Emergency Dentistry
Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Most dental emergencies require swift action and an immediate appointment. At Woodard Family Dental, we always leave time available for emergency appointments.
The following information will help you take the necessary steps before you receive emergency treatment.
BROKEN FILLINGS
A broken filling is a minor and fairly common emergency. If you notice a broken or dislodged filling, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A broken filling will put your tooth at risk of developing further decay. During your appointment, Steven Woodard, DMD will replace the filling to improve the structure and seal off the area from harmful bacteria.
KNOCKING OUT A TOOTH
If you or a family member knocks out a permanent tooth, there are a few steps you should take to save the tooth. The most important thing you can do is keep the tooth moist at all times. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket. You can also place the tooth in a small container of water or milk. Milk is preferred. When handling the tooth always hold it from the crown, never the root. Do not remove or scrub off any attached tissue fragments. You have the best chance of saving the tooth if you receive treatment within the hour.
CHIPPED AND BROKEN TEETH
If you chip or break a tooth, the first thing you should do is collect all the pieces. Next, you should immediately rinse out your mouth with warm water to clean the area. While a chipped tooth may not immediately constitute a dental emergency, it may worsen over time. We may suggest dental bonding or a dental crown improve the aesthetics and function of the tooth.
DENTAL PAIN AND TRAUMA
Significant pain is one of the biggest indicators that you may be in the midst of a dental emergency. Trauma and injuries as the result of sporting and other physical activities are easily preventable with a mouthguard. If you do experience trauma, you can reduce the swelling with a cold compress. Pain that seems to appear out of nowhere may be the result of tooth decay or infection. Severe toothaches may require a restorative treatment, such as a root canal.
DENTAL ABSCESSES
An abscess is typically the result of a bacterial infection near the root of a tooth. This is a serious condition that can damage your surrounding teeth or soft tissues when left untreated. If you are diagnosed with an abscess, it must be drained as soon as possible to remove the infection. In many cases, the infection is the result of decay within a tooth that spreads outside of the root. Once we remove the abscess, you may need a root canal to fully restore your oral health.
EXCESSIVE BLEEDING
Excessive bleeding is often the result of soft-tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include those to the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums. To control the bleeding, you can rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and place a moist gauze pad to the bleeding area. You can control the pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Ibuprofen. If the bleeding does not stop, be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
"I'd almost forgotten how it felt to eat without having to avoid certain areas of my mouth."
"I had been in pain for quite some time and was up to about an entire tube of Orajel a day to try to deal with it.I called and spoke with Christie and she went directly to the DDS to see how long it would be until they could see me. Within a very short time I was in the chair having a cracked tooth removed and since I can't take any medications, the infection was also scraped away. Today is the third day since the extraction and I had a nice steak dinner tonight."
FLOYD T.