We Are Here For You In An Emergency
Accidents happen, and when they do, it is important to be prepared. If you end up in a situation where one of your pearly whites has been harmed, knowing how to proceed can help save your smile. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, family dentistry is here to advise you on managing a dental emergency.
Accidents Happen, But Some Things Can Be Prevented
While not all mishaps can be avoided, taking proper precautions can reduce your chances of an emergency. To take care of your pearly whites, make sure that you follow proper oral hygiene every day and see your dentist twice a year. By brushing and flossing, you remove bacteria that can be created from your daily meals and beverages. Your biannual checkup allows for an extra cleaning to remove plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach and can detect early signs of problems. If your dentist notices cavities, gum disease, or wisdom teeth coming in, they will create a treatment plan to repair your smile. You must schedule your necessary restorations or deep cleanings so that a preventable condition does not worsen or turn into an emergency.
Do Not Wait Until Your Next Visit
Even with proper prevention, accidents and mishaps can still happen. If you begin to experience a sudden toothache, extreme sensitivity, or have cracked one of your pearly whites, do not wait until your next checkup. These problems will need to be examined as soon as possible to restore your smile to its original health. Call your dentist for an urgent appointment. The staff will direct you on what to do in the meantime until the dentist can see you. To reduce your discomfort, you may be able to take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply a cold compress. If a tooth has been dislodged, or part of it has been broken, keep the pieces with you if you are able.
How Your Smile Can Be Restored
If you have harmed a tooth, your dentist will do their best to save it and avoid removing it. If you are experiencing discomfort and inflammation in the area, the tooth may be infected. To relieve your pain, a root canal treatment may be performed. This is the process of removing decayed pulp and cleaning the area. For patients who have cracked or chipped a tooth, a crown may be used to restore the area. This type of damage may have occurred after an accident or when playing sports. It is important to have the area protected so that further damage cannot occur.
Call Us When You Need Urgent Dental Care
If you have harmed one of your pearly whites, do not wait until your next appointment to seek treatment. Schedule an emergency appointment at Cleveland Family Dentistry in TX today at (281) 592-1234.