When do I need emergency dentistry?
You should call EZ Dental Clinic for emergency care when you need to:
- Relieve pain
- Stop bleeding
- Save a damaged tooth
Tooth pain may be the result of an injury, such as having a tooth knocked out. Pain is also the sign of a severe infection that has spread into the tooth pulp, gums, or bones. In both cases, you’ll need emergency care.
Additional dental problems that need emergency care include:
- Loose permanent tooth
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Objects stuck in the gums or soft tissues
- Signs of an abscess, such as fever, swelling, and pain
You may also need emergency treatment when a filling, crown, or bridge comes loose.
How can I protect my teeth and gums during a dental emergency?
You can help save a damaged tooth and prevent further damage to your gums by taking certain actions depending on the issue.
Knocked out tooth
The dentists at EZ Dental Clinic have a better chance of saving your tooth if you:
- Don’t touch the tooth root
- Keep the tooth moist
- See the dentist in 30-60 minutes
It’s possible to save a tooth even if it’s outside your mouth longer than an hour, but you have the best chance if you get treatment before an hour passes.
You can keep the tooth moist by placing it in some milk, holding it between your gums and cheeks, or by rinsing it with plain water and gently placing it back into the socket. Don’t force it into the socket, however. If it doesn’t fit easily, use one of the other methods.
Object stuck in your tongue, gum, or cheek
Many patients immediately try to remove an object that’s stuck in their mouth, but you should leave it in place and immediately call EZ Dental Clinic. Trying to remove the object on your own is likely to cause more tissue damage.
How are dental emergencies treated?
The dentists at EZ Dental Clinic provide same-day treatments for emergency dental problems. Their first goal is to relieve your pain and preserve your tooth if needed.
Otherwise, your treatment depends on the type of injury. For example, a knocked-out tooth is immediately replanted or you may need a temporary crown to protect a damaged tooth.
If you experience a dental emergency, call EZ Dental Clinic to schedule a same-day appointment immediately.
