When you have a dental problem, your dentist should be your first call. However, what happens if the problem is on the weekend or after hours? If you are having a severe problem, you may need to find an emergency dentist.
What is a dental emergency though? Not every situation is an emergency. Are you having severe pain? Pain and bleeding are signs of an emergency. Have you lost a tooth? Acting quickly can potentially save a tooth. Do you have an infection? An abscess or infection in your mouth may indicate a serious problem. Are you bleeding from the mouth? This is another potential sign of an emergency. Usually, a dental problem that involves bleeding, severe pain, a severe infection, or saving a tooth should be considered an emergency. If you experience any of these, call your dentist immediately and explain what happened.
Here are some common emercency dental situations you may encounter.
An object stuck between your teeth: If a piece of food or a small object is wedged in between your teeth, you can try to remove it with dental floss. You should not use anything that is sharp because it may cause even further damage. If you can’t dislodge the object, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Missing tooth filling: If you lose a filling, call your dentist for the soonest available time. While you are waiting, you can use dental cement, which is usually found at a drug or grocery store to fill the gap.
Knocked out tooth: This is one of those instances where fast action can save the tooth. Call your dentist immediately. Try to avoid touching the tooth by holding it by the crown (the top part of the tooth). Rinse it gently with water, and do not scrub any part of the tooth because you need to protect the root. If you are able, carefully try re-inserting the tooth back into the socket. Do not try to force the tooth and make sure you are positioning the tooth in the correct direction. If this is impossible, you can keep the tooth wet by putting it in a cup of milk or water. Getting to the dentist quickly will increase your chances of saving the tooth.
Broken, chipped or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your face. Go to the dentist right away. If the tooth was broken or chipped, bring the fragment wrapped in a wet towel or gauze.
Contact Us Today for Emergency Dental Care
Regular check-ups with your dentist can help you avoid potential emergencies. During your dental visits, your oral professional will check for loose fillings and crowns, as well as signs of decay, infection, and gum disease. A custom treatment can be created to address the problems before they become an emergency. If you have a dental emergency in Roanoke Rapids, call our office as soon as possible.