emergencies, most are an obvious sign to get in, others are much more silent. Frequently, by the time something hurts, bigger treatment is necessary.
Do your best to avoid things you know aren't good for you, but if something happens we can be reached at (925) 634-1230 or visit http://www.freitasdentistry.com to check out our FAQs. After hours emergencies call (925) 240-3308 to reach us quickly.
