Dental Care When You Need It
Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often require immediate attention to prevent further damage or discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, a chipped tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s vital to know what to do in these situations.
We don’t want our patients to wait in pain and risk further complications. At the office of Renee C. Miller D.D.S. & James M. Cooper D.D.S., our dentists offer emergency dentistry services to ensure that you get the care you need as soon as possible.
What Is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry refers to the treatment of dental issues that require urgent attention to prevent further damage or alleviate pain. Dental emergencies can include various issues, such as toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, dental abscesses, and broken restorations.
Signs of a Dental Emergency
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may need emergency dental care:
- Severe toothache or pain that persists for an extended period.
- Bleeding from the mouth, gums, or tongue that doesn’t stop or is excessive.
- Swelling in the face, neck, or mouth.
- A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth.
- A cracked or chipped tooth that’s causing significant pain or bleeding.
- A broken dental appliance, such as braces, causes pain or discomfort.
- A severe injury to the mouth or face, such as a broken jaw.
- Difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing due to dental pain or swelling.
- Pain or discomfort in the gums.
- Sudden and severe sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages.
Dental Emergency Services
Toothaches
Toothaches can be a sign of a serious dental problem, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or an abscess. If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss around the affected tooth to remove any food particles. If the pain persists, contact our emergency dentists as soon as possible to avoid further problems from arising.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by multiple factors, such as a fall or biting down on something hard. If you experience a chipped or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces of the tooth you have. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and contact our emergency dentists right away.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, act quickly to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Start by picking up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and contact our dentists.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth due to a bacterial infection. Symptoms of a dental abscess include severe pain, swelling, and a fever. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, contact the office of Renee C. Miller D.D.S. & James M. Cooper D.D.S., as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further issues.
Broken Restoration
If a dental restoration, such as a filling or crown, becomes loose or falls out, seek immediate treatment to prevent further damage or infection. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and save any pieces of the restoration. Contact our dentists as soon as possible if you’re suffering from a broken restoration.
