How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for decades – potentially a lifetime. The titanium implant itself can effectively integrate with your jawbone permanently. The crown (visible tooth portion) may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Generally, you need to have adequate bone density and healthy gum tissues to support the implants. However, even if you've experienced bone loss, bone grafting procedures can often improve your candidacy. The best way to know is through an evaluation by an implant dentist.

How painful is the implant procedure?

The implant placement procedure itself is not painful since it’s performed under anesthesia. You may experience some minor swelling and discomfort for a few days afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

How do I care for dental implants?

You care for implants just like natural teeth - brush twice daily, floss once a day, and attend regular dental cleanings and check-ups. Good oral hygiene helps ensure the long-term success of your implants.

Types of Dental Emergencies | Farmington, CT, Dentists

Handling Dental Emergencies With Confidence and Speed

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, ranging from severe tooth pain to sudden injuries to the mouth or teeth. Being knowledgeable and ready for these situations is crucial for avoiding serious complications and maintaining your dental health.

At Pinnacle Dental, Dr. Frank Kuzmin provides comprehensive emergency dental services in Farmington, CT, and surrounding communities. Our dental team is ready to help you receive emergency dental care when you need it most. Call our Farmington dental office today at (860) 470-3660 to schedule your emergency dental appointment.

Common Dental Emergencies You May Experience

Severe Gum Issues

Gum problems not only cause dental pain but can seriously impact your overall oral health:

Periodontal Abscess: If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums, seek emergency dental treatment immediately to drain the abscess and prevent infection from spreading to soft tissues.
Bleeding Gums: Excessive and persistent gum bleeding could indicate periodontal disease or injured gum tissue. This requires prompt evaluation by a dentist.
Gum Infections: Infections in the gums often lead to throbbing pain and discomfort. A dental professional should evaluate these dental problems promptly to prevent more serious dental infections.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic issues can be challenging, especially for patients with braces or aligners:

Poking Wires: If a wire is poking into your cheek or gums, use dental wax or the eraser end of a pencil to gently reposition it until you can see your dentist.
Loose Brackets or Bands: Stabilize loose orthodontic hardware with dental wax until you can get to your dentist’s office.
Discomfort from Aligners: Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet can help manage tooth sensitivity until your mouth adjusts.

Lost Dental Restorations

When dental work fails, quick action is essential:

Lost Dental Filling: Use sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement to protect the affected tooth. Schedule a same-day emergency appointment to have your dental restoration replaced.
Lost Dental Crown: Gently clean the crown and try to reattach it temporarily with dental adhesive. Visit your dentist immediately to ensure proper placement and prevent further damage to tooth enamel.

Tooth Fractures and Cracked Teeth

Tooth damage requires immediate attention to prevent infection and tooth loss:

Chipped Tooth: Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments and seek urgent dental care to restore your tooth’s appearance and function.
Cracked Teeth: A cracked tooth often causes sharp pain when chewing. Contact our emergency dentist immediately for evaluation and appropriate dental treatment.
Split Tooth: This severe form of tooth fracture separates the tooth into distinct segments, often requiring root canal therapy or tooth extraction by an oral surgeon.

Knocked Out Tooth (Dental Avulsion)

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

Handle it by the crown (top part), not the tooth root
Gently rinse if dirty, but preserve periodontal ligament fibers
Try reinserting the tooth into its socket
If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or saline solution
Seek emergency treatment within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

Jaw Injuries and Oral Trauma

Jaw injuries require immediate medical attention:

Jaw Fracture: Stabilize with a bandage and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Visit the hospital emergency room for immediate care.
Dislocated Jaw: This causes severe pain and limited movement. Seek immediate medical attention rather than attempting to relocate it yourself.

Dental Abscess and Serious Infections

Dental abscesses can lead to systemic complications:

Tooth Abscess: Often presents as swelling with severe pain. Rinse with salt water and seek emergency dental services immediately to drain the abscess and potentially begin root canal treatment.
Periodontal Abscess: Like tooth abscesses, these infections require prompt attention to resolve the infection and prevent complications.

Wisdom Teeth Emergencies

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, often cause dental emergencies:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Can cause pain, swelling, and infections. Maintain good oral hygiene and consult an oral surgeon to determine if extraction is necessary.
Partially Erupted Tooth: Creates pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infections. Professional evaluation and possible extraction are essential.

Dr. Frank Kuzmin

Frequently Asked Questions

An acute dental emergency requires immediate intervention due to severe pain, trauma, or infections that need prompt treatment to prevent complications. Examples include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, fractured jaws, or dental abscesses.

Sports-related dental trauma includes damage to teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, or jaw. Common examples include knocked-out teeth, fractured teeth, broken teeth, lacerations to oral soft tissues, or injuries from impact with equipment or other players.

While minor bleeding can occur with some dental emergencies, excessive or uncontrolled bleeding is not normal and requires immediate professional attention.

Yes, untreated dental emergencies can cause life-threatening complications. For example, dental infections can spread to other areas of the body, potentially requiring hospitalization. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and ensures better outcomes for your dental health.

Be Prepared For Dental Emergencies With Our Farmington Emergency Dentist

Understanding dental emergencies is crucial for quick and appropriate action. While not all require the same response, most dental issues benefit from prompt treatment by a qualified dentist.

Our Farmington emergency dentist offers same-day appointments for dental pain or trauma. We provide comprehensive emergency services to preserve your oral health during unexpected situations. Call our Farmington office at (860) 470-3660 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Farmington and nearby areas like Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, and Newington, with urgent dental care when you need it most.

Look what our Happy Patients are saying!

Very professional and wonderful staff. I also like the doctor, compassionate to your needs.

— Marygale B.

The office manager was especially kind in helping me reschedule due to an emergency with my son. Now that I finally made it in, it was lovely to see the offices were beautifully renovated. But most of all, the entire staff creates a warm, caring environment. Pleased to say I’ll be sticking with Pinnacle Dental!

— Marah L.

Dr. Kuzmin is a skilled dentist who is completing a dental implant. I appreciate all of his professional development in this area, his professional and genuine concern and pride in his work. Thank you! His staff is so welcoming and new office beautiful!

— Carol H.

I am nervous about going to the dentist in the first place but, I met with Dr. Kuzman first and he explained the procedure. I went with the oral sedation which was the best decision for me. The staff are pleasant and attentive. I live in Florida now but come home every 6 months and he will definitely be my dentist from now on.Christina at the main office was very helpful with my insurance and very pleasant. Thank you Pinnacle Dental

— Nancy B.

The entire staff at Pinnacle Dental is nothing but kind and helpful! Dr. Kuzman really embraces technology and has state of the art equipment. Every experience I’ve had at Pinnacle has been amazing and I’ll always recommend them to friends and family. Thank you all so much for making the “dreaded” dentist such a good experience!

— Eric P.

I can’t believe I’m saying this about a dental office, but these guys are unbelievably helpful and friendly! Dr. Kuzmin was great, gave me an assessment and didn’t try to recommend additional stuff I wasn’t interested in. But the best part of using Pinnacle is Christine at the front desk! She worked with me over the weekend to get me in quickly and easily, amazing service with a smile! I’ve found my new home for dental work! See you in 6 months!

— Mark P.

More Reviews

Types of Dental Emergencies in Farmington, CT