If you have pain in one or more teeth, or have chipped one, this means you need to see the dentist for emergency care. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist will look at how we treat these issues, and what you can do to ease discomfort until we can see you. Remember, treating these concerns prevents the onset of cavities or infections down the road!
Don’t Ignore an Emergency!
If you have chipped a tooth, or notice sudden discomfort that doesn’t pass after a few hours, then let us know. Remember, dental emergencies could indicate the presence of a serious infection you may not have been aware of, and even minor damage could expose sensitive inner structures in the tooth, leading to a greater risk of infection or tooth loss. The same if a tooth is knocked out! The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely you are to develop serious complications.
Chipped Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth is a common injury. When one occurs, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you can recover any missing pieces of your tooth, bring them with you to the office. With a piece of cloth or gauze, you can stem any bleeding. A cold compress or ice pack against the side of your face is a great way to control swelling. You can take an over-the-counter pain medication too. We often repair minor chips in one visit with cosmetic dental bonding!
Aching Teeth/Objects Caught Between Them
When you have an aching tooth, rinse with warm water and gently floss one either side of the tooth. The same goes for a tooth with an object stuck between it. Rinse with water and only use floss to try and dislodge it. If this fails, let us know. Using anything other than floss could risk damaging your tooth or the gums, creating a worse injury.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If you knock a tooth out, then pick it up by the crown, or visible portion, and never touch the root. Then place the tooth in a container of milk or salt water and bring it with you to the office. In the meantime, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and take steps to stem bleeding and control facial swelling, just as we mentioned above. If you have any questions about treating dental emergencies, then contact our team today, we want to keep your smile healthy and free of issues like infection or tooth loss!
OUR HOUSTON, TX DENTIST’S OFFICE TALKS EMERGENCY DENTISTRY
At our Houston, TX dentist’s office, our team is ready to help you enjoy a whole and healthy smile, and avoiding the complications of untreated dental emergencies. Find out more about our approach to treating dental emergencies by calling Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry at (281) 974-4494.
