Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Provo

A dental emergency is any event in which damage to the teeth occurs and the patient needs urgent care. While a dental emergency may have never happened to you, it could happen in the future.

Some things are too pressing to wait for an appointment. How do you know if you need to call for help? Who do you call? How can you be prepared? In this article, we at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT will guide you through the process.

Some persistent questions individuals may have in a dental emergency:
“Is this serious enough, can’t we treat it at home for now?”
“Should I call 911?”
“How can I help in the moment?”
How to know if it is a dental emergency and when to seek help

If you are experiencing any of the following, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT:

  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken tooth
  • An abscess with pus
  • Unexplained severe mouth pain
  • Persistent bleeding of the mouth

Should I call 911 for a dental emergency?

If you suspect you are dealing with a potential dental emergency, stay calm. In the heat of the moment a person’s instinct may be to call 911. However, paramedics and dentists would encourage you to analyze the situation.

Dental emergencies are serious. Dental offices are for an urgent dental issue. If you need treatment, dentists are the specialists for the job. Act fast and responsibly.

Calling 911 may ultimately waste your time in getting the help you need. The police cannot help in dental matters and paramedics are not dentists. They can help if you have a non-dental medical emergency, but not if it is a dental-specific issue.

We are here for you when you have a dental emergency

When it comes to your smile, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Obtaining immediate assistance is the first step in addressing the situation. When you call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, a dental professional will counsel you over the phone. Do not hesitate. The consequences of untreated emergencies can leave permanent damage. Some serious dental infections can even threaten your life if not treated.

Our contact information is below. Save our number in your phone contacts so you will be prepared in the unfortunate event that you suffer a dental emergency. We serve patient in the American Fork and Lehi areas. We are also well know for cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and dental restorations. Schedule an appointment with us any time.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

The Link Between Gum Disease and Viral Infections

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

gum disease and COVID-19 risks Provo

The pandemic has increased public awareness of the danger of viruses and the importance of a strong immune system. We at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can help you understand the link between viruses and gum disease

Our Immune System Protects Against Serious Illness

The variation in the severity of COVID-19 illness is due, in part, to the strength of natural biological defenses.

Of course, you may be wondering why we’re discussing this in a dental blog. Does it have anything to do with dental health?

Actually, it does. Scientists have found a link between oral bacteria and viral infections.

Gum Disease is Caused by Bacteria

The oral bacteria in question is Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis for short). The “gingivalis” in its name gives you a clue to what type of bacteria it is. As you may have anticipated, P. gingivalis is the bacteria that causes gingivitis and the more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Your Mouth Produces Natural Viral Protection

Interferon lambdas are a family of proteins created by cells in the mouth. These proteins protect us from all types of bacterial and viral infections in addition to the coronavirus. The danger of P. gingivalis is that it makes Interferon lambdas less effective at protecting us.

This is how one of the researchers explained it:

“Our studies identified certain pathogenic bacterial species, P. gingivalis, which cause periodontal disease, can completely suppress interferon production and severely enhance susceptibility to viral infection. These resident oral plaque bacteria play a key role in regulating antiviral responses.” Juhi Bagaitkar, assistant professor, University of Louisville Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Disease.

Oral Health and Physical Health Go Hand in Hand

As if you needed one more reason to prevent gum disease! Not only does gum disease put you tooth loss, it makes you more susceptible to the potential dangers of viruses. To recap: if you avoid gum disease, you protect your mouth from P. gingivalis. This lets you benefit from Interferon lambdas and the virus protection they provide.

Let’s discuss basic oral hygiene practices that can prevent periodontitis and keep your smile healthy:

  • Brush at least twice daily using appropriate brushing techniques
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily using the correct flossing method
  • Get a professional dental cleaning twice a year
  • Schedule twice-yearly dental exams
  • Take care of dental dilemmas in their early stages so they don’t progress

Has it been a while since you’ve had a dental exam and cleaning? We serve patients in the American Fork and Lehi area. Our friendly team of dental professionals is here for and your family. We at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can serve all of your dental needs. We can also serve your cosmetic dentistry needs. Schedule an appointment today

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Adult Dental Health for Provo Smiles

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, our goal is preventing dental problems and keeping our patient’s smiles healthy and beautiful. We provide general and family dentistry at our dental practice.

Adult Dental Health

As a general and family dentistry practice, we have been treating patients of all ages since 1974.

We have noticed throughout the years is that many parents dismiss their own oral health. Though they vigilantly keep up with their children’s dental visits and cleanings, for some reason, they fail to pay the same attention to their own dental care needs.

How Do You Keep Your Smile Healthy Throughout Your Life?

Let’s talk about adult dental needs. Once you are past the cavity-prone childhood and adolescent years, gum health becomes critical.

Gum Disease is the #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in Adults

Did you know that 47% of U.S. adults have gum disease? In adults, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is the most common cause of tooth loss. Fortunately, gum disease can be reversed if you catch it in its early stages.

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The primary symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums. If your gums hurt when brush or floss, it could be a sign. You may also notice unpleasant breath at times. (Others may notice it as well!) Gingivitis is oftentimes caused bacteria on the teeth and along the gum line. The most common treatment is increased brushing and flossing in addition to more frequent dentist appointments. It’s a good idea to visit your dentist every 3 months for deep cleanings and professional treatment. Your dentist may also prescribe a fluoride rinse.

Early Stage Periodontal Disease

When the infection spreads beneath your gums it allows the harmful bacteria to start attacking the bone holding your teeth in place. This may bring about redness and swelling of the gums, worsening breath and periodic bleeding. Early stage periodontal disease can’t be fully reversed, but your dentist can develop a treatment plan to prevent it from getting worse.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

At this stage, you are at risk of losing teeth. To treat it at this stage, your dentist will need to remove plaque from below the gum line (this same treatment may also be used with early stage periodontal disease) in order to help halt the infection. Since your gums are slowly detaching from your teeth at this stage, surgery can reshape your gums and close the pockets between your gums and teeth. With superb self-care and one of our savvy oral hygienists at your side, you can still save your teeth.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

The last stage of periodontitis requires extensive treatment. Your dentist may recommend surgery to prevent tooth loss. Flap surgery is common for this stage and involves cleaning the actual roots of your teeth by scrubbing behind your gums. Your dentist may also smooth or reshape your damaged bone to restrict bacteria from accumulating.

Why Do You Need Regular Dental Cleanings?

With twice-yearly dental exams and professional cleanings, you can prevent early stage gum disease from advancing to the dangerous stages. During professional dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they smooth areas to make it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate.

Why Oral Cancer Screenings are Essential

During dental examinations at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we look for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancers are cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. Many men and women don’t realize the seriousness of oral cancer.

Consider this unfortunate news from the Oral Cancer Foundation:

When found at early stages of development, oral cancers can have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately at this time, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 43% at five years from diagnosis

When your dentist performs an oral cancer screening during your dental examination, he/she will look for red or white spots, bleeding, lumps, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, any color changes, and mouth sores. Is is critical to tell your dentist if your bite has changed, if you have sores that won’t heal, and prolonged hoarseness. An earache in only one ear can also be an indicator.

Having any of these symptoms does not mean you have oral cancer, as they can be caused by other elements. However, if your dentist does something unusual, he/she may order additional tests or refer you to a medical doctor for further diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

We at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT value all aspects of your adult oral health. We serve patients from American Fork and Lehi and also perform extractions, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us for an appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Does Your Smile Make a Great First Impression?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dream smile, General Dentistry, Smile Makeover

top smile makeover dentist Provo

Did you know that your smile is one of the most important parts of your first impression? We at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT want to make your first impression stunning.

In a Match.com survey, over 5,000 single men and women were asked what they found most attractive in a potential dating partner. 60% of men and 71% of women said straight, white teeth and an attractive smile was the most important feature.

Research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), found that a healthy, beautiful smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly and interesting.

Research reveals that many people believe when meeting someone for the first time, an attractive smile makes a deeper impression than the first thing a person says.

Hopefully, we’ve successfully made the case that most individuals place great importance on the quality of a person’s smile.

Have you ever wondered how a more attractive smile could improve your life?

Our smile makeover patients  have discovered the power of a beautiful smile firsthand. Not surprisingly, they not only appreciate their attractive smile for themselves, they feel more confident in their personal and professional circles.

It starts with a consultation where I work with each patient to create a custom treatment plan.

What would you like to change about your smile?

  • Tooth stains?
  • Crooked teeth?
  • Chipped teeth?
  • Missing teeth?
  • Gum recession?

There are cosmetic dental procedures that can correct each of these issues and more!

If not now, when?

There has never been a better time to improve your smile. It’s an investment in yourself that will pay off every day.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we can make sure that you have you confidence. We can give you the “it” factor. We serve patients from American Fork and Lehi and and also perform restorative dentistry and general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

 

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Keeping You Comfortable

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Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

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At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not only talking about physical comfort. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are four ways we are devoted to your peace of mind:

  1. Judgment-Free Atmosphere: Our considerate dental team is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated every imaginable dental issue, and understand and empathize with every patient.
  2. Pain-Free Dentistry: From topical analgesics to laughing gas sedation, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can.
  3. Patient Comforts: We will provide warm towels, heated and massaging chair covers, dark glasses to block out light, and even aroma therapy neck cushions, all in an effort to have your dental visit be as close to a spa visit as it can be!
  4. Communication: We have established a reputation as effective and caring communicators. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions are answered prior to treatment.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT a call. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for general and restorative dentistry, as well as a host of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7038

Dental Confidence Or Caution?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Lehi cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Whether you are one of those who goes willingly to the dentist or are hesitant about getting work done, the team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT wants you to make and keep regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

Regular dental appointments are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For most patients, we recommend a visit to our office every six months. We occasionally need to see a patient more often.

Appointments, Parts 1 & 2

There are two parts to a typical dental appointment: a cleaning and a checkup.

  • During a cleaning, one of our dental hygienists inspects your teeth and gums, and uses special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up. It also includes polishing your teeth, which removes any surface stains. The last step is flossing.
  • During a checkup, the dentist checks your overall dental health. If there are any issues, like a cavity or signs of gum disease, we’ll usually schedule a follow-up appointment. It will be planned for your convenience, of course, but sooner is better.

What you do between your six-month visits is really important. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth, so we recommend – and we cannot say it strongly enough! – that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Ideally, you’ll do it twice.

You have a lot of toothpaste choices. The flavor is up to you, but be sure to choose one with fluoride.

By seeing us twice a year, and maintaining a good dental health regimen at home, you’ll have confidence that your teeth and gums are in great shape. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in American Fork and Lehi.  Contact us today!

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 The Humble Toothbrush Obsolete?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Are manual toothbrushes obsolete? Would you believe people have been asking that question for more than fifty years? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we assure you that the answer is no. When it comes to maintaining your dental health, an old school manual toothbrush is one of your best friends.

“Wait a minute,” you might say, “isn’t an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?”

That very question was addressed in the Journal of the American Dental Association, way back in 1964. Their article sensibly concluded that all toothbrushes, when used properly, are effective at removing food debris and plaque to keep your smile free of decay.

Use What Works

Electric toothbrushes are great, and they certainly have their place. But they do not do a better job cleaning teeth, simply because they’re electric. For most people, it comes down to personal preference. Manual and electric do a good job cleaning your teeth. An electric toothbrush can be a tremendous benefit to anyone with issues like arthritis. A manual may take a little longer. But they’re a lot cheaper!

At the end of the day, though, the choice is yours. When it comes to any toothbrush, the most important thing is to choose one with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

When all is said and done, the important thing is to find a toothbrush that works for you, and then use it. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we stress the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day. People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health, and come to our office for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

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 If My Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover Dental Implants?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

dental implant financing Provo

For years, the dental industry has been advocating implants as the preferable tooth restoration option in most circumstances.

But many dental insurance providers don’t cover tooth implants. The dental insurance industry seems to be stuck in 1970. For example, many insurers will cover dental bridges.

Clearly, dental insurance companies rarely make coverage decisions based on what is best for the patient.

However, you shouldn’t give up on tooth implants if your dental insurer doesn’t cover them. You may be able to get coverage for part of the procedure. Or your medical insurance may cover part of the treatment program.

What to do if your dental insurer doesn’t cover tooth implants

  • Have your implant dentist provide a detailed implant treatment plan in writing
  • Armed with your treatment plan, talk to both your dental insurance company and your medical insurance provider
  • Ask your dental insurance provider if they will give you an allowance equal to the cost of a bridge or traditional dentures
  • Ask your dental insurance provider if they will cover the cost of the crown(s)
  • If your tooth loss has medical complications, your health insurance provider might cover some elements of the implant treatment
  • Consider switching dental insurance providers–if your employer offers more than one dental option, contact the other provider(s) to find out if they cover implants
  • Pay for tooth implants instead of premiums: consider not renewing your dental insurance and use the money saved toward the cost of implants
  • Look into dental implant-specific insurance–some organizations are filling a need in the industry by offering dental insurance designed specifically for tooth implants and related services
  • Ask Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry about financing and payment options

Dental implants are a wise investment in your health and quality of life. If you need implants but your insurance doesn’t cover them, talk to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can help! We offer implants and complete cosmetic dentistry. We serve satisfied patients from American Fork and Lehi. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Holidays Bring Dental Health Hazards

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we don’t like providing the reality check; especially around the holidays. Everyone wants to think positively and enjoy their time, and that’s well and good. But we would be an ineffective dental team if we didn’t remind you to take extra care of your teeth this holiday season.

With dinners and parties just around the corner – or in the rearview – you’re bound to be facing some sticky or brittle food debris that is threatening to lodge itself in your gum-line. If this happens, and you don’t clean it off with proper brushing and flossing, you might be facing greater problems come January and February.

In the first few hours, the bacteria from this food will coat your teeth. However, this plaque is removable until it turns into tartar. Once it’s attached to your teeth, only a professional cleaning will be able to remove it.

If it’s not removed, it can contribute to conditions like gum disease, inflammation, and even tooth loss. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT wants all our patients to avoid these and enjoy many holiday seasons for years to come. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry, and serve satisfied patients in American Fork and Lehi. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604