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171 Ridgedale Ave. Annex, Suite L Florham Park, NJ 07932(973) 301-2223
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Posts for tag: dental injury

World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!

By Ruvo Dental Practice
February 12, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental injury  
WorldCupSoccerCoach-DentistSavestheDay

If you followed the 2018 FIFA World Cup Soccer games, you probably know that one of this year’s biggest surprises was the debut of the team from Iceland—the smallest country ever to earn a chance at the sport’s top prize. But here’s something you may not have known: When he’s not on the field, the team’s coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, is a practicing dentist! Those two skill sets might not seem like a natural fit… but they came together dramatically at a recent contest.

At a local women’s game last summer, when a player was hit and her tooth was knocked out, Dr. Hallgrímsson took immediate action. “I jumped on the pitch and put the tooth back in, took her to a dental office and fixed it,” he said.

Not everyone has the special training or ability to fix a tooth that has been damaged or knocked out—but there are some simple things that you can do to help an adult who has suffered this kind of injury. Here’s a quick run-down:

  • After making sure the person is stable and not otherwise seriously injured, try to locate the tooth.
  • Handle it carefully, without touching root surfaces, and clean it gently with water if possible.
  • Try to open and gently rinse out the mouth, and find where the tooth came from.
  • Carefully place the tooth back in its socket, making sure it is facing the right way, and hold it in place with a soft cloth.
  • If the tooth can’t be re-implanted, place it in a bag with a special preservative solution, milk or saliva, or have the person hold it between the cheek and gum—but make sure it isn’t swallowed!
  • Rush to the nearest dental office or urgent care facility.

When these steps are followed and the person receives professional treatment as quickly as possible (ideally within minutes), their tooth will have the best chance of being saved. But even if it isn’t possible to preserve the tooth, receiving prompt and appropriate care can make replacing the tooth much easier.

Having Dr. Hallgrímsson on the sidelines was a lucky break for the injured soccer player—and as a coach, just getting to the World Cup is a remarkable achievement. But you don’t need to be a coach (or a dentist) to give first aid in a dental emergency. Taking the right steps can help ensure the best possible outcome… and might even save a tooth!

If you would like more information about emergency dental treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor articles “Knocked Out Tooth” and “The Field-Side Guide to Dental Injuries.”

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Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love

By Ruvo Dental Practice
October 25, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental injury  
DentalInjuryIsJustaTemporarySetbackforBasketballStarKevinLove

The March 27th game started off pretty well for NBA star Kevin Love. His team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, were coming off a 5-game winning streak as they faced the Miami Heat that night. Less than two minutes into the contest, Love charged in for a shot on Heat center Jordan Mickey—but instead of a basket, he got an elbow in the face that sent him to the floor (and out of the game) with an injury to his mouth.

In pictures from the aftermath, Love’s front tooth seemed clearly out of position. According to the Cavs’ official statement, “Love suffered a front tooth subluxation.” But what exactly does that mean, and how serious is his injury?

The dental term “subluxation” refers to one specific type of luxation injury—a situation where a tooth has become loosened or displaced from its proper location. A subluxation is an injury to tooth-supporting structures such as the periodontal ligament: a stretchy network of fibrous tissue that keeps the tooth in its socket. The affected tooth becomes abnormally loose, but as long as the nerves inside the tooth and the underlying bone have not been damaged, it generally has a favorable prognosis.

Treatment of a subluxation injury may involve correcting the tooth’s position immediately and/or stabilizing the tooth—often by temporarily splinting (joining) it to adjacent teeth—and maintaining a soft diet for a few weeks. This gives the injured tissues a chance to heal and helps the ligament regain proper attachment to the tooth. The condition of tooth’s pulp (soft inner tissue) must also be closely monitored; if it becomes infected, root canal treatment may be needed to preserve the tooth.

So while Kevin Love’s dental dilemma might have looked scary in the pictures, with proper care he has a good chance of keeping the tooth. Significantly, Love acknowledged on Twitter that the damage “…could have been so much worse if I wasn’t protected with [a] mouthguard.”

Love’s injury reminds us that whether they’re played at a big arena, a high school gym or an outdoor court, sports like basketball (as well as baseball, football and many others) have a high potential for facial injuries. That’s why all players should wear a mouthguard whenever they’re in the game. Custom-made mouthguards, available for a reasonable cost at the dental office, are the most comfortable to wear, and offer protection that’s superior to the kind available at big-box retailers.

If you have questions about dental injuries or custom-made mouthguards, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “The Field-Side Guide to Dental Injuries” and “Athletic Mouthguards.”

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J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage

By Ruvo Dental Practice
September 15, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental injury  
J-LosUnluckyBreakChippingaToothonStage

Whether she’s singing, dancing or acting, Jennifer Lopez is a performer who is known for giving it all she’s got. But during one show, Lopez recently admitted, she gave a bit more then she had planned.

“I chipped my tooth on stage,” she told interviewers from Entertainment Tonight, “and had to finish the show….I went back thinking ‘Can I finish the show like this?’”

With that unlucky break, J-Lo joins a growing list of superstar singers—including Taylor Swift and Michael Buble—who have something in common: All have chipped their teeth on microphones while giving a performance.

But it’s not just celebs who have accidental dental trouble. Chips are among the most common dental injuries—and the front teeth, due to their position, are particularly susceptible. Unfortunately, they are also the most visible. But there are also a number of good ways to repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth short of replacing them.

For minor to moderate chips, cosmetic bonding might be recommended. In this method, special high-tech resins, in shades that match your natural teeth, are applied to the tooth’s surface. Layers of resin, cured with a special light, will often restore the tooth to good appearance. Best of all, the whole process can often be done in just one visit to the dental office, and the results can last for several years.

For a more permanent repair—or if the damage is more extensive—dental veneers may be another option. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that cover the entire front surface of one or more teeth. Strong, durable and natural-looking, they can be used to repair moderate chips, cracks or irregularities. They can also help you get a “red-carpet” smile: brilliant white teeth with perfectly even spacing. That’s why veneers are so popular among Hollywood celebs—even those who haven’t chipped their teeth!

Fortunately, even if the tooth is extensively damaged, it’s usually possible to restore it with a crown (cap), a bridge—or a dental implant, today’s gold standard for whole-tooth replacement. But in many cases, a less complex type of restoration will do the trick.

Which tooth restoration method did J-Lo choose? She didn’t say—but luckily for her adoring fans, after the microphone mishap she went right back up on stage and finished the show.

If you have a chipped tooth but you need to make the show go on, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Artistic Repair of Chipped Teeth With Composite Resin” and “Porcelain Veneers.”

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2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth

By Ruvo Dental Practice
December 09, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental injury   chipped tooth  
26MillionFansLikeJustinBiebersChippedTooth

Is a chipped tooth big news? It is if you’re Justin Bieber. When the pop singer recently posted a picture from the dental office to his instagram account, it got over 2.6 million “likes.” The snapshot shows him reclining in the chair, making peace signs with his hands as he opens wide; meanwhile, his dentist is busy working on his smile. The caption reads: “I chipped my tooth.”

Bieber may have a few more social media followers than the average person, but his dental problem is not unique. Sports injuries, mishaps at home, playground accidents and auto collisions are among the more common causes of dental trauma.

Some dental problems need to be treated as soon as possible, while others can wait a few days. Do you know which is which? Here are some basic guidelines:

A tooth that’s knocked out needs attention right away. First, try and locate the missing tooth and gently clean it with water — but avoid holding the tooth’s roots. Next, grasp the crown of the tooth and place it back in the socket facing the correct way. If that isn’t possible, place it between the cheek and gum, in a plastic bag with the patient’s saliva or a special tooth preservative, or in a glass of cold milk. Then rush to the dental office or emergency room right away. For the best chance of saving the tooth, it should be treated within five minutes.

If a tooth is loosened or displaced (pushed sideways, deeper into or out of its socket), it’s best to seek dental treatment within 6 hours. A complete examination will be needed to find out exactly what’s wrong and how best to treat it. Loosened or displaced teeth may be splinted to give them stability while they heal. In some situations, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.

Broken or fractured (cracked) teeth should receive treatment within 12 hours. If the injury extends into the tooth’s inner pulp tissue, root canal treatment will be needed. Depending on the severity of the injury, the tooth may need a crown (cap) to restore its function and appearance. If pieces of the tooth have been recovered, bring them with you to the office.

Chipped teeth are among the most common dental injuries, and can generally be restored successfully. Minor chips or rough edges can be polished off with a dental instrument. Teeth with slightly larger chips can often be restored via cosmetic bonding with tooth-colored resins. When more of the tooth structure is missing, the best solution may be porcelain veneers or crowns. These procedures can generally be accomplished at a scheduled office visit. However, if the tooth is painful, sensitive to heat or cold or producing other symptoms, don’t wait for an appointment — seek help right away.

Justin Bieber earned lots of “likes” by sharing a picture from the dental office. But maybe the take-home from his post is this: If you have a dental injury, be sure to get treatment when it’s needed. The ability to restore a damaged smile is one of the best things about modern dentistry.

If you have questions about dental injury, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Repairing Chipped Teeth” and “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers.”

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June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies

By Ruvo Dental Practice
June 11, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental injury  
JuneIsNationalSafetyMonthBePreparedforDentalEmergencies

The National Safety Council has designated June as National Safety Month. A key component of staying safe is being prepared for emergencies, and this includes dental emergencies. Would you know what to do if you suffered any of the following dental mishaps?

Chipped tooth: One common dental injury is a chipped tooth. If this happens to you, save the missing chip if possible because we may be able to bond it back onto the tooth—but don’t be tempted to glue the chip back on by yourself! However, even without the missing chip, the tooth can most often be repaired with bonding material.

Cracked tooth: If you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. If it is bleeding, hold a clean washcloth or gauze to the area until the bleeding stops, but don’t wiggle the tooth around or bite down hard. Keep in mind that the sooner your tooth is repaired, the better. Depending on how bad the crack is, if the tooth can be treated, it will most likely continue to function pain-free for years to come.

Displaced (“luxated”) tooth: If an injury causes your tooth to become loose, shoves it sideways or pushes it into or out of its socket, don’t try to force the tooth back into position on your own. Instead, call the dental office right away and leave it to us to bring the tooth back into its proper place and determine the extent of the injury.

Knocked out tooth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out of your mouth, pick it up without touching the root and rinse it off with cold water, but do not scrub. For the best chance of saving the tooth, place it firmly back in its socket within five minutes and hold it in position for a few minutes. If this is not possible, keep the tooth between your cheek and gum or in a glass of cold milk so that it doesn’t dry out. Call the dental office immediately.

If a baby tooth is knocked out, there is no need to place it back in the socket since baby teeth are not reattached. However, it is still important to have us examine the injury.

Being prepared for dental emergencies can help save a tooth as well as avoid more costly dental treatment down the road. But no matter what type of dental injury you have, it is important to come in for a consultation as the injury may extend beyond the part of the tooth that is visible. With today’s materials and technology, there’s a very good chance your smile can look as good as before—and often even better!

If you have questions about dental injuries, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Trauma and Nerve Damage to Teeth” and “Artistic Repair of Front Teeth with Composite Resin.”

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  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • 4 Areas Deserving Attention as You Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime
  • 2020
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        • Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
        • 3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Sound 'Smile' Investment
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        • Mike Tyson: The Prizefighter Prizes His Unique Smile
        • Implants Can Make It Easier to Restore Missing Teeth in Stages
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
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        • Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
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        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
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        • Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
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        • This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
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        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
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        • 4 Things You Should Do - or Not Do - to Maintain Your Oral Appliance
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        • Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
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        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
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        • Wisdom Teeth Can Still be a Problem for the World's Youngest Billionaire
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        • Don't Neglect Office Cleanings with Dental Implants
        • Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
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        • Even Celebrities Have Accidents: See What They Do to Restore Their Chipped Teeth
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
        • If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
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        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
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        • Share These Timely Dental Care Tips With Your College-Bound Son or Daughter
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
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        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
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        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • Tooth Sensitivity Could Be a Sign of Deeper Problems
      • September (3)
        • Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Dentures
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        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Getting an Implant - if it's Under Control
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
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        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
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        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
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        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
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        • Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
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        • A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
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        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
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        • You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
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        • Take These Steps to Prevent Early Decay in Your Baby's First Teeth
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        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
        • Sleeping in Dentures: Don't Do It!
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        • Air Abrasion Offers a More Pleasant Dental Office Experience than Drills
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
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        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
        • Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
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        • Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
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        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
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        • Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
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