How to Handle Dental Emergencies

 Most of the time, people who visit our Coleman, TX  dental office do so for cleanings and checkups as part of an ongoing commitment good dental health. Other times, there are dental emergencies that need immediate attention. In dental emergency situations, you can contact our office and we will work to fit you in as soon as possible.

What defines a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies typically refer to conditions in which the teeth or gums are seriously damaged and require professional treatment. Sometimes, treatment must be done right away in order to prevent even more serious consequences from occurring. Examples of dental emergencies might include injuries, which can range from chipped, broken, or knocked-out Teeth.

Other forms of dental emergencies involve infections of the tooth or surrounding tissues. If infections spread below the gum line, they can lead to an abscess and significant discomfort. Abscesses are especially dangerous because they damage supporting structures below the teeth and, if left untreated, can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In cases where the tooth is knocked out, it might be possible to replace it in the socket, so long as the tooth is handled properly and the patient gets to the dentist within an hour or so. However, many times it becomes necessary to consider replacements for the missing tooth, such as a bridge or dental implant. Some dental emergencies involve damage to dental work, such as lost fillings and crowns. This often results in discomfort or pain. While waiting to see the dentist, patients can diminish pain by applying clove oil to the tooth. Dr. Thompson will help restore function with a temporary or more short-term solution until your new, permanent is complete.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist

When you are suffering from a dental emergency, you want a dentist that you can depend on to treat the condition promptly. You want someone who can put you at ease during a stressful time. Call our Coleman office immediately if you have experienced a dental emergency. We will provide advice over the phone and have you visit our office as soon as you can.

Dr. Thompson has extensive experience dealing with all manner of tooth trauma and dental emergencies. You don’t have to put up with pain or wait until the problem gets worse. Contact our Coleman office today.

What to Do When You Knock Out a Tooth

Accidents happen, and sometimes they can damage your smile. Whether it’s a fall, fight, car accident, or sports-related injury, teeth break and get knocked out quite frequently. No one expects their tooth to be knocked out (unless they are trying the age old doorknob tooth pull), but when the event happens, it will benefit you to know what steps to take so as to not inflict further damage.

When a tooth is knocked out, save it! Bring the ejected tooth to the dentist when you go in for treatment and hold the tooth by its crown. You can also bring a tooth to the dentist by:

•  Placing the tooth back in the mouth where it fell out and biting down on it, using gauze or a wet tea bag to help keep the tooth in place.
• Placing the tooth in a container and covering it with a bit of whole milk or saliva.
•  Carrying the tooth in between the lower lip and lower gum or under the tongue.
•  Using a tooth-saving storage container, which includes a fluid solution.

For the open socket in your mouth, be sure to:

• Apply a cold compress to your mouth or gums to numb any pain.
•  Directly place pressure on the area using gauze to contain any bleeding.

When you have an avulsed tooth, knowing what to do is just as important as knowing what not to do. Certain actions can do more harm than good, so make sure you are aware of how your tooth can possibly be damaged if it is knocked out.

• Do not handle the roots of the tooth – only the chewing end (the crown) should be touched.
• Do not try to remove any dirt or debris by scratching the root of the tooth.
• Do not attempt to clean or brush the tooth with typical wound-cleaning solutions like peroxide or rubbing alcohol.

The most important step to take when you lose a tooth is to call your dentist immediately. If you have the tooth at your disposal, bring it with you to the dentist office, but know that the only way to fix an avulsed tooth is to utilize the expert care of a professional. 

To learn more, call the Coleman, TX dental office of Lawrence Thompson, DDS.