WHAT TO DO WHEN A TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT…

If the tooth can be replanted within 15-30 minutes after the accident, there is a greater than 90% chance the tooth will be retained for life. However, practical life experience shows us that may be unrealistic.

The critical determining factors for success of replantation are the condition of the alveolar socket (bone) which should be free from periodontal (gum) disease and be reasonably intact, the time the tooth is out of the bone socket, the storage and transport medium used to deliver the tooth to the dentist, and how the tooth is handled between the accident and arrival at the dentist.

After the accident, the tooth should be located and picked up by the crown or enamel portion and NOT the root. If the tooth is dirty or contaminated, it should gently be placed in a transport solution of Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution. If HBSS is not available, the next best alternatives are whole cold milk, saline, or saliva. However, it should be noted that milk, saline, and saliva have their limitations.

Saline solution may be damaging if it is allowed to soak in it for more than one or two hours. Saliva may be damaging as the tooth ligament cells may become infected. Cold whole milk is acceptable for short periods of time however it sours quickly, and milk is usually not available at a sporting event. Never transport the tooth to the dentist in tissue or gauze. If none of the above are readily available, use water. The HBSS is biocompatible with the tooth periodontal ligament cells and can keep these cells viable for 24 hours because of its ideal pH and osmolality. Research has shown that this fluid can rejuvenate degenerated ligament cells and maintain a success rate of over 90% if an avulsed tooth is soaked in it for 30 minutes prior to replantation. This solution does not need refrigeration and it preserved in a break resistant, sterilized container.

It is now obvious that a proper transport medium for tooth avulsion should be part of the first aid kit at schools and most definitely be part of the sports medicine medical kit of the athletic trainers and coaches available at all sporting events. It would be beneficial for parents to keep a container of HBSS in the home medicine cabinet. Once the dentist receives the tooth preserved in this system he/she may precede to implant the tooth and do the proper splinting procedures with a favorable prognosis. It should be noted that if a primary (baby) tooth is knocked out, it should NOT be replanted as it could damage the permanent tooth is knocked out, it should NOT be replanted as it could damage the permanent tooth bud in formation. Parents should NOT try to place the baby tooth back into the socket, and should immediately seek the advice and treatment of their dentist.

It is advised that if the accident victim shows any signs of head injury, unconsciousness, nausea, or persistent headaches, they should be first evaluated for their head injury by proper medical personnel. Once a head injury is ruled out, they may precede to the dentist for treatment of the avulsed (knocked out) tooth. This is another reason why a proper storage medium for the tooth is critical.

HOLIDAY SWEETS

 

The American Dental Association reports that it is not the amount of sweets consumed that creates the dental problems but the type of candies or sweets. Candy that stick to your teeth like gummy bears tends to be more harmful than a chocolate bar that will be washed away.

The minute we take a bite of something containing lots of sugar, the plaque begins to produce acids. This process robs the tooth of minerals and thus causes decay. The other foods we eat provide the tooth with phosphates and calcium needed to heal the teeth.

The report suggests that you eat all your sweets at one sitting or after meals to have the least effect.

Remember, whether you eat your sweets as dessert or choose to eat them at some other time of the day, remember to brush your teeth afterwards. If you cant brush your teeth, chew sugarless gum for a few minutes to stimulate the saliva that will help wash away the decay-causing acids from the teeth.

The ADA recommends brushing teeth with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day, cleaning between teeth once a day and visiting the dentist regularly.

GUM CHEWING BURNS CALORIES

The New England Journal of medicine suggests that it may be possible to lose weight by chewing gum.

The researchers suggest that the metabolic rate increases by up to 20% - calories burned would be 20% higher. The average calories burned were 11% per hour compared to sitting still.

The researchers found that if you did not change any other activities throughout the year, you can anticipate a 10-pound lose of weight in a year by chewing unsweetened gum.

The researchers point out that they are not promoting gum chewing as a mean to lose weight and or promoting gum chewing in general.

The point of this discussion is to indicate that a minimal amount of extra exertion can have an effect on your weight lose program.

The findings were measured by measuring the energy expended from non-obese participants chewing gum over a 12-minute time span. They then measured the energy expended not chewing gum for 12 minutes.

CHOOSING A DENTIST

 

For successful dental care it is important to have a family dentist who takes a sincere interest in the patient’s general health. It makes sense to select and become acquainted with a dentist before a dental emergency arises.

Most licensed dentists in general practice are qualified to provide nearly all aspects of dental care. They can also provide referrals in certain more complex cases where specialized treatment is required. Specialty areas available in dentistry include:

• Endodontics – root canal therapy
• Oral Surgery/Oral Pathology – the identification and removal of teeth or tissues
• Orthodontics – braces and the repositioning of teeth
• Pedodontics – care exclusively for children and teens
• Periodontics – care of gums and supporting tissues
• Prosthodontics – full mouth rehabilitation

Preventive techniques, such as topical fluoride applications and pit and fissure sealants have reduced many dental problems. But these techniques cannot save your teeth and reduce your dental costs unless you and your family share the responsibility for your own oral health. Brushing and flossing the teeth thoroughly at least once a day in necessary to remove plaque. Plaque is the thin film of bacteria that forms on everyone’s teeth and causes dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease. Using a fluoride mouth rinse and dentifrice (toothpaste or gel) accepted by the ADA’s Council on Dental Therapeutics helps make teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Eating nutritious meals and limiting the number of snacks you eat is also important for maintain your oral health.

For many oral health problems, dentists can offer multiple treatment options or grades of dental care. These options may vary in complexity, durability and cost. A good example is that a dental implant, a bridge or a denture can all replace a tooth that has to be extracted. Which one is chosen depends a great deal on what you, the patient, want. Working together, you and your dentist can choose the treatment options that best meet your needs. This relationship is a shared responsibility. Your dentist should explain each treatment option, including its benefits and drawbacks. You should tell your dentist about yourself and your needs, and ask your dentist and office staff as many questions as needed to help you understand the treatment recommendations.

DENTALVIBE

For those of you who are scared of needles I have good news for you.

I have just implemented a new painless injection technique. It uses a new innovative tool that administers the painkiller. DentalVibe, the manufacturer of this tool, introduced this tool that makes your visit to the Dentist more comfortable.

DentalVibe is engineered and equipped with a micro-processor controlled VibraPulse Technology. The VibraPulse technology gently stimulates the sensory nerves at the injection site, via micro oscillations of the DentalVibe’s comfort tips, effectively closing the neural pain gate, blocking the pain of injections. 

In addition, there is an audible distraction, as a buzzing sound, that has been strategically added to the DentalVibe, at a comfortable decibel range of 70-75db. This provides an audible stimulus for the patient to focus on during the injection process. My patients have been saying they did not feel anything.

For more info please visit http://www.dentalvibe.com