Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for November 2014

Space Between Teeth

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I had my braces taken off about three days ago. For some reason, there is a gap opening up between my front two teeth. Do you know what is going on?

Lisa- Maine

Lisa,

I’m sure your dentist gave you a retainer to wear. It sounds to me like you may have neglected that part. Your teeth can begin to shift in just a couple of days.

You’ll need to get to your orthodontist as quickly as possible. He made need to make some adjustments to your retainer in order to get your teeth back in to position. If he can’t do that, he’ll have to make you a new one.

Once it is fixed, make sure you wear it religiously. I know you’re ready to be free from braces, but you’ll want the fix to last.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Should I have taken my son in for an emergency appointment?

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My son got kicked in the mouth at the park.  It knocked a baby tooth loose, but because it was a baby tooth and he seemed fine, I didn’t take him in to the dentist. I’m second guessing myself now. He’s not complaining or anything; I’m just a worrier.

Maria T. – Maryland

Maria,

He’s probably fine. His baby tooth would have fallen out eventually, so unless he was in pain or you saw some obvious damage, it is probably not a dental emergency. I would schedule a follow up appointment for him just to check that no damage was done to his underlying permanent tooth.

If it were an adult tooth, that would completely change the situation. You’d want to get him treated within thirty minutes to have the best chance at saving his tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.