Emergency dental care is sometimes necessary when unexpected dental issues arise. In these instances, immediate and specialized dental care is crucial. Dental emergencies can arise at any time and can be distressing and painful. Longview Family Dental provides emergency dentistry in Longview, TX, for patients suffering from various dental emergencies.
Same-day dental care for urgent dental problems can reduce the risk of future infection, dental trauma, and tooth loss. We can relieve tooth pain, fix tooth damage, and restore missing teeth in our office.
The Importance of Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dentistry is essential for several reasons. Firstly, dental emergencies can lead to severe pain and discomfort. Prompt dental care is necessary to alleviate suffering.
Secondly, urgent dental treatment can lessen the risk of permanently damaging teeth and surrounding tissues. When we treat our patients as soon as possible, we lower their risk of possible complications.
Lastly, promptly addressing dental emergencies can improve oral health and well-being. The sooner we treat a dental issue, the quicker patients feel more comfortable and healthy.
Steps You Should Take in a Dental Emergency
If you experience a dental emergency, act quickly. Seeking immediate attention from your dentist will always give you the best results. Here are some steps that we recommend you take in a dental emergency:
- Call Longview Family Dental as soon as possible and explain the nature of your emergency.
- If bleeding is present, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the affected area.
- If you knock out a tooth, rinse it with water. Then, try to reposition it in the socket. If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a container of saliva and bring it with you to your dentist appointment.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain or swelling.
- Even if your symptoms improve, follow up with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Dental Emergencies
There are many types of dental emergencies. You should know what to do in each situation. Here we review how you should handle each one. As always, the first thing you should do is call us and explain your specific situation. Our dental staff can then help you with your unique case. Common dental emergencies and the actions we recommend include:
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can indicate many underlying dental issues, such as decay or tooth infection. If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove debris. An over-the-counter pain reliever can provide temporary relief. However, scheduling an emergency dental appointment is crucial to address the root cause.
Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown
If a dental filling or dental crown falls out, you should try to keep the restoration and place it somewhere safe. Try to avoid chewing on the affected tooth to avoid infection or damage.
Apply dental cement or sugar-free gum to the exposed area can offer temporary protection until your dentist can assess and repair the restoration.
Bleeding Soft Tissue Inside the Mouth
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts or lacerations inside the mouth, can lead to significant bleeding. You should start by rinsing out your mouth with a mild saltwater solution and applying gentle pressure.
Be sure to use clean gauze, a clean cloth, or a moist tea bag to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, seeking immediate dental attention is crucial.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth requires careful handling to prevent further damage. We recommend rinsing your mouth with warm water. You can apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. In addition, avoid biting or chewing on the damaged tooth.
Seeking emergency dental care is essential to assess the extent of the injury and determine appropriate treatment. We can recommend dental bonding or tooth crowns to cover and protect your tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
In the case of a chipped or broken tooth, rinse yout mouth with warm water and save any fragments if possible. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can help reduce pain and swelling.
Immediate dental attention is necessary to repair or restore the damaged tooth. Avoid chewing with the chipped tooth to avoid further damage until your appointment. Use pain medication, but do not apply it to your tooth.
We may recommend bonding if you have chips in your tooth. In some cases, if you have a small tooth chip, you can wait for treatment.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate action for the highest chance of successful re-implantation. You should handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If reinsertion is not possible, placing the tooth in a container of saliva.
If you bring the tooth to our office within 30 minutes of loss, we may reattach the tooth. However, we may recommend a dental implant if we cannot place your tooth back in its socket. Dental implants are small, metal posts a surgeon places in the jaw bone. Implants
Jaw Injury
A jaw injury, which may include dislocation or fracture, requires urgent attention. Stabilize the jaw with a bandage or handkerchief and seek immediate medical care. Do not move the jaw. Apply a cold compress to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Reduce the Risk of a Dental Emergency
With the proper care, you can prevent dental emergencies. We recommend that you:
- Use a Mouthguard: If you or your child play contact sports, you need athletic mouthguards. Custom sports mouthguards absorb shock from hits to the face. Mouthguards reduce the risk of knocked-out teeth, gum injuries, and chipped or cracked teeth. If you have TMJ, we will recommend a nightguard to prevent tooth damage and wear.
- Visit Our Office: At dental appointments, our hygienists provide cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. We will also take routine X-rays to find dental issues and oral health developments. In addition, if you have a current concern, we can provide diagnosis and treatment.
- Have a First Aid Kit: Keep gauze and pain medication in your home. These products can help you whether you have an injury or a dental emergency.
Do I Go to the Hospital or Dentist?
We recommend medical care over dental care in cases where you have a physical injury. If you experience a concussion, broken jaw, or excess bleeding, visit the hospital first. Then, once you are physically healthy, we can treat any dental problems.
Call for Emergency Dentistry in Longview, TX
Emergency dental care is a vital part of our dental practice. If you require emergency dentistry services in Longview, TX, please contact us at 903-662-7811.
In addition, if you have a dental problem but do not have an emergency, schedule a visit with Dr. Chris Goelz. Feel free to ask questions about your symptoms. We will help you get the care you need.