Dental emergencies can impact patients of all ages, and they rarely happen at convenient times. But our team can provide treatment to repair these issues and protect your smile. You can also take steps initially to ease discomfort. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about how to respond to common dental emergencies.
Common Examples of a Dental Emergency Situation
We consider a dental emergency any injury or pain in your teeth or gums that isn’t life threatening, but still requires immediate attention. If the issue is potentially life threatening, we urge you to call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, give our office a call. If you reach us during our normal business hours, we will try to see you same-day. If not, then leave a message and we will reach out to you quickly with potential appointment times.
Your dental emergency could include a cracked or chipped tooth, sudden toothaches, or even objects caught between your teeth. A tooth that is knocked loose or out is cause for emergency treatment, as is a damaged or missing restoration or prosthetic. Injured orthodontics also need to be addressed right away.
How to Ease Your Initial Discomfort
You can take a few steps to help ease your initial discomfort until we can see you for treatment. For example, rinse with warm water and use cloth or gauze to control any bleeding. To prevent facial swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face. If a tooth hurts or an object is caught between it, gently floss but don’t use anything else as you risk damage to your gums or teeth.
If you can recover any pieces of your damaged teeth, do so and bring them with you. If a tooth is knocked out completely, only pick it up by the crown, never touch the root. Put the tooth in a sealed container of milk or salt water and ring it with you to the office.
Taking Protective Steps
Our team would love to talk to you about a custom mouthguard to help protect your smile if you play full contact sports, limiting your risk of future dental emergency visits! If you have any questions about how to address dental emergencies, or if you have an injury that needs attention, then reach out to our office today to learn more and get started. We want to repair your tooth and keep your smile healthy and whole!
Learn More About Dental Emergencies
We want to provide treatment to repair teeth and prevent complications from dental emergencies. To schedule an appointment and repair your teeth, just contact Robert M. Browne DDS in Prairie Village, KS by calling (913) 901-8585.