A Parent’s Guide to Child Dental Emergencies

Most Common Dental Emergencies among Kids

Yes, it is very distressing when your little child encounters a dental emergency. These accidents are extremely common among children at two points in their development. Firstly crucial is that period between 18 to 40 months when exploration begins, and the second being that of the preadolescent to adolescent stage when sports injuries happen.

So what are the most common emergencies to expect? Toothache is the most commonplace among children across all ages and doesn’t happen without reason. Most times, it’s due to tooth fractures, tooth decay, tooth trauma, and wisdom teeth eruption. A dental visit is in order. There’s what’s called a tooth avulsion or when a tooth gets knocked-out. Right away the dentist will attempt to reimplant the tooth if it’s a permanent one; otherwise not, if it is a primary (or baby’s) tooth, less it will only damage the emerging permanent tooth bud just after it.

Then there are occasions of tooth intrusion, or the tooth is pushed upwards into the jaw bone. The force might be great enough to tear the ligaments and fracture the socket. Whether it is a primary or a permanent tooth involvement, the dentist may perform root canal treatment to save the tooth.

Tooth luxation is a lateral displacement where the tooth remains in its socket but is unnaturally inclined.It might be due to trauma that could fracture the bone underneath. A primary tooth partially out of its socket will heal on its own. The dentist, though, should save a permanent tooth and prevent infection. A dental concussion occurs after a bang, knock or fall that may not displace any tooth and didn’t cause fracture. However, if it involves a toddler’s teeth, discoloration can occur.

Crown fractures, from enamel cracks to pulp exposure, are also common emergencies. The dentist will immediately treat according to the level of involvement. Root fractures are determined by X-rays and depending on the child’s discomfort, the dentist will monitor and treat, or extract the tooth in certain scenarios. Other conditions like fractured jaw, head injury or head trauma, and uncontrolled bleeding from cuts or injury to the cheek, lips or tongue require immediate medical attention. A trip to the Emergency Room of a hospital is in order.

Do You have a Child Dental Emergency?

Don’t be agitated or frightened. Just call your Issaquah dentist right away who will tell you what to do and properly guide you. Or drop by Meadow Creek Dental – emergencies are our priority.

Issaquah Dentist says: Dental Implants for All

What Makes and Doesn’t Make You an Ideal Candidate for Implants?

While fixed bridges and removable dentures used to be the norm for missing teeth, these days, many dentists and patients are going for dental implants. And why not? This mode of treatment gives a natural look and feel in the mouth, protects healthy bone and keeps your natural teeth in place. They are built to last a lifetime with their predictable outcomes.

Most people are good candidates for dental implants. As long as you have healthy gums, sufficient bone in your jaw and of good quality, and a commitment to proper oral hygiene, you are a fine candidate for implants. Some may not be ideal candidates, but that depends on your dentist’s judgment and the severity of the patient’s condition. They have to do with the health of your gums and jaw bone.

There are young people whose bones are still growing, hence, the jaw bone lacks maturity. Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol use, high-dose radiation to the head and neck, and severely depressed immune system all slow down healing significantly after implant surgery and can contribute to dental implant failure. Pregnancy also alters the state of the gums and consistency of bone. Those who grind their teeth are another less-than-ideal candidates. Then, persons with chronic diseases or systemic problems like uncontrolled diabetes, connective-tissue disease, and hemophilia have issues with bleeding gums, brittleness of bone, and frequent infections.

However, these patients may still be candidates for dental implants, depending on the dentist’s discretion and after proper evaluation. If the situation is not too far gone, meaning there is still sufficient quantity and quality of jaw bone, and the dentist finds adequately healthy gum tissue to work on, implants can still be an option. You, as the patient, should also commit to proper oral hygiene and regular follow-ups to ensure implant success.

Ensuring Dental Implant Success in Issaquah

Are you ready for implants? Know from your Issaquah dentist if you are a candidate for this popular and reliable restoration procedure everyone is talking about.

How to Overcome Childhood Dental Anxiety

Dental Anxiety

Millions of people suffer from dental anxiety, and most of them can trace the roots of this problem back to their childhood. Indeed, fostering comfort with the dental office is something that should begin at an early age.

Tips to Help Dental Anxiety

You can help your child feel better about his or her dental appointments with Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah by considering the following tips:

  • The general recommendation is that a child’s first dental visit should occur at the age of one. Bringing him or her in at an early age is not just a good way to prevent decay, but also a great way to acclimate the child to the experience of being in the dentist office.
  • Children have a surprising sense of the emotions of their parents. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, your child could be picking up on this and learning from your example.
  • Present the dentist office to your child with a positive light, but avoid using language like “everything will be alright”. You want to avoid losing your child’s trust if he or she experiences discomfort during your visit.
  • Never offer your child a bribe to go to the dentist. Children are smart enough to realize that, when you promise them a reward, there must be something bad to look forward to.

Biomimetic Dentistry has come to Issaquah

What is Biomimetic Dentistry?

Translated to BIO, meaning ‘lifelike’, and MIMETIC, meaning ‘copy’, Biomimetic dentistry simply means to copy what is lifelike. This discipline works on the premise that since nothing is as good as your natural tooth structure, and if a part of it is decayed or broken, only the damaged section is taken out and replaced by a restoration that bonds tightly and keeps bacteria and other debris out. The outcome should be as natural-looking as the original part, as strong, and as durable.

Biomimetic Dentistry is, hence, restorative and cosmetic in purpose. The dental materials used, such as composite resins and ceramic materials, mimic natural tooth structure in appearance and function as to not be obvious that a restoration was done. A hard tissue bond is the preferred material as it withstands stress better, while biomimetic applications ensure the tightness, allow no shrinkage or gaps that give access to bacterial invasion.

This practice conserves as much tooth structure as possible, doesn’t use materials (like amalgam) that require extensive tooth grinding or drilling, avoids crowns and implants because more grinding is needed to fit them, and reduces the need for root canal treatments for it preserves more tooth structure that protects the pulp.

Biomimetics in Issaquah

Dr. Dipti Srivastava is a qualified Biomimetic dentist who brings this science to Issaquah. She transfers the philosophy of conservation and return to function in indicated cases in a way only a trained and experience practitioner can. Our patients find this type of dentistry less stressful to them and not as expensive compared to traditional dental procedures.

Putting on a Smile without the Wait by your Issaquah Dentist

Your Pick: Lumineers or Snap-ons?

Traditional porcelain veneers are still popular, custom-designed casings that fit frontal teeth to change their look and appeal. Though strong and natural-looking, veneers are permanent solutions and require that your natural teeth undergo some adjustments before they are fitted. Adequate enamel reduction and reshaping is necessary so that when veneers are bonded, they align perfectly with the rest of your dentition.

Lumineers are an alternative to porcelain veneers. They are ultra-thin, slimmer than traditional veneers, require little to no enamel reduction of natural teeth or extensive preps, or multiple visits. Your Lumineers are sturdy, long-lasting solutions of up to 20 years, and are incredibly quick to produce. You must also know that, since not all dentists have training to apply this system, we assure you that your Issaquah dentist is Lumineers-certified.

Snap-On Smile is your other option if you want that ready smile as you leave our clinic, or if you are not a candidate for implants or bridges. They are great for crooked teeth, stained teeth or gaps. These removable appliances require no permanent preparations, are reversible and are easily produced. You can just snap it on, no need for adhesives. Wash and clean your snap-ons as necessary.

Whatever Suits You

Though we offer traditional porcelain veneers, you might just want to park that for a while and instead go for the equally natural-looking Lumineers or Snap-on Smiles. At our Issaquah clinic, Meadow Creek Dental, we have both options waiting for you. If you are ready to dazzle with that smile, and you can’t wait, come on in for a consultation.

What’s with DNA Testing at Issaquah Dental?

Your Periodontal Health is on your DNA

Gum disease is a very common affliction and most people are bound to have it, anywhere from gingivitis to its severer form which is periodontal disease. There are reports that say 75% of Americans over 35 years of age have some degree of a periodontal problem.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial invasion, coming from poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, and unhealthy habits. With its predominant symptoms of gum swelling, discoloration, gum recession and sometimes bad breath and bleeding, this advanced form can pervade other teeth and gum tissue. You may lose your teeth eventually.

However, studies show that even if widespread, different people respond to bacterial plaque differently. Certain populations are more prone to higher risks of developing severe periodontitis, while others are not. Their genetics seem to spell the difference. It becomes of clinical significance to test your DNA to find out if you are predisposed to the disease so that you are forearmed.

Test and Know at Issaquah Dental

To have your DNA tested at Meadow Creek Dental can establish a clear window to your periodontal health. Our Issaquah dentist employs this test to identify if you have a pathway to this condition, your risk is assessed and a personalized treatment may be necessary to manage it before it starts or before it worsens. Have this simple test at our Issaquah dental clinic and know how to win the battle.

Dental Clinic brings Hi-Technology to our Issaquah Dentistry

Expertise and Technology hand-in-hand

Our Issaquah dental practice stands in its solid reputation of professional expertise and the strong bonds formed between our staff and our patients. Our instrumentation and apparatus guarantee our commitment to time-saving procedures, accurate outcomes, and enhancement of patient experience.

Some of the tools that are worth mention have set our Issaquah clinic apart from others. Take our Diagnadent laser system which makes reliable and accurate detection of dental cavities. Even very small or beginning caries are spotted for monitoring or early arrest and treatment. We also use Biomimetic dentistry at Issaquah. It’s a conservative approach to restorative dentistry, building only on the damaged, broken or decayed tooth surfaces and restores them to their most natural-looking form and function. It uses advance bonding techniques meant to be final and lasting.

Only in the Hands of Experts

Our Issaquah dentist is also a proponent of E4D CAD/CAM technology; what we like to call ‘same day dentistry’. It’s a complete chair side digital system for pin-point accurate impressions and fabrications of same-day crowns, veneers or inlays. It is resource-saving for patients – eliminating multiple visits, trials and errors.
Dr. Dipti is a premiere provider of Invisalign, our answer to traditional, metal orthodontic braces. We also use the Perioprotect system for periodontal cases. Used at home and in-between visits, the patient benefits from a sealed medication supply via a mouth tray. Velscope is another tool we use. It’s an oral cancer screening device, and aids in oral examination.

These technologies work optimally in trained and experienced hands. Dr. Dipti and her staff are dedicated to continuing education that improves and updates their practice and professionalism. We’ve got fine recommendations of happy and satisfied clientele to prove it.

Toothpicks are No Substitute for Floss!

Some people like to use a good toothpick or similar pick-like device to clean out between their teeth. However, there is really no substitute for a proper string of floss.

While toothpicks are good for extracting a corn husk or piece of spinach after a meal, they’re just not built to do the job of floss. Floss lets you get all the way into the gap between your teeth, which is the only way to reliably clear away plaque and detritus that has gathered there. Trying to force a pick to go where your floss is meant to go only risks of spearing your gums or even splintering the pick, leaving irritating bits of wood amid your fragile tissues. The length of the floss also lets you cycle in a fresh bit of thread with every tooth, while a toothpick forces you to use the same plaque-stained tip for every gap between teeth.

Our Issaquah dentist recommends that you always get your daily flossing in, and never try to use a toothpick in its place. Consult Meadow Creek dental for more information on proper oral hygiene.

Dealing With Tooth-Grinding

Is tooth-grinding starting to cause you pain? Your Issaquah dentist can help you out! Try following these simple tips to reduce your grinding and spare yourself the grief of broken teeth and jaw pain:

  • People often grind when they are feeling stressed. Figure out the cause of your stress, and find a way to cope with or alleviate this stress.
  • Pain in the teeth or jaw area can cause you to grind. Have your dentist look at any potential aggravators in your oral cavity.
  • Cut back on caffeine.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • If you habitually chew items that are not food, like pens, bottle caps, or even gum, you’re training your jaw muscles to clench. This can lead to grinding.
  • If you grind during the day, you can train your jaw muscles to relax by placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth.
  • If you grind while you sleep, try relaxing your jaw muscles. Hold a warm washcloth against your cheek for a few minutes before going to bed.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Our Issaquah dentist is proud to be able to offer sleep apnea treatment. This unfortunate condition affects the lives of many Americans, many of whom don’t even know that anything is wrong. It can sap your energy, increasing stress levels and contributing to heart disease, so be on the lookout if you think you may be at risk.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you frequently stop breathing while you sleep. This forces your brain to wake up, often only partially, so as to start the air flowing again. You could potentially have your sleep cycle interrupted throughout the night without even being aware of it. If you think you might have sleep apnea, look for the following symptoms:

  • You’re prone to loud snoring.
  • Your partner reports that your breathing occasionally stops while you sleep.
  • You sometimes wake up suddenly, choking or gasping for air.
  • You frequently wake up with a sore or dry throat in the morning.
  • You sleep restlessly, or suffer from insomnia.
  • You are unusually sleepy during the day, even if you think you got a full night’s sleep.
  • You suffer from frequent morning headaches.
  • You experience forgetfulness and changes in mood.

Sleep apnea is very difficult to diagnose, and can only be properly identified by a medical professional. To find out more about sleep apnea and to explore your options for getting treatment, contact Meadow Creek Dental.