Your Guide Through a Dental Emergency


Your Guide Through a Dental Emergency

By Wright Smiles

At some point in your life, you may face a dental emergency involving pain and/or damage to one or more of your teeth. The bad news is that, by definition, an emergency means it’s too late to protect your tooth from harm. The good news, however, is that if you don’t panic, and if you follow a few simple rules for managing an emergency, you may be able to save your tooth from more extensive damage or total loss.

What’s the Nature of Your Emergency?

TOOTH HURTS

A toothache is like a headache—it can occur for a number of different reasons, and the discomfort can range from annoying to excruciating, depending on the nature of the toothache. Carefully floss each side of the tooth to ensure nothing is stuck, then rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If the pain persists, call Dr. Wright immediately for an examination, diagnosis, and appropriate course of treatment.

SOMETHING’S STUCK

If food or something else is stuck between two teeth, the pressure can cause one or both teeth to hurt. If the pain persists after you’ve removed the obstruction, or if flossing doesn’t work to dislodge it, then visit us as soon as possible. Use only floss; otherwise you can severely damage the soft, surrounding gum tissue.

TOOTH IS DAMAGED

Tooth damage is often a factor in a dental emergency, especially in cases of traumatic impact, like a car accident or a fall. If the tooth is chipped or broken, collect any pieces you can and rinse them, and your mouth, with warm water. Bring the pieces of your tooth with you during your visit to aid Dr. Wright in repairing the tooth. If bleeding occurs, then apply gentle pressure with clean, moist gauze for about ten minutes, or until the bleeding stops completely.

TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT

A knocked out, or avulsed, tooth isn’t necessarily lost forever. If you can collect, rinse, and bring the tooth with you to your emergency visit, Dr. Wright may be able to replant the tooth in its socket. For best results, you should reach our office within an hour of losing the tooth. Until then, rinse the tooth and your mouth with warm water, taking care not to handle the tooth’s roots or any loose fibers. If the tooth doesn’t fit back into its socket, then place it in a small container of milk until you reach our office.

About Your Southlake Cosmetic Dentists:

As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.