When a tooth is damaged and becomes cracked or chipped, this could leave your smile vulnerable to issues like cavities and infections. Which is why you need emergency dentistry to address these injuries quickly. Our Southlake, TX, dental office can provide treatment to keep your smile strong and beautiful!
Common Examples of Dental Emergencies
When you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped, or one that develops discomfort that doesn’t subside, this could mean you need emergency treatment. The same goes for a missing or loose filling or crown, or a compromised prosthetic. If you have an object caught between your teeth that floss cannot dislodge, you should see us for treatment. These are issues that require instant attention to protect your smile, but that are not life threatening. Be sure to give us a call, even outside of normal business hours, and we will reach out and arrange a time to see you or a member of your family quickly to administer treatment and protect your smile.
The Long-Term Impacts
When you break, crack, or chip a tooth, or if a restoration like a filling or crown is compromised, this exposes sensitive inner tooth structure to harmful oral bacteria. Which means your tooth is more likely to develop painful decay or infection with time, and you could even risk the loss of your tooth. If a tooth is knocked out completely, then attention is needed quickly so we can secure the tooth again. After you call us, you can take steps to ease your discomfort following an emergency.
Easing Your Discomfort
If there is bleeding, you can stem thin with a piece of cloth or gauze. A cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face could control swelling too. You can always take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort until we can see you. If something is caught between the teeth, never use anything but floss to dislodge it, otherwise you risk managing the teeth or gums. If a tooth is damaged, try to recover any pieces and bring them with you. If one is knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown, not the tooth, and rinse away dirt and debris. Place it in a glass of salt water and milk, or return it to the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place.
If you have any questions about our approach to dental emergencies, or about easing your discomfort, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Southlake, TX Dentist About Emergency Dentistry
Our team is ready to treat a cracked or chipped tooth. If you would like to learn more about treating a common dental emergency, call our Southlake, TX dental office at (817) 481-6364.