Category Archives: Dental Emergencies

concept for how to avoid dental emergencies

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies, ,

Emergency dental care is required when you experience acute pain, gum bleeding, or have got into an accident resulting in broken teeth. In this article, we discuss how to avoid dental emergencies.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be typically divided into two main categories: those caused by infection and those caused by accidents.

Dental Emergencies Caused by Infection

Infection can spread in the mouth very quickly and cause devious issues requiring emergency care. In most cases, oral infections are caused by insufficient efforts put towards your dental care. Below, we list the main tips that will help you avoid dental emergencies.

Brush Your Teeth Effectively

Dentists insist that we should brush our teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure to clean all the areas in your mouth, especially at the back, where it is harder to reach. Also, special attention should be paid to cleaning along the gum line so that plaque does not collect in periodontal pockets. Use a fluoride toothpaste, as this mineral is proven to be effective at preventing cavities.

Floss Every Day

Flossing is another critical step of your oral hygiene routine, as in many cases, you can not remove all food particles and plaque from your teeth with just a toothbrush. It is best if you floss in the evening before bed to make sure no food residue and bacteria linger between your teeth during the night when the bacteria are most active in your mouth.

To floss effectively, move the thread gently between the teeth, making sure to clean each tooth from both sides. Try to avoid damaging the gums with the tread. If using regular floss is challenging, you can try using special floss threaders and interdental brushes.

Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine

A water flosser can not replace a traditional toothbrush or floss. Still, it is proven to be very effective as an additional step in your routine, especially in gum disease prevention and treatment.

Get Professional Dental Cleanings

Even patients who are the most diligent with their hygiene routine need professional dental cleanings every 6 to 12 months. Most of us have areas in the mouth that are hard to reach. The problem is especially noticeable in those having crooked or overcrowded teeth. Plaque accumulates in such areas and turns into tartar over time.

Bacteria living in plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease—issues that both can lead to dental emergencies. Thus, by getting professional cleanings according to the recommended schedule, you can avoid these issues.

On top of that, you can get fluoride treatments after each cleaning that will significantly strengthen the enamel of your teeth and make them more resistant to bacteria and decay.

Undergo Checkups at Your Dental Office

Bi-yearly checkups that go hand in hand with professional dental cleanings will ensure that all the issues are addressed before they turn into severe problems and dental emergencies.

Address Existing Issues On Time

Never put off dental visits and treatment if you know or suspect you have a problem. Some people think that a small cavity does not require immediate care. However, a minor cavity can very quickly become severe tooth decay, requiring more complex treatments, such as root canal or even tooth extraction. In fact, most dental emergencies are caused by minor issues that are not addressed in time.

Choose a Reliable Dentist

Some dental emergencies can come about from an improperly performed procedure. Even such a simple procedure as a dental filling can fail and cause severe consequences. Make sure you check the credentials and reviews of your dental specialist before undergoing any procedures.

Dental Emergencies Caused by Accidents

Dental emergencies caused by accidents include:

  • Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  • Dislodged teeth
  • Knocked out teeth
  • Broken or dislocated jaw
  • Blood vessel damage within the gums or tooth root damage

A lot of such dental emergencies happen while playing sports, especially extreme or contact sports, or engaging in similar activities. One of the main preventive measures is to wear a mouthguard. It can absorb and soften the impact on the teeth, thus preventing damage.

You can buy a mouthguard at a local drugstore without a prescription. However, over-the-counter mouthguards might feel uncomfortable to wear, as they best suit an average jaw and teeth. We recommend getting a custom-made mouthguard from a dental office. This way, you will not experience discomfort wearing it and will most likely wear it more often as a result.

Call Us if You Have a Dental Emergency

If you experience an acute toothache or have had an accident, do not hesitate to call an emergency dentist at Samaritan Dental. We are looking forward to helping you restore your oral health.

featured image for tips for staying calm in a dental emergency

3 Tips for Staying Calm in a Dental Emergency

Dental Emergencies,

There aren’t many sure things in this world, but one of them is that accidents are going to happen. Whether from playing contact sports or having a bad trip, it is possible for people of all ages to suffer from a dental emergency. If you suddenly get a severe dental injury in the middle of the night or in an unexpected situation, don’t panic! It is understandable to be scared, but thankfully there are plenty of ways to get immediate help. Below we cover 3 tips for staying calm in a dental emergency.

3 Tips for Staying Calm in a Dental Emergency

Our downtown Los Angeles dentist will share the top 3 tips for staying calm in a dental emergency. Whether you have a broken tooth or you have suffered a sports injury, it is critical that you know what type of care you need at the moment.

Find the Right Type of Emergency Dentist

Depending on the type of dental emergency you are faced with, you will want to find out what kind of help you can get. For instance, a cracked tooth and a knocked-out tooth are treated differently. There are many different types of emergency services offered by our experts, including:

Chipped Teeth

Certain dental injuries can occur that don’t necessarily make you lose a tooth. But they may still leave enough of an impact that you need to receive help right away. It can become cracked or chipped due to physical impact. Or perhaps contact with something sharp has cut into your tooth and gums. You can even get chipped teeth from grinding too hard at night. And this may eventually cause some damage. Make sure to rinse your mouth with warm water to stop some of the bleeding.

Missing Teeth

Has your tooth completely come out of your mouth? Then you should try to save the tooth while you are on your way to the emergency dentist. Make sure you hold it by the top, or the crown, rather than the root – this is a sensitive part of the tooth that may make it possible for it to be reattached. Do not use soap or cleaning products on the tooth.

Make an appointment as quickly as possible. If it isn’t painful, you can try to position the tooth back in your mouth. Some experts even suggest putting the tooth in a glass of milk without touching it and bringing it to the dentist so it can be reattached. However, you should not take any drastic steps until you have heard from your dentist.

Stay Calm!

You may feel stressed out and ready to panic when you are faced with a sudden dental injury. This is an understandable reaction to something that has happened so suddenly; the best thing you can do at first is to stay calm while you find your closest emergency dental services. The pressure of the situation could make you feel like you are losing control but try to keep a level head, and everything will ultimately be okay.

There are a few things you can do at home to treat your wounds while you make your way to the dentist. Gentle injuries can be washed with salt and warm water. If you are bleeding, place gauze in your mouth until you arrive at the dentist. Your emergency technician will be able to provide the proper treatment to take care of your tooth. At the same time, they work on preventing the spread of infection.

Learn About the Best Emergency Services

Put your faith in your emergency dentist. And rest assured that everything will be taken care of once you get to the expert’s office. On your way, you can focus on relaxation exercises that will help you keep a calm and steady mind in the meantime. Try slow breathing techniques and body hugs to keep yourself feeling alright.

For some people, knowing what to do in an emergency situation can help take away some of the initial shock you may feel when an accident does occur. Make sure to read up on how to properly take care of yourself and your teeth, depending on the type of accident that has occurred. The most important step is getting in touch with your emergency dentist in Downtown LA right away!

Tooth with root canal bandage on blue background to explain how dental inlays and onlays are different.

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Dental Emergencies, , , ,

A mild toothache could indicate that you have a cavity or an injury. A serious toothache is a sign of something much worse. Radiating pain that won’t go away usually means that you are dealing with a tooth infection. The longer the toothache lasts, the further the infection will spread throughout the body. The best way to prevent total tooth loss in the event of major pain is to visit your emergency dentist in Downtown LA. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to get a root canal done. But is a root canal a dental emergency?

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Is a root canal a dental emergency, though? Are toothaches something that needs to be addressed right away? While the answer can vary on a case-by-case basis, a root canal is typically considered to be a dental emergency. This is especially true because bad infections could reach the bloodstream, which can be deadly. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the emergency root canal procedure should you find yourself in this situation.

Biggest Signs of a Root Canal Emergency

You should always be able to get in touch with an emergency dentist to handle your root canal treatment. Some people’s symptoms may be milder, while others may be more severe. The biggest signs that you need emergency dentistry treatment right away are intense pain, bleeding, and tooth damage that exposes the pulp. If you aren’t sure how bad your tooth infection has become, you should give yourself the benefit of the doubt and contact your endodontist as soon as you can.

How Root Canals Work

Root canals are the go-to procedure for urgent situations where an advanced infection is present. Once a tooth has become infected, it must be filled with a cavity filling. Or else the infection will get worse. Eventually, it can spread to the pulp of the tooth, which is where the tooth stores its nerves that connect to the rest of the body. Once the infection reaches the pulp, it is classified as a dental emergency and a root canal treatment is needed to remove the affected pulp.

The typical steps of a root canal treatment are as follows:

  • X-Rays and testing. Your dentist will take pictures of the damaged tooth to determine whether treatment is necessary – and if so, what type of treatment would be best.
  • Infection treatment. If you have a bad tooth infection, your dentist may want you to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection before you go through the root canal procedure itself.
  • Pulp and nerve removal. During your procedure, the dentist will use a numbing agent in your mouth so you don’t feel pain throughout the process. Your pulp and nerves will be removed from the tooth, getting rid of the infected material.
  • Tooth sealing. After the tooth is cleaned out from the inside, your dentist might have to seal it with a special material. In a future appointment, the restoration will be completed with a crown or dental bonding.

Patients are famously afraid of root canal procedures. And it is understandable why anyone would have hesitation about enduring a treatment like this. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we make it a priority to help you feel comfortable and at ease while giving you the best treatment for your symptoms. Root canals are nothing to be afraid of; the whole process will be over and done with before you know it!

Get an Emergency Root Canal ASAP

If you have a toothache that just won’t go away or infectious pain that is just getting worse, you should visit your emergency dentist right away. Be sure to get in touch with our root canal specialist in Downtown LA and schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay your health any longer!

dental insurance on clipboard for dentist in los angeles

How Does Dental Insurance Work

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergencies, , ,

One of the most complicated parts about going to the dentist in Los Angeles isn’t the X-Rays,  checkups, or treatments. It’s dental insurance. Figuring out what’s covered, and for how much, is a really frustrating part of the process. Our specialists at Samaritan Dental Arts want to make this process as easy as possible in order to ease your worries. Dealing with insurance is not always simple. We are here to help you through the process. Check out our short guide about dental insurance, so you know what to expect next time you come in for teeth cleaning.

Knowing Your Plan Options

Understanding what’s available to you is the first step towards navigating the tricky insurance process. If you already have a dentist in Los Angeles you like, then you may be more inclined to go with an insurance option that you know they cover. Some plans are cheaper than others. You want to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck – without breaking the bank, of course.

If you don’t already have a dentist you love, you may have an even bigger opportunity to find an affordable insurance plan. You can navigate your search for a dentist by insurance costs, rather than searching for the dentistry office itself.

What Dental Insurance Covers

It’s important to get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to insurance. You need to know exactly what dental insurance covers so you know that you’ll be protected the next time you need to go in for a procedure. Dental insurance can cover options such as:

There are also a few things that dental insurance typically does not cover. Investopedia recently discussed the key things that you can’t expect an insurance company to pay for:

If you are looking to whiten your teeth or get veneers, this may not be covered. Thankfully, these procedures are affordable enough on their own and may not warrant insurance coverage anyway.

What About Deductibles and Co-Pays?

Some patients are lucky enough to have their treatments covered completely. Most people expect deductibles and co-pays. These are the remaining charges left over after your insurance company pays for a certain amount. For example, your co-pay may be $50, meaning that you will pay $50 out of pocket for each appointment, while insurance covers the remainder of the charges for your appointment.

Get in touch with your dental insurance company right away to understand exactly what deductibles and co-pays you have. Most insurance companies will 100% cover routine procedures such as annual cleanings and X-Rays. If you are in need of emergency treatment, that may be covered as well. Communication is key when navigating insurance costs and coverages.

Look Out For Maximums

Just like regular health insurance, dental insurance does come with a maximum. This means that after a certain number is reached, the insurance will stop paying for your appointments altogether. From then on, you must cover 100% of the cost. You can speak with your insurance company further to understand this in case you have extraneous dental needs. Look online for local recommendations, as some dental insurance plans have higher maximums than others.

Dentist in Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, we offer a variety of insurance and financing options to help cover the cost of your appointments. All of our treatments and services are affordable, and we work with you to come up with a plan that works best. To learn more about our services and payment options please reach out online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933.

Doctor dentist showing patient's teeth on X-ray

Most Common Questions About Going to the Dentist

Dental Emergencies, Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Whether it has been a few years since your last visit to the dentist or you have a fear of going that has kept you away, getting answers to the most common questions asked can help. To get more information on going to the dentist and answers to specific questions you have, contact the expert emergency dentist in Los Angeles, today.

How often should I go to the dentist?

Regular visits to the dentist are extremely important. Not only to get a proper dental cleaning from a professional, but to check on your gum health, address any potential concerns, and check any previous work that you have had over the years. Since each person’s dental history is different, the frequency of visits for each person is different as well. However, a good start would be to make a visit to the dentist every six months. Based on those visits, you and your dentist can decide if you need to increase your visits each year, or if you can increase the number of months between each visit.

What are some signs that I need to go to an emergency dentist in Los Angeles?

If you are contemplating whether you should go to the dentist or not, there are a few key symptoms to look out for. Be aware, dental emergencies do happen. Keep your dentist’s contact information easily accessible.

  • Any changes to your teeth (ex: discoloration, cracks, chips)
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold items
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pain or swelling of your mouth or gums
  • You are having difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You smoke

However, signs you should visit the dentist are not limited to this list. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, it has been over a year since your last visit, or gum disease runs in your family, make sure to make a trip to your emergency dentist in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Why should I go to the dentist if I take good care of my teeth?

For those who take good care of their teeth, brush three times a day, and floss regularly, it may seem superfluous to go to the dentist. However, those who have a less than healthy dental regime are not the only ones who benefit from a trip to the dentist. One important thing to note is that a professional eye can see early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. In addition, professional cleanings are the only way to remove built-up plaque on your teeth. A trip to the dentist can also ensure that you get effective solutions to any problems or pain you have been experiencing.

What can I expect at a dental checkup?

While each dentist can do things differently, there are some common procedures to expect at a dental checkup. First, they will take a look at your records and ask about any discomfort or issues you have been experiencing. If they do not have any of your records or hear anything of concern, then they may ask you to take x-rays for a better understanding of what is going on. They will also do a brief oral exam. This will give them an opportunity to take a look at the overall health of your mouth, check for any gum issues, and check for cavities or other common problems. Once the check-up is complete, the dentist will let you know of any issues they saw, concerns they have, or recommendations they would like you to be aware of.

Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles

Your mouth health is important, and it is crucial that you make it a priority. For more information from Samaritan Dental, contact our team today. With our friendly team, experienced staff, and effective treatments, we are the professionals to trust for your next dental visit.

Man with sensitive teeth touching his cheek

Getting Rid of a Toothache

Dental Emergencies, , , ,

 

We all have gotten a toothache and can attest to how annoying that dull pain can be. We use our mouths for a lot: to communicate, to eat, to enjoy treats, and so much more, so it’s also inconvenient when something is hindering our ability to do these things. Here are some great ideas from Samaritan Dental on how to get rid of your tooth pain, and if the pain persists, be sure to use the best dental clinic in Los Angeles by contacting us today!

What Causes Toothache?

There are many reasons you would be feeling pain in your tooth, and the pain can become unbearable if left untreated. Trauma to your teeth can cause tooth pain, but many toothaches are the result of tooth decay. Whether this is superficial tooth decay or the beginning of gum disease, if the toothache persists, you should see a dentist. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain are an infection, teeth grinding, and gum disease. The pain isn’t the only thing that can be accompanied by these problems, and you may experience other symptoms as well. If your toothache is accompanied with a fever, foul taste, discharge, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling, you should contact Samaritan Dental right away to get help from the best dental clinic in Los Angeles. For minor toothaches, or for one that is not accompanied by other symptoms, try some of these home remedies to relieve the pain.

How to Get Rid of Toothaches

Everyone has his or her own remedies for tooth pain and depending on how bad it is, one of these may be able to help you.

  • The application method – just like any other injury we sustain, our first thought is to use a hot or cold pack to help it. This is the same thing that can be done for tooth pain. Depending on what is most comfortable, and which one relieves the pain, try applying something hot or cold to the area. There are many different household items you can use instead of a hot or cold pack if you do not have one readily available. Try frozen bags of vegetables, ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, or microwaving rice. The cold application is helpful when there is swelling near the painful area to reduce the inflammation.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication – another useful way to reduce inflammation is to take over the counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen is effective and will help you manage the pain, as well as reduce swelling. It is always recommended to try natural remedies before resorting to medication unless instructed by your dentist.
  • Saltwater – using hot water with salt added not only feels good but also will help mitigate the risk of infection. By swishing salt water near the affected area for 30 seconds, you can provide temporary relief as well as clean out any infectious areas that may be forming.
  • Natural oils and remedies – both peppermint and clove have numbing properties and have been used for generations to help manage pain. A good at home remedy would be to place a peppermint tea bag on the affected tooth or use clove oil. Although these are great natural alternatives, the effects can be short-lived, and may not fully relieve the pain. Some people also claim that garlic and vanilla extract is helpful in this manner, so go ahead and give these a shot.

Toothache Remedies from Your Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

If these remedies do not help, or the pain worsens or persists, be sure to get professional help right away. Toothaches that are left unattended can become much more problematic, and cause irreparable or long-term damage. Samaritan Dental is a premier dental clinic in Los Angeles that will be able to diagnose and treat any tooth disease or trauma that you have. Get relief today by contacting us here!

Big tooth and dentist mirror

Common Misconceptions About Going to the Dentist

Dental Emergencies, Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , ,

 

While taking a trip to the dentist isn’t the most fun thing to do during your week, dental hygiene is an important aspect to your health that shouldn’t be skipped. Many people spend years not going to the dentist, even if they are in pain, just because of some basic fears surrounding the experience. As a result, their oral hygiene suffers, their condition worsens, or they wait until it’s too late. It’s important to have regularly scheduled visits to your dental clinic in Los Angeles — even twice a year is way better than going years without the proper care. Here are some common misconceptions about going to the dentist that might encourage you to schedule an appointment today.

Too Painful

A lot of people avoid going to the dentist because they think the experience will be physically painful. However, this is hardly ever the case. Cleaning your teeth or filling in cavities may be mildly discomforting, but it is hardly painful at all. Any serious procedures, such as a root canal, crowns, or pulling a tooth are done after admitting anesthesia to the area, causing it to be numb so that you don’t feel a thing. Of course, there may be some mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off following an intense procedure, but your dentist will likely prescribe you pain killers while your tooth heals.

 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are allowed to speak! If you are feeling any pain, it is encouraged that you tell your dentist — you, in no way, have to sit there and suffer. At Samaritan Dental, a dental clinic in Los Angeles, we want you to communicate your needs and feelings during a procedure so that we can proceed in making you as comfortable as possible.

Lack of Pain

Another misconception about going to the dentist is that you don’t need to go if you’re not in pain. Our mouths are interesting and mystical features on our body, and they don’t always exhibit signs of trouble. While you may not be experiencing any pain, it’s crucial that you visit the dentist to get a proper cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing can only do so much, but the dentist has the proper equipment to get into all your nooks and crannies, freeing up any plaque build-up. These hard to reach areas that build up with plaque can over time cause more serious problems to your overall oral hygiene, causing you to undergo a procedure you’d rather not.

Embarrassment

A handful of people will avoid the dentist because they’re embarrassed about how long it’s been since their last visit. It’s understandable that you might be afraid the dentist will be disappointed or judge you on your lack of dental care, but that is absolutely not what a dentist is here to do! Dentists see patients all the time who haven’t been to a check-up for years! At our dental clinic in Los Angeles, we understand that hardships are a part of life and your self-care can fall to the wayside. The hardest part is getting yourself to the dentist and from there on out, it is a judgement free zone. The most important part is that we get to the cleaning, making your mouth healthy and new.

Cost

Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions that keep people from going to the dentist is that it is too expensive. In actuality, regular check-ups and cleanings are actually pretty affordable, and they should be scheduled every six months. If you have dental insurance, these cleanings are completely covered, and if you don’t, there are programs that provide more affordable cleanings, like Universities. The worst thing you can do for your wallet is to not schedule these regular check-ups — this is where costs begin to add up. When you avoid visiting the dentist, your teeth get worse, causing more serious problems that end up costing way more than a cleaning in the end. Avoiding these expensive procedures is the goal and the way to do that is to make sure you are getting in that dental clinic in Los Angeles at least twice a year.

Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

Samaritan Dental in Los Angeles is here to answer any questions you have about your dental visit. Our goal is to get your teeth feeling healthy and new, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or find out more about us, please visit us here or call, 213-986-2933

Graphic of tooth wearing stethoscope

The Importance of Choosing an Emergency Dentist You Can Trust

Dental Emergencies, ,

 

When you’re looking for the right dentist to take care of you in case of a dental emergency, there are many factors to consider. You want a professional who knows your medical history, and one that can prioritize your needs when an unexpected dental problem arises. Discover how Dr. Zabolian and our whole team at Samaritan dental will put your needs first when you call to schedule your first appointment today. Don’t settle for a subpar emergency dentist in Los Angeles, get the best service with Samaritan dental. Find out why it is extremely importance to choose a committed emergency dentist that will be there for all your dental needs with our informative article now!

Trusting Your Dentist

In any medical scenario, trust is a key aspect to establishing and building a patient and doctor relationship. If you do not have trust with the person who will be treating you and trying their best to heal you, then any efforts to recover may be in vain. Finding a physician, you have a bond with is a great foundation for a trusting relationship. Many patients often feel awkward when they do not bond with their doctor but continue going to see them for check-ups because they do not want to create an uncomfortable situation. Never feel like you cannot continue to visit different doctors to find the right one, especially if you are an infrequent patient who is mainly visiting for a routine check-up.

 

The search to find the right doctor for you needs can take some time, but it is worth it to feel heard, and cared for during your appointments and treatments. Find an emergency dentist in Los Angeles that you can trust by visiting the offices of Dr. Zabolian and his team at Samaritan Dental today!

Finding the Right Emergency Dentist

No one ever wants to think about dental emergencies, but they happen every day, and can happen to you in an instant. Tooth or mouth pain is also one of the most extreme forms of bodily pain and waiting to have it treated once it has begun is often an unbearable option. Once you have found a doctor that you trust and are comfortable with, emergency medical situations will become significantly more manageable, because you know that your trusted physician will give you the care you need and will be there to listen to you throughout the full treatment.

 

Knowing that a doctor will be able to keep you calm in an emergency situation is a guaranteed way to ensure that any necessary treatment will be more comfortable for you. It is also important to have a doctor you trust in an emergency to take care of your health following the treatment you chose during the situation. If you leave your care in the hands of a doctor you are not familiar or comfortable with, your post treatment health may suffer as a result.

Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, you are always our priority. Dr. Zabolian is dedicated to each and every patient individually, so that you always feel taken care of and important. We offer a wide variety of cosmetic dental services and always encourage our patients to choose the treatments that make sense for their lifestyles, and their budget. Our goal is always to give our patients a shining smile that they feel confident showing off. Find the best emergency dentist in Los Angeles today when you call the offices of Dr. Zabolian and the entire team at Samaritan Dental to set up your first appointment today.

Headshot portrait of indecisive young woman. Beautiful teen girl with pursed lips and worried facial expression looking at camera. Nervous tension, bad feelings and stress. Close up. Front view

Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Dental Emergencies, , ,

Our oral health can have a significant impact on our overall health so protecting our teeth and gums should be an important part of a healthy living plan. One way many people unintentionally damage their teeth is by using them inappropriately as a kind of Swiss army knife.

The tooth contains three layers. The center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves and is known as the pulp. The middle layer is known as dentin and the outer layer is called the enamel. If each layer is affected by outside forces, the more severe (and more expensive) the damage.

While your teeth are great at breaking down food, using them to open a bottle, the wrapper on anything (candy bar, bag of chips, etc.), or really anything that needs opening is not a wise choice. That plastic packaging around your new headphones is meant to be opened with scissors, not your teeth. When you use your teeth to open things you run the risk of chipping or cracking them, and you also might wear down your teeth unevenly and develop poor jaw alignment.

Just like you would warn your children not to chew on foreign objects, it’s not a great decision to do it as an adult. Yet, we all find ourselves mindlessly chewing on pens and pencils, plastic straws, toothpicks or even worse, our fingernails. We don’t think about it as we do it, but this is a bad habit that can cause our teeth to weaken and lose their structure.

Another bad dental habit many people fall into is using their teeth to crack open nuts. That’s why the nutcracker was invented! Each time you use your teeth to open a walnut, pistachio, or peanut, the shell grinds down some of the enamel on your teeth. This can cause your teeth to wear in uneven areas which can lead to cracking and chipping as well.

Our teeth serve many functions and keeping them healthy is key to our overall health. If you have some of the unhealthy habits mentioned above or if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, it might be time to make an appointment to avoid more expensive damage later.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Make sure you do the following to avoid the harmful effects of tooth decay.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
• Avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates which will feed on the bacteria in your mouth.
• Make sure you get enough fluoride which helps to prevent decay by making teeth more resistant to the acids that produce plaque. Fluoride is added to most public water.
• Avoid dry mouth which can be caused by some medications or by simply breathing through your mouth. Make sure you have enough saliva to help wash the food and harmful sugars from your mouth which helps to protect your teeth.
• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.

Emergency Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

If you suffer from tooth pain or any other dental issue, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. We offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.
Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t ignore the toothache. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop a serious infection that could impact your overall health. If you’ve neglected your oral health and haven’t seen a dentist in years, don’t wait another day. Make your appointment with the leading emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles today, Samaritan Dental Arts today.

When to Get Dental X-Rays

Dental Emergencies, Preventive Dentistry, , , , , , , , ,

 

 

Dental X-rays are a key component in helping dentists see medical issues of the teeth and surrounding tissues that cannot be seen with the naked eye during your regular oral examinations. They allow the dentists to see far beyond the surface to help diagnose potentially problematic issues. X-rays help the dentists identify and treat dental issues early-on in their development, which can help save you time, money, and pain down the road!

 

But, what do you need dental X-rays for? And how frequently can you expect to get them? As you know, each medical professional has different approaches and opinions about medical procedures like X-rays, so you can expect there to be some discrepancies between dentists. But, if you are consistently going to the same dentist, you will be able to establish with your dental professional how frequently dental X-rays are required for your oral health journey to be its healthiest. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, get in touch with Samaritan Dental today.

 

For adults, dental X-rays serve many purposes. They can be used for the following purposes:

 

● Show decayed areas that are not visible during an oral exam
● Show areas of decay that are small and between the teeth
● Show areas of decay beneath existing fillings
● Show bone loss as a result of or revealing gum disease
● Show changes in bones or root canals due to infection
● Show abscesses
● Reveal cysts and tumors
● Reveal developmental abnormalities, deformities, or issues

 

For children, dental X-rays are used for the following purposes:

 

● Watch out for decay
● Ensure that there is enough room in the mouth for all incoming teeth
● Ensure that primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly
● Track the development of wisdom teeth and whether teeth are impacted or not

 

But, when do you need dental X-rays? How often you get dental X-rays varies person-to-person and depends on your dental and medical history as well as your current dental and medical condition. Some people need X-rays as often as twice a year, while others require them every few years.

 

If you are an adult, adolescent, or child visiting a new dentist, it is very likely they will X-ray your mouth to get familiar with your current oral state and make sure there are no issues that have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past.

 

If you are visiting the same dentist you have seen before but are at high risk for decay or presently have decaying issues, X-rays will be taken anywhere from every 6 months to every 18 months. If you do not show signs of or are experiencing decaying teeth and are not at high risk for decay, then you can expect dental X-rays somewhere between every 12 and 36 months, depending on your dentist. If you have gum disease or a history of gum disease, your dentist will likely X-ray the affected area of your mouth.

 

X-rays, though something you should be educated about, are something that are going to change from dentist to dentist, patient to patient. Your oral health is incredibly personal, and your patient care should be as well. Please consult your dental professional, and together, with your dental history, you can come up with a treatment plan and X-ray schedule that you both agree on and will help you achieve your health goals.

Emergency Dentist Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are dedicated to the highest standards in medicine, quality patient care, and patient comfort and education. We want you fully educated about what your personalized medical plan entails, what your desired results are, and how we plan to get you there. If you would like to set up a consultation, please reach out to us!