Repair or Replace? What to Do in Dental Emergencies

Child and dentist reading over pamphlet

Dental Problems Happen

Are you currently experiencing tooth pain? Have you chipped or broken a tooth? Lost your dentures? Accidents happen, and so do dental problems. Our team at Park Avenue Dental has you covered no matter what dental emergency arises.

When to Repair Your Teeth

When a dental emergency occurs, we know how difficult it can be to pinpoint the source of your tooth pain or know which dental treatment option is right for you. Your first step in a dental emergency should be to consult one of our dentists right away with any questions you may have.  You may only need a minor tooth repair to get you back to normal.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a protective dental procedure that aims to save a tooth from extraction. Also called endodontic therapy, a root canal is used to treat the canal inside the tooth responsible for housing the nerve tissue and blood vessels. This procedure is extremely common, with the American Association of Endodontists reporting that 15 million root canal treatments are performed annually. Here are some common signs that you may need root canal therapy:

  • Severe sudden tooth pain or pulsing toothaches
  • Sensitivity to temperature (ex: your teeth hurt when drinking a hot coffee or eating ice cream)
  • Swelling of the gums around the tooth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Swollen lymph nodes

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact Park Avenue Dental to schedule an appointment. Our team of dentists will evaluate your symptoms to decide if root canal therapy is the best dental solution for you.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are individually crafted layers of medical-grade porcelain that bonds to the front of your existing teeth. Veneers are a great option for those who may have discolored teeth that may not be able to be fixed by whitening procedures, have chipped or broken teeth, or have gapped teeth. Veneers are often created to help with cosmetic appearances, but they  can also be used as a protective measure too. When deciding if veneers are a good fit for you, it’s important to know that they are not a permanent option and will need to be replaced every five to ten years.

If you already have dental veneers, here are some signs that they may need to be replaced soon:

  • Receding gums
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Your veneers are the wrong size
  • They are darkening or staining
  • You have sustained an injury to the mouth
  • It has been 5-10 years since they have last been replaced

Veneers are becoming increasingly common and are a great way to gain confidence and protect your smile. If you have veneers, it is still strongly recommended that you continue to schedule bi-annual appointments for routine check-ups.

Dental Crowns

While veneers only cover the front part of your teeth, dental crowns encase the whole tooth. Dental crowns are a protective procedure that helps prevent any further damage to the tooth while also restoring its original appearance.

Though there are many different types of crowns, opting for a ceramic, or porcelain, crown will give you the most natural appearance. A dental crown will also help to prevent a tooth from potential damage by placing a medical-grade porcelain crown, called a “cap”, to the exterior of the tooth. Dental crowns usually last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

When to Replace Your Teeth

If your dental problem points towards needing a replacement, Park Avenue Dental has you covered. Whether you need dentures or dental implants, we will have you looking and feeling your best in no time.

Dental Implants

Different from veneers and crowns, dental implants replace missing teeth. Typically made of titanium, a dental implant will act as the root of the tooth, providing a support for restorative dental appliances such as dentures, bridges, and crowns.

Dental implants are great solutions for the following symptoms:

  • Infected teeth
  • A chipped or cracked tooth that cannot be fixed by other procedures (such as a crown or veneer)
  • Bone loss in your jawbone
  • Loose or ill-fitting dentures
  • Missing teeth
  • You experience difficulty chewing
  • Speech problems
  • Want a more permanent option than dentures

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth made out of porcelain that are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are different than implants because they can be taken in and out, while implants are surgically placed. Each pair of dentures is uniquely crafted to the individual and the porcelain used creates a natural and seamless look. Dentures are made to be long-lasting and very durable. You may need dentures if you are experiencing prolonged gingivitis, toothaches, or have poor oral health.

If you already have dentures, you may need to replace them if they are:

  • Ill-fitting
  • Lost or damaged
  • Give you pain while eating
  • Cause sores or lesions on your gums
  • Changing of color

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. If you are interested in learning more about dentures, our dentists can work closely with you to see if they are a viable dental option for you.

Maintain Dental Health with Park Avenue Dental

Whether you are looking for a protective, restorative, or cosmetic dental treatment, the Park Avenue Dental team can help you with any dental problem you are experiencing. Call us today to schedule an appointment!