There are some dental issues that need to be addressed immediately, such as severe tooth pain or a knocked-out tooth. These emergencies require a visit to an Emergency Dentist Arlington. These dental professionals have evening, weekend, or walk-in hours to provide care to patients with urgent needs. They are also able to treat conditions that need immediate attention, such as a broken bracket or wire on braces, an infected gum, and excessive bleeding from a tooth extraction or gum disease.
While it is never good to have an emergency happen, these situations do occur. The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to practice proper oral hygiene and schedule regular visits with the dentist. It is also important to not chew brittle foods, such as hard candy or corn chips.
If you have a toothache, the first step is to rinse the mouth with water and use over-the-counter pain relievers until you can get to the dentist. If the toothache is severe, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face and jaw. This will help to reduce the swelling and ease the pain.
Another common dental emergency is a lost filling. If you have a loose or missing filling, don’t try to repair it with over-the-counter dental cement. It is very difficult to place this cement on a natural tooth and it can damage the teeth and create more problems down the road. If the tooth is cracked, don’t eat anything that is very hot or cold, and apply a cold compress to the jaw.
A chipped tooth is also a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. If possible, rinse the broken part of the tooth with water and gently hold it by the crown until you can see your emergency dentist. If the tooth is completely knocked out, put it in a cup of milk, which has a similar pH as the mouth. This will preserve the tooth and increase the chances of saving it.
It is also important to visit the hospital emergency room if you have an accident that includes a severe blow to the head or a jaw fracture. This will allow a physician to make sure that you don’t have any more serious injuries. The emergency room physician can also give you prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers to use until you can see your emergency dentist.
Call Westover Dentistry for all your dental needs, including emergencies. Call today to schedule an appointment!