No one expects or wants a dental emergency, but professional help must be sought right away when they occur. Wambaugh Dental is ready to assist in a dental emergency. Don’t wait for a regular appointment if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can’t always wait for a convenient time to seek professional help.
Call us right away at 281.501.7849 if you experience a dental emergency. We also have a number for after-hour emergencies. Naturally, if you are unable to reach us or are experiencing more severe or life-threatening injuries, dial 911.
Types of Dental Emergencies
There are various types of dental emergencies, but some of the most common include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Facial Injuries
- Abscesses
- Toothaches
Knocked-Out Teeth
Getting a tooth knocked out is quite painful and distressing. Time is the most critical factor when trying to save a tooth, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket. Some important things to remember include:
- Do not try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
- The best liquid to transport a tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or, if nothing else is available, water.
- Don’t let the tooth dry out, and don’t wrap it in anything.
- Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
Facial Injuries
Car accidents, sports injuries, fights, and falls can all cause dental injuries, including broken teeth or jaws. In situations like these, it’s important to seek medical assistance in addition to dental care.
In the case of a cracked or chipped tooth, your dentist will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary. For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible. If a tooth is chipped or cracked, the tooth can often be repaired with a filling or bonding alone. However, a cracked or chipped tooth affecting the nerve requires more complicated remedies. If a tooth is displaced or moved due to facial injuries, do not try to move the tooth back on your own. However, you may apply ice to alleviate any discomfort.
Abscesses
An abscessed tooth occurs when a tooth is infected, and the infection spreads beyond the root and into the surrounding tissue. If you experience pain, swelling, redness around your gums or tooth, or a fever, you may have an abscess and should seek professional help right away.
Toothaches
A toothache can be caused by many things, including decay, infection, gum disease, or an object caught between teeth. If you have a toothache that lasts longer than two days or is accompanied by other symptoms like bad breath, swollen gums, or discolored teeth, get professional help right away.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Emergency dental services involve the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and related oral diseases and the sharing of information and equipment designed to help protect the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face of athletes of all ages. Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common among athletes.
It’s important to protect your child’s smile if they play sports for aesthetic reasons as well as health reasons. One of the best ways to prevent injury to your child’s teeth and mouth is to have them wear a mouthguard while playing sports. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for your child’s particular needs.
As you can see, dental emergencies are painful and should be taken seriously. If you experience a dental emergency, call Wambaugh Dental immediately at 281.501.7849.
Contact Wambaugh Dental
Many situations require emergency dental treatment. Fortunately, most of them are treatable. If you suffer from one of the three most common dental emergencies, we’ve detailed what you should do before calling Wambaugh Dental.
At Wambaugh Dental, we want to help you address your dental emergency. We can further instruct you on what to do and ensure there are no severe consequences. Contact our team today by calling 281.501.7849, or contact us online as soon as you realize that you are experiencing a dental emergency and need treatment.