Dental emergencies can impact smiles of anyone of any age. Without treatment, even minor chips or cracks could be a source of tooth decay or a dental infection. When you sustain an injury, what should you do? In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about what happens following your dental emergency.
Common Examples of Emergency Dentistry
What is a dental emergency? Simply put, if you have an injury to your teeth or gums, or if you experience sudden discomfort, this is a dental anxiety and requires immediate attention. The same goes for a compromised or damaged/missing restoration or prosthetic, or damaged orthodontics. If a tooth is knocked loose or out completely, you also need to contact our team. For some, food caught under the gums or trapped between teeth is a serious situation too.
What To Do During a Dental Emergency
When a dental emergency happens, you need to contact our team. If this occurs during our normal business hours, we may try to see you same-day to offer relief and protect your smile from further complications. If you contact us and we are closed, leave a message and a member of our team will reach out to you soon with possible appointment times so we can address your dental emergency quickly and effectively.
Easing Your Discomfort and Receiving Treatment
In the meantime, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, rinse with warm water, and use cloth or gauze to control any bleeding. A cold compress to the side of the face or an ice pack can control facial swelling. Only use floss to try and remove what is trapped between teeth, as anything else risks damage to the teeth or gums. If a tooth is knocked out, then pick it up only by the crown or visible portion, don’t touch the roots. Then place it in a glass of milk or salt water and bring it with you to the office. If a tooth is broken, see if you can recover any pieces and bring them with you as well.
Our team could address minor damage same-day with a dental bonding procedure, using durable and lifelike composite resin, which we shade to blend with your tooth. If you have a more serious injury, we could apply a crown. Our team can also restore teeth to your smile, and provide replacement for your missing or damaged restoration or prosthetic. If you have any questions, then contact our team!
Learn More About Taking on Your Dental Emergencies
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid the onset of complications like cavities or a dental infection. To schedule an appointment and prevent complications, then just contact Robert M. Browne DDS in Prairie Village, KS by calling (913) 901-8585.