How To Approach Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency simply means any injuries or pain in your teeth or gums that while serious, is not life threatening. These need to be addressed quickly to prevent complications, such as tooth decay or an infection. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about how to approach common dental emergency scenarios.
Common Dental Emergencies
If you have a sudden ache or sensitivity in one or more teeth, this could be a sign you need dental care. Likewise, if something is caught between your teeth and you cannot remove it with floss. Obviously, a cracked or chipped tooth means you need treatment, as does a tooth that is knocked loose or out completely. If you have a filling or crown that is loose or falls out, let us know right away. Ignoring these concerns could increase the risk of complications, such as tooth decay and dental infection, and could even lead to eventual tooth loss. If your dental emergency happens outside of normal business hours, then give us a call right away so we can call you back and arrange for a time to see you.
Easing Your Discomfort
After you call use, rinse with warm water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you can recover any pieces of your tooth, then please do and bring it with you. If a tooth is knocked out, then pick it up by the visible crown portion, not the tooth, and place it in a glass of salt water or milk. You can also gently return it to the socket and carefully bite down to keep it in place. Use a piece of cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding, and a cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face could control facial swelling.
Our Treatment Options
For minor damage, we could repair a tooth in one visit with a dental bonding procedure. We also have custom crowns for more serious cases. We can return your knocked out tooth to its proper place, and replace any missing or compromised fillings or crowns to protect your teeth. Often, we can address the issue in only one visit, returning your smile to optimal health, function, and beauty once again. To help lower the risk of injury, be sure you wear a mouthguard when playing full contact sports or martial arts. If you have any questions, then give us a call today.
Do You Have a Cracked or Chipped Tooth?
When a tooth is injured, we want to see you right away. If you have any questions about emergency dental care, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.