When you have a dental emergency, a lot of things can run through your mind at once. Hopefully, the dominant thought is to schedule an emergency visit with your dentist as soon as possible. However, in addition to that, there are also a few other things you should try to keep in mind, such as determining if your condition really is an emergency, or if it’s something you can schedule a regular dental visit to address. Today, we take a look at what you should know in a dental emergency to help ensure you optimize your chances of preserving your smile.
If it’s really an emergency
Nearly every dental health concern can become a serious problem if given enough time. However, that doesn’t mean every dental problem that develops should be considered a dental emergency. For instance, if you have a cavity, then you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it filled, though it shouldn’t require an emergency visit. Yet, if your tooth is fractured or broken due to accidental trauma, then the threat to the tooth and your oral health could be much more imminent, and could require immediate treatment to address.
Your best chances at saving a tooth
Depending on your specific emergency, there are steps you can take to help save your tooth until you make it to your emergency appointment. For instance, if your tooth is broken, then carefully rinse your mouth with warm water, and avoid biting down on anything. If the tooth is completely knocked out, you can collect the tooth and rinse it carefully, then store it in a small container of milk and bring it to your appointment. If you schedule an appointment in time, you may have a good chance at replanting the tooth within its socket.
How we can restore your smile quickly
If your tooth hasn’t been completely knocked out of its socket, then saving it may require restoring it with appropriate, custom-designed treatment as soon as possible. This may include placing a dental crown over the fractured or broken tooth to restore its strength and integrity. A custom crown can restore the tooth’s ability to withstand bite pressure as well as stop the damage from growing worse.
Schedule an emergency dental visit
If you experience a dental emergency, then schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
