3 Ways to Prevent Cracked Teeth

3 Ways to Prevent Cracked Teeth

by | May 19, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Featured

Dental emergencies can happen in a split second, and can quickly result in lost teeth. Cracked teeth should send you running for a dental professional immediately since a crack can allow dangerous bacteria to invade, causing sensitivity, decay and tooth loss. How can you avoid cracking or fracturing your teeth? It’s simpler than you might think, according to Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group.

Protect Yourself

“Most cracked or broken teeth are the result of dental trauma, either recently or in the past and no treatment was done at that time,” Dr. Allen says. This includes damage from sports injuries, falls or accidents, or chewing on hard objects or foods. Athletes should ALWAYS use a mouthguard and see the dentist or Endodontist for any dental emergencies that may occur. Never chew on ice or hard objects, and avoid using your teeth to open packages. Falls and accidents are a bit more difficult to prevent, but if you are able to protect your face and mouth when falling, make the attempt to do so.

Dental_Emergency_PhoenixRoutine Checkups

Dr. Allen explains, Dental restorations (fillings) that are 10 years or older should be looked at during a patient’s routine dental care. Fillings can break and chip and thereby expose the remaining tooth structure to potentially further break down. Age and location of prior dental work can play a role in damaged teeth which can lead to a dental emergency. To add to that, a routine dental checkup can identify small cracks that can be easily fixed, preventing them from developing into big problems down the road.

Keep Teeth Strong

The enamel of your teeth is a very hard substance, but one that can be eroded or damaged due to bad habits like soda drinking, eating sugary foods, brushing too hard, and chewing fingernails or ice. Brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride, floss regularly, and talk to your doctor about your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Many dental emergencies can be avoided by using caution and common sense. If you have cracked or fractured teeth already, Dr. Allen is here to help!

 

Benefits of Using an Endodontist

Benefits of Using an Endodontist

by | Apr 28, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Featured, General Information

Phoenix_EndodontistYou probably already know that a twice-yearly dentist visit is a must for a healthy mouth. Why should you consider adding a Phoenix endodontist to your dental care program?

“The most common reason a patient needs to see an endodontist is that the patient is in pain or has an abscessed tooth. When a tooth becomes “necrotic” that means that the nerves and tissue inside the tooth are dying. Some people have pain, others do not. When the nerve has died and the patient does not feel it, the tooth may become more susceptible to fracture if left untreated,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, D.D.S., M.S. of Phoenix Endodontic Group.

An endodontist has advanced tools and equipment to diagnose and treat complex dental cases, plus specialized training. Fractured or chipped teeth, tooth decay, tooth pain, and trauma to the teeth are all examples of issues for which a Phoenix endodontist should be involved. “We treat many patients with complicated cases, and spend as much time and have as many visits as it takes to resolve a patient’s endodontic issue,” Dr. Allen adds.

Not all endodontists are the same, even if they provide the same menu of services. Dr. Allen states that “Phoenix Endodontic Group is a small family business. We strive to treat all patients the way we wish to be treated by our healthcare professionals. Attention to detail and prompt efficient service to patients has led us to develop many lasting relationships with our referring doctors.”

If you are trying to find the RIGHT endodontist, an important detail is the practice’s business approach. Those under insurance contracts may be limited in the services they provide and be encouraged to spend as little time as possible with each patient. “At Phoenix Endodontics, we take a limited amount of insurance contracts, because we feel that in endodontics patient treatment and care can be compromised if insurance companies are dictating what an endodontist can be reimbursed for a procedure,” remarks Dr. Allen.

“Personal attention and top quality care is what a patient will always get from Phoenix Endodontic Group,” Dr. Allen promises. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!