When you have chipped or cracked a tooth, or have a restoration that is loose or missing, then you need an emergency visit! Delaying treatment could mean major complications, from uncomfortable decay and infection, to a missing tooth. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist talks about treating dental emergencies.
When You Need Treatment
What is a dental emergency? This is an injury to your smile, or unexplained discomfort, that requires immediate attention, but is not life threatening. Any life threatening or severe injuries should involve a call to 911 or a visit to the nearest emergency room. But for issues like cracked or chipped teeth, or ones that have been knocked loose or out, they require a visit to our team. Even if your issue happens outside of normal business hours, give us a call and we will schedule a time to see you. Other common examples include loose or lost fillings and crowns, objects caught between teeth that floss can’t remove, or an unexplained toothache.
Easing Your Own Discomfort
After you call our team, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort. Be sure you rinse with warm water too, and use a cold compress or washcloth to ease facial swelling. If there is bleeding, be sure you use a cloth or piece of gauze. You can also help by recovering any missing pieces of your tooth and bringing them with you. If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, not the root, and place it in a glass of milk or salt water. Bring it with you. If you have a compromised restoration, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, as the exposed tooth is quite sensitive.
Possible Treatment Options
For a damaged tooth, we could offer repair in one visit with dental bonding. We also have lifelike crowns too! Our team can help your smile and replace compromised restorations. If you have lost a tooth and couldn’t recover it, we have lifelike prosthetic available as well. To help protect your smile from future injury, be sure to wear a mouthguard when you play sports or martial arts. Good oral hygiene habits also keep your teeth strong and better able to withstand injury. If you have any questions about our approach to emergency repair, then contact our team today. Remember, treatment can prevent worsening pain, or complications like infection or abscess.
TALK TO YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST ABOUT YOUR INJURED TOOTH
We would like to help you enjoy a healthy and stable smile with our emergency treatment option. If you would like to learn more about our treatments for injuries or discomfort, contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.