What counts as a dental emergency? We consider any damage or injury to your teeth and gums that is not life threatening to be a dental emergency. We always urge our Garland, TX, patients to see us as soon as possible, so we can treat the issue and prevent complications. Patients should also take the proper steps to limit pain and damage immediately following a dental emergency.
Don’t Ignore Your Damaged Tooth
When you chip a tooth, you should see us right away. Even minor damage could potentially expose the sensitive inner tooth structure to harmful bacteria, leading to cavities and infection. If you sustain an injury but don’t notice any damage, you should still consider an exam. After all, a dental fracture could also lead to complications, but may remain practically invisible to the naked eye.
Chipped, Aching, or Knock-Out Teeth
If you chip a tooth, try to find any pieces you can and bring them to the office. If this proves impossible, don’t worry, we will still be able to repair your smile. If you knock a tooth out, remember to only pick the tooth up by the crown, or visible part. Then, rinse the tooth under running water to remove dirt, but take care not to remove any tissue. Place the tooth in a glass of milk or salt water and bring it with you to the office. If you have a sudden ache, let us know, as this could possibly mean an infection or advanced case of tooth decay. If an object becomes caught between you teeth and cannot be removed with floss, let us know. Never use anything other than floss to try and dislodge it, otherwise you could damage gum tissue.
Remember, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever following an injury, and use cloth or gauze to control bleeding. You can also reduce swelling by placing a cold compress against the side of your face.
Restoring Your Smile
When you see us, we will assess the cause and extent of your injury. We may be able to repair the tooth using dental bonding or perhaps a custom-made dental crown. To limit future injuries, try to avoid chewing on hard objects and food, like pens, pencils, or ice. Also, be sure you wear a mouthguard when playing sports. If you have any questions about treating dental emergencies, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE A DAMAGED TOOTH?
We’re ready to return your cracked or chipped tooth to full function, health, and beauty. For more information on our approach to emergency dentistry, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
