A dental emergency is a serious issue that impacts the teeth or gums, such as a crack or chip, and requires attention to prevent the onset of major oral health complications. However, in between your injury and seeing us for care, you could be experiencing serious discomfort. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist will look at how to mitigate discomfort.
Common Emergency Situations
What is a dental emergency? Well, examples include sudden toothaches, injuries to the gums, cracked, chipped or broken teeth, and loose or lost restorations (such as fullings and crowns). Other scenarios include teeth that have been loosened by injury, or knocked-out completely. An object caught between your teeth that cannot be removed with floss alone could also mean you need to see us right away.
Easing Your Discomfort
First, with any of the above taking an over the counter pain reliever could help ease discomfort. We also suggest rinsing your mouth with warm water following an injury. If there is bleeding, try to stem it with a piece of cloth or gauze. Should you have an injured tooth or one knocked loose/out, then a cold compress or ice pack against the side of the face could help prevent facial swelling. If you have a loose or lost filling or crown, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, or any items that are especially hot or cold, as the exposed inner structure will be very sensitive. If a tooth us knocked out, be sure to bring with you in a glass of milk or salt water, and don’t touch the roots. If a tooth is chipped, try to recover and bring any pieces with you if possible. We can then discuss restoration options!
Restoring Your Smile
We can replace any compromised restorations, and repair injured teeth with treatments like dental bonding, which could address them in one visit. We also have lifelike crowns to restore damaged teeth too. If a tooth is knocked out and cannot be replaced, or is severely injured, then we can replace it with a custom bridge or dental implant. We have many options for repairing damaged teeth and easing discomfort, returning your smile to optimal health, function, and beauty and avoiding the onset of serious oral health complications down the road. If you have any questions about our approach to treating dental emergencies, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL EMERGENCIES?
Addressing your emergency quickly is essential for avoiding major complications for your smile’s health, function, and beauty. To learn more about how we treat damaged or aching teeth, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.