Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention to reduce pain, prevent further damage, and ensure oral health. If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Carolina Complete Dentistry. Dental emergencies include critical dental issues that demand prompt professional assistance, such as severe toothaches, knocked-out or broken teeth, lost fillings, broken braces, and other emergencies. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency is crucial to initiate timely action and minimize potential complications.

When confronted with a dental emergency, staying calm and taking immediate steps to mitigate pain and prevent further damage is essential. Here are some actions you can take:

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water, floss gently to remove any food particles, and apply a cold compress to the affected area for temporary relief.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out, keep the tooth moist in milk or a tooth preservation kit and seek dental help immediately.
• Fractured Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and visit a dentist as soon as possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Use dental cement, which can be purchased at a local pharmacy, to temporarily cover the exposed area until you can visit a dentist.

While the initial steps mentioned above provide temporary relief, quickly scheduling an appointment with a dentist is essential. Dental professionals are trained to handle emergencies and can provide the necessary treatment to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and restore oral health. Delaying professional care can lead to more significant problems and complications down the line.

Although dental emergencies are unexpected, you can take preventive measures to minimize the risk. Maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and visit a dentist for routine check-ups. Additionally, wearing mouthguards during physical activities and avoiding chewing on hard objects can help reduce the likelihood of dental injuries.

Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to handle them can significantly protect your oral health. Remember, in any dental emergency, it is always best to consult a dentist. Stay prepared, stay calm, and prioritize your dental well-being. Visit Carolina Complete Dentistry to learn more about dental emergencies and available services.

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A bright, white smile is often associated with youth, health, and beauty. Teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons, including aging, smoking, drinking coffee or tea, and certain medications. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help to restore the natural brightness of teeth. However, there are different ways to achieve this, including teeth whitening at a dentist’s office and teeth whitening at home. We will discuss the pros and cons of each method below. 

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening at Carolina Complete Dentistry is a popular option for those who want quick and long-lasting results. The process involves applying a bleaching agent directly to the teeth, which is then activated with a special light. The entire procedure can be completed in one session, lasting around an hour.

Pros:

Professional expertise: When you choose to have your teeth whitened at a dental office, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a trained professional. Our dentists have the expertise and experience to assess the condition of your teeth and choose the right treatment for you.

Stronger bleaching agents: Here at Carolina Complete Dentistry we use stronger bleaching agents than those available over the counter. This means that the results are more dramatic and longer-lasting.

Safety: Teeth whitening at our dental office is a safe procedure, as we take precautions to protect your gums and other sensitive areas of your mouth.

Cons:

Cost: Teeth whitening at a dental office is more expensive than teeth whitening at home. The cost can vary depending on the office, but on average, it can range from $500 to $1,000 per session. 

Time: Teeth whitening at a dental office requires an appointment, which can take up to an hour. This can be inconvenient for those with a busy schedule.

Teeth Whitening at Home

Teeth whitening at home is a more affordable and convenient option for those who want to brighten their smile. The process involves using a whitening agent, which is applied to the teeth using trays or strips. 

Pros:

Cost: Teeth whitening at home is more affordable than teeth whitening at a dental office. The cost can range from $20 to $200, depending on the product.

Convenience: Teeth whitening at home is convenient as it can be done in the comfort of your own home. It also allows you to fit the treatment around your schedule.

Cons:

Effectiveness: Teeth whitening at home is not as effective as teeth whitening at a dental office. The bleaching agents used at home are not as strong, and the results may not last as long.

Safety: Teething whitening at home can be risky if the instructions are not followed correctly. Overuse or misuse of the product can damage the enamel of the teeth and cause sensitivity or discomfort.

Overall, both teeth whitening at a dental office and teeth whitening at home have their pros and cons. Teeth whitening at a dentist’s office provides quick and long-lasting results, but is it more expensive and time-consuming. Teeth whitening at home is more affordable and convenient, but the results may not be as effective, and there is a risk of damage if the product is not used correctly. Contact Carolina Complete Dentistry to learn more about our teeth whitening process.

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Learn About Water Flossing With us at Carolina Complete Dentistry

Water flossers or water picks, technically an oral irrigator, if you’re asking, are increasingly popular, but are they effective? Only 32% of adults floss daily, so there is absolutely a need for an easier way to clean between teeth. Going without daily flossing, or some form of interdental cleaning leaves all of those people, most of us, at serious risk of gum disease. So let’s find out if water picks live up to the hype.

Are Water Flossers Better Than String Floss?

Water flossers seem to be very effective according to current research. A 2013 study on the effectiveness of water flossers compared to string floss found that water flossers were “significantly” more effective than string floss. Specifically, they found that after a single-use water flossers were 29% more effective at removing plaque. They were particularly better at removing plaque and accumulations from between teeth, and that’s most of why we floss, isn’t it?

Something that may be worth considering is that one of the authors of the 2013 study, Deborah Lyle, was employed by the Waterpik corporation from May 2004 until January 2022 as their Director of Clinical Research. Waterpik’s page for clinical research about water flossers lists many studies that include Deborah Lyle as a contributor.

However, other researchers were involved, and other studies exist that point to the effectiveness of water flossers. A 2021 study on the effectiveness of water flossers compared to string floss is an example, though they did not have such strong conclusions as the 2013 Deborah Lyle study did. They found instead that water flossers were just as effective as string floss, not more so. That is why they recommended water flossers to those with braces, retainers, or who have fine motor skill issues.

So, water flossers do seem to work and could potentially replace string floss or floss picks in your oral health routine. But are they superior to string floss? They might be, but considering, there doesn’t seem to be a reason to knock yourself if you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon just yet.

Are There Any Downsides to Water Flossers?

While great at cleaning your teeth, there are a few things to consider before you run out and get one. Water flossers can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, according to a 2021 study. Put simply, because water flosser heads touch your mouth and stay wet, oral bacteria can grow on it. Even in spite of following provided cleaning recommendations. That’s not all, this study limited itself to studying only the nozzle, not the hose or water reservoir itself. So while trying to clean your mouth there is the possibility that you could be spraying your teeth with bacteria.

It’s no secret that toothbrushes can be a source of illness and can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. However, proper storage and sanitary precautions, even ones as simple as rinsing your toothbrush and letting it dry, have been shown to reduce bacteria considerably. Allowing it to dry is crucial and would be much more time-consuming to practice with a water flosser. Because a water flosser is a reservoir of water with an attached hose it seems proper cleaning would require draining it and its components and allowing them to dry after each use, at a minimum. Certainly more time-consuming than standard care and cleaning instructions would have you think is necessary for proper use.

Besides cleanliness, it’s also worth considering that no one is likely to travel with a water flosser. That just means that you’ll need to keep using string floss for overnight stays. That is to say, even if you get a water flosser, don’t throw out all your old string floss. You’ll still need it if you intend to keep up a daily hygiene routine.

If I Get One, What’s The Best Water Flosser? 

The ADA, the American Dental Association, has an approved list of water flossers. The ADA only allows its seal to be used on products that “include data from clinical and/or laboratory studies that demonstrate safety and efficacy according to product category requirements developed by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs”. The ADA is one of the largest professional organizations for dentists meaning that any product bearing the ADA seal can be reasonably trusted. If you are considering trying a water flosser we strongly encourage you to factor the ADA’s recommendations into your decision.

Learn About Teeth Whitening and Blue Covarine

There’s always a demand for new ways to whiten teeth. There’s no end in sight, from at-home tips like brushing with charcoal to new professional whitening techniques like ultraviolet light-activated gels. One ingredient that has been getting attention for the past few years is called blue covarine. 

Blue covarine is an ingredient in some toothpaste that is supposed to gently whiten teeth through consistent usage.

Does Blue Covarine Toothpaste Really Whiten Teeth?

The evidence is mixed. A 2015 article in the Journal of Applied Oral Science found that toothpaste containing blue covariance was no more effective than standard whitening toothpaste. In that same study, at-home teeth whitening products containing carbamide peroxide, a similar ingredient to hydrogen peroxide, and professional in-office teeth whitening treatments were far more effective at whitening teeth than either toothpaste.

Another study investigating the effectiveness of blue covarine toothpaste found that it was no more effective than a regular toothpaste. Most of its effectiveness came from the abrasive effect of brushing itself rather than the toothpaste’s ingredients.

A 2019 study from the Journal of Applied Oral Science found that blue covarine toothpaste was less effective than either standard whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide or toothpaste containing microbead abrasives. Interestingly, toothpaste containing microbeads was the most effective at whitening teeth.

In conclusion, blue covarine toothpaste does not seem to compare to other whitening methods, even other mild teeth whitening products. There’s no reason to use blue covarine over other whitening toothpaste with better ingredients.

Professional Teeth Whitenings

Navigating the best way to whiten teeth are home can be overwhelming. You want whiter teeth, but you don’t want to risk damaging or risk wasting your money on something that doesn’t work. 

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At Carolina Complete Dentistry in Charlotte, NC we get a lot of questions about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal. Having wisdom teeth removed is a fairly common procedure, but it can still cause people to be nervous and have questions. That’s why we put together this blog – to help answer all of your questions about wisdom teeth.

What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Following the procedure, we recommend that you primarily eat soft, cool foods for at least the first few days. This includes foods like:

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Soup

Most people feel comfortable reintroducing solid foods into their diet after 3-4 days, but this depends on your level of pain.

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

Wisdom teeth removal does not take very long. Most procedures only take one hour or less to complete. You will need to rest for at least a day following the procedure to ensure that you can heal and recover.

What Age do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

For most people, wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 25. It’s completely normal for them to come in a little earlier or later than this range. We can identify if you have wisdom teeth using x-rays.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

This depends on your individual oral health situation. It is possible for wisdom teeth to grow in straight and in line with your other teeth. This would have little to no impact if they were not removed. However, many people’s wisdom teeth do not grow nice and straight. It’s very common for them to grow crooked or towards your other teeth which can cause them to become impacted. This can cause issues such as:

• Pain
• Infections or cysts
• Damage to other teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Gum disease

We hope that these answers help you better understand wisdom teeth removal. If you still have more questions about wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth removal, call our Charlotte, NC office at 704-547-8555 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

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Emergency Dentistry at Carolina Complete Dentistry

Damage to teeth and gums can’t be ignored. It’s always important to act quickly if something is wrong, but some dental issues are more pressing than others. How can you know the difference between a dental problem that needs to be solved soon and a problem that needs to be solved now? 

We never want our patients to put off a dental procedure when it could lead to lasting harm, so we’ve compiled a list of important warning signs that mean you should get your teeth checked out as soon as possible. After all, you’ve only got so many teeth — it’s best to keep them all in good shape.

Broken or missing teeth

It goes without saying that obvious physical damage to your teeth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can experience. If your tooth has been damaged, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately and call us as soon as possible. If your tooth has come out, gently try to put it back into the socket (without touching the root!) or keep it in your mouth to protect it until we can see you.

Dental abscesses

A dental abscess is a small collection of pus inside of a tooth or gums that are caused by a bacterial infection. If your symptoms include shiny red swollen gums, a fever, or pain that spreads to your jaw or neck, you may have an abscess, even if you don’t see it. Try to see us as soon as possible, but, in the meantime, you can reduce the pain of the abscess by avoiding cold drinks. Use a soft toothbrush to very gently clean the area until we can get you into the office.

Lost filling or crown

A crown or filling can become loose or even fall out for a variety of reasons. If you lose a crown or filling, it’s important to try to save it — we may be able to reuse it. Rinse the area with warm salt water and continue to brush the damaged tooth (gently!) until we can see you.

Significant pain or swelling in the teeth, gums or jaw

Constant pain or swelling in your mouth is never normal! This symptom may seem vague or common, but it could be a sign of major damage or an infection that could have nasty results if left untreated. Don’t tough it out. Call us and we will decide together whether you need to come in for an appointment.

Ignoring any of these four dental problems could result in the permanent loss of teeth. Infections can even spread to other parts of your body and cause serious general medical issues, so it’s extremely important to get your teeth examined if you experience any dental emergency on this list!

We want your tooth pain or mouth pain to stop. 

First and foremost, if you are in pain, we want to help you get some relief. Then we can address any underlying causes to solve the problem using dental best practices. If you believe you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call at 704-547-8555 as soon as possible. We’ll get you an appointment in the near future, so you can go back to your life and leave tooth pain behind.