Category Archives: Finding A Dentist

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.