Pain is usually the main reason why people make emergency dental visits. Don’t ignore the problem or dismiss addressing the issue, even if the pain subsides. Too often, people will wait to seek treatment and let the situation get worse. If left untreated, dental emergencies can lead to more serious issues or the loss of a tooth.
Schedule an appointment right away if you suffer from one or more of the following common dental issues:
A Knocked out tooth
A broken or cracked tooth
Tooth pain or swelling
Tooth Abscess
If you are experiencing any type of dental problem, don´t hesitate to call your dentist. They will ask questions over the phone to determine if you need to come in immediately and can walk you through basic first-aid over the phone. Here are some tips on managing possible dental problems and safeguarding the state of your oral health until you can reach an emergency dentist.
Knocked Out Tooth:
If you’ve knocked out a tooth, time is very important. You need to be seen by your dentist immediately. Seeing a dentist within an hour increases the chances that the tooth can be saved.
Carefully pick up the lost tooth by the crown, place it back into the socket, and gently bite down to keep it in place until you reach the emergency dentist. If there is any debris or dirt on the tooth, run it under some clean, cold water before reinserting the tooth, but do not dry it on anything. if you cannot easily get the tooth back into its socket, store it in a container of milk.
Broken Molar:
Molars (your back teeth) can sometimes break from biting something too hard. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to permanently fix it without a trip to the dentist. Until you can reach a dentist, a good temporary fix to prevent food from getting impacted into a broken molar is to take a beeswax candle, cut off some of the wax and melt it then mold it to plug up the hole. Depending on your situation, your dentist may perform a root canal and seal the tooth with a filling or restore it with a dental crown.
Chipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth:
Teeth can become chipped or fractured from a fall, from grinding and clenching our teeth over time, or simply from wear and tear. For small chips that don’t expose any nerves and aren’t causing significant amounts of pain, orthodontic wax can go a long way to help you to stay comfortable until you find yourself in a dentist’s chair. If you have chipped or broken off a part of your tooth, save any pieces of the tooth that you find, rinse them gently in warm water, and place them in a cup of milk. Take them to the dentist's office with you. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely your dentist will be able to reattach the broken piece to your damaged tooth.
Toothache:
Your teeth can hurt for a variety of reasons. While some are not serious issues, others can be dental emergencies. A toothache can be a symptom of another larger issue, such as tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can be a seriously difficult and expensive problem to treat. However, the cause of your toothache could be as simple as having something lodged between your teeth or gums. Start with brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing out your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash. If this does not resolve the pain, call and consult your dentist. If you experience any type of ongoing tooth pain, calling your dentist should be made a priority. Taking an over the counter pain reliever can lessen pain and help reduce any swelling.
Lost or Damaged Filling or crown:
If you lose a filling completely, part of the interior of your tooth will be exposed. you can place some sugar-free gum in the empty space as a temporary solution until you can get to your appointment. If your dental crown comes off completely, use denture adhesive or toothpaste to help it stay in place. In most cases, your dentist can re-cement it when you go in for your appointment.
Abscess:
An abscessed tooth is a very painful infection. It can occur around the root of, or in the gums surrounding the tooth, and may be an indication that you may have tooth decay that has penetrated the inner pulp of your tooth, or even severe gum disease. The bacterial infection will not heal by itself. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck. It is crucial that you call the dentist as soon as you suspect that you might have an abscess. Take an over the counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution several times a day until you get to your appointment.
Bonus Tip: Call Sugarloaf Smiles
If the time comes and you need an emergency dentist, keep the above tips in mind. Also, remember that Sugarloaf Smiles is proud to offer emergency dental services. No matter the dental issues you are struggling with, we will help you get the necessary treatment, and work to find the solution that works best for you. Contact us in the event of an emergency or for any of your dental needs.
Office Location:
Sugarloaf Smiles
1815 Satellite Blvd #401
Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: (770) 813-1200
Office Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
