Don’t Ignore Your Dental Emergency
When you chip a tooth, or if you experience serious discomfort or damaged restorations, then you have a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist explains how to recognize and respond to common dental emergencies, and what treatments we could offer to repair your smile.
The Dangers of an Emergency For Your Smile
An emergency situation refers to any damage or discomfort to your teeth, gums and oral structures. If the issue isn’t life threatening, then give us a call, even outside of normal business hours, and will arrange for a time to see you quickly. Remember, pain could indicate the presence of a severe cavity or infection, so treatment could help protect your smile’s stability. Damage, even if the crack or chip appears minor, could still lead to tooth decay and infection unless addressed quickly. The same goes for a missing or loose crown or filling, as the exposed tooth structure could allow cavities and other complications to develop.
Responding to Your Injury
Your immediate response could help ease discomfort and limit the risk of complications. If a tooth is damaged, then rinse with warm water and use a cold compress or ice pack to control facial swelling. If the area is bleeding, use cloth or gauze to control it. Try to recover any pieces of your tooth and bring them with you. If a crown or filling is loose or gone, then let us know right away and avoid consuming sugary or very hot/cold foods and drinks, as the exposed tooth is vulnerable and sensitive. If a tooth is knocked out completely, then pick it up by the crown (never touch the root) and place it in a glass of milk or salt water. If you have a toothache, floss on either side of the tooth and rinse with warm water. For any of these issues, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Our Treatment Options
For minor damage, we could use dental bonding to repair the tooth. If you have a cavity, a metal-free filling could offer relief. Compromised restorations can be replaced with lifelike ones, and we also have crowns for more severe damage. To help limit the risk of injuries, make sure you or your children who play sports or martial arts always wear a custom-made mouthguard! If you have any questions about how we treat dental emergencies, or about avoiding them, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dental Treatment?
Should you end up with a cracked or chipped tooth, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.