Dentures

Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience for patients in a number of ways. In some ways it is akin to losing a part of yourself. Psychologically, the impact of a lost tooth can be painful. However the damage extends beyond a patient’s morale or confidence. A missing tooth can create problematic issues with bite profiles leading to pain experienced while chewing, changing facial structure, and the shifting of your remaining teeth in an effort to fill in the gap left behind by the missing tooth. Here at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry, your dentist in Kemptville is pleased to assist you in restoring or achieving your ideal smile, by providing you with a variety of options that include dental bridges, dentures, or in some cases, dental implants and implant restoration treatments.

As an alternative to dentures that patients have commonly reported as becoming loose when speaking, chewing, or even smiling, your dentist in Kemptville can provide dental implants. Dr. Besher Alfarra will work with you to design custom built dental implants that are designed to effectively replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are often made using a titanium alloy material that is fused directly into your jaw bone. As a result, the implants are stable, strong, and long lasting. Implant restoration involves surgically opening your gums and placing the implant just beneath the gum line onto your jaw bone, acting as if it is an artificial root canal. Once the surrounding tissue has bonded to the implant, has had time to fully heal, and is held firmly in place, an artificial tooth or crown is placed on top of the implant to restore and improve your smile.

In contrast to dentures or dental bridges, dental implants are completely independent, acting and functioning in the same way as your natural teeth. Apart from enhancing the stability of your neighboring teeth, dental implants enable you to eat a wider variety of food so you can enjoy your meals again. Contact us today at (613) 258-7373 to book an appointment at our dental office in Kemptville. Dentist Dr. Besher Alfarra is here to alleviate any concerns.

How to handle certain dental emergencies:

Avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth):

When a tooth gets knocked out from trauma, the oral tissues become damaged and it can be difficult for them to heal on their own. In most cases, a tooth can be placed back into position if you get to the dentist promptly.

If your tooth gets knocked out follow these steps:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Pick up the tooth and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
• 3. Place the tooth back into its socket if possible – if not tuck it into your cheek.
• 4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the mouth, place it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important that the tooth does not dry out.
• 5. See your dentist as soon as possible.

We will try our best to replace the tooth in its natural socket, but if damage is too severe then root canal therapy might be necessary.

Lost filling or crown:

When a crown or filling comes loose it’s often while eating. Once out of the mouth, the affected tooth can be very sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Generally crowns become loose because of decay beneath the tooth. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth which can cause problems with the fit of the crown.

Make a dental appointment as soon as possible if you lose a dental crown or filling. Crowns can be reinserted so it is important to keep them in a cool, safe place. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift and cause further damage.

Cracked or broken teeth:

Teeth are strong, but still prone to fractures. Sometimes cracks that don’t extend down into the root might cause minor discomfort when eating something hot. However, if it is a deeper injury and your tooth has been cracked or broken then you should see us as soon as possible because extraction might become necessary.

If a segment of your tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Rinse the tooth and mouth with lukewarm water.
• 3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
• 4. Place a cool, damp cloth on the cheek to help with swelling and relieve any pain.
• 5. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of a tooth’s break or fracture will determine what we are able to do at our dental office. If the crack extends into the root, then this may be a situation where a root canal is needed. Though root canal treatment should only proceed when all other options have been exhausted.

Dislodged/loose teeth:

Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal you may require a root canal. The process of a root canal helps to save the tooth by removing any bacteria in its interior so it can no longer cause pain but also prepares the mouth before installing crowns and bridges. If this procedure is done early enough there’s less risk of complications occurring in the future.

It is important to call our office immediately if you have a loose or dislodged tooth. Prior to getting to the office, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency please contact our office at (613) 258-7373.