Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry can save your natural teeth, stop an infection from spreading to the rest of your body and more. For example, if your tooth got knocked out in an accident, there’s a chance it can still be put back in, but only in a short period of time. With your natural tooth back in, you can avoid expensive implants and painful procedures. Similarly, you can get more natural, cheaper treatments for other dental emergencies if you act fast.
You should get emergency dental care, if you experience the following:
- Pain that prevents you from eating or sleeping.
- Knocked-out teeth.
- Broken or loose braces.
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.
- Lost filling or crown.
- Abscess or “pimple” on the gumline.
Dental First Aid - What To Do
We know dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming whether it’s happening to you or a loved one. Remain calm, perform first aid, and arrange to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Here are some practical tips for common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the area. You may be able to take the edge off your pain by taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen (ex. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (ex. Advil). Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the instructions on the bottle when taking any medication. Make a note of what medication, how much and the time it was taken so you can let us know when you come in.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is of the essence, we may be able to restore your natural tooth! If a whole tooth has been knocked out –and is reasonably clean– quickly and gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If you can’t because you’re unsure or it hurts then save the tooth in a cup of milk. Make sure to call us Immediately. A knocked-out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Teeth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away smaller fragments. If you are bleeding, hold a piece of sterile gauze on the area until bleeding stops. You may use a cold compress to relieve some of the pain and swelling. Call us immediately. We will work quickly to relieve your pain, heal your injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are dental first aid tips found above however, the best first step is always to give us a call! We will give you guidance over the phone to help alleviate your pain, save your tooth and get you here as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctors’ advice and read the directions on the bottle before taking any pain medication. If it is safe for you, you may take a pain reliever like Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin to take the edge off. This is not a permanent or perfect solution. Dental pain is often nerve related and the only substantial relief will come from treatment a doctor can provide. If you do take something, write down what you took, how much you took, and when you took it and let us know when you come in.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency then your first option should be to call your dentist. At Como Park Dentistry we will work to bring you in as quickly as possible and can get you on the phone with the dentist if required. If you need emergency dental care and go to the Emergency Room (ER), the ER will treat you and then bill your health insurance. The ER is not likely to be able to treat a dental problem unless it is a health emergency. They may also use temporary measures to relieve pain until you are able to see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, risking infection or abscess. A broken tooth also risks nerve damage and may lead to needing a root canal.
If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly but you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.
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