Tooth Pain

Does Your Toothache Signify a Serious Dental Problem?

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Tooth Pain

That nagging throb in your jaw, the sharp pain when you sip a cold drink, or the dull, persistent ache in a tooth—it’s easy to dismiss tooth pain as a minor annoyance. Many people hope it will simply go away on its own. While some minor sensitivity is temporary, a consistent toothache is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Ignoring it can lead to more complex and costly problems down the road.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we understand that tooth pain can be alarming. The key is to address it promptly to determine the cause and prevent further complications.

What Could Your Toothache Mean?

A toothache can stem from various issues, ranging from simple to serious. Some common causes include:

  • Cavities: The most frequent culprit, cavities are holes in your teeth caused by decay. If left untreated, they can deepen, reaching the sensitive inner pulp and causing significant pain.
  • Gum Disease: Gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis can cause gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth, exposing sensitive roots and leading to discomfort.
  • Dental Abscess: This is a serious infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. An abscess is a pocket of pus that can cause severe, throbbing pain and requires immediate dental attention.
  • Cracked Tooth: A fracture in a tooth, sometimes invisible to the naked eye, can expose the nerve and cause sharp pain, especially when chewing.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep, can wear down enamel and lead to jaw pain and tooth sensitivity.

While you might not be able to diagnose the issue yourself, the message is clear: persistent tooth pain is not normal and should be evaluated by a professional.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

The best way to handle a toothache is to prevent one from ever starting. This is where regular dental checkups play a crucial role. Routine visits with Dr. Chris Hammond allow our team to catch potential problems early, long before they become painful emergencies.

Think of it as proactive care for your smile. During a checkup, we perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t remove at home. We also conduct thorough examinations and use imaging to spot signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues when they are small and easily treatable.

Save Time, Money, and Stress in the Long Run

Visiting your Provo dentist for regular checkups might seem like another appointment to fit into your busy schedule, but it’s an investment that pays off. Treating a small cavity is far quicker, less invasive, and more affordable than performing a root canal or extracting a severely infected tooth. By staying ahead of dental problems, you save yourself from future pain, lengthy procedures, and unexpected expenses.

Don’t wait for a toothache to tell you something is wrong. Take control of your oral health today.

Schedule Your Visit with Dr. Hammond

If you are experiencing tooth pain or are due for a checkup, our team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hammond and ensure your smile stays healthy, strong, and pain-free.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You in Provo?

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Sedation Dentistry, Tooth Pain

gas tank used for dental laughing gas sedationDental visits can be intimidating for many people. Whether it’s fear, discomfort, or a past negative experience, making an appointment can feel like a daunting task. If this resonates with you, you may want to consider sedation dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, located in Provo, Dr. Chris Hammond offers various sedation options to make every visit easier and more comfortable. But how do you determine if this approach is right for you?

Are Fear and Anxiety Holding You Back?

Start by evaluating your feelings about visiting the dentist. Do you avoid scheduling appointments due to anxiety or a fear of pain? Do you find it difficult to relax in the dental chair? Maybe even a routine cleaning feels overwhelming? If you’ve been putting off dental care for these reasons, sedation dentistry might be the solution that allows you to get the treatment you need.

Dental anxiety is incredibly common and nothing to feel ashamed of. For some, the sound of dental tools is enough to trigger worry, while others experience stress at the thought of prolonged procedures. Taking an honest look at these feelings and their impact on your oral health is the first step toward making an empowered decision.

How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?

Sedation dentistry offers a way to ease your fears and make dental visits manageable. It’s not just about relieving anxiety — it also makes the experience smoother on a physical level. For individuals with sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still, sedation can transform the entire dental process.

Here’s how it works. Sedation creates a deeply relaxed state that allows you to stay calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. While you’re still conscious and able to respond to instructions, the calming effect helps you feel at ease. Many patients describe it as a sense of drifting through their appointment with little awareness of time or discomfort.

You can also benefit from sedation if you need extensive treatments or multiple procedures within one visit. By reducing physical and mental stress, sedation dentistry can streamline your care and potentially eliminate the need for several follow-up appointments.

Types of Sedation We Offer

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer three types of sedation tailored to your needs, ensuring your comfort every step of the way.

  1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Administered through a mask, this mild form of sedation takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast. It’s a popular choice for reducing mild to moderate anxiety without lingering drowsiness.
  2. Oral Conscious Sedation: This option involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment. Its calming effects help patients stay relaxed during their visit, making it ideal for those with moderate to severe anxiety.
  3. IV Sedation: For deep relaxation, IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream. This option is perfect for patients with severe dental phobia or when multiple procedures are scheduled in one session.

Take the First Step Toward Stress-Free Dental Care

If fear or discomfort has been preventing you from achieving a healthy smile, sedation dentistry could be the key. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Chris Hammond and our team are here to provide compassionate care and personalized solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about your sedation options and schedule a consultation. Your path to stress-free dental visits begins here, serving patients in Provo, Orem, and across Utah County. We’re excited to help you conquer dental fear and take the first step toward lasting oral health!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

What’s the Deal with My Wisdom Teeth in Provo?

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Categories: Dental Health, Tooth Extraction, Tooth Pain

young woman suffering from tooth pain, possible need for wisdom tooth removalWisdom teeth can be the source of a lot of confusion, especially for young adults and students here in Provo. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or you’ve been told you need them removed, it’s natural to have questions. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the back corners of your mouth. Most people see their wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a period often called the “age of wisdom”—hence the name!

While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others aren’t so lucky. Wisdom teeth can often cause issues like pain, infections, or crowding. This is especially common if your jaw is too small to accommodate them. For us Provo residents with smaller jaws (a common occurrence), wisdom teeth may not have enough room to fit properly.

When this happens, your wisdom teeth may:

  • Become misaligned and press against neighboring teeth.
  • Partially erupt and leave openings for infections.
  • Stay trapped below the gums (impacted), leading to swelling and pain.

Do Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction?

The short answer? It depends on your situation. Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but they often do if they pose a risk to your oral health. Here are some signs that your wisdom teeth may require extraction:

  • Persistent pain or swelling in the back of your mouth.
  • Difficulty opening your jaw or chewing comfortably.
  • Recurring infections in the gum around your wisdom teeth.
  • Concerns about crowding or damage to other teeth.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we specialize in assessing the condition of your wisdom teeth to determine the best course of action for your unique needs.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

We know that the idea of having your wisdom teeth removed can feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Chris Hammond and the team in Provo take pride in creating a safe, relaxing environment for all of our patients.

If you’re nervous about pain or the procedure itself, we offer sedation dentistry to help you feel at ease. Sedation options allow you to relax throughout the procedure, ensuring the experience is as smooth as possible.

Take Control of Your Dental Health

If you’ve been asking yourself, “What’s wrong with my wisdom teeth?” or “Do I need them removed?”, it might be time to consider a consultation. Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to issues like infections, tooth damage, or prolonged discomfort. Luckily, the solution is just a call away.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo provides expert wisdom teeth evaluation and extraction. We’re here to address your concerns, whether you’re dealing with pain, need guidance, or just want more information about keeping your smile healthy.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hammond, and take the first step toward pain-free confidence in your smile!

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Emergency Dental Care in Provo: When to Seek Help and What to Expect

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Tooth Pain

emergency dental sign, shaped like a toothKnowing where to turn can make all the difference in saving a tooth or preventing further complications when a dental emergency strikes. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, UT, Dr. Chris Hammond and his team are here to provide fast, expert care for dental emergencies when you need it most.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when we least expect them. They can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, but not all tooth-related issues require urgent care. Here are some common scenarios that constitute a dental emergency and should prompt you to call your dentist right away:

  • Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent, intense toothaches that disrupt your daily life could be a sign of an infection or abscess. Waiting too long could worsen the problem.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: Swift action is critical here. A tooth can often be re-implanted if you seek dental care within an hour of it being knocked out.
  • Cracked or Broken Tooth: A fractured or chipped tooth, especially if sharp edges are exposed or you’re in pain, requires immediate attention.
  • Lost Filling or Crown: This can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
  • Dental Abscess: Swelling, extreme pain, or a bump on the gums may indicate an infection. Leaving it untreated can lead to severe health risks.
  • Bleeding or Swollen Gums: Though not always an emergency, significant bleeding or swelling should be evaluated quickly.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for emergency care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and give us a call.

Why Timely Care is Critical

When it comes to dental emergencies, the sooner you can see your emergency dentist, the better. Quick treatment not only alleviates pain but can often save a tooth and prevent further complications. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we understand just how important it is to act fast. That’s why, in most cases, our team can treat common dental emergencies the same day they occur.

For instance, if you’ve knocked out a tooth, preserving the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution and getting to the dentist immediately increases the chances of saving it. Likewise, treating gum or tooth infections promptly can prevent them from spreading and impacting your overall health.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our priority is to make you as comfortable as possible while addressing the issue quickly and effectively. During your visit, Dr. Chris Hammond will assess the situation, provide a clear explanation, and recommend treatments tailored to address your dental emergency. Our state-of-the-art facility ensures the highest level of care, delivered with compassion and expertise.

Accessible Emergency Dental Care in Provo

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but having a trusted dentist in Provo can make all the difference. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re committed to being here for you when it matters most.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or need guidance, don’t hesitate—call our office today to schedule a same-day appointment. Rest assured, you’re in expert hands with Dr. Hammond and our dedicated team.

Stay proactive about your dental health, and remember, quick action is key during an emergency!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604