When Do You Need Emergency Care?

A dental emergency is any injury to the teeth or gums that isn’t life threatening, but could leave your smile at risk for serious complications. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain our approach to emergency dental care, and how we return smiles to optimal health, function, and beauty once more.

The Dangers of Damaged Teeth

The tooth enamel that coats the outside of your teeth is a protective layer, one that helps prevent issues like tooth decay or infection. However, even a minor injury to your smile could compromise the enamel enough to expose the inner layer of dentin to bacteria. A cavity could then form, one that causes painful toothaches and sensitivity as it reaches the inner pulp. The tooth then risk developing infection or even becoming lost. When you damage a tooth, let us know right away!

Common Dental Emergencies

Along with chipped or cracked teeth, other common emergency scenarios include a sudden unexplained toothache, an object caught between your tooth that you cannot remove, or a tooth loosened or knocked-out completely due to injury. A loose or lost filling or crown is also a serious cause for concern. If you damage a tooth, then rinse with warm water and use a piece of cloth or gauze to stem the bleeding. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever too, and use a cold compress or ice pack to control facial swelling. If a filling or crown is compromised, then avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, as the exposed tooth will be very sensitive. If a tooth is knocked out, then pick it up by the crown, never touch the root, and place it in a glass of milk or salt water. Bring it the office with you! Contact our team to schedule a visit right away.

Treatment Options

For minor damage, we may be able to repair the tooth in one visit with dental bonding, which uses the same metal-free material employed in our tooth-colored fillings. For more severe injuries, we can craft a custom-made and lifelike dental crown. We can also replace missing restorations as well, and help restore a knocked-out tooth into place. If you have any questions about addressing an emergency situation, or you find yourself with an aching or injured tooth, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team, even outside of normal office hours. We want to help safeguard the health and beauty of your smile!

Schedule Your Emergency Visit

Dental emergencies need immediate attention to avoid complications, which is why the team at Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX offers an array of cosmetic and restorative treatment options. Contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.