Monthly Archives: March 2017

Dental Emergency, Finding A Dentist, Lost or Broken Teeth, Mouth Injuries

Dental Emergencies

DENTAL EMERGENCIESSpring is finally here in Overland Park and that means there will be ample opportunities to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy all that Overland Park, and Kansas City at large, has to offer.  What attracts people to the Johnson County area are the boundless variety of attractions and activities; such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens,  plus the abundance of parks, ball fields, and recreational facilities.

We here at Klug Family Dentistry wish all  those in Johnson County a very happy Spring. We hope your ball teams are all batting a thousand, that your pools are nice and cool, and that you all remain safe and healthy throughout the year.

But we also realize that while you are getting out there and enjoying all those activities  there may also be the potential for unexpected dental emergencies.

Dental emergencies can sometimes happen.  When they do occur, they can be quite frightening, and often very painful.  Prompt treatment is almost always necessary in order to alleviate pain and to ensure the teeth have the best possible chance of being restored.

Any dental emergency such as an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should never be ignored. Disregarding dental problems can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on. Teeth that have been fractured by trauma, grinding or biting on hard objects can pose serious health risks.  In other instances, fillings, crowns and other restorative devices can get damaged or fall out of the mouth completely.

When you are experiencing severe pain, it is crucial to call the dentist as quickly as possible.  The pain caused by dental emergencies will almost always get worse without treatment, and dental issues can seriously jeopardize physical health.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to do for the most common dental emergencies:

Knocked-Out Teeth
Children’s Baby Teeth

If the child’s baby tooth is completely knocked out, chances are it cannot be re-implanted. If this happens, the missing tooth will be replaced naturally when the child’s permanent (adult) tooth grows in. If a tooth has become loose, chances are that it will come out on its own but in either case you should call the dentist right away.

A Permanent (Adult) Tooth

If a permanent adult tooth has been knocked out  you have a one to two hour window in which your tooth has a chance for re-implantation – only the dentist will be able to tell you for sure. Use the following steps to protect the tooth and see the dentist right away.

Procedure For the Injured Person:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it. Using a warm cup of water with a half-teaspoon of salt added will help cleanse the mouth.  Apply gauze to the area and use firm pressure to stop the bleeding. Try to find the missing tooth right away.
  • When the bleeding stops, apply a cold compress to the injured area to minimize swelling. If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of constant, firm pressure, see your dentist immediately, or if that is not possible go to the emergency room.
  • Place the tooth in a small container and cover it with milk (the calcium in milk helps to protect it), or water with a pinch of salt, or else the saliva from the injured person. The latter can be done by placing the dislocated tooth back into the person’s mouth until they can be gotten to the dentist.
For A Broken Tooth:
  • Hold the tooth only by its crown (the enamel, visible portion). If the tooth or root is dirty, place a towel or dishcloth in a sink (so the tooth cannot fall into the drain), and gently rinse the tooth and root. IMPORTANT: DO NOT SCRUB it or remove any gum tissue that may still be attached to the root.
  • If it is possible, gently place the tooth back into its gum socket facing the correct direction (making sure that you do not force the tooth back in place). If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container and cover the tooth in milk, water with a pinch of salt, or saliva from the injured person.
Severe Tooth Pain
  • The most common causes are debris lodged under the gum line, a lost filling or crown, a cracked or broken tooth, or an infection. Only a thorough examination by your Dentist can determine the underlying cause of severe pain.
  • Until you see your Dentist, apply ice to the painful area for 10-20 minutes of every hour. To alleviate pain, take acetaminophen as directed on the packaging label.
Tooth Abscesses
  • Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum that usually is painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Soft-tissue Injuries

Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can result in bleeding.

To control the bleeding, here’s what to do:

    • Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution.
    • Use a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
    • To both control bleeding and relieve pain, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
    • If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your dentist right away or go to a hospital emergency room. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site with the gauze until you can be seen and treated.

If you’re experiencing extreme pain or other dental emergencies, call our office for an emergency appointment. Usually we will be able to see you the same day. For emergencies that occur after regular business hours or on the weekend, office voicemails have instructions on how to contact the dentist.

If you feel that your situation may be life-threatening or medical emergency, please call 911.

If you are having a dental emergency, contact us at our office located in the Stanley Park Professional Building in Overland Park at (913) 681-8668.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Finding A Dentist

Finding A Dentist In Overland Park

Finding A Dentist in Overland Park

The city of Overland Park traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions, including one named “Overland Park,” along a military roadway. Mr. Strang imagined a self-sustaining, “park-like” community; one that offered strong commerce, provided quality education, had vibrant communities and boasted excellent recreational facilities.

Today, Overland Park has become one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. With over 189k residents, Overland Park is the second largest city in Kansas and metropolitan Kansas City.

Because of the strong economic stability within the community, the citizens of Overland Park have been able to receive quality dental and medical services. Living in Overland Park allows both kids and adults to receive what’s considered to be, some of the highest quality dental care nationwide.

But finding the right Overland Park family dentist may seem like an impossible task. With so many different options available, locating the right fit for your family can be tricky.  However, there are several steps that you can take that would not only speed up the process, but also insure the most effective and premium dental care for you and your family.

What To Look for in a Dentist
When choosing a dentist in Overland Park it’s important that you take your time and do your homework; don’t wait for an emergency! There are several things to consider when looking for a dentist.

Personal comfort–One of the most important things to consider when finding a dentist is whether or not you feel comfortable with that person. The relationship that you and your family will have with your dentist is important, and it is essential that you can feel confident and relaxed with that person. Does your dentist allow you to explain symptoms and ask questions? Do you feel like the dentist hears and understands your concerns? Would you feel comfortable asking for pain medicine, expressing your fear or anxiety, or asking questions about a procedure, or perhaps even asking for a second opinion?  Being happy with your dentist is key to being certain about your health.

Professional qualifications–The dentist’s office should be able to tell you about the dentist’s training. A well-run office also should have policies on infection control, safety, and be well organized. If the staff seems uncomfortable answering your questions, or you are uncomfortable with their answers, you may consider finding another dentist. You can also obtain information about a dentist’s qualifications from the local dental society or your insurance carrier. Most organizations of specialty dentists also list their members and qualifications. Or, ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers about their dentist. Learning about a well thought of dentist, with a good reputation, will help you to make the right decision.

Location and office hours– Try to choose a dentist close to home or work. Having your dentist nearby will make it easier to schedule visits and to arrive on time. Also, make sure that the dental office is open on the days and at the times when you can schedule your appointments.

Cost– Find out if the dentist will accept your insurance? Does the dentist offer multiple payment options (credit cards, personal checks, payment plans)? Is your dentist and his staff willing to work with you to find the best payment options for you.  If your insurance plan requires referrals to specialists, can this dentist provide them?

Also, be aware that costs can vary by practice. Ask for estimates of what your dentist might charge for common procedures such as fillings, crowns or root canal therapy. Make sure that the dentist has explained the total costs, because even if you have dental insurance, you may be paying part of the costs yourself.

Emergency care– Always ask about what happens if you have an emergency, either during normal office hours, or at night or on a weekend. Your dentist should not refer you to a hospital emergency room. When emergencies occur, you should be able to contact your dentist (or a suitable substitute) at any time by calling an answering service, cell phone or pager.

You and your dentist will be long-term oral health care partners; therefore, you should find someone you can be comfortable. You’ll want someone you are at ease with  and who is also properly trained to provide the type of dentistry you need.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us at our office located in the Stanley Park Professional Building in Overland Park at (913) 681-8668.

We look forward to having the opportunity to be your Overland Park family dentist.

Bad Dental Habits, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Extrinsic and Intrinsic Dental Issues, Self-Confidence

10 Ways You Are Destroying Your Smile – And Might Not Know About It

Regular washing and teeth cleaning is not enough to preserve their appearance or their health. Sometimes small everyday habits can ruin your teeth without you knowing it. Some habits show its negative effect immediately (breaking of teeth), and some destroy teeth slowly and imperceptibly. The second type is worse because you aren’t aware of it happening . The smile is the mirror of your happiness, but no one wants a poor smile when they look at a mirror.

The real point is “Are you wrecking your teeth without even knowing it?”

If you chew your pencils or suck on Jolly Ranchers at work, you’re doing your pearly whites wrong. And did you know that biting your nails is not only bad for your fingers, it can actually hurt your teeth, too? People who use their teeth like a tool to tear open an envelope or pull a tough knot loose are wrecking their teeth.  You might not even be aware of the harm you are causing – it’s just not something you think about.

Carefully look at the following habits and find whether they are part of your everyday life!

Constant Snacking

Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours longer.  Avoiding starchy foods like potato chips and salty crackers is a good place to start. The bacteria in your mouth and in plaque break down starchy foods into acid. This acid can attack the teeth for the next 20 minutes — even longer if the food is stuck between the teeth or you snack often. You might want to floss after eating potato chips or other starchy foods that tend to get stuck in the teeth.

Saltine crackers are not so good for your oral teeth.  Saltine crackers convert to sugarcane immediately which means that it feeds the bacteria that is already in your mouth, which eventually can cause it to multiply and that causes high acidity in you mouth and is what will give you bad breath.

Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch — for example, carrot sticks.

Incorrect Dental Hygiene

Brushing your teeth regularly is part of good oral hygiene, but if you brush too vigorously, you can cause more harm than good.

Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, make your teeth sensitive to cold, and even cause cavities.  Brushing two times a day is important, but so is how you brush: Too hard could hurt your teeth and lead to gum abrasion. To make sure you aren’t over-doing it, try to hold the toothbrush with two fingers and a thumb versus with your whole fist. That will usually give you the adequate amount of pressure that you need to.

Also, you could be using the wrong toothpaste. Wait, there is a such a thing as “wrong” toothpaste? Absolutely! Some toothpastes on the market are abrasive and can actually wear down enamel. Try buying toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval.

Maybe you are really desiring a bright, white smile. But be careful. Frequent teeth whitening may do more harm than good. Over time, it can start to break down tooth enamel.  Check with a dentist to make sure that the products you use are done as directed to protect your pearly whites.

Taking diet pills or too many vitamins

Did you know that your quest for a thinner waistline may be negatively affecting your teeth?  There are certain diet pills that  contain chemicals which can cause a decreased salivary flow.  This results in a higher risk of tooth decay and oral problems. Remember, the saliva in your mouth not only naturally washes away food particles that cause decay, but it also helps to neutralize acid levels.  If the acid levels in your mouth become  too high, it can thin tooth enamel, making the teeth appear darker, not to mention more brittle and prone to chipping and cracking. So before you start taking diet pills to lose weight, make sure to consider how it might also affect your smile.  The goal should be to feel positive about your “entire” self.

Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn’t mean they’re healthy. The truth is that most are loaded with high amounts of sugar to make them more pleasant to taste.  It’s important to keep in mind that after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth in the same way. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.  Remember – exposing your teeth to too much sugar, from whatever the source, is extremely bad for your body and your teeth.

 Gummy Candy

All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but some candies are worse than others. Gummies are very popular treats for kids and parents alike. The problem is that they stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids in contact with your enamel for hours. If your day just isn’t the same without a gummy critter, pop a couple during a meal instead of as a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps rinse away candy bits and acids.

 Soda & Energy Drinks

Candy isn’t the only culprit when it comes to added sugar.  Did you know that sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel.

Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but surprisingly, they may have actually even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.

Cold sports drinks may help your body recover quicker from fatigue, but these drinks are usually high in sugar. Yes, most energy drinks replenish fluids and minerals that your body has lost during exercising,  But just like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. Truthfully, a better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to chug sugar-free, calorie-free water.

 Chewing on Things

Do you ever chew on your pencil when concentrating on work or when you are studying?  Many of us feel this helps us to focus and concentrate better. But this habit can also cause teeth to chip or crack.

Chewing on ice can cause similar damage to teeth. It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow.

Sugarless gum is by far a better option when you feel the need to chew. It will trigger the flow of saliva, which can make teeth stronger and protect against enamel-eating acids.Next time you get the urge for to chew something, chew some sugarless gum instead. It’s much better for your teeth in the long run.

Grinding.

Grinding your teeth is usually not something you are conscious of doing. Many people grind in their sleep and don’t realize it until teeth start breaking or wearing down. Grinding your teeth can lead to tooth breakage and painful problems with the jaw joint (TMJ). If you think you might grind your teeth talk to your dentist about a protective device that can be worn during sleep to protect your teeth and jaw.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. Also, when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Also, with a tongue piercing there is a risk of accidentally piercing a large blood vessel, which can cause severe bleeding. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

 Limit Your Time In The Pool

With the coming of Summer and with the kids let out on break swimming can be where your family spends much of their time escaping the heat.  Swimming is a sport many agree is one of the best exercises you can do. But, in the wrong environment, it can also  hurt your teeth. Yep, you read that right.

Swimming in pool water that is excessively chlorinated can erode and stain tooth enamel. Excessive chlorine lowers the pool’s pH level, making it dangerously acidic which erode tooth enamel and damages gums.

When you and your family head to the pool, take note. If you can smell chlorine, or if your eyes tend to get very sore when swimming – then perhaps it’s best to limit your time in the pool. If you’re a frequent swimmer, pack a toothbrush along with that towel of yours. Brushing your teeth and using a fluoride rinse immediately after swimming will help make a big difference.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Orthodonics and Aligners, Self-Confidence, Teeth Whitening

Top 6 Most Asked Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

TOP Six Cosmetic Dentistry QuestionsCosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. Most think of cosmetic dentistry as tooth whitening or porcelain veneers, but a cosmetic dentist can provide much more.

Today’s dentists have a wide array of tools and techniques at their disposal for improving the look of your smile. From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile.

But with so many options available, it’s difficult to know which ones will best suit a person’s goals.  Here, at Klug Dentistry, we often have people asking us to help sort out some of the confusion for them.

Here are 6 of  the most frequently asked questions we get and some quick information to help clear the confusion:

  •  I don’t really like the way my teeth or my smile look – what can I do?

A wide variety of options are available to improve tooth function and how your smile looks.

Here are generally the most popular procedures:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Dental Bonding
  • Porcelian Crowns
  • Tooth Repair
  • Veneering
  • Dental Implants
  • Orthodontics and Aligners
  • Dentures

Tooth Whitening is where the teeth are whitened (another term is bleaching) and there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. External tooth whitening happens when vital teeth are bleached by direct contact with a safe and commonly used whitening agent, either in a dental office or at home. For most situations, tooth whitening is possible and safe.

Dental Bonding is a popular treatment option because it provides a successful attachment between the filling material and the tooth’s original enamel and dentin. It looks like the original tooth and functions like it as well. Direct composite bonding is used to recreate a smile in an additive manner, where little or no tooth reduction is needed. Direct bonding, in the hands of a skilled operator, is less costly than porcelain veneers and crowns and can be long-lasting with proper maintenance.

Porcelain Crowns can be sculpted to closely replicate the look of natural tooth enamel, while providing desirable strength and resilience. Porcelain crowns are an excellent choice when recreating the form and function of a damaged tooth, because a crown basically replaces the entire external portion of the tooth down to the gum level. Crowns are not limited to simply replacing the original tooth, but can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance.

Repairing Damaged Teeth is accomplished in several different ways, but is probably most used for repairing chipped teeth. Bonding materials (high-density, space-age plastics called composite resin) and porcelain–are more natural in color and can be designed to perfectly match the surrounding teeth making it difficult to discern there ever was a broken tooth. Logically, it is imperative that you seek a dentist’s help to as soon as possible to ascertain how badly the tooth is damaged and what treatment is best suited.

PorcelainVeneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.

Dental Implants replace the roots of lost teeth. A dental implant–along with a crown built on the implant–replaces a missing tooth or teeth and helps to maintain the bone support of the adjacent teeth, extending their life span. Dental implants are considered a permanent service and can be expected, in most cases, to last many, many years. They are the optimum choice for replacing missing teeth. A tooth replaced with a dental implant should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.

Orthodontics and Aligners  -more commonly referred to as “braces,” is done in order to reposition the teeth, but also is meant to solve certain issues that has caused the teeth to arrive at their current positions and what future movement is possible. Your cosmetic dentist now has many options available, from conventional braces to “invisible braces” (clear orthodontic aligners) and reduced treatment times. Consult your dentist about the possibilities. Each option offers its own benefits and issues and should be carefully selected to suit the situation.

Dentures and Overdentures have been considered a tried and true method for tooth replacement for years, but they come with their own set of issues. The main problem is that dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability, which can encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. However, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. There have been modern advances in dentures, as there have been in many other areas of dental healthcare, and an overdenture retained by implants may be an option. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent bone loss that could result from dentures alone.

 

  • How much does it cost to get that great smile?

Like most services, cost varies based on the amount of time required and the difficulty of the procedure(s). Generally, when improving a person’s smile, it requires a combination of several treatment options such as bleaching, reshaping gums, and using bonded materials (resin or porcelain) to improve the appearance of the teeth. A great way to start is by having a consultation with a dentist to determine how you can reach your goals. Remember, improving your smile is an investment in you.  Call our office and talk to one of our friendly professionals about possible options.

  •  If I have dental insurance, will it pay for the costs?

Most dental insurance has very low total benefits per year, which may offset the cost for regular checkups, but probably won’t pay toward cosmetic services. Insurance is a business; thus, your carrier will often contract to pay for the least expensive option instead of the best solution for your particular needs or desires. Many dentists will work to maximize your benefits, and may have suggestions for alternative methods of financing so you can obtain the treatment of choice. Talk to one of our staff members to ask about dental insurance and financing.

  • How long do these cosmetic procedures last – are they a permanent solution?

With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years, and possibly decades. Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations.

For example, the lifespan of porcelain veneers tends to be somewhere between ten and twenty years.  It is possible that veneers sometimes come off or chip. If this happens, they can be repaired or replaced. However, over time, the living tooth and gum tissue around the veneers will undergo changes that may require alterations to your veneers.

  • How many office visits will it require for me to get the smile I want?

This varies with each individual, depending on the need. Sometimes, you can dramatically improve your oral health and appearance in just a couple of visits. We will work to make your treatment as convenient as possible, perhaps choosing slightly longer visits instead of frequent trips to the office. If you have questions, give us a call to discuss your goals and concerns  so that the best plan can be developed for your individual situation. If you start today, a new smile can be yours sooner than you think.

  • Are these procedures suitable for my child?

These questions are typically the first ones asked when a child has injured his or her mouth or teeth. Dealing with children’s dental issues is very subjective and depends on the situation. But, if your child suffers a mouth or tooth injury, it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and to possibly prevent further damage.  For teeth that are growing out of position or crowding other teeth, orthodonics treatments are required. “Aligners” are meant to solve certain issues that has caused the teeth to arrive at their current positions and to predict future movement as soon as possible  , or in some cases, if braces should also be considered as a long-term solution. If you have questions, give us a call to discuss your goals and concerns  so that the best plan can be developed for your individual situation.