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Get the information you need to better understand dental health.
Everyday Care
If you visit the dentist twice per year, what are you doing every other day? Good oral health starts with you. Own it, and help your kids get it right from the start.
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Good Habits
Through the Years
Unique to You
Your oral conditions, medical conditions, and medications impact your oral health. Learn more about your individual needs.
Oral Conditions
- Chipped Tooth
- Grinding or Clenching
- Cracked Tooth
- Dry Mouth
- Gingivitis
- Oral Cancer
- Periodontal Disease
- TMJ Disorders
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Loss
Medical Conditions
- Anxiety and Depression
- Arthritis
- Blood Disorders
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Eating Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Kidney Disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer's
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory Diseases
- Sleep Apnea
Medication
Lifestyle Choices
Prepare for a Visit
Be an informed consumer. Put yourself at ease by learning what to expect, exploring the risks and alternatives, and preparing questions for your dentist.
Routine Care
Preventive Care
Dental Procedures
- Bone Grafts
- Bridges
- Complete Dentures
- Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Fillings
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Periodontal Surgery
- Periodontal Maintenance
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Root Canal Therapy
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Tooth Removal
- Veneers
Anesthetic & Sedation
Glossary
Understand dental terms, definitions, and concepts.
Videos
Watch a video to learn more about the dental topic.
Brushing
The curved, irregular shapes of your teeth create plaque-prone areas. Proper brushing targets the gumline, between teeth, back teeth fissures, and dental work. Inadequate care can cause dental issues and contribute to diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes offer more brush strokes, potentially reducing tooth decay and gingivitis. Some models use sound waves to kill bacteria, and include features like area-change alerts and timers. They benefit those with arthritis. However, daily flossing remains essential.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes help clean areas inaccessible to regular toothbrushes, especially around dental bridges, under connectors, and orthodontic brackets. Dental floss cannot reach some spots, making teeth vulnerable to decay. People with dexterity issues might need assistance.
Flossing
To clean between teeth, use dental floss daily. Wrap it around your fingers, gently push through the teeth, and move up-and-down to clean each side. Use fresh floss for each gap. Avoid sawing motions to prevent cutting your gums. Always floss between all of your teeth.
Dental Floss Threaders
A floss threader is a handy plastic tool that helps you pass dental floss under and behind dental work. Without it, flossing these areas would be challenging. Floss threaders play a vital role in maintaining oral health and extending the lifespan of dental work.
Oral Hygiene for Braces
While cleaning around orthodontics can be tough, it is crucial to avoid decay and white spots during the treatment period. In addition to regular brushing, your dentist may also suggest floss threaders, interdental brushes, oral irrigation devices, electric toothbrushes, oral rinses, and topical fluoride.
Teeth Erupting Along an Abnormal Path
Usually, a permanent tooth pushes out the primary tooth as it grows. But if it takes an abnormal path, the primary tooth might not loosen. In such cases, a dentist might remove the primary tooth, allowing the permanent one to align better.
Bone Resorption
If you need to get a tooth removed, consider replacement options in advance. This is because if a tooth is removed and a space is left where the tooth was located, the bone in your jaw that formerly supported the tooth may start dissolving. Bone grafting is often recommended to prevent bone loss.
Tooth Abscesses
An abscess is an infection caused when certain types of bacteria get inside your tooth. Your body fights this by increasing blood flow to the tooth, causing pressure and intense pain. Abscesses can cause serious problems if left untreated.
Receded Gums
Receded gums often occurs on teeth with thin tissue or bone, or if teeth are misaligned. Aggressive brushing, clenching, grinding, or inflammation can worsen it. Concerns include tooth sensitivity, higher cavity risk on exposed roots, and potential tooth loss due to continued recession and bone loss.
Options for Badly Damaged Teeth
Damaged or decayed teeth might need procedures like root canals, structural posts, or crowns. If damage is extensive, consider replacing the tooth. Options include dental implants, which resemble natural teeth and cannot decay, or bridges made from various materials. Always weigh costs and benefits.
Tooth Decay In Pits and Fissures
Eighty percent of tooth decay starts in the deep grooves of back teeth. Decay can quickly reach the nerve, causing pain and infections. To prevent decay, limit sugary, acidic, and starchy foods, minimize snacking, read nutrition labels, rinse after eating, and brush twice daily.
Preventing Tooth Decay
The deep grooves on the back teeth are common spots for decay. Bacterial plaque accumulates along gums and between teeth, leading to decay and gum disease. Regular brushing, angling bristles beneath gums, and daily flossing are essential for oral health.
Tooth Root Resorption
Root resorption is when tooth roots dissolve. It can start inside or outside the root. Your dentist may spot resorption in routine x-rays. Treatment may include root canal therapy or oral surgery. If the tooth needs to be replaced, your dentist may suggest a dental implant or a bridge.
Oral-systemic Health Issues
Periodontal disease is not just about tooth loss; it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Bacteria from your mouth enters the bloodstream, potentially blocking vessels, cutting off vital oxygen, and increasing certain protein levels. Treat periodontal disease promptly. It could save your life.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts where your teeth meet the gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis, where gums become red and swollen. If untreated, it becomes periodontitis, which can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and the loss of teeth. Periodontal bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, increasing risks of strokes and heart issues.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of periodontal disease because it is harder for your body to fight off mouth bacteria and infections. Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits are crucial. Periodontal disease may also independently cause Type 2 diabetes.
Periodontal Disease and Stroke
When chronic inflammation, like in severe periodontal disease, is present, some blood vessels may narrow and restrict blood flow. If this happens in the brain, it can lead to a stroke. While it is not confirmed that periodontal disease directly causes strokes, there is an association.
Periodontal Disease and Heart Problems
When chronic inflammation, like in severe periodontal disease, is present, some blood vessels may narrow and restrict blood flow. Restricted blood to the heart can lead to heart disease or even a heart attack. While it is not confirmed that periodontal disease directly causes heart issues, there is an association.
Periodontal Disease and C-reactive Protein
Periodontal disease leads to chronic gum inflammation. Due to this inflammation, the liver and blood vessel lining cells produce C-Reactive Protein. If protein levels rise, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, because C-Reactive Protein encourages blood clotting and causes swelling of blood vessel walls, reducing blood flow.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea disrupts normal airflow during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing for 10 seconds or more. Severe cases can have over 30 interruptions per hour. This condition lowers blood oxygen levels, potentially harming vital organs like the heart and brain. Sleep apnea can cause many problems, including severe health issues.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is best diagnosed through sleep studies, and treatment depends on the cause. Some treatments include weight loss, decreased use of alcohol and sedatives, CPAP devices, oral appliance therapy, or surgery.
Bitewing X-rays
Bitewing X-ray images help your dentist see beneath gums and inside teeth, detecting issues like decay or gum disease early. How often you need them depends on your dental history. Bitewings provide near-actual size, undistorted images. Multiple images, both horizontal and vertical, may be needed for a comprehensive view.
Periapical X-rays
Periapical radiographs let dentists view an entire tooth, including its root. They are used to spot issues like infections. These X-rays help identify problems inside teeth and jawbones that might be missed with a regular check-up.
Full-mouth Series of X-rays
A complete series of dental x-ray images provides a full view of all your teeth and their supporting bone, usually requiring 12-20 images. While healthy individuals might get this every few years, bitewing x-ray images and individual periapical x-ray images might be taken more often.
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-ray images give a wide view of jawbones, tooth roots, and other oral structures. They can identify hidden tooth infections and help in planning dental implants or the removal of wisdom teeth. For kids and teens, they highlight missing teeth or spacing issues, aiding dentists and orthodontists in treatment planning.
Cone Beam CT Scans
Cone beam scans offer detailed 3D views of teeth, jaws, and sinuses, providing precise images for accurate diagnosis and planning. Situations where they might be used include the removal of wisdom teeth, planning for dental implants. They can also help a dentist identify tooth root fractures, extra root canals, disease processes, or unusual anatomical structures.
Periodontal Examinations
Your dentist will measure gum pockets to check for breakdown in the fibers attaching your gums to your teeth. They will check for bleeding, hardened mineral deposits, and might order tests to identify bacteria. The exam also assesses bone loss, loose teeth, and how teeth are positioned.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Visiting your dentist regularly is crucial. Even with good oral hygiene, hardened plaque can build up, leading to gum disease and other health issues. Your dentist performs many important oral health checks. Inform your dentist of health changes or new medications. Regular checkups, based on your dentist's advice, ensure optimal oral health.
Dental Sealants
Deep pits and fissures in teeth can trap food and plaque, leading to 80% of tooth decay. Cleaning these grooves can involve methods like fissurotomy or microabrasion, often followed by sealants or fillings. While sealants help, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits is vital.
Occlusal Guards
Clenching and grinding your teeth can chip the enamel and cause significant damage. This can also make jaw muscles sore and harm the jaw joint. Occlusal guards, crafted by your dentist, can protect your teeth, jaw joint, and muscles. They minimize harmful biting pressures.
Fixed Space Maintainers
If a baby molar is lost early, a fixed space maintainer can be used to stop the permanent six-year molar from moving forward, ensuring the permanent bicuspid tooth has room to emerge.
Fillings for Tooth Decay In Pits and Fissures
Tooth decay often starts in the deep pits of back teeth and can spread quickly, causing pain and infections. If you notice decay, see a dentist promptly. They'll isolate the tooth, remove decayed areas, and place fillings. Various instruments, including lasers and microabrasion handpieces, may be used for decay removal.
Fillings for Tooth Decay Between Teeth
When teeth no longer touch due to decay removal, a device is used to shape fillings to ensure teeth touch after the filling is placed. Less tooth is removed for tooth-colored fillings which bond to teeth. After desensitizing, the tooth is etched, filled, shaped, and cured. Fillings are then polished and bite adjusted.
Core Buildups with Pins
For severely damaged teeth, the core of the tooth may be rebuilt using structural pins and fillings. Pins are carefully inserted into the tooth. The core of the tooth is then reshaped. Your dentist may suggest a crown or onlay for enhanced stability.
Core Buildups with Posts
For teeth treated to remove pulp tissues, your dentist might use the hollow roots of the tooth to place anchoring posts. After shaping and sealing root canals, space is created for these posts. Using a matrix, filling material is bonded over the posts. A crown or onlay might be suggested for durability.
Inlays
An inlay is a dental restoration made of various materials, requiring less tooth removal than crowns or onlays. After decay is removed, an impression or scan of the tooth is taken. The inlay, crafted in a lab or via computerized methods, is then bonded to the tooth.
Onlays
For a damaged tooth, your dentist might recommend onlays to preserve the healthy areas of the tooth. Metal onlays, often containing gold, are durable and good for teeth that are not very visible. Tooth-colored options include ceramics and composite resin. Onlays are designed for a secure fit, covering varying amounts of tooth surfaces.
Crowns
Crowns protect heavily damaged or decayed teeth. Before the procedure, an impression or scan captures the original shape of the tooth. Some offices use computerized devices to create crowns, eliminating the need for temporary ones. Crowns usually fit near the gum line and adhere to the external walls of the tooth.
Direct Veneers
Veneers can mask flaws in tooth enamel, including discolorations and irregularities. While direct veneers use tooth-colored resin applied directly, they are best for minor imperfections due to challenges in sculpting and potential staining. If you want whiter teeth, whiten your teeth before adding veneers since they veneers cannot be whitened later.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers help cover tooth flaws, including stains and irregularities. Preparing for porcelain veneers requires removing some enamel for a non-bulky fit. When bonded, their edges are invisible, ensuring a natural look. Veneers can change a tooth shade or shape, providing lasting, impressive results when cared for.
Tooth Whitening with Bleaching Trays
Teeth can be stained and yellow over time. If your teeth are straight and uniform, without fillings or other restorations, bleaching can often lighten them. Your dentist may recommend custom-made trays for bleaching gel which you wear for a prescribed time. Under your dentist's guidance, your teeth can achieve a desired shade.
Root Canal Therapy
Bacteria can enter teeth through large cracks, a failing dental restoration, or excessive decay, causing pain and swelling. Root canal therapy is often needed to save the tooth. Your dentist will clean, shape, and disinfect the canals of the inner tooth where bacteria reside. The canals are then filled with a sealer.
Internal Bleaching
After trauma or disease, teeth can darken. More importantly, these teeth can become infected. Root canal therapy treats this, after which internal bleaching restores the tooth's natural shade. Front teeth often get this treatment, while molars might get crowns instead.
Tooth Root Tip Removal
If an infected tooth area is hard to reach due to blockages or structural posts, your dentist might suggest the removal of the tooth root tip. This procedure generally helps the infection heal within weeks.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease damages teeth and bone, starting with bacteria in gum pockets and can lead to tooth loss. Early stages, called "gingivitis", can be reversed. Advanced stages might might require root planing and antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery to remove deep gum pockets or stabilize mobile teeth might be needed.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is a lifelong condition. Persons with periodontal disease typically need dental check-ups every 3 to 4 months. The dentist will remeasuring gum pockets, check for signs of inflammation, remove harmful bacteria, and possibly take X-ray images to check for bone disease progression. Regular dentist visits are crucial.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling is a procedure that removes plaque and hardened mineral deposits from your teeth to prevent the onset of periodontal disease or to help manage it. Root planing treats existing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has no cure; maintaining good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are crucial.
Block Grafts
When you lose a tooth, your gums cover the gap, but bone loss starts. To counteract this, a piece of bone is shaped and placed into the bone gap and held by screws. After about six months, the screws can be removed, and a dental implant or bridge can be placed.
Tissue Grafts
Teeth can experience tipping forces when biting, leading to receded gums. A tissue graft can help. It is placed over the affected area and, over time, integrates and reshapes the gums. Your dentist may later follow up with a minor bite adjustment procedure to align biting forces properly.
Gum Reshaping
Asymmetry in gums can affect the appearance of your smile. To enhance it, gum re-contouring is done. First, a probe measures the tooth's edge against the bone. If suitable, the gums are reshaped using lasers or instruments. This simple procedure can significantly improve your smile.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Sometimes, an area of red and sore gums might indicate bone loss in a specific area due to prolonged inflammation. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend adding bone powder to the area.
Regaining Ridge Width for Dental Implants
When a tooth is lost bone starts filling the socket. However, bone soon dissolves, sometimes leaving insufficient bone for dental implants. Re-building the bony ridge before placing a dental implant ensures optimal results.
Clinical Crown Lengthening
Hard tissue crown lengthening exposes a fractured tooth below bone level. A flap reveals the tooth and bone, which are then reshaped. Often, a temporary filling is added. After reshaping, gums are repositioned, making the tooth accessible for hygiene and a future permanent restoration.
Soft Tissue Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is used when a tooth is damaged below the gum, hindering repair and cleaning. If damage is above bone level, only soft tissue might be adjusted. The objective is to expose the damaged area for effective repair and ease of cleaning.
Periodontal Stabilization Splints
Periodontal disease can cause bone loss, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss, often in back teeth. Remaining teeth may shift due to increased chewing forces, causing bite issues and changes in your facial appearance. Splints, using wires or mesh, can stabilize and protect these teeth.
Socket Grafts
To prevent bone loss after a tooth is removed, bone powder is added to the tooth socket, acting as a scaffold for new bone growth. Within months, your own bone fills the socket, preserving it for future dental replacements like dental implants or bridges.
Sinus Lifts
The maxillary sinus is an air chamber in the upper jaw. When you lose upper teeth, bone loss can make dental implants unfeasible. Dentists have techniques to restore the lost bone.
Common Reasons for Removing Teeth
You might need a tooth removed if: 1) There is limited jaw space, leading to issues like impacted wisdom teeth or overcrowding. 2) The tooth is severely damaged or decayed, increasing the risk of pain and infection. 3) Fixing the tooth is not financially wise given its expected long-term success. 4) Baby teeth prevent permanent teeth from settling correctly.
Simple Tooth Removal
A simple extraction involves removing a tooth without dividing it or making surgical cuts. Using special tools, your dentist releases the tooth's fibers for easy removal. If you are planning for a dental implant or bridge, a bone graft might be suggested after the tooth is removed.
Surgical Tooth Removal
Surgical extractions involve making an incision or dividing the tooth into sections for easier removal. If a tooth has a curved root, it might be harder to remove in one piece. Dividing it helps ensure safer, smoother removal, protecting the surrounding bone.
Impacted Tooth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and serious infections. Delaying removal might harm adjacent teeth, causing cavities or infections. Removing wisdom teeth usually is not complex. The tooth is divided into sections and removed methodically. Soft tissue heals in weeks, and bone usually fills the socket within months.
Common Reasons for Replacing Teeth
Teeth stay in place due to a balance of muscle forces and their neighbors. If you lose a tooth, nearby teeth might shift, opposite teeth may overgrow, and the remaining teeth endure more pressure, risking breakage in weaker ones. There are many options for replacing missing teeth.
Options for Temporary Tooth Replacement
Replacing a tooth takes time. Temporary solutions include a removable partial denture - easy but can affect underlying bone. If a damaged root is removed, your dentist can bond the crown of the tooth back, preserving your appearance without affecting healing. A clear vinyl tray with a temporary tooth is another option.
Common Reasons for Replacing Teeth
Teeth stay in place due to a balance of muscle forces and their neighbors. If you lose a tooth, nearby teeth might shift, opposite teeth may overgrow, and the remaining teeth endure more pressure, risking breakage in weaker ones. There are many options for replacing missing teeth.
Options for Temporary Tooth Replacement
Replacing a tooth takes time. Temporary solutions include a removable partial denture - easy but can affect underlying bone. If a damaged root is removed, your dentist can bond the crown of the tooth back, preserving your appearance without affecting healing. A clear vinyl tray with a temporary tooth is another option.
Tooth Replacement with a Clear Appliance
Your dentist can create a clear vinyl tray with a false tooth as a temporary solution for a missing tooth. This solution aids gum and bone healing and is removable for cleaning. It looks natural and can be used for months. Your dentist will usually recommend a permanent solution like a dental implant.
Materials Options for Bridges
Bridges can be crafted from various materials, including non-corrosive metals like gold alloys. For aesthetics, visible teeth might be covered with tooth-colored porcelain or resin. "Porcelain-fused-to-metal" bridges are common, but to achieve natural translucency, porcelain fused to white ceramometals is preferred.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Bridges
Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges combine the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. However, masking metal can make porcelain look less natural. More tooth reduction might combat this but risks inflammation. Using minimal, yellow-gold metal can enhance the appearance of the bridge.
Long-span Bridges with Stress-breakers
Bridges vary based on which teeth you are missing. Pier abutments support long-span bridges where teeth are missing on both sides. Keyways, or stress-breaking hinges, let bridge parts flex independently, preventing loosening and allowing segmented work, helping with cost planning.
Dental Implants (traditional Process)
For traditional dental implants, your dentist makes an incision to reach the bone, drills a pilot hole, adjusts for depth and angle, enlarges the hole, and then places the implant, securing it with a cover screw.
Dental Implants (immediate Tooth Replacement)
In certain situations, a damaged tooth can be removed and immediately replaced with a dental implant, sometimes even with a temporary crown. However, if the tooth socket needs enlargement or the supporting bone is cracked, this approach might not be recommended.
Dental Implants and Bridges
If you are missing several teeth in one area, two dental implants can support a fixed bridge. Sometimes, a "hybrid" bridge can link an implant to a natural tooth, providing a blended solution.
Dental Implants and Removable Dentures
If you have uncomfortable or loose dentures, just two dental implants can make a big difference. These implants can have special attachments to secure your denture, improving chewing and speaking. You might even get the implants and have your current denture adjusted in one visit, though a new denture might be suggested later.
Dental Implants and Fixed Dentures
If you are missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, dental implant-supported fixed dentures can offer a solution. This video describes the process. While it is generally recommended to use more than four implants for a full dental arch, this technique can be a good alternative in specific situations.
Osseointegration
After placing a dental implant in the jaw, initial bone around it may recede due to inflammation. But new bone forms over time. Typically, in 4-6 months, the implant becomes strong enough to handle significant forces.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are an affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth, often built on durable metal. These dentures have guide planes for a snug fit, metal rests to reduce tissue forces, and clasps for stability. Though they can last for years, they are often considered a temporary solution.
Complete Dentures
Full dentures replace all teeth and are cost-effective with an acrylic base mimicking your gum color. Held by suction and muscle control, they are removable for cleaning. Dental implants can stabilize them, enhancing comfort and function.
Oral Hygiene for Braces
While cleaning around orthodontics can be tough, it is crucial to avoid decay and white spots during the treatment period. In addition to regular brushing, your dentist may also suggest floss threaders, interdental brushes, oral irrigation devices, electric toothbrushes, oral rinses, and topical fluoride.
Risk Assessments
Take a quiz to see if you are at a higher risk for certain oral health conditions.
Tooth Decay Risk, Children
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting children and adults in the United States. The following quiz is designed to help you determine if your child may be at a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities. Is your child at a higher risk for tooth decay?
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Tooth Decay Risk, Adults
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting adults and children in the United States. Tooth decay results in cavities due to many factors; the strength of the tooth and its ability to cleanse itself with saliva, the type of bacteria in the mouth. Are you at a higher risk for tooth decay?
take the quiz
Periodontal Disease Risk
Periodontal or gum disease is caused by bacteria along with mucus and other food particles that form plaque on or between teeth. Are you at a higher risk for periodontal disease?
take the quiz
Oral Cancer Risk
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheek, lips, sinuses and throat. It can be one of the most dangerous forms of cancer since it can spread quickly and often goes undiagnosed until it is advanced. Are you at a higher risk for oral cancer?
take the quizDental News
Dental health topics in the news.
Could Unhealthy Gums Worsen COPD?
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Emergencies
Providing guidance for various dental emergencies and other oral health concerns.
Some dental emergencies do require immediate attention and can be life threatening. If you are experiencing a severe issue such as face, head or neck trauma, swelling that restricts your breathing, or excessive bleeding, seek urgent care or dial 911 immediately.
Emergencies
- Trauma to the Head, Face, or Neck
- Suspicious Changes In Your Mouth
- Excessive Bleeding
- Swelling
- Mouth, Jaw, or Face Pain
- Toothache
- Erupting or Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Tooth Is Knocked Out
- Tooth Is Shifted or Displaced
- Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked
- Locked Jaw
- Fluoride Overdose
Concerns
While many dental issues are upsetting and uncomfortable, most are not life-threatening emergencies. They are generally best handled by a dentist and do not require a trip to an emergency department (ED) or urgent care facility. In these situations, these facilities primarily serve to relieve pain and do not treat underlying causes. In fact, a recent report by the National Institutes of Health states that dental care provided in hospital emergency departments resulted in an estimated 90% of patients receiving pain medications or antibiotics without oral treatment. Patients are then referred to a dentist for care. This same report also suggested that opioid prescriptions are up to five times more likely when dental care is treated in a hospital emergency department or urgent care facility rather than a dental office, which can lead to other issues.1
If dental issues can be handled by traditional methods such as ice-packs and over-the-counter pain medications until you can see a dentist, do so. Dentists are well-equipped to stabilize most issues and develop treatment strategies to address any underlying problems. If the issue occurs after normal business hours, most dentists offer 24-hour emergency service arrangements.
- Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, Executive Summary. US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2021, pg. 17.