Common Dental Emergencies During Holiday Time

Emergency Dentist Near Me

Common Dental Emergencies During Holiday Time

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebrating. They are not a time for dental emergencies… but unfortunately, dental emergencies in Colorado Springs CO don’t take a holiday. If you are unlucky enough to experience a dental emergency this holiday season, don’t despair. We’re here to help.

Signs That You May Need Emergency Dental Care

There are a few signs that may indicate that you need to seek emergency dental care:

-Persistent tooth pain that cannot be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication
-Severe swelling in the mouth or face
-Bleeding from the gums that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure is applied
-A cracked or fractured tooth
-A lost tooth (adult teeth only)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office right away so we can schedule you an appointment.

What To Do Until You Can See The Dentist Near You

If you have a cracked or fractured tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling. If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a gauze or a clean cloth until it stops. Do NOT attempt to brush or floss the area; this could further damage the tooth. If you have lost an adult tooth, try to insert it back into the socket; if that is not possible, place it in milk or saline solution and bring it with you to your appointment. And finally, if you are experiencing severe pain, take ibuprofen as directed on the package label.

Contact Us Today!

No one wants to experience a dental emergency during the holidays, but unfortunately, they do happen. If you find yourself in need of emergency dental care this holiday season, don’t panic—just give us a call. We’re here to help you through whatever dental issue you may be facing so you can get back to enjoying the holiday’s pain-free!

When to See Your Emergency Dentist

When to See Your Emergency Dentist

When To See Your Emergency Dentist

When to See Your Emergency Dentist

With so many different kinds of dental concerns, it can be hard to decide which ones are emergencies—in more severe cases, waiting a day to see the dentist can be the difference in whether or not you get to keep your tooth. Not sure how to determine which is severe and which can wait? Here is how to know when to see your emergency dentist, Colorado Springs Dentist.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Here are 5 signs that you should make an emergency dentist appointment with emergency dental Colorado Springs as soon as possible.

You Have a Broken Tooth

If your tooth is only chipped and you experience no pain, there’s no need to call an emergency dentist. Generally, a broken or knocked-out permanent tooth will cause extreme pain and result in a visit to cosmetic dentist Colorado Springs. Seeking urgent dental care will not only help with pain management, but it may help save your tooth. If the entire tooth was knocked out, place it in a cup of milk until you can receive emergency dental care from dentist in Colorado Springs. This will increase the chances of preserving and reinserting the tooth.

You Have Unexplained Toothaches

Unexplained, persistent, and severe toothaches can signify gum disease and infection. If the aching is minor, try some at-home solutions first. But if the severity increases or the aching does not go away, it’s time to call your emergency dentist. Worst-case scenario, you may have an abscessed tooth. Feel around the gums to see if there is a bump near the tooth causing you pain. Other signs to watch for include fever, tooth sensitivity, and swelling in the mouth or face. If you have these symptoms, find an emergency dental clinic immediately. Once you arrive at the office, the dentist can use the best intraoral camera to look inside your mouth and detect any issues.

Your Gums Are Bleeding

It’s not abnormal for gums to bleed a little after flossing or if you have been diagnosed with gum disease. But if the bleeding is extreme, continuous, and coupled with pain or swelling, it’s essential to see your dentist. Unexplained bleeding could be a sign of periodontal disease.

You Have a Swollen Mouth or Jaw

A swollen jaw can be a result of several things. It could be caused by infection, swollen lymph nodes, and in sporadic cases, it may result from cancer. As mentioned, this is also a sign of gum disease. Since there is no way to know which is causing the swelling, it is best to schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Your Mouth Tastes Like Pennies

Tasting metal in your mouth is often a sign that your crown or filling has become loose. It is essential to seek emergency dental care as a loose filling can invite infection and cavities. Waiting too long will increase needing a root canal to fix the problem.

Contact our Emergency Dentist in Grand Junction CO

If you are experiencing any kind of abnormality in your teeth, gums, or mouth, it is essential to seek emergency dental care. Early detection of any issues is essential for your oral health and overall wellbeing. Contact our office today for any dental emergencies or if you are unsure when to see your emergency dentist.

Signs of an Abscessed Tooth

Signs of An Abscessed Tooth - Colorado Springs

Signs of an Abscessed Tooth

Most Common Signs of an Abscessed Tooth

One of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care is because they have an abscessed tooth. If this dental problem isn’t treated right away, it can have serious consequences for both oral and overall health. Avoiding serious, long-term oral health issues starts with knowing the warning signs of an abscessed tooth. Please continue reading this article to learn more about a tooth infection or abscessed tooth.

More About a Tooth Abscess

As we mentioned above, an abscessed tooth is a serious and painful dental emergency. An abscess is a bacterial infection that produces pus. Additionally, it causes pain and swelling and must be treated right away. Blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue are all found in the tooth’s root, where the infection occurs. An abscess can form between the gum and the tooth as well, but this is rare.

Colorado Springs dentists explain that in the majority of cases, tooth abscesses are the result of advanced decay or damage to the tooth. Furthermore, this may be the result of an infected chipped or broken tooth, worn enamel that allows bacteria to enter the tooth, or an untreated dental cavity. Periodontal (gum) disease that is left untreated for a long time can lead to an abscess, especially if it has progressed to the advanced stage, which is called periodontitis. It is possible that the infection from the abscessed tooth could have reached nearby bone, which could result in tooth loss or even spread to other parts of the body when left untreated.

Signs You Might Have an Abscessed Tooth

If you have a tooth abscess, contact a Colorado Springs emergency dentist right away so that the infection does not spread. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a tooth abscess.

  • Pain is excruciating 
  • Fever
  • Swelling of the gums 
  • Redness of the gums
  • Soreness of the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
  • Sore on the gums
  • Bad taste in your mouth

How to Treat a Tooth Abscess 

Tooth abscess treatment will be tailored to meet your individual requirements, but in most cases, a combination of the following treatments will be recommended by Dr. Cody Boals or Dr. Alexa Johnson.

Get Rid of the Extra Pus

Draining an abscessed or infected tooth is the most effective treatment. The pus can be drained by making a small incision in the abscess. The dentist may also debride the infected area and use saline to irrigate or wash it. Debridement is the process of removing diseased or dead tissue from an area of the body.

Take Directed Antibiotics

Draining an abscess isn’t always simple, and sometimes it isn’t even possible. Dental infections can counteract the effects of local anesthetics, making it difficult to completely sedate the patient before treatment. Lower molars infected with a serious infection are particularly difficult to numb. When this occurs, a patient must be given an antibiotic to help fight the infection so that local anesthetics will work properly. Our friend Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, says that patients won’t be able to undergo antibiotics until they’ve seen their dentist for a consultation first. Additionally, antibiotics are one of your best bets to fighting off a tooth infection.

Root Canal Therapy 

When the nerve, arterial and vein center of the tooth root is removed, a root canal is performed in the dentist’s office. A root canal can help remove infection and drain an abscess from a tooth that’s infected. The tooth is restored with a crown after the infection has healed in order to increase the tooth’s strength and prolong its life.

Tooth Extraction

If the infected tooth cannot be saved, the abscess will be drained, and the infection will be healed by extracting it to promote healing.

Is an Abscessed Tooth a Dental Emergency?

A tooth abscess necessitates immediate dental attention. If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, see a dentist right away. Abscesses, if left untreated, can cause infection to spread throughout the body, posing serious health risks. Taking care of these problems as soon as possible is crucial!

When to Contact a Colorado Springs Dentist

If you experience any of the above-mentioned signs of an abscessed tooth, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We will do everything we can to accommodate you on the same day. Our dentists may even recommend that you come to the office after hours because of the risks of a tooth abscess. Take action as soon as you feel pain or an infection starting to spread. Seek assistance as soon as possible.

Our dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry treats patients with dental emergencies on a daily basis. Patients with dental infections who are in pain can receive emergency dental care from us the same day. Many of our emergency dentistry patients are first-time visitors to our dental office, and we welcome them with open arms! Contact our Colorado Springs dental office right away if you need an emergency dentist.

When You Need to See An Emergency Dentist

When You Need to See An Emergency Dentist Colorado Springs

When You Need to See An Emergency Dentist

When You Need to See An Emergency Dentist in Colorado Springs 

So you’re sitting at home when you notice some soreness in your mouth. Maybe your tooth hurts, but you’re not sure if it’s a serious problem or just a little annoyance. How do you tell if you have a true dental emergency? Fortunately, your Colorado Springs dentist is aware of some common dental emergencies that you should be aware of. Continue reading to learn when to see an emergency dentist.

 

#1. Tooth Pain/Toothache

One of the most prevalent reasons for emergency dental appointments is a toothache. To relieve discomfort, rinse your mouth with warm salt water when you first notice pain. You can also try flossing around the affected area to see if it’s simply some annoying food debris. If the discomfort persists, however, you should see your emergency dentist in Colorado Springs as soon as possible.

 

#2 Broken Tooth

If you have a broken or fractured tooth, you should contact your dentist right away. To alleviate soreness, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson recommend that you rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. You should also apply a cold compress to the side of your face to reduce swelling.

 

#3 Lost Crown or Filling

If you lose a crown or filling, you should see an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs right away. These dental restorations protect your natural tooth against pain and infection. Our friend Dr. Dave Moghadam, an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, agrees that if you lose this protection, you may experience a great deal of pain and agony. As a result, if this happens, you should contact your dentist right soon.

 

#4. Infection or Abscess

An abscessed tooth can be excruciatingly painful. Contact your dentist straight away if you discover a pimple-like bump in your mouth. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely it is that you will have to deal with some of the issues that abscesses can cause.

 

#5 Bleeding Gums 

While bleeding gums may not appear to be a major issue, they are frequently a warning indication of more serious diseases such as gum disease or oral cancer. If you discover that your gums are bleeding, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry to schedule your next visit.

 

#6 Exposed Nerves

Are your teeth more sensitive to cold or hot temperatures? This could be due to poor tooth enamel. When your enamel is removed, nerve endings are exposed, producing pain and sensitivity. If you are in excruciating pain, you should see an emergency dentist. Until then, you can protect the affected region with sugarless gum.

 

Now that you know more about some of the situations that necessitate emergency dental appointments, follow these guidelines to deal with some of the most prevalent dental disasters.

 

Contact Dentist in Colorado Springs

Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Johnson’s office provide high-quality dental care for the Colorado Springs community. Please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office for an emergency dental appointment. Our Kissing Camels team will get your oral health back on track!

Tips for Choosing an Emergency Dentist

emergency dentist near me

Tips for Choosing an Emergency Dentist

If you were to experience a dental emergency right now, who would you call? Not every dental office is willing to provide emergency dental care when you need it. It’s important to be prepared in case things go wrong. Finding the right emergency dentist can be difficult when you’re in a hurry to get treatment. In this article, Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson share a few tips for choosing an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs.

Searching for an Emergency Dentist Near Me

If you have a tiny crack in your tooth or it has been completely knocked out, the last thing you want to do is drive an hour out of town to get the care you need – particularly if you are in pain! As a result, begin your search with practices within 20 minutes of your most frequented locations, such as your workplace, home, or child’s school. After all, you’ll want the best dentist in Colorado Springs to have the best chance of saving your tooth if you see him or her within 30 minutes of the accident!

Dental Insurance

It’s no secret that dental care can easily become prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, this is where insurance comes into play! Since every dental plan is different, find out ahead of time if the dental team you’re thinking about using supports yours. Otherwise, you’ll be paying the price for quality care.

Dental Office Hours

Dental emergencies are never easy, but they can be particularly aggravating if they occur late at night, on the weekend, or on a holiday. So, ask your new dentist about their dental office hours. Avoid choosing an emergency dentist with operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our friend Dr. Moghadam, a dentist who is an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, says this is one of the biggest complications patients deal with. 

Emergency Dental Services

It’s critical to get fast, effective relief, but what happens next? For example, if your knocked-out tooth cannot be saved, having a dentist who provides tooth replacement alternatives, such as dental implants, is advantageous. Choosing a new dentist who offers a wide range of dental services under one roof is critical, particularly in an emergency!

What Ages Do They Work With?

Your dentist should also be a family dentist in Colorado Springs in case your little ones need care. As a parent, you know accidents happen when we least expect them. Some dental offices will turn patients away because they do not treat certain ages. Kissing Camels Family Dentistry provides quality dental care for all ages!

Dental emergencies can be chaotic, but if you are prepared ahead of time, the experience can go much more smoothly. Fortunately, you can use the information given above to locate an emergency dentist right away! Contact Kissin Camels Family Dentistry for emergency dental care in Colorado Springs, CO. 

What to Do If I Break My Tooth

What to Do If I Break a Tooth - Colorado Springs dentists

What to Do If I Break My Tooth

A broken tooth can be a scary situation. If you’re dealing with this, contact our emergency dental office in Colorado Springs, CO. Otherwise, read the article What to Do If I Break a Tooth to prepare yourself better if the time ever comes. 

What You Can Do For a Broken or Cracked Tooth

A tooth with a small crack or chip might be a disaster waiting to happen. For a small crack or chip in your tooth, you’ll want to be extremely careful when eating or chewing. Anything can completely break your tooth if you’re not careful. Our Colorado Springs dentists suggest watching out for foods or drinks with hot or cold temperatures.

Broken Tooth

A cavity or an accident are the most common causes of broken teeth. If this is true, we suggest taking the following steps: 

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water or saltwater.
  • Apply a cold compress to the face over the broken tooth.
  • Apply gauze to the broken tooth to stop the bleeding. The bleeding should stop after about 10 minutes. 
  • If you have had a severe break, you will need to see an emergency dentist within 24 hours.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to assist with the discomfort. Avoid taking Asprin.
  • Contact your dentist to inform them.

Tooth Completely Fell Out

This is considered a dental emergency, and it is likely you’ll need immediate treatment. If the tooth has been fully extracted, make sure that the crown handles the removed tooth. Don’t grab the root of the tooth. A tooth that was totally knocked out could cause serious nerve damage. Don’t worry, it’s possible to replace the tooth in the socket. Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, says that treatment for a tooth avulsion is most effective if it’s done right away.

How a Dentist Will Repair a Broken or Cracked Tooth

Chipped Tooth

Most chips don’t require immediate treatment, but it is recommended that you contact your dentist to make an appointment as soon as possible. If it’s small, it can be smoothed and polished by Dr. Boals or Dr. J. Your dentist may recommend bonding or white fillings to hide the chipped tooth.

Cracked Tooth

When your tooth cracks, it’ll typically happen to the entire tooth. Therefore, seeing an emergency dentist is recommended. Once you come in, we will patch the crack with a filling. If it’s more serious, you may need a dental crown or root canal. Our team will work with you to come up with the best solution.

Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is going to be highly sensitive, and you’re going to want to see the best dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. The idea would most likely result in a dentist having to cover his tooth with a crown. Nowadays, porcelain or resin crowns may look as natural as a real tooth. If your tooth is totally broken, but your root is still ticked, you will need root canal surgery. The dentist can set up enough of a foundation to insert a pin or a post so that the crown can be positioned later.

Emergency Dental Care

When you’ve broken, chipped, or cracked your teeth, you can always count on Kissing Camels Family Dentistry to help. Our team will get your smile looking as good as new in no time! Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our dental services in Colorado Springs. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

signs and symptoms of a tooth infection - dr. boals

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

Do you have an awful toothache? Maybe you’ve noticed a little swelling of the gum or jaw. Does your tooth seem to be a different color? You might be experiencing a severe tooth infection. Each tooth has a nerve, which is also known as the pulp. When your tooth becomes infected, the pulp is affected. If left untreated, a tooth abscess will eventually form, and your tooth will begin to deteriorate even more. There are several signs and symptoms of a tooth infection. Below, our dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, explain what you can expect when experiencing a tooth infection. It might be a severe tooth infection.

How a Tooth Gets Infected

Tooth infections occur when bacteria reach your tooth’s root or pulp. This is usually due to unfilled cavities and lack of good oral hygiene. Tooth infections can be prevented. Unfortunately, infected teeth can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If your tooth does become infected, your emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, may recommend a root canal to save your tooth. 

Recognizing the signs of an infection is essential, so you can seek immediate treatment from your Colorado Springs endodontist.

Signs Your Tooth is Infected 

A typical sign of a tooth infection is a pain when eating and drinking. The infection or abscess spreads from the tip of the root, causing it to affect the gum and bone. Dr. Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, says the throbbing pain may be so severe that your aches are not relieved by pain medication. This may be because the infection has spread even further. If you’re experiencing a tooth abscess, the pain will be more prominent. ‍

Dr. Boals shares a few signs of tooth infection:

  • The tooth is darker than the rest of the teeth.
  • You experience swelling of the lymph nodes in your jaw, face, and surrounding area. 
  • Your gum is swollen, and an abscess has formed. The raised swelling around your infected tooth may look similar to a pimple—an open pimple, which is a sure-fire sign of an infection. Dr. Moghadam, an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, recommends calling your dentist immediately if an abscess has formed. This means the infection has gotten much worse.
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Pain when opening or closing your mouth.
  • Fever 

How to Treat a Tooth Infection

Many say that a tooth infection is one of the worst feelings ever. Luckily, there are several ways to treat a tooth infection. Your Colorado Springs dentist may suggest root canal therapy if the tooth has not completely deteriorated. A root canal is completely pain-free and is designed to eliminate the infection by removing the root and nerve endings’ infection. Alternatively, to remove the infection and prevent a recurrence, Dr. Boals may need to perform a surgical tooth extraction. If your tooth is healthy except for the infection, prescription antibiotics may help eliminate the infection. Your tooth infection treatment all depends on the severity of your infection. 

If Your Tooth is Infected, What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing a toothache, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately. Your tooth infection or the abscessed tooth will not go away on its own. The infection can spread throughout the body.

The best way to remove the tooth infection  and avoid any further dental risks, Dr. Boals will give you a full mouth evaluation. From there, we will decide the best treatment plan. Contact our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, today. 

Do I Need My Tooth Extracted?

Do I Need My Tooth Extracted? - Dr. Boals

Do I Need My Tooth Extracted?

During your visit to your Colorado Springs dentist, you may hear some unsettling news. It could just be that you need to have a tooth extracted. There are several reasons beyond your wisdom teeth removal that you may need to have one or more teeth extracted.

We’ve gathered some of the reasons that your dentist in Colorado Springs might recommend an extraction as the best course of treatment.

Overcrowding In Your Mouth

It could just be that there simply isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate each of your adult teeth. This can lead to alignment concerns and lead to more serious damage later on.  As your teeth shift about in your mouth, each jostling for space that simply isn’t available. You may also experience trouble with gum disease and advanced tooth decay. Patients with overcrowded teeth also experience discomfort and have difficulty chewing some foods. This is one of the most common reasons for tooth removal in Colorado Springs, says Dr. Cody Boals.

Severe Decay in One or More Teeth

For some patients in Colorado Springs, root canal therapy can salvage a tooth that has been damaged by severe decay. In other patients, the tooth may be so extensively damaged that there is no way to salvage any part of the tooth’s structure. Removing the tooth will be the best choice to get the patient out of pain and halt the continued spread of an infection present in the tooth.

Dr. David Moghadam, a dentist who offers root canal therapy in Easton, PA, says that there’s no fighting decay once it has spread far into a tooth’s roots. Antibiotics can only do so much. The tooth may be lost in time, but it may cause significant pain before then. Extraction is the best way to avoid that pain.

Gum Disease

If it has been some time since you have visited your Colorado Springs family dentist, there is the chance that you may have evidence of gum disease. Periodontal disease can take a toll on your gums and your teeth. The bacteria present can damage the bone structures that provide support for the teeth. Decay will accelerate, and pain may set in. The infection can also potentially spread between teeth.

Your dentist may suggest that a tooth be removed for any of the following reasons.

  • A tooth has developed an abscess and is badly infected
  • The tooth is no longer supported by the jaw and is loose
  • The infection can be seen spreading to the bone, surrounding teeth and even the soft tissue in the mouth

Early stages of gum disease will typically not require a tooth extraction. It is only once an infection has advanced to serious stages that removing an infected tooth is necessary to halt the infection spread and to offer protection for other teeth.

One or More Impacted Wisdom Teeth

It is very common to have impacted wisdom teeth. These teeth erupt in your mouth once all of your other teeth are already in place. This can result in some concerns, including overcrowding and misalignment. 

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they don’t erupt correctly. They are impacted in the gum, beneath the gum. They may partially erupt or not erupt at all. Being the very back molars in your mouth, these teeth are at high risk for damage and decay. The decay may go undetected, to the degree that the tooth begins to cause discomfort and pain.

Your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, may recommend an extraction before the teeth begin to cause issues. 

Tooth Damage That Cannot Be Repaired

Whether a tooth has been damaged or broken due to an accident or an injury, it could be that the damage is too extensive. The majority of the time, your dentist can repair the damage using a crown. In some situations, the tooth break may be beneath the gum line. In this situation, removing the remaining tooth structure will typically be better for keeping the infection at bay.

Remember that your situation is unique, and your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your individual needs. If you’re looking for a new dentist in Colorado Springs, you can count on Kissing Camels Family Dentistry to provide you with the best care possible. Call us to make your appointment.

How to Fix a Cracked Tooth

How to Fix a Cracked Tooth - Dr. Boals

How to Fix a Cracked Tooth

Teeth are quite sturdy, and if you take extra good care of them, they can last an entire lifetime. However, they aren’t indestructible, and like all bones, can sustain damage from physical trauma. Whether it’s from biting down on something particularly hard or from a fall, the teeth can and will sustain some level of damage if enough force is applied. Since the teeth are crucial to eating and speaking, cracked teeth can greatly impact your quality of life. 

Dr. Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, explains that the teeth are made up of three separate layers. The outer, hardened layer is called the enamel, and it protects the sensitive inner parts of the tooth. A small crack will affect the enamel, but you may not experience sensitivity to sweet foods and temperature. The second layer is the dentin, and once the crack reaches this region, you will definitely experience some sensitivity to temperature and sweet foods. If you don’t visit a dentist in Colorado Springs in time, the crack will grow down to the pulp, the innermost layer of the teeth that houses nerves and blood vessels.  

How Do I Know I Have a Cracked Tooth?

General wear and tear or an injury can result in a cracked tooth, but the crack isn’t always visible. Some cracks are minute and may not require any treatment, but the more extensive cracks that do require some type of dental treatment may result in the following symptoms:

  • Pain that comes and goes when you eat, especially while chewing or biting.
  • Swollen gums around the cracked tooth.
  • Teeth suddenly become sensitive to sweet, hot, or cold foods.
  • Discomfort around the gums and teeth that is hard to pinpoint. 

Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, says that you may also have a cracked tooth if you bite down too hard on a piece of food, grind your teeth excessively, suffer an injury to your mouth, or have a large existing filling which can weaken the remaining tooth structure. A sudden change in temperature may also result in a cracked tooth. If you drink something hot, let’s say tea, and take a sip of cold water right afterward, the junction between the dentin and the enamel experiences thermal stress which can result in crack formation.

When Should I See My Colorado Springs Dentist?

Some cracks, especially at the front teeth, can be easy to spot and identify. However, it may be a little harder to diagnose a crack in your molars. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, even if you can’t pinpoint exactly which tooth is causing it, you should seek emergency dental care at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Remember, pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right, so don’t ignore it.

Dr. Boals, the best dentist in Colorado Springs CO, encourages you to schedule an appointment at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry if you suspect you have a cracked tooth. He offers some home remedies he says will keep you comfortable until you can see a dentist:

  • Use ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any other over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce the pain.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
  • Eat softer foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth (if you know which one it is).
  • If there is swelling, you can use a cold compress to bring it down. Apply it to your cheek for ten minutes at a time until the swelling goes down.
  • You can also treat the tooth with Dentemp, a product sold at most pharmacies and drug stores. It is designed to temporarily treat chipped teeth until you can see a restorative dentist in Colorado Springs.

Treatment for Cracked Teeth

Most of these self-care tips are only stop-gap measures, and you should see your dentist as soon as you can. The longer it goes untreated, the more difficult it will be for Dr. Boals to save the tooth. Left untreated, an infection may occur, causing increased pain, swelling of the gums, increased sensitivity to temperature and sweet foods, and sore neck glands.

Once your Colorado Springs dentist identifies the cracked tooth and the extent of the damage, they will decide on the most suitable treatment:

  • Fillings are the preferred treatment for small cracks and chips of the enamel. If the cracked tooth is at the front of the mouth, your dentist in Colorado Springs will bond a resin to your tooth, shape it and harden it using UV light.
  • Dental veneers. Thin, custom made tooth-colored resin composite material or porcelain that is applied over the cracked surface of an existing tooth.
  • Dental crowns. If the damage to your tooth is substantial, your dentist may file down the remaining part of the tooth and cover it with a cap or crown designed to protect the tooth, preserve its function and improve aesthetic appearance. 

Cracked and chipped teeth are quite treatable, but if left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss. While there are things you can do to alleviate any pain, the best thing you could do for your teeth is to visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for an evaluation by Dr. Boals. Give us a call today and let our experienced professionals take care of you!

Causes of Tooth Pain

Causes of Tooth Pain -Dr. Boals

Causes of Tooth Pain

Many patients agree that a toothache is the worst type of pain they have ever experienced. Tooth pain is a sign that something is wrong, but what are the causes of tooth pain? So, the sooner you visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, the sooner we can relieve your pain.

In our experience, the vast majority of toothaches are due to tooth decay or advanced periodontal (gum) disease. Most episodes of tooth pain start when you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet. The pain shows that the dental pulp inside the affected tooth has been irritated by what you have just eaten or drank.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

The best way to know what is causing your toothache is to undergo a thorough exam done by your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. Generally, the issues below can trigger tooth pain:

  • Gum disease
  • Dental infections
  • Trauma to the tooth
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Tooth eruption (this applies to babies and school-going kids)
  • Bite issues

What Symptoms Accompany a Toothache?

The specific symptoms that accompany a toothache may vary depending on the underlying cause of the toothache. Dr. Boals, the best dentist in Colorado Springs CO, recommends that you take note of anything out of the ordinary, such as an unusual taste or a discharge from the area around the painful tooth.

Dr. Kristina Neda, a Georgetown KY dentist, highly recommends visiting your local dentist if you notice puss oozing from your tooth or gums, or when your teeth are loose, and tissues are inflamed. 

Why Would I Still Feel Pain Even as My Dentist Says My Teeth and Jaw Are Fine?

The human body manifests pain in many different ways, and sometimes, what you initially describe as tooth pain may be totally different. For example, we have seen cases of patients whose severe stress, heart conditions, or even cancer manifested as tooth pain.

In such a case, your dentist in Colorado Springs may be unable to pinpoint exactly why you are experiencing tooth pain.

Dr. Boals also explains that people suffering from severe allergies can have a lot of pressure exerted upon their sinuses. This pressure can extend to the molars in your upper jaw, and that could trigger tooth pain.

In this situation, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine for allergies. If the allergies subside, but the tooth pain remains, see Dr. Boals as soon as you can.

It is also important for you to provide as much detail as possible when describing your pain to Dr. Boals. Some of the words pointing in this direction include:

  • Tingling
  • Searing
  • Electric
  • Numbness 
  • Burning
  • Stabbing 

Try your best to explain your pain. The more we know, the better we can understand how to treat your pain.

No one should have to live with tooth pain every single day. If you suspect that something doesn’t feel right, pay us a visit at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Dr. Boals will examine you and recommend the best course of action so that you can return to peak oral health quickly. Don’t make the costly mistake of thinking the pain is minor, and it can wait. You could end up with serious dental issues! If you’re in need of emergency dentistry, call our office right away!