Dental emergencies can be startling, and they can turn a perfect day into a complete disaster if you don’t know what to do next. Because there is no way to plan for a dental emergency, many people have questions about them. Your emergency dentist in Greenwood has heard some questions enough that they want to provide you with the answers that you need. Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies.
When Should I Go to the ER?
Essentially, you should go to the hospital right away if you have a serious facial injury like a jaw fracture, jaw dislocations, serious cuts to the face or mouth, and infection that affects breathing. In the event that any of these situations occur, you should call 911 or head to the emergency room immediately. Infection or abscesses that affect your breathing as well as jaw fractures can be potentially life-threatening, which is why it’s vital to go to the hospital as soon as possible.
When Should I See My Dentist?
All other dental emergencies can be handled by your dentist. You should contact them right away if you experience any of these emergencies:
- Chipped/cracked tooth
- Toothache
- Lost restoration
- Knocked-out tooth
- Infection/abscess that doesn’t affect breathing
Many times, a toothache is actually caused by infection or decay due to poor oral hygiene over time. Your dentist can typically perform a root canal to remove any decayed or damaged tissue while also saving your tooth from extraction.
What Should I Do if My Tooth Gets Knocked-Out?
If one of your teeth gets knocked-out, don’t panic! Pick it up by the crown and rinse it off, then try to put it pack into your mouth, holding it in place with your tongue. If this isn’t possible, keep your tooth moist in water or milk until you can see your dentist in Greenwood. The sooner that you can visit your dentist, the better your chances are of your tooth being successfully replanted.
How Should I Handle a Lost Filling or Crown?
A lost crown or filling can be painful because it exposes the sensitive inner portion of your tooth. The key here is to try to protect these areas by using some dental cement found at your local drugstore. You can use this to cover a cavity or reattach your crown until you can see a professional. This will save you from pain and sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures.
Now that you’re better prepared for dental emergencies, use this new found information to keep you and your family’s smiles as safe as possible.
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we have a team of 6 dentists who offer a wide-range of dental services, making our Greenwood practice your one-stop-shop for dentistry. We provide emergency dental services to give you expert care in your time of need. For any questions, our dentists can be reached through their website or by phone at (864) 407-4455.