Emergency Dentistry
At keith + associates dentistry, we specialize in emergency dentistry, providing swift and effective treatments for urgent oral health issues like severe toothaches, broken teeth, and dental trauma.
Medical Emergencies in Dentistry
At keith + associates dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and we are equipped to provide rapid and effective treatments. Our emergency dentistry services include handling severe toothaches, repairing broken or chipped teeth, addressing abscesses, and treating injuries that result in tooth loss. A dental emergency may involve significant pain, bleeding, or trauma to the teeth or gums, often necessitating prompt intervention to prevent further complications or permanent damage. At our clinic, each emergency case is treated with priority and precision. We strive to offer immediate appointments and utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and resolve dental emergencies swiftly.
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What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency refers to any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate medical attention to relieve severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, cracked or broken teeth, abscesses, and significant bleeding or swelling in the mouth. These situations often arise suddenly and can significantly impact overall health or lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
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What is not a dental emergency?
Situations that are not considered dental emergencies typically include minor discomforts and conditions that can wait for a scheduled appointment without causing significant harm or deteriorating quickly. Examples of non-emergencies might include a mild toothache, small chips in teeth that don’t cause pain or sharp edges, lost fillings or crowns when there’s no pain, mild sensitivity to hot or cold, and cosmetic issues like teeth whitening. These issues, while possibly inconvenient, do not require immediate, urgent care and can be addressed during regular dental visits.
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What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency?
Handling a dental emergency effectively involves a few critical steps to ensure the situation does not worsen before you can get professional help. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Calm: Keeping calm helps you think clearly and act efficiently.
- Assess the Situation: Quickly determine the nature of the emergency. For severe pain, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, immediate action is required.
- Protect the Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it without scrubbing (to preserve any tissue still attached) and attempt to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva.
- Manage Pain and Swelling: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary to alleviate pain. Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly against the gums as it may burn the tissue.
- Contact a Dentist Immediately: Call your dentist right away. Most dental offices offer emergency contact numbers for after-hours situations. Explain the situation clearly and follow any advice given over the phone.
- Visit the Dentist or Emergency Room: Based on the guidance provided over the phone, head to your dentist’s office or an emergency room, especially if the situation involves severe pain, substantial loss of blood, or trauma to the face or mouth.
Prompt and efficient action can greatly affect the outcome of a dental emergency, so it’s crucial to seek professional help without delay.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about urgent dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
