Desert Sun Dental

Preventative dental care helps patients prevent oral diseases and maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It includes patients' actions and professional services and procedures. This kind of dental care can reduce the risk of developing more complex and severe oral health conditions.

Dental sealants are not a permanent solution to preventing cavities. Sealants will gradually wear away over time due to natural wear and tear. Patients will usually need to replace their sealants after five years, but in some cases, they can last for up to 10.

Plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds up on teeth. It consists of bacteria and can harden into tartar that is difficult to remove. Patients with too much plaque can have tooth damage, leading to decay and even tooth loss.

The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, we must remove it to prevent the infection from spreading.

In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.

Protect your teeth and gums when playing sports by using a mouthguard made to fit your mouth precisely. Do not chew hard items such as candy and ice that can damage teeth. Do not use your teeth as tools (to open a package, for example), which can also cause breakage and injury. Keep a first aid kit with gauze and acetaminophen in case of a dental injury.

If you experience pain or sensitivity when the teeth are exposed to heat, cold, or pressure, a cavity could be the cause. This symptom is also common among those who have recently had a dental procedure. However, it does not constitute an emergency unless the pain becomes severe.

Sharp pain that occurs when you bite down often indicates a broken or damaged tooth. If pain occurs to the gum area within 30 seconds or so of eating hot or cold food, this could indicate damage or infection to the pulp of the tooth. Both of these situations require immediate dental care.

Minor damage to the teeth is often painless and is not necessarily an emergency. Chips and cracks that affect only the tooth's enamel can often be filled, polished, and smoothed. However, you should see the dentist right away to prevent further damage. A crack or break in the tooth becomes more urgent when the root is exposed, which can cause severe pain.

A loose permanent tooth is a dental emergency. If left untreated, the tooth could fall out entirely. Gently push the tooth back into alignment and see a dentist right away for reattachment.

Dental emergencies may involve severe pain, heavy oral bleeding, or tooth damage. Sometimes, patients find it hard to determine whether they are experiencing an emergency. When in doubt, reach out to an emergency dentist or doctor for guidance. Always seek care for sudden or worsening tooth pain.

If you experience a dental emergency, call your dentist. The office team can determine whether you need to visit the ER. If the dentist can handle the problem in-office, the team can arrange a same-day appointment.

If an emergency happens during evenings, weekends, or holidays, go straight to the ER. Do not wait until your dental office reopens. Delaying emergency dental care may result in life-threatening health complications or permanent tooth damage.

Dental emergencies may occur after a head injury. If you suffer a blow to the head, visit the ER for a full exam. Head injuries may seem minor at first, but they can trigger internal bleeding or brain inflammation. See a doctor for a complete screening. Then contact your emergency dentist after you leave the hospital.

First, stop the bleeding immediately. You may do so by applying light pressure to the injury site with a cold compress. Then, contact us right away.