An Emergency Dentist Provides Inclusive Care, Beyond What the ER Can Do

If having an emergency dentist has never crossed your mind, you would be in very good company. Most people do not believe, or consciously think about, the fact that they might someday find themselves in need of urgent medical care. This is not unique to dentistry, as most people do not consider themselves vulnerable to situations where they would need any kind of emergency medical attention. Even fewer people think that they will ever have the need of emergency dental care. This is because we live in a fast-paced world, where worrying about potential problems takes away from a busy schedule and so we ignore what might be. In the case of your teeth, chances are you do not think about them very much. The vast majority of people only think about their teeth when they are brushing, if they have need of a dentist, or if they cannot get a piece of steak out from a gap. Over 40% of American’s do not even visit the dentist on a regular basis. So when an emergency happens, typically sometime in the wee hours of the morning, most people have no idea who to call. Adding our office line to your emergency contact list is a good place to start. Otherwise, you could find yourself having to go to the emergency room within a tremendous amount of pain.

Emergency rooms and emergency dentist serve an entirely separate set of patients. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend to visit the emergency room when people need urgent dental care. Fundamentally needing a dentist, but not having access to one in off hours, patients are migrating to emergency rooms in record numbers. A study, which took the data from 24 states over 3 years, conducted by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, found that over that three year period, the number of patients seeking dental care in an emergency room increased by 16%. The challenge with this is that the physicians in emergency rooms are not trained to provide the same services as an emergency dentist. They are able to treat you for the symptoms of whatever is causing you discomfort. They will, for example, be able to give you pain medication if you are in pain, but will not be able to diagnose or treat the underlying cause. The study also found that of the people waiting for services in emergency rooms, 20% were returning to treat the same dental issues they had before. Getting treatment is important, but it is also important to get the right kind of care from a trained dentist.

A toothache is the most frequent cause for someone to seek out urgent medical care for their teeth. A toothache is one of the world’s most serious discomforts since it can be extremely debilitating. It is also, potentially, a symptom of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.  As a local emergency dentist, this is an example of an issue that we can address and do so more effectively than an ER doctor.  We can get to the bottom of what your issue is so that you can feel better quickly.

How a Clear Correct® Dentist Can Straighten Your Teeth

A Clear Correct® dentist can be a boon to thousands of adults who have misaligned or crooked teeth, but have not had them straightened because they do not wish to wear traditional metal braces. Clear Correct® aligners are a transparent tray that is custom molded to fit snugly over your upper or lower set of teeth. These aligners gradually and incrementally move your teeth to their ideal position.

Clear Correct® Vs Traditional Metal Braces

While it is true that braces are a lot less cumbersome than they used to be, they are still quite unsightly and uncomfortable. As a Clear Correct® dentist, we will fit the aligners to your teeth. Transparent thermoplastic aligners, which gradually and gently move your teeth, have several distinct advantages. Made of clear stain resistant material, they are barely visible, take less time to achieve the desired result, and are usually quite comfortable.

However, one of the most important advantages of Clear Correct® aligners is that the three-dimensional computer imaging technology used enables you to see an image of the planned result... even before you begin treatment.

Being Fitted For Clear Correct®

At your first appointment, as a Correct Dentist, we will first determine if this type of straightening is right for you. Unfortunately, there are a few situations when traditional braces are called for. If you are determined to be a good candidate, we will take impressions of your teeth and x-rays, from which a digital 3-D image is made. Once we map out an exact treatment plan, this image will be sent to the Clear Correct® manufacturing center in Texas, where your first aligners will be made.

When you return for your first fitting, you will probably notice that the aligners do not seem to quite fit your teeth. This is both true and perfectly normal. Because your teeth will be shifted in a series of gradual movements, every set of aligners is designed to fit a new position, that is one step closer to the final desired result. Once your teeth have moved into this position, which will happen very gradually, the aligner will feel loose. After a short period, during which the teeth stabilize, you will be given a new retainer, and the process will be repeated.

How Long Will It Take

The precise length of time, it will take to straighten your teeth will, obviously, depend on how far the tooth (or teeth) have to be moved. Although every situation is unique, most adults have to use Clear Correct® for about six months to a year. However, you will find that this time goes by fairly quickly for several reasons. As wearers of traditional braces often have to do, you will not have to restrict your diet and eliminate foods that get could get stuck in the wires and bands. Should you, for instance, decide to tuck into corn on the cob, you simply have to pop your Clear Correct® aligners out first. You can also remove your aligners before brushing and flossing, which ensures that you do a better job cleaning your teeth. Additionally, plaque, which causes tooth decay, will not build up behind the aligner. Just remember that since you can take them out, they must be put back in quickly to avoid a treatment delay.

As a professional and experienced Clear Correct® dentist, we can set you on the very short path to having the smile you have always wanted.