Is It a Dental Emergency?

If you are not sure whether you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there severe and persistent tooth pain?
• Has there been a blow to the mouth or face?
• Is there swelling to the mouth, face, or jaw?
• Is there a knocked-out, loose, or fractured tooth?
• Is there uncontrolled bleeding?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, it is likely a dental emergency. Contact us immediately for an emergency appointment and care instructions. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Common Tooth Emergencies and What You Can Do

Persistent Tooth pain: Tooth pain may indicate the presence of an infection or an abscess and is considered a dental emergency. Rinse with warm water and floss carefully, especially around the affected area to remove any item or food particle that may be trapped between your teeth. Call us for an emergency appointment immediately.

Knocked-out tooth: A knocked-out tooth is an emergency that requires urgent dental care. The tooth has the best possible chance of being saved if treated within an hour of injury. Gently return the tooth to its socket, while only touching its crown. If that is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk and call us immediately!

Broken or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Contact us as right away so that we can do everything we can to save your damaged tooth.

Soft tissue injury: Any injury inside the mouth, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears to the lips, cheeks, mouth, and tongue, are considered tissue injuries that require emergency dental care. Clean the area with warm water and place pressure using gauze to stop the bleeding. Contact us as soon as possible.

Other common dental emergencies include loose teeth, lost fillings or crowns, swollen or painful gums or jaw, or damaged dentures or partials. Please contact us as soon as possible for an emergency appointment and care instructions.

Our Pledge to You

We, at Floss City Dental, understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and would like to reassure you that you will receive outstanding, gentle care. We will spare no effort to save an injured tooth if at all possible. Your comfort and wellbeing are our topmost priorities throughout any emergency procedure.

Quality Emergency Dental Care in Plano, TX

Injuries may not always look as serious as they could be, and without receiving an evaluation by our caring dental professionals at Floss City Dental, you risk the chance of complications down the road. Keep our number on hand, and call us immediately when emergencies occur. Your dental health is our number one concern!

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Why Choose Dentures?

Dentures offer an excellent restorative dentistry solution to replace missing teeth. They provide the needed support for your facial muscles, instantly delivering a fuller, more youthful appearance. With dentures, you will speak with clarity and will chew your favorite foods with ease. If any teeth remain, partial dentures will protect them from wear and will prevent them from shifting out of alignment. Dentures are the most affordable tooth replacement options and are covered by most dental insurance plans.

What Are the Types of Dentures?

Complete Conventional Dentures: These removable oral appliances replace your teeth after any remaining ones are removed, and the tissue heals. During the healing period, which may take several months, the shape of your bone and mouth will change, so waiting to prepare your complete dentures will ensure the best fit and comfort.

Complete Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are prepared ahead of time and placed in your mouth immediately after removing any remaining teeth. These dentures will likely need more adjustments and relining than conventional dentures because the shape of your jawbone changes with healing, causing the dentures to become loose.

Partial Dentures: These restorations offer a removable alternative to fixed dental bridges when some teeth remain. Metal frameworks and clasps connect your restorations to your natural teeth to keep them in place.

Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are a more stable alternative to conventional dentures. It may be difficult to ensure a good fit with traditional dentures due to bone loss or changes in the shape of the mouth over time. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, ensure a long-term perfect fit and unparalleled comfort.

Do You Need to Use Denture Adhesives?

Well-fitting dentures do not require dental adhesives to hold them in place. However, some patients prefer to use them for an added sense of security. If your denture becomes loose, we will reline it and make any adjustments needed to ensure a comfortable fit. Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs yourself to avoid damaging your restoration.

Caring for Your Dentures

Make sure to clean your dentures every day with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture toothpaste, and rinse them after any meal. Store your restorations in mild denture cleanser or water, and rinse them off before placing them back in your mouth. Follow the care instructions we will provide you to ensure your restorations remain in tip-top shape. Caring for your dentures will ensure they continue to enhance your smile for many years to come.

Quality Dentures Near Me

Contact Floss City Dental in Plano, TX, to learn more about restoring missing teeth and enhancing your smile using dentures. We are committed to utilizing the latest technology and techniques to deliver quality, durable restorations. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

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What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

The tooth pulp is the tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, which usually results from deep decay, cracks or chips in a tooth, or repeated dental procedures.

Root canal therapy involves removing the tooth pulp and filling the space with a material designed to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth’s root. A dental crown placed on the affected tooth will protect and strengthen it and will restore its form and function. Leaving a tooth with damaged pulp untreated can result in pain and swelling, and may potentially require extraction.

Can a Tooth in Need of a Root Canal Heal Itself?

A tooth with infected pulp cannot heal on its own and will require a root canal to preserve it. If left untreated, the infection can cause a host of oral problems and can spread to your jaw, brain, blood, and body. Aside from tooth extraction, there are no viable options to treat diseased pulp than a root canal. A dental filling will not resolve the infection, nor will antibiotics. A root canal treatment will help maintain your oral and overall health.

Why Save a Damaged Tooth?

It is always better to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, and root canal therapy allows for that. You’ll be able to smile with confidence and will enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. Missing a tooth can lead to many complications, including bone deterioration, and neighboring teeth may shift and drift out of alignment, potentially affecting your bite.

Preserving a tooth will save you time and money down the road by preventing the need for restorations such as bridges or implants. The success rate for root canals is higher than 95 percent, and with proper care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

The most common symptoms of damaged tooth pulp are pain or discomfort. Other warning signs include lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling and tenderness in the gums, or tenderness in the lymph nodes under the jaw. In some cases, pulp infection may not show any symptoms. X-rays taken during your routine dental exams will uncover any underlying tooth damage, allowing for prompt treatment.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

You can reduce your risk of needing future root canals by improving your oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss regularly and limit your sugar intake. Make sure to visit Floss City Dental for your routine dental exams and cleanings to allow for the early detection and treatment of cavities before they progress and require root canal therapy.

Root Canal Treatment in Plano, TX

Contact Floss City Dental in Plano, TX, to learn more about root canals and how they can preserve your natural teeth. We look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come. Call us and schedule your appointment today.

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How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign’s clear aligners brought to you by Align Technology fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into alignment by moving them vertically, horizontally, or rotating them when needed. As you move from one set of aligners to the next, you will see your teeth gradually moving into position following your custom treatment plan. Your clear braces are designed to use the right amount of force in the right place at the right time, delivering incredible results.

What Is the Invisalign Procedure?

We will begin your transformation by evaluating your unique needs and desired treatment outcomes. Using a scanner, we will get precise 3D images of your teeth and will map out your custom treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and the length of your treatment. You will also get to preview your new, improved smile!

Once ready, you will need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours each day for the best results. When you achieve your desired smile, you will need to wear retainers to make sure your teeth do not shift back to the initial position.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Invisalign comes to you with 20 years of clinical research and over 700 patents. With the clear aligners, you’ll be on your way to the smile you desire up to 50 percent faster than with traditional braces. The SmartForce features and SmartTrack material make Invisalign efficient for treating a range of cases with precision.

Invisalign offers a convenient method to transform your smile without impacting your life. The aligners are removable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and activities without restriction. Simply take them out, indulge in your favorite treats, or engage in your sports activities, then place them back in your mouth when done. Cleaning your teeth is a breeze with Invisalign. Once again, remove your aligners, brush and floss, then pop them right back in.

With Invisalign, you will not have to deal with metal brackets and wires interfering with your smile, or sharp edges scraping the inside of your mouth. Your clear aligners are gentle on your teeth and gums, allowing for unparalleled comfort.

What Conditions Does Invisalign Address?

Invisalign works well for a broad range of mild to complex cases, including gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowded teeth, and more. Aligning your teeth and correcting your bite will not only improve your smile but will also enhance your oral and overall health.

Invisalign in Plano, TX

Contact Floss City Dental in Plano, TX, to learn more about transforming your smile with Invisalign. Our experienced team will walk you through the procedure and will answer all your questions. Isn’t it time you loved your smile? Call us and schedule your appointment today!

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Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Sports-related dental injuries include knocked out, dislodged, or fractured teeth, fractured tooth roots, and temporomandibular joint dislocation. They also include soft tissue injuries, such as trauma to the tongue, lips, or the inside of the mouth. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) estimates that athletes without sports mouthguards are 60 times more likely to sustain injuries while competing, with the potential for developing long-term dental problems. Sports mouthguards prevent most injuries without affecting breathing or speech.

What Are the Types of Sports Mouthguards?

There are several sports mouthguard options you can purchase at sporting goods stores. Stock sports mouthguards are pre-formed, ready to wear guards that may not fit well, reducing their effectiveness. They are often too bulky, making breathing and talking difficult. Boil and bite mouthguards offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They can be shaped to your mouth by boiling the appliance in water, then biting into the warm plastic for a customized fit.

The best mouth protectors are those that are custom-made at a dentist’s office. The procedure involves taking impressions of your mouth to make a mold that we use to cast the custom-fitted sports mouthguard. This option may be more costly than the store-bought alternatives, but it ensures the best fit, comfort, and protection.

Caring for Sports Mouthguards

Make sure to rinse your mouthguard before and after each use, and clean it regularly with fresh soapy water, followed by thorough rinsing. Keep the sports mouthguard clean and dry while not in use. A hard, perforated container will protect it, keep it dry, and will prevent bacteria growth. Avoid exposing the appliance to high temperatures to prevent warping or distortion of its shape.

Make sure to check the fit of the sports mouthguard and examine it for signs of wear and tear, which may indicate that it needs to be replaced. Children, teens, and adolescents may need to replace their sports mouthguards more frequently than adults due to the growth and changes that take place in their mouths into adulthood. Make sure to bring your mouthguard in during your routine dental exams and cleanings for evaluation to ensure your smile stays well-protected.

Sports Mouthguards in Plano, TX

Contact Floss City Dental in Plano, TX, to learn more about our custom-made sports mouthguards and how they can protect your teeth. We will help you determine the best option for your budget and needs to protect your smile and preserve your natural teeth. Call us and schedule your appointment today.

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What Is Sleep Apnea?

The most common type of this chronic sleep disorder is known as obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, allowing the soft tissue to collapse and constrict the airway as you breathe in, resulting in lower blood oxygen levels. The brain senses the inability to breathe, briefly rousing you from your sleep to help reopen the airway. This pattern may repeatedly happen through the night, preventing you from reaching the deep, restful phases of sleep.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea symptoms include episodes in which the patient stops breathing during sleep, often witnessed by a partner or family member. Patients may snore loudly, choke, and gasp for air during sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea also include waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep (insomnia), daytime fatigue, trouble focusing, irritability, and memory loss.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?

The quality of your sleep can impact your health, wellbeing, and your overall quality of life. Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep and poses a threat to your safety as it increases the risk of workplace or driving accidents due to fatigue. It can also leave you susceptible to severe health problems, including high blood pressure, heart and liver problems, stroke, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic acid reflux, complications with medications and surgery, and more.

Treating Sleep Apnea

The first step to treatment is diagnosing sleep apnea. That usually involves a sleep evaluation through in-lab or at-home sleep studies, which provide data to help diagnose and determine the severity of the condition. Treatment options include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral appliance therapy, or in some cases, surgery.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy involves the use of a machine that provides a steady stream of air through a mask at a pressure just high enough to prevent the collapse of your airway. Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, involves the use of a specialized, custom-fitted mouthguard worn during sleep, which works to keep the airway open, providing both snoring and sleep apnea relief. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable than CPAP masks. If CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy do not alleviate the condition, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Sleep Apnea Management Near Me

Contact Floss City Dental in Plano, TX, to learn more about sleep apnea and how it can impact your health. Your trusted team of highly experienced professionals will work with you to manage and treat your condition. We look forward to helping you enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep. Call us today!

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