What to Do for a Child’s Dental Emergency

What to Do for a Child’s Dental Emergency

In this post, we discuss the basics of what to do when your child has a dental emergency, including a cracked or broken tooth and other situations.

If you are having a dental emergency now, please call your dentist immediately.

For a dentist in Plano, TX call the office of David Wilhite DDS at (972) 964-3774

 

Kids Dental Accidents

Kids can be crazy sometimes. They run, they play, they roughhouse, they fall, and accidents happen. It’s a part of childhood.

But what do you do when you are confronted with a crying child with an injury to their mouth or teeth?

We will try to give you some quick tips to help you out.

 

What to do first

First of all, remain calm.

As you know already with kids, you have to “keep your cool” so that your child won’t become to upset or panic.

Console your child and reassure them that everything will be okay. It will be!

Assess the best you can if there is a more serious issue, such as a head injury, concussion or broken jaw.

If you have serious concerns or uncertain how serious it is, you can call 911 for help. We hope this is not the case but you want to make sure.

 

Overcoming dental fearBroken Tooth

If your child has broken a permanent adult tooth, you want to save the tooth and keep it moist.

Placing the piece of the tooth into a small container of milk will actually work best. A saltwater solution is your next best option.

Be careful handling the tooth and try to handle it from the crown, not the root or exposed area.

A primary (baby) tooth does not need to be kept moist but recover it and handle carefully and bring it to the dentist.

Contact your dentist immediately.

 

Chipped Tooth

If your child has chipped a permanent adult tooth, you want to try and recover the chipped piece of the tooth and keep it moist.

Placing the piece of the tooth into a small container of milk to keep it moist. A saltwater solution is your next best option.

Be careful handling the tooth and try to handle it from the crown, not the root or exposed area.

Contact your child’s dentist right away.

 

Pediatric Dentistry Plano, TXCracked Tooth

Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.

Get an icepack or cold compress and press it to the face to keep swelling down.

Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

 

Cuts or Bites to Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

Assess how serious the injury is. Could it potentially require stitches?

Gently clean the area with water and apply a cold compress or ice pack.

Head to the emergency room if the issue may require stitches.

Give your child a kid-appropriate dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease pain or discomfort.

 

Toothache

Rinse out the mouth with a warm salt water rinse.

Apply an icepack or cold compress to the affected area.

Give your child a children’s dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.

Contact your dentist if the issue persists and schedule an appointment.

 

We hope these tips help you and your child get through this difficult time!

 


Plano Dentist David WilhiteDavid Wilhite is a Plano Dentist specializing in children’s pediatric dentistry with over 30 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry. He can help you with children’s dental carethumb sucking and pacifier usedental fears in children and baby dental care.

Keep your child smiling now and in the future!

Call us today at (972) 964-3774


Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?

Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated?

In this post, we discuss sensitive teeth, the causes of this problem, and how sensitive teeth can be treated. There are some potential treatments available.

Do you suffer discomfort from your teeth when you eat ice cream or drink a cold beverage?

If so, then you may have a common problem called “sensitive teeth”.

The hypersensitivity and discomfort caused by chewing, hot or cold liquids, or breathe through your mouth, are all symptoms of sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can have several causes, including tooth decay, receding gums, recent dental work, and others.

Related Post: Causes of Sensitive Teeth

 

Check with your dentist first

If you are bothered by sensitive teeth, you should schedule an appointment with your dentists to try and determine the true cause.

Once you know the cause, you will have a better chance to treat it successfully.

 

Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

  • Desensitizing Toothpaste
  • Flouride
  • Desensitizing or Bonding
  • Surgical Gum Graft
  • Root Canal

Once you have visited your dentist to identify why you have sensitive teeth issues, your dentist can recommend potential treatments.

 

Desensitizing toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste can be used with some success to help block the pain from sensitive teeth. There are several sensitive toothpaste products available over the counter. Ask your dentist what they recommend.

 

Fluoride

If your dentist decides you are a viable candidate for fluoride treatment, your dentist can apply fluoride to sensitive areas of your teeth in order to strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce pain from sensitivity. They may also prescribe the use of prescription fluoride for home treatment.

 

Smile Restoration Plano TX with David WilhiteDesensitizing or Bonding

In some patients, the exposed root surface can be treated with bonding resin applied to the sensitive root surfaces. This often requires the use of a local anesthetic during the procedure.

 

Surgical gum graft

If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, it may be possible for your dentist to move a small amount of gum tissue from a healthier part of your mouth and attach it to the affected area. This can reduce sensitivity by adding a protective layer to exposed roots.

 

Root canal

A root canal, though it may seem like a serious measure, is often considered the most successful method to treat and eliminate tooth sensitivity.sensitivity.

 

We hope these potential treatments for sensitive teeth educate you on some of the options that may be available.

Remember that regular teeth brushing and good oral hygiene are the best preventative methods for stopping sensitive teeth before they become an issue.

 


Would you like to learn more about sensitive teeth treatments?

Contact usPlano Dentist David Wilhite today to schedule your appointment with Dr David Wilhite in Plano, TX.

Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and helping patients maintain and restore their smile.

You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a  Plano TX Dentist with excellent reviews and loyal patients. Contact Dr. Wilhite so he can help you too.


 

 

Full Mouth Reconstruction Process

Full Mouth Reconstruction Process

In this post, we discuss the full mouth reconstruction process from initial consultation through to the final procedures necessary to completely rebuild your smile.

We offer full mouth reconstruction in Plano, TX – Call (972) 964-3774 to schedule your consultation.

 

In first discussing full mouth rehabilitation, it needs to be understood that this is an expensive and time-consuming treatment.

When completed I have had the happiest, most satisfied patients in the practice.

It is life changing for my patients. We are essentially restoring every tooth in the mouth.

 

Full Mouth Reconstruction Process

 

Plano Dentist David WilhiteInterview and Examination

Full mouth reconstruction, as with any major dental procedure, begins with the patient interview.

The dentist must find out what the patients’ goals for their mouth are.

The next step is a complete examination with a full set of x-rays, complete charting of the patient’s teeth and gums, evaluation of the patient’s jaw joint and their bite, and a complete set of intraoral and extraoral photographs.

Related: Benefits of Implants Over Dentures – Pros and Cons

 

Impressions and Models of Teeth

This is usually followed by impressions for upper and lower models of the teeth. Tooth Extraction

These models are used to analyze the bite and determine what adjustments are necessary to balance the bite so that there are equal and even contact on all of the teeth.

The planning of the restorations is done in wax on the plaster models for optimum function and esthetics. Impressions are taken of these models for the fabrication of temporary restorations on the teeth.

Then we meet again with the patient to show them the condition of their teeth on models, x-rays, and photos. The patient is able to see what their mouth and bite will look like when the treatment is completed.

With the patient’s participation, we then decide what treatment will be performed. Sometimes orthodontics is necessary before any restorations are done.

 

Dental Lab Visit

Dental Lab Making ImplantsIf the patient is truly interested in moving forward with this treatment, I schedule a trip to the lab that will be working with me.

It is important for me that the patient see the lab, meet the lab technician, and understand the process that goes into creating the desired results.

Getting the exceptional results that I get comes from a true partnership with my lab technician. I feel this can set the treatments I deliver apart from treatments other dentists offer.

 

Initial Treatments

David Wilhite Plano DentistBefore any restorations are initiated, the teeth and gums must be free of any disease.

Any gum disease must be treated, extractions of any hopeless teeth performed, root canal therapy completed, and any fillings done, as necessary.

The patient will then test out these provisional restorations for several weeks. Adjustments are made on the provisionals until the patient is satisfied with the way they feel and look.

 

Dental Implants

If any dental implants are needed, they will be placed during this phase of the treatment.

Implants usually require a 3-6 month healing and stabilization period.

Once stability is attained, the teeth are prepared a section at a time for the final restorations.

Related: How Long Is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

 

I hope this gives you an overview of the full mouth restoration process. Schedule your consultation for more details or answers to your questions.

 


Would you like to learn more about full mouth restoration?

Contact usPlano Dentist David Wilhite today to schedule your appointment or set up your dental restoration consultation.

Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and dentures. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.

You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a  Plano, TX Dentist with excellent reviews and loyal patients. Contact Dr. Wilhite so he can help you too.


 

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

In this post, we discuss the risk factors that contribute to gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease. Learn if you are at increased risk.

If you are looking for gum disease treatment in Plano, TX or a diagnosis of your condition, call us today: (972) 964-3774

It was once thought that the real gum disease risk factor a person needed to worry about was aging, and there was nothing that could be done about that.

We now know that aging is still a factor but it is by no means the only factor you should be concerned about.

By understanding the risk factors, you can take preventive action to help keep gum disease at bay and protect your dental health.

 

Gum disease risk factors

  • Smoking / Tobacco Use
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Medications
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Age
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Heart Disease
  • Teeth Grinding

Dental Anxiety

Smoking / Tobacco Use

If you use tobacco, whether cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, you are at increased risk for periodontal gum disease. Recent studies indicate that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development of gum disease.

Poor Nutrition

If your diet is low in nutrients, this can lower immunity and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Because periodontal gum disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. Research has also shown that obesity may increase the risk of gum disease.

Related: What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

Medication

Certain drugs, such as anti-depressants, heart medicines, and oral contraceptives can affect oral health. JThe same way you would let your doctor know you are taking other medications, you should also let your dentist know about them.

Genetics

Some people are more likely to be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Even with good dental habits, you may be more likely to develop gum disease. If you believe that you may be one of these people because of your family medical history, your dentist can take intervention treatment to help prevent periodontal gum disease.

Related: How to Prevent Gum Disease

Properly Brushing Your Teeth

Stress

Stress can be a risk factor for gum disease. Stress can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection, including gum disease.

Related: 9 Facts About Gum Disease You Should Know

Age

This has always been a well-known factor for gum disease. People aged 65 and over have the highest rates of periodontal disease.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a factor in the prevalence of gum disease.

Heart Disease

Heart disease can affect your inflammatory system which in turn may worsen the condition of your gums.

Teeth Grinding

Clenching or grinding your teeth will place excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth and speed up the rate at which your periodontal tissues deteriorate.

 

Gum disease can be treated to lessen its effects or slow down its progression. Call your doctor for a treatment plan.

Related: Is gum disease reversible?

 


Ready to for a check-up or gum disease treatment in Plano, Texas area?

Contact usPlano Dentist David Wilhite today to schedule your appointment or set up your free gum disease consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience in treating gum disease and general and cosmetic dentistry. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.

You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a  Plano, TX Dentist with excellent reviews and loyal patients. Contact Dr. Wilhite so he can help you too.


Dental Implant Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Dental Implant Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Dental Implants Plano, TX

Dental implants are the perfect solution for some people when it comes to tooth replacement.

However, they are not perfect for everyone and for all situations.

Before you decide on dental implants to restore your smile, there are some questions you should be ready to ask your dentist so that you can be well informed before making the decision to get them.

Implants are more common than ever but they’re still only one of many solutions so you’ll need to find out if they’re right for you.

 

Tooth ExtractionQuestions to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants

  • Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
  • What are the alternatives to dental implants?
  • How long will dental implants last?
  • What is the dental implant healing process like?
  • How much do dental implants cost?

 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

As we mentioned earlier, implants are not the right solutions for everyone. In fact, not everyone is even a candidate for dental implants.

There are some factors that help determine if you are a candidate besides just missing teeth or the need for a tooth extraction. Factors that can affect your potential for implants include medical history, jaw bone density, your age, and whether you are a smoker.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can be a factor in making the decision. They’re not recommended for young people either.

Your dentist will know about your dental health and will take it and several other factors into consideration. They can determine what’s right for you.

Related: Are Dental Implants Painful

 

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

Dental implants may not be the best option, but even if they are, they won’t be the only option.

Your dentist will be able to review and explain other alternatives to you so you can figure out a decision that works for you personally.

Usually, your best alternatives to implants will be dental bridges or dentures. Your dentist can tell you about the benefits of implants over dentures so you know the pros and cons of each. Implants have their own sets of pros and cons as well.

Make sure that if you go with implants that you are making an informed decision.

 

How long will dental implants last?

Ask your dentist how long the dental implants you will be receiving can be expected to last. They could last as few as 20 years or the remainder of your lifetime.

The lifespan of your implants will be dependent on the materials they are made from, the type of placement used and how well you care for the implants. Because of these different potential factors, your dentist will be able to advise you best.

 

What is the dental implant healing process like?

Don’t forget to ask your dentist about the healing process and how long it can expect to take. You’ll want to be prepared as best as you can.

Dental implants are a surgical procedure, not a basic dental procedure. You will be sedated in order to have the implant anchor placed into your gums and jaw bone. This involves a healing process afterward.

If you don’t properly heal, there could be a risk of rejection. Make sure you have spoken with your dentist so you know what steps to take so you can heal properly. How many follow up appointments will be necessary? How much pain can you expect?

Related: How Long Is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

 

How much do dental implants cost?

This is a question we probably won’t have to remind you of. You will definitely want to know how much your implants are going to cost you. Still, you want to be clear about this answer. The price can vary from patient to patient and dentist to dentist. Your insurance may not cover the entire cost of the procedure so you’ll definitely want to know what out of pocket costs you will be responsible for.

 


Want to learn if dental implants are the best option for you?

Contact usPlano Dentist David Wilhite today to set up your consultation. Dr. Wilhite is a Plano TX Dentist with over 30 years of experience transforming patients smiles for the better. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.

You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774