Smile architects, Dr. Jeremy D. Kay, DMD and Dr. Nicole Deakins at The Dental Spa, survey each patient’s dental “properties” and design reconstructive blueprints, planning every detail of the treatment based on our artistic vision. This vision is then achieved through support from the highly experienced staff, technicians, and hygienists—ensuring every patient leaves with a smile more radiant than before. Leading with our passion for aesthetics and demanding the best at every turn for our patients, our innovative methods have transformed what is possible in aesthetics and successfully ushered dentistry into the luxury market.
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Dental emergencies happen to occur at the worst times of the day, usually after the dentist has closed its door for the night or perhaps the weekend. In the event of a dental emergency that needs immediate treatment to alleviate pain, restore a broken tooth, address a traumatic tooth injury, or address a concern with treatment that may be in progress, Haute Beauty experts at The Dental Spa review what to do.
What is the first thing you should do if you have a dental emergency?
If subject to a dental emergency, a patient should reach out to their dental provider to explain their symptoms and be advised on the best next steps to take. It is important that everyone have a dental provider that they trust to ensure the best level of care and treatment outcome. In the case of a traumatic event that results in tooth avulsion (a tooth that has come out of the socket), a patient should seek dental treatment immediately so that the tooth can be re-implanted within 30-60 minutes for the best chance to save the tooth. The tooth should be placed in milk to help avoid the tooth from drying out and to help maintain viability.
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most common dental emergency is a broken tooth. A patient may present with a tooth that has fractured due to trauma or due to weakness from a previous root canal or a large filling. A broken tooth may be significant or may be minor, such as a chipped front tooth.
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Are dental emergencies taken around the clock?
Dental emergencies can happen 24/7, so we make ourselves available to help our patients whenever a dental emergency may occur. It is our priority to provide patients with around-the-clock quality dental care and service so that they know that they are in good hands and can be more at ease when experiencing a dental emergency. During non-office hours, our practice voicemail provides the doctor’s personal cell phone number so that patients can reach the doctor as soon as possible.
How can a chipped tooth be restored?
A chipped tooth can be restored with either resin bonding or porcelain restoration. Bonding is an efficient, cost-effective method of restoring a chipped tooth that is less severe. For more significant tooth fractures, a porcelain restoration may be necessary in order to provide strength to the remaining tooth structure. Both resin bonding and porcelain are esthetic treatment options to restore a tooth back to its natural appearance.
When would one need a dental implant?
A patient may need a dental implant if a tooth is non-restorable, which may be the case if there is a root fracture, significant tooth fracture, advanced periodontal disease, or deep decay below the gum line.
