We understand that dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and in our practice, we are committed to providing a swift response to your issue. Whether it's a routine procedure like a tooth filling or a more complex dental matter, we are here to assist you. In situations where the issue arises outside our regular office hours, our answering service will forward your message to our dentists.
The most frequent reasons our patients require emergency dental care are accidents and toothaches. Toothaches can result from infections or injuries. If you are experiencing a toothache, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately. We will make every effort to schedule you as soon as possible to identify the cause of your discomfort and provide relief.
One of the most critical dental emergencies is a tooth that has been knocked out or cracked. If your tooth has been knocked out due to an accident, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving your tooth. In the interim, before reaching the dentist, you can take steps to preserve your tooth's vitality. These steps include gently attempting to reposition the tooth in its socket (avoid touching the root), storing the tooth between your gums and lip, placing it in a glass of milk, or using an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit. If your dental emergency is potentially life-threatening, it is advisable to seek immediate care at the emergency room.
We are here to assist you during a dental emergency, even if you have not been a patient at our office previously. If you require urgent dental care, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your well-being is our priority, and we are ready to provide the help you need.
There are a few precautions you can take to avoid future dental emergencies. Our most important piece of advice is to treat your teeth with care & respect. You only get one set of permanent teeth! Stopping bad habits like nail biting or chewing on pens & other inedible objects can go a long way in preventing future dental disasters.
Improvements to your dietary habits can also contribute to dental longevity. Eating ice or hard & sticky candy is rough on your teeth & will wear them down or even loosen them. If certain foods take extra effort to chew, it's probably best to avoid them.
Athletes & kids who play sports should always wear protective mouthguards during physical activities. These can be purchased at the store or from a dentist. An athletic mouthguard that fits well is more likely to prevent injuries, so make sure to have a dentist take a look at yours. Even minor teeth shifting can affect how your mouthguard fits.
If you're having problems with a store-bought sports mouthguard, the dentist can usually make one that's better for comfort & protection. After all, you're more likely to wear a mouthguard when it fits nicely! Get in the habit of bringing your mouthguard to every dental appointment in case it needs adjustment.
Keeping these tips in mind can save you a lifetime of dental visits & expenses. We're happy to care for you during a dental emergency, but we'd prefer you avoid one in the first place!
