Emergency Dentistry
Don’t Panic! Visit an Emergency Dentist for Assistance
When it comes to dental emergencies, there are typically two different scenarios people find themselves in. The first is a long-term infection or toothache that’s become too unbearable to ignore. The second scenario is a physical injury, either from a bad fall or while playing a contact sport. Both situations are considered dental emergencies that require immediate treatment. With Dr. Scott J. Maslow’s expertise, you can get your issue settled effectively and comfortably, but only if you schedule an appointment and get to our office. When it comes to dental emergencies, time is truly of the essence!
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
All dental emergencies should trigger a call to our office. Doing so allows you to schedule an appointment, ideally for the same day. The steps to address your emergency should be done in the short-term prior to your emergency appointment.
Toothaches
Floss around your tooth to confirm no food debris is caught between your teeth. Take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce discomfort as needed. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you get to our office. After performing X-rays and thoroughly examining your tooth, we may recommend a root canal if an infection is present or a dental crown if the tooth was broken by forced trauma.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
If a tooth is minorly chipped and no pain is present, you can wait until normal business hours to have it addressed. If pain is present or the crack extends below the gumline, contact our office right away. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and gently rinse your mouth out with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and take painkillers to reduce any discomfort. In this case, direct bonding or a dental crown may be needed.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown portion. Do not touch the root or remove any tissue still attached. Gently rinse off any debris and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Place the tooth back into your socket to keep it preserved. If not possible, keep the tooth inside a container of milk, saline solution, saltwater or saliva. Get to our office within the next hour for the best chances of preservation. If the tooth cannot be reimplanted, a dental implant will be needed to restore your smile.
Lost Filling/Crown
If you still have the restoration, bring it with you to our office. If you can’t get to our office, rinse the restoration and use either dental cement, denture adhesive or petroleum jelly to temporarily reseat the filling or crown. If the restoration is too damaged, a replacement will be needed.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies can be prevented by taking the right precautions. Visiting our office once every six months for checkups and cleanings helps us confirm if problems are present. The sooner we find them, the sooner we can treat them and reduce your risk of a dental emergency later. Furthermore, wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports and practicing daily at-home care (i.e. brushing and flossing) will work to prevent a majority of dental emergencies.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
The cost of your dental emergency largely varies on what’s needed to restore your oral health. While direct bonding can be effective at solving minor chips and cracks, they won’t address an underlying infection deep inside your inner tooth like a root canal would. The best way to determine the cost is to visit the practice so Dr. Maslow can examine your mouth more thoroughly.