Tooth Injuries and How To Treat Them In Colorado

Treat tooth injuries and dental emergencies in Fort Collins.

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and one area of the body that is particularly vulnerable to injury is the mouth, including the teeth.

Tooth injuries can range from minor chips and cracks to more severe cases such as fractures or avulsions (complete tooth displacement). Understanding the causes, types, and immediate actions for tooth injuries is crucial for minimizing pain, preventing further damage, and preserving dental health.

If you experience a tooth injury, come into the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry as soon as possible and we can help you make a plan for repair, recovery, and long-term care.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at common Colorado tooth injuries, their causes, and what steps to take in case of an emergency.

Causes of Tooth Injuries

  • Tooth injuries can occur due to various factors, including:
  • Accidental Falls: Falling can result in impact to the face, causing teeth to hit hard surfaces.
  • Sports Injuries: Contact sports or recreational activities without proper mouthguards can lead to tooth injuries from collisions or falls.
  • Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions or sudden stops can cause severe trauma to the face and mouth.
  • Biting Hard Objects: Biting down on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause tooth fractures or chips.
  • Physical Altercations: Punches, kicks, or other forms of physical violence can result in tooth injuries.

Types of Tooth Injuries

Tooth injuries can vary in severity in Colorado, and they can be classified into several types:

  • Fractured or Cracked Teeth: These injuries involve partial or complete fractures of the tooth structure. They can range from minor cracks affecting only the enamel to more severe fractures extending into the dentin or pulp.
  • Chipped Teeth: This type of injury involves a small piece of the tooth enamel breaking off, usually caused by a direct impact.
  • Luxation Injuries: Luxation refers to the abnormal displacement of a tooth. It can include subluxation (tooth pushed out of alignment), extrusion (tooth partially pushed out of the socket), lateral displacement (tooth moved sideways), or intrusion (tooth pushed into the socket).
  • Avulsion: Avulsion occurs when a tooth is completely knocked out from its socket. Immediate action is crucial in attempting to save the tooth.

Immediate Actions for Tooth Injuries

In case of a tooth injury, it’s important to take immediate action at the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry to minimize damage and maximize the chances of saving the tooth.

Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Stay Calm: Remaining calm helps you think clearly and act effectively.
  2. Assess the Injury: Examine the affected tooth and surrounding area to determine the severity of the injury.
  3. Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag to the area for about 10 minutes. If bleeding persists or is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
  4. Preserve the Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), try to re-implant it into the socket, if possible. Handle the tooth by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root. If re-implantation is not possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or a saline solution to keep it moist.
  5. Seek Dental Care: Regardless of the severity of the injury, it is essential to visit your dentist at the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry as soon as possible. The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry can assess the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance for optimal recovery.

Preventing Tooth Injuries

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are preventive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of tooth injuries:

Wear Protective Gear. When engaging in contact sports or activities with a risk of dental trauma, use a mouthguard or helmet with a face shield to protect your teeth.

Avoid Biting Hard into foods. Biting into a bone or other unexpected obstruction can result in chipped or broken teeth.

Avoid using your teeth as a tool. It’s sometimes natural to use your teeth to open packages or to hold items while you tug at them. This is a risky practice that can result in damage to your teeth.

Be safe out there, and protect your teeth from injury. If you need a recommendation for tooth protection during work or sports, come into the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, and let’s talk about it.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

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What Makes Teeth Hurt and How The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Near Loveland Can Help You Avoid Pain

What Makes Teeth Hurt and How The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Near Loveland Can Help You Avoid Pain

Tooth pain, often described as one of the most agonizing experiences, can stem from various causes, from the mundane to the serious.

Understanding the root of tooth pain and seeking professional care is paramount to maintaining a pain-free smile. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Loveland, we’re committed to helping you prevent and alleviate tooth pain, ensuring that your smile shines as brilliantly as a radiant orange sunrise.

The Culprits Behind Tooth Pain

  • Tooth Decay: Cavities, the most common cause of tooth pain, occur when acids from bacteria in your mouth eat away at the enamel, creating tiny holes that expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
  • Gum Disease: As the gums become inflamed and recede due to infection or poor oral hygiene, the roots of your teeth can become exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity.
  • Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A broken or cracked tooth can cause excruciating pain, especially when chewing or exposing it to extreme temperatures.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can result from exposed dentin, a layer beneath the enamel, due to gum recession or enamel erosion. It can cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly, they can become impacted, leading to severe pain and potential infection.

Preventing Tooth Pain through Dental Visits

Regular dental visits at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Loveland are a crucial step in avoiding tooth pain. Here’s how professional care can help:

  • Early Detection: Routine check-ups can identify dental issues in their early stages, preventing them from becoming painful problems.
  • Professional Cleanings: Our dental team can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Education: We provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and offer tips to protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain.
  • Treatment Options: If tooth pain is already an issue, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry offers a range of treatments to alleviate pain and restore your oral health.

How The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Can Help You

Our team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is committed to providing compassionate and expert dental care. We understand that tooth pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on your quality of life. By choosing us, you’re making the proactive choice to maintain a pain-free smile.

Tooth pain can be disruptive, but it’s not something you have to endure alone. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Loveland, we are your partners in preventing and alleviating tooth pain.

Don’t let your smile be overshadowed by discomfort. Schedule a visit with us today, and together, we can ensure that your teeth remain pain-free and brilliantly beautiful.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

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Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Loveland

Today’s post from us here at The Fort Collins Dentist discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we can help. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

We are a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. We accept most dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. We at The Fort Collins Dentist have a variety of payment options. We serve patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526


Still Have Your Wisdom Teeth?

wisdom teeth removal Fort Collins

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24. They aren’t always troublesome, but they often are. We extract wisdom teeth at The Fort Collins Dentist.

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called “third molars.” That’s because they really are: the molars furthest back in the mouth. For some people they never present a problem. Unfortunately, such people are in the minority.

Wisdom teeth have a tendency to grow in crooked or sideways. Sometimes they don’t break through the gums, but instead grow into them, or even into the jawbone. They can let in bacteria and cause infection.

These and other complications can be very painful. That’s why we often recommend extraction. When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction, the younger you are the better. By middle age they could have fused with the bone, making extraction more difficult.

If you’re having issues with wisdom teeth or any other teeth, pleasea give us a call at The Fort Collins Dentist. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust our general and family dentistry and other dental care. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

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