Life is filled with unexpected moments, and when such a moment occurs, it’s important to know what to do if your smile experiences damage. Examples include biting down too hard on a yummy treat or colliding with another person while playing a fun game of basketball. Being able to act quickly to manage the situation until you can get to a dental clinic will help your smile recover properly with little to no complications.
At Agape Dental Clinic, our skilled dentist in Millwoods is here to aid you with all your oral health needs. If you’re dealing with dental emergency, don’t hesitate to come visit us. We guarantee that we’ll return your smile to its former beauty in no time.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental, smile, or oral health emergency is any issue that requires care from a dental professional. Often, they are characterized by sharp and persistent pain and bleeding. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is, even if you’re unsure you require immediate care, it’s best to be cautious and speak with a dentist just in case, as they can identify factors that you may be unaware of.
Dealing with Common Dental Emergencies
When you’re caught up in the middle of a dental emergency, it can feel overwhelming. The first thing to do is take a few deep breaths to clear your mind and settle yourself. Then, once you feel calmer, you can assess the situation and act.
Below are some common oral health emergencies amongst patients and the steps to look after your smile until you can get to a dentist near you.
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Broken Teeth
Broken teeth, whether chipped, cracked, or otherwise fragmented, can be painful. Gently rinse your mouth out with water and, if possible, save any of the pieces of the tooth. Use a small section of gauze or a soft cloth to staunch any bleeding. If you’re experiencing pain, keep a cold compress against the side of your face; this can also help with swelling.
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Knocked-Out Tooth
A dislodged tooth is also referred to as an avulsed tooth. This often happens when one plays contact sports like hockey, football, basketball, or wrestling. Here are measures to take when this happens:
- First, locate the tooth that’s been knocked out.
- While only touching the crown (top) of the tooth and avoiding the roots, carefully rinse off any dirt with water.
- Try placing the tooth back in its socket. Bite down or press it down very gently with your finger to encourage reattachment. If this isn’t possible, put the tooth in milk so it remains moist.
- To relieve any discomfort, take pain medications like Advil.
- Visit the dentist as soon as you can, ideally within half an hour or so. They may be able to restore your tooth.
In cases where your original tooth cannot be reattached, your dentist will discuss other options with you, like dental implants.
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Toothaches
Most people will experience a minor toothache now and then, and, in most cases, the feeling will fade on its own. But if it doesn’t, it may be an indication of something more serious. Rinse your mouth first, then look to see if there’s anything around your that could be the cause of the pain, like a bit of food, a tear in your gum, or your tooth has a cavity. Use a cold cloth to numb the area. Then, visit your dentist.
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Missing/Lost Dental Restoration
If your dental crown, filling, or bridge falls out or even breaks, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. They will be able to prepare and clean up your tooth and take impressions so you can acquire a replacement structure. Your unique oral dimensions and aesthetic preferences will be considered during the creation of the restoration.
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Abscess
A pocket pus that forms near or around a tooth is known as an abscess. It starts out as a pimple-like bump on the gums. If it’s left untreated, it can grow, and the infection can spread to other regions in your mouth. Rinsing with saltwater throughout the day can help ease the pain temporarily and encourage the pus to reach the surface instead of going elsewhere.
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Broken Orthodontics
For patients with traditional braces, it’s not atypical for their metal arch wires or brackets to break at least once throughout their treatment journey. Metal braces are durable, but they are still prone to damage. If a wire is sticking out of place, don’t try to cut it — if you do, you may cut your gums or end up swallowing the wire, which can damage your stomach. Use a cotton ball or dental wax to cover the end of the wire; this will prevent it from scratching your tissues while you wait to see a dentist.
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Tissue Lacerations
Did you know that cuts and other injuries to your lips, tongue, and cheeks are considered oral health emergencies too? Each of these things protects your smile so, when they’re damaged, it’s important to seek professional aid. Control any bleeding with a clean, wet cloth and apply pressure. If the bleeding does not cease after 15 minutes or so, it’s time to visit a dental clinic.
Receiving the Care You Need
When you step into our clinic, our dentist will greet you, ensure you’re comfortable, then closely evaluate your smile. X-rays may be taken to determine the health of your tooth roots and jawbone that reside below the surface of the gums. You will also be asked about what happened – be sure to give as much detail as you can – so our team can determine the most appropriate way forward. Our dentist will make a customized treatment plan to ensure that your needs are met.
Depending on the severity of the matter, you may need to return for a second or third appointment. This allows us to see how your smile is healing and whether additional treatments are necessary.
A root canal, dental filling, crown, implant, and tooth extraction are just a few services your dentist can recommend to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality.
If you or a loved one have questions about emergency dental care near you, let your team know!
Visit Us for Quality Oral Health Treatment
Whether you’re searching for a reliable place to acquire emergency dental care in Millwoods, or simply need to book a checkup and cleaning, we’ve got you covered. Agape Dental Clinic is proud to provide lasting dental services that will preserve your smile so you can continue to enjoy what life offers. Our same-day emergency treatments enable you to return to your day in no time. The staff here are proud to be your oral health ally.
For more information, please call or email us.
