Dental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For teeth or gum-related dental problems, the first step is to call our office, 706.278.2553. If you call after business hours, we will provide information to contact Dr. Patterson or Dr. Hughes.

We know that dental emergencies don't always happen while you are at home. In cases of severe swelling or a traumatic injury, a fast response can be life-saving, especially for children or medically compromised patients. A local hospital emergency room can treat a dental problem when it is a health emergency.

Following are some common dental emergencies and initial steps you can take:

Blow to head or jaw fracture
Go immediately to the emergency room if possible or call 911; head injuries can be life-threatening.

Permanent tooth knocked out
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water - do not scrub the tooth or use soap or other chemicals. Try to hold it by the crown and not the root tip.

• If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or wash cloth, or, tuck it into the cheek. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a clean container and moisten it with milk (preferred), or water.
• Call our office immediately - a quick response can sometimes save the tooth!

Fractured or chipped tooth
Try to save the tooth fragment.

• Rinse the mouth gently with warm water to remove any debris and help ease discomfort.
• Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling.
• Call our office immediately 706.278.2553.

Toothache
Call our office immediately.

• If swelling or an abscess is present, this is a serious infection. If you cannot reach us or are out of the area, go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate care.
• Apply a cold compress - do not apply heat or aspirin.
• You may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever until your appointment. We do not recommend aspirin as it is an anticoagulant and can sometimes cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.

Other Important Tips:

Preventing Dental Injuries and Emergencies
Most dental injuries occur from falls, trauma or sport injuries. Mouth guards are recommended for contact sports or activities in which a fall may occur. Wearing seatbelts or placing your child in a car seat during automobile travel saves lives and can reduce the level of trauma to the head and mouth in the event of an accident.

Don't postpone treatment.
“Twinges” of tooth pain or toothaches that subside and reoccur can be misleading - any dental pain is an indication of an underlying problem and can lead to serious infection if it is not addressed promptly. If you are experiencing any dental problems or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact Patterson & Hughes Family Dentistry.

As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand does not really matter. The American Dental Association® recommends that you purchase a product with the ADA® seal of approval, which ensures that it has been tested and determined to be safe and effective for use.

Some whitening toothpastes can be abrasive and cause tooth sensitivity if they are used every day; we suggest using them less frequently, alternating these with your regular toothpaste. Some patients experience mild stomach upset related to dental fluoride or other toothpaste ingredients. If you encounter an issue, switch brands or contact our office for recommendations.

For children under 6 years old, parents should do the brushing, with just a small, pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Children in this age group tend to swallow the toothpaste and ingest the fluoride, which can put them at risk for fluorosis (tooth discoloration). We recommend letting them brush first and then have the adult brush behind them, ‘my turn’.

Children can brush their own teeth with a little help at about the same age they are able to tie their shoes.

Try a few ‘tooth brushing’ songs to have fun and stay motivated for about 2 minutes to do a thorough job. Learn more about keeping your child's smile healthy, Visit 2min2x.org

When our dentists examine your teeth, they look at the tooth surfaces, gums and oral soft tissues carefully to check for early warning signs of disease.

Dental x-rays are necessary to look at areas that the dentist cannot see by visual exam alone, such as between the teeth and below the gum line.

Like other types of x-rays, dental x-rays are different views (i.e., bitewing, periapical, panoramic). The dentist will prescribe the view(s) needed to look for specific concerns, such as cavities between the teeth, tooth root abscesses, jaw bone loss or infection, tumors or cysts. Generally, x-rays are taken about once per year for preventive care, or as needed to evaluate a problem. Some patients require x-rays less frequently or more often depending on their history of past dental issues.

Our practice uses digital dental x-rays, with low radiation exposure. Compared to traditional dental film of the past, the exposure is significantly reduced.

Because your x-rays are digital, your dentist can zoom in on areas to talk with you about your oral health, and we are able to electronically send digital x-rays to the dental insurance company or dental specialists that are involved in your care.

Watch the American Dental Association® Youtube Video about Dental X-rays