When you or one of your kids cracks or chips a tooth, then this is a dental emergency that needs immediate attention to reduce the risk of issues like cavities or even infections. But we can help prevent these complications with a dental emergency appointment. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about what you need to know about handling a dental emergency.
How Dental Emergencies Happen
Often, these happen due to sports-related injuries, but you could also damage a tooth by biting down on something hard too. Expels of common dental emergencies include cracked or chipped teeth, broken teeth, unexplained pain in a tooth, or an object caught between teeth that floss cannot remove. If a tooth is knocked loose or out, this is a situation that needs immediate attention. Damaged or missing crowns, fillings, or prosthetics could also require attention right away. When these situations occur, give us a call even outside of our normal business hours, and we will reach out with a time to see you and provide treatment.
The Immediate Actions You Need to Take
Once a dental emergency occurs, you can take actions to help limit discomfort and complications. For example, you can stem any bleeding with gauze or a bit of cloth, and gather any pieces of a tooth to bring with you. A cold compress or ice pack can reduce swelling in the face too. Be sure to rinse with warm water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If a tooth is knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown portion, never touch the root, and put it in a sealed container of milk or salt water, and bring it with you to the office. If a prosthetic or restoration is damaged or missing, try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, and items high in sugar and starch, as the areas could be sensitive.
What Happens When You Arrive
Once you arrive, we will carefully examine the injured area so we can offer appropriate treatment. For minor injuries, we could use composite resin to repair it in one sitting with a bonding procedure. A custom crown can address more severe damage and protect your smile from complications. We can restore a knocked-out tooth into its proper position, and also offer replacement for compromised restoration or dental prosthetic. If you have any questions about how we address common dental emergencies, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you and your family enjoy optimal oral health!
Learn More About Emergency Dentistry
If you or a family member experiences a sudden dental emergency, then schedule an appointment by calling Mai Dental in Garland, TX, today at (972) 530-0552.
