Even the most careful among us have experienced dental emergencies, which include broken, chipped, knocked-out teeth, toothache, sensitive teeth, or damaged fillings or crowns. Whether caused by trauma or decay, these issues need professional attention to avoid permanent damage to your smile.
If you have a dental emergency, call our office immediately. Our on-call dentist can help you if the emergency merits immediate care. Read the following tips for at-home care during a dental emergency.
What to Do for Your Emergency
The first step is to make sure teeth and restorations are collected. Even if they have been knocked out, reattachment is possible. Before your appointment, place the whole tooth or teeth back into their sockets. If you cannot do this, keep the tooth hydrated by placing it in a container with milk or saliva. Use slightly salted water as a last resort.
Restorations do not require hydration, but should be stored in a safe place. In cases where your tooth cannot be reattached, our dentist can provide a temporary restoration at your emergency appointment.
For fractured but not completely avulsed teeth, preserve the pieces for reattachment at our dental office with composite dental bonding.
If your restoration is loose or has fallen out, it’s possible to prevent tooth sensitivity by purchasing dental cement from a pharmacy or convenience store to attach the prosthetic. This is only a temporary solution; it will not be resilient to further damage nor prevent infection in the following days.
With any dental emergency, immediate treatment is key to restoring oral health. If issues are left untreated too long, they may be difficult to repair. Potential risks include bite problems, teeth that require extraction, and/or gum overgrowth, requiring specialized and comprehensive care.
Relieving Pain
Discomfort while chewing, toothache, and sensitivity may not go away until you see the dentist. Apply ice to sore areas in twenty minute intervals and alleviate pain by using over-the-counter pain medication.
Toothaches and thermal sensitivity typically mean you have exposed tooth inner structures due to decay or wear. Reduce discomfort by eating and drinking lukewarm foods and avoid acidic food items.
Visit Gillette Smiles for Emergency Care
We see walk-in patients and provide dental care to those in need. Drs. Hokanson and Bouzis prioritize your oral health and provide treatment to restore full dental function and beauty. We support families with emergency dental care whenever necessary.