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Tips to Manage Dental Trauma by Douglas Family Dental Experts Accidents can happen with anyone at any time whether due to a sports injury, a fall or biting something too hard. Therefore, it is important that everyone is prepared, informed and well aware about managing such a stressful situation whether for self or for a loved one.   This blog tells you about dental trauma and emergencies and prepares you to take immediate steps after an injury and also guide you on how we can help at Douglas Family Dental in such a dental emergency situation. What is Dental Trauma and its types? Dental Trauma is a sudden injury to your teeth, gums, jawbone or soft tissues of your mouth. An early treatment to this injury gives you highest chances of full recovery.   Dental trauma can happen due to various reasons such as accidents or falls, physical involvement in fights or other incidents, biting on hard objects (ice, pen etc.) or any other unexpected reason.   Common Types of Dental Trauma are- Concussion where there is no evidence of broken or fractured teeth and the teeth remains in normal position. Primary symptom is pain or sensitivity on tapping. Luxated or Dislodged tooth where the tooth is displaced but still attached to the socket. The main symptoms of luxation are bleeding and pain from gums. Luxation can be of two types- Intrusive (tooth moved inside bone) and Extrusive (tooth hanging out of the socket). The symptoms include excessive pain and may feel elongated in case of extrusive luxation. Avulsed or Knocked out tooth where the tooth is completely displaced out of the socket and this type of trauma generally results in tooth loss. Tooth Fracture that completely causes tooth injury and rarely results in dislocation. In this case, the tooth could be broken, fractured, chipped, cracked or pulled out. The symptoms include a visible crack or fracture line, swollen gums, sensitivity, constant pain and sharp or rough feeling on the tooth surface. Soft Tissue Injuries, such as lacerations or cuts to the gums, lips or tongue. What are the first steps to follow after a dental accident or trauma?   After a dental injury, a quick act can make a big difference and you might prevent complications with your actions. After encountering the accident, call your dentist immediately. If you are in Douglas or surrounding areas, you can call our office at (508) 476-2828 and you will get expert care and immediate support. Before reaching the hospital, you can follow the below tips to take care of your injury- If you have a chipped or broken tooth, quick rinse your mouth with warm water and save the broken pieces of your tooth if possible. If available, please apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the tooth is knocked out, pick up the tooth if you can by the top, not root, and rinse it gently with water.  If your tooth is loosened, bite down gently to keep it in place and avoid touching. If you have a soft tissue injury, clean the area with water. Apply a clean cloth to stop bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. What are the impacts of dental trauma?   Dental trauma can lead to both physical and psychological impact to the patient. While physically it can lead to severe pain, tooth loss or infections, psychologically it can affect the person’s confidence and their willingness to speak or smile in public. Severe pain can also result in anxiety and stress about future dental health. Some long-term effects may include- Cosmetic Concerns Prolonged sensitivity and chronic pain Tooth or Bone Loss Misalignment issues Why Trust Douglas Family Dental in case of dental emergency?   Tooth trauma is scary and during an emergency, you need somebody you can totally count on. At Douglas Family Dental, our team is an expert at handling such situations and always make sure that the patient is at comfort during the entire treatment. We provide multiple emergency treatment options with expert care according to the patient’s dental needs such as- Same day emergency appointment to perform dental examination with urgent care Root Canal Therapy- If your tooth’s pulp or nerve is impacted by the trauma, we can remove the damaged tissue while preserving your tooth by root canal therapy.  Tooth Extraction- If the tooth cannot be saved, we recommend tooth extraction following with replacement solutions. Tooth Replacement- In above cases, we recommend dental implants, bridges or dentures to offer long-lasting and natural appearance after the tooth loss. The dentist only decides what treatment is required in a specific situation, once they have examined your case. At Douglas Family Dental, we have cutting-edge technology such as cone beam 3D imaging, intraoral scanners which help us provide you the best dental care. Dr. Sidhu is an expert at cosmetic dentistry and his goal is always to relieve your pain, save your tooth, and restore your smile as quickly and gently as possible.   Tips to Prevent dental trauma or accidents?   Dental accident or trauma cannot be prevented always, but the risk can be reduced by following some simple tips- Always wear a mouth guard while playing sports or any physical activity where you might get hurt. Never chew or bite on hard objects such as trying to open a bottle with your teeth. Always wear a seatbelt while driving. Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist and maintain a good oral hygiene. Even if a damages tooth seems fine at first, it can cause problems later. Therefore, it is recommended to do some regular check-ups with your dentist. At Douglas Family Dental, we provide multiple dental services, which can help maintain your dental health, such as- Dental cleanings and examinations Dental Education Preventive dental care such as Scaling & Root Planing, Gum disease treatment etc. Restorative services such as dental implants, bridges, root canal, dentures, partials etc. Cosmetic dental services such as veneers, invisalign, teeth whitening Cone Beam

Addressing doubts, concerns and myths about Dental Crowns- Everything, you should know Dental crown has become a very common procedure these days as any other dental treatment. Undoubtedly, they have also turned out to be one of the most effective solutions for restoring damaged, weakened or severely decayed tooth.    In this blog, we are going to provide you all the information that you should have before getting a crown done. We will discuss the different types, advantages, disadvantages and some common concerns associated with the dental crowns. What are Dental Crowns and its types? A dental crown is a cap like structure, which serves as a cover over a damaged or weakened tooth, help in shielding the tooth from heavy chewing forces, and restore its natural look. These are custom-made to fit perfectly to the patient’s teeth and ensure the perfect natural look. There are different types of crowns available in Douglas, MA and the kind that fits you totally depends on your personal preference and your oral health. The below table provides you with a comparison of different types of crowns-   Crown Type Suitable For Pros Cons Material Used Metal Crown Molars (Back Teeth) Extremely Durable Not tooth colored Gold, Platinum or base metal alloys   Resistant to chipping or breaking Not aesthetically pleasing     Less tooth prep needed       Resin Crown Both Front and back teeth Less Expensive Fragile and less durable Composite resin material  Zirconia Crown Both Front and back teeth Very Strong with minimal risk of chipping Slightly more expensive Zirconium dioxide   Resistant to wear Require more tooth preparation     Natural appearance     Porcelain Crown Front teeth Metal Free Can be fragile Porcelain   Natural appearance More expensive     No allergic reactions Can chip over time   Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns Both Front and back teeth Stronger than all porcelain May chip over time     More Durable Can show a dark line near the gum line over time     Blend well with natural teeth       Cost effective as compared to all porcelain       Dental Crown Procedure – What to Expect? The steps for a dental crown procedure are- First Visit– Preparing the Tooth- To prepare the teeth for crown, dentist remove the enamel to create space for the crown. The main goal for this step is to create a strong foundation for your new crown.   Taking dental impressions- Physical impression are taken with a putty-like material or digital impressions are taken with a handheld scanner. The impressions are sent to the dental lab to create the custom dental crown.   Temporary crown placement- The dental lab takes two to three weeks to prepare the permanent dental crown and meanwhile your dentist place a temporary one.     Second Visit– During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. The dentist will check the shape, color and fit of the crown and then will bond the new crown to the tooth using a strong dental cement. At Douglas Family Dental, we ensure that the entire process is gentle, comfortable, and stress-free. We use advanced materials and digital precision to give you a crown that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.   How to care for your Dental Crown? You need to follow the below tips to make your crown last longer and in good condition- Floss between your teeth once every day. While flossing, do it gently around the crown to avoid damage. Avoid chewing hard food such as hard candies etc. Keep visiting the dentist for regular checkups. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, we should use a mouth guard. Do not use your teeth to open bottles or other products. Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to keep dental plaque and harmful bacteria at bay. **If you notice a loose crown, bad breath, cracks or chips in your crown or sharp edges in the crown that bother your tongue or gums, you should immediately visit your dentist. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Sidhu at Douglas Family Dentist to restore your smile with strength, beauty and confidence.**   Common Concerns/Myths about Dental Crowns   Are dental crowns permanent? The average lifespan of a dental crown is five to 15 years. If you notice wear, tear or damage, it is time for dental crown replacement.   Are crowns and bridges different and when are they used? A dental crown is a cap that covers the damaged or decayed tooth, however dental bridge is a prosthetic that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns are ideal when a tooth is decayed however; it is still intact to support a crown, whereas bridges are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth without needing a dental implant.   Are Dental crowns only for elder people? Crowns are not age specific. From teenagers with tooth injuries to adults needing post root-canal protection, crowns are for everyone.   Does Dental crowns make your teeth look fake? The dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dentists use the materials like porcelain or ceramic that mimic the color and texture of natural teeth.   Are Dental Crowns painful to get? It is often assumed that the dental crowns are very painful however; it is actually a comfortable and painless procedure. Modern techniques have made dental crown procedures quick and pain-free. At Douglas Family Dental, our team uses modern techniques to get you painless and seamless crown fitting experience.   It is hard to eat with the crown.  Once your crown settles, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Just remember to follow your dentist’s advice for care and maintenance.   Crowns weaken the natural teeth. A crown does not weaken your tooth—it saves it as it acts as a cover to your teeth.   If you are experiencing tooth pain, damage, or cosmetic concerns, a dental crown may be just what you

The Power of Dental Veneers: Everything that you should know Have you ever felt embarrassed while smiling in public and lost confidence due to stained teeth or gaps in your teeth? Well, you are not alone in this. Many people struggle with this and they do not want to go for expensive/long dental procedures. That is where Dental Veneers come as a life savior.    Do you know that in recent years, the number of Americans getting veneers has surged by 250% which means that around 600,000 individuals have undergone the procedure annually. It shows the growing demand for aesthetic dental solutions.   Let us explain you about the dental veneers, their importance, when you should opt for veneers and other important information that you should know before getting veneers. What Are Dental Veneers? Dental veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They conceal cracks, chips, stains and other cosmetic imperfections. Veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments. These are often made from porcelain or resin-composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.   Different types of veneers The two common types of veneers are porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers however there are no-prep veneers available, which are applied through a different process. Porcelain Veneers– Porcelain veneers are a strong, thin cap that dentist place on the top and side of the teeth. To fit the porcelain veneers, dentist remove some enamel and then take an impression for mold on the first visit. The mold is sent to the laboratory and custom-fit veneer is prepared for the patient.  On the next visit, the dentist bond the veneers to the teeth after making sure that it is a good fit and good color. The dentist will make the adjustments if needed. Resin Based Composite Veneers– To fit the resin based veneers to the teeth, the dentist starts by cleaning, reshaping and preparing the teeth. Once done, the dentist bond and sculpt the composite material to the teeth and will adjust the color so that they look just like the natural teeth. After that, they will use a light to dry and harden the composite. Once it is hardened, the dentist will smoothen and polish them to give them a natural look in mouth.  Which type of veneers are best for you? Choosing the veneers totally depends on the patient’s budget and preferences. You can consult Dr. Sidhu for professional insight, which can help you decide the one that will work best for you. Below are some differences given by American Dental Association (ADA) that you should keep in mind while choosing the right veneer for you-   Porcelain Veneers Resin-based composite Veneers more expensive less expensive usually requires enamel removal may not require enamel removal 2–3 appointments usually 1 appointment last around 20 years last around 5 years will not stain may stain over time less likely to chip or fracture more likely to chip or break more difficult to fix easier to fix   Why you should Consider Dental Veneers? Veneers not only provide you with a beautiful smile but there are some other practical benefits that you should not ignore. Here’s why they’re such a popular cosmetic dentistry choice:   ✅ Instant Confidence Boost: If you’ve ever hidden your smile in photos or covered your mouth when laughing, veneers can help you regain confidence in your appearance. ✅ Stain Resistance: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking, keeping your smile brighter for longer. ✅ Minimally Invasive Procedure: Getting veneers requires only a small amount of enamel to be removed, making them a less invasive alternative to crowns. ✅ Durability & Longevity: With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years, making them a great investment in your smile. ✅ Customized for You: Each set of veneers is uniquely crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a perfect, natural-looking finish.   What Problems Can Veneers Fix? Dental veneers are a perfect solution for a range of cosmetic dental issues, including: Broken or chipped teeth Gaps in the teeth Uneven teeth Smaller than average teeth Stained or discolored teeth which cannot be fixed with whitening How to know if veneers are right for you? Dental veneers are an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their smile without undergoing extensive dental procedures. However, if you have severe tooth decay, gum disease or any other major problem, you should consult with a dentist first. A consultation with your dentist can help determine if veneers are the right solution for you.   Difference between veneers, crowns and implants Veneers are not similar to crowns or implants at all. Veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth while crowns encase the entire tooth. Veneers are thin as compared to crowns and less invasive. An implant is installed in the bone to replace a missing tooth and a crown is placed on top of that.    Aftercare of Dental Veneers The recovery process for veneers do not take an extended amount of time. Once the veneers are cemented on, you can chew and eat normally as you would. However, with certain precautions you can get the longest lifespan out of them as possible. The precautions are- Never use your teeth to open packaging. If you are a sportsperson, you should wear mouth guards. Eat harder food with your back teeth and avoid chewing with your front teeth. Do not chew on hard objects like pens, ice or fingernails. Where to buy Veneers Either you can buy dental veneers through local suppliers who specializes in dental product or you can also buy online as there are several online suppliers as well. To know more, you can schedule your appointment with the best dental office serving Douglas and nearby towns – Douglas Family Dental. Dental veneers are a fantastic option to improve your smile with a natural and long lasting look. At Douglas Family Dental, we

Exploring the Transformative Power of CBCT Scan Imaging In the ever-evolving realm of dentistry, technological advancements continually push the boundaries of diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. Among these innovations, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan imaging emerges as a pioneering force, revolutionizing how dental professionals perceive and approach oral health care.   In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the multifaceted dimensions of CBCT scan imaging, from its fundamental technology to its profound impact on patient care and treatment outcomes. Section 1: Understanding CBCT Scan Imaging At the heart of CBCT technology lies a remarkable ability to transcend the constraints of traditional X-rays. Unlike conventional imaging methods, CBCT captures three-dimensional images of oral structures with unparalleled detail and clarity. By utilizing a cone-shaped beam and a specialized detector, CBCT generates high-resolution images that offer comprehensive insights into the intricate anatomy of the oral cavity, including teeth, bone, nerves and soft tissues. This three-dimensional perspective enables our dentist, Dr. Jasjit Sidhu, to visualize complex anatomical relationships with exceptional precision, laying the foundation for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment planning.   Section 2: Applications of CBCT in Dentistry The applications of CBCT in dentistry are as diverse as they are profound. From diagnosing impacted teeth and jaw abnormalities to assessing sinus conditions and evaluating bone density, CBCT plays a pivotal role in elucidating complex dental issues that may elude conventional imaging techniques. By providing detailed anatomical information, CBCT empowers Dr. Sidhu to formulate customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, thereby optimizing outcomes and minimizing risks.   Section 3: Unraveling the Precision for Treatment Planning In the realm of treatment planning, precision is paramount, and CBCT delivers unparalleled accuracy. Whether guiding implant placement, facilitating endodontic procedures, or orchestrating orthodontic interventions, CBCT empowers our Dr. Jasjit Sidhu to navigate intricate anatomical nuances with confidence and proficiency. By incorporating CBCT into treatment protocols, our dentist can enhance the predictability and success rates of procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.   Section 4: Minimizing Radiation Exposure Concerns about radiation exposure are valid, but CBCT addresses these concerns with a commitment to patient safety. Unlike traditional CT scans, which may entail higher radiation doses, CBCT utilizes optimized imaging protocols to minimize radiation exposure while maximizing diagnostic efficacy. By prioritizing safety without compromising image quality, CBCT sets a new standard for responsible imaging practices in dentistry, ensuring that our patient’s well-being remains paramount at every step of the diagnostic process.   Section 5: Enhancing Patient Care and Comfort Beyond its technical capabilities, CBCT enhances patient care by prioritizing comfort and convenience. With shorter scan times and reduced discomfort compared to traditional imaging modalities, CBCT offers a more seamless and patient-friendly experience. Moreover, the detailed images generated by CBCT empower our patients to actively participate in their oral health journey by fostering a deeper understanding of their conditions and treatment options, thereby promoting informed decision-making and collaborative care.   Section 6: Real Cases and Success Stories From identifying hidden pathology to guiding intricate surgical procedures, CBCT has played a pivotal role in countless cases where conventional imaging fell short. It has helped one of our patients, let’s call him Patient X, who is in his eighties replace all his missing teeth with accurate treatment planning for dental implants. CBCT helped us make a surgical guide for successful implant placement surgery and restored his smile. His wife told us that she had not seen him smile that much in years.   Section 7: Incorporating CBCT into Dental Care As CBCT continues to redefine the landscape of dental imaging, Dr. Jasjit Sidhu is excited to embrace this advanced technology as a cornerstone of comprehensive oral health care. By leveraging the benefits of CBCT, Dr. Sidhu can elevate the standard of care he provides, while our patients can gain peace of mind knowing that their dental needs are being addressed with the utmost precision and expertise. Our dental team appreciates being able to enhance diagnostic capabilities or a patient eager to explore cutting-edge treatment options, CBCT stands ready to transform the way we perceive and preserve oral health for generations to come.   In conclusion, CBCT scan imaging represents not just a technological advancement, but a paradigm shift in how we approach oral health care. By harnessing the power of three-dimensional imaging, CBCT empowers our dental team to achieve unprecedented levels of diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and patient satisfaction. As we embrace this transformative technology, we embark on a journey toward a future where oral health outcomes are optimized, risks are minimized, and smiles abound with confidence and vitality.   Call Today Our team is proud to offer Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan imaging in Douglas, Massachusetts, also serving the surrounding areas of Webster, Uxbridge, Sutton, Whitinsville and Mendon, Massachusetts.  If you would like to learn more or schedule a dental appointment, please call 508-476-2828 today!