Emergency Dental Care
Emergency Dental Care
An emergency dental situation can strike at any time. In most cases, the sooner you see a dentist the less pain you will experience and the lesser likelihood any kind of prolonged damage will occur. We offer a wide variety of emergency dental services that will relieve your pain and let you get back to your life.
Dental emergencies:
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abscesses - If the tissue around a tooth or below the gum becomes infected, an abscess can form. The tissue inside the mouth and sometimes the face itself can become swollen. This can be a very painful condition that usually requires antibiotics and further treatment. If attended to quickly, the greater the chance of repairing the tooth or gum.
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broken or chipped tooth - After a thorough examination and possible dental x-rays, there are several options to repair the tooth depending on the extent of the chip and the damage to the tooth. Composite bonding might be used for minor chips, whereas extensive damage might require a crown. A tooth that is broken to the nerve may require a root canal or extraction. Brokenos.com teeth can become infected so it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible.
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lost (avulsed) tooth - If a tooth is knocked out, there is a chance it could be saved. First, apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. Then, pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse it thoroughly in clean water. Try to place the tooth back in the hole in the gum if possible and get to the dentist immediately. If you cannot place the tooth back in the mouth, place it in milk and bring it to your dentist immediately.
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lost crown - Losing a crown may be a painful experience due to the newly exposed and very sensitive tooth underneath, resulting in a dental emergency. If possible, retrieve the lost crown and bring it along to your dental appointment to determine if it can be reattached. If you are unable to visit the dentist immediately, temporary crown cement is available in most pharmacies and may be used until you can see your dentist. Do not use commercial glue or crazy glue to recement the crown.
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swollen or infected gums - Pain from swollen or infected gums can strike at any time. Any dental infection or sign of infection must be taken seriously and dealt with immediately in order to minimize any health risks. After a thorough evaluation to find the cause of the infection, medication will most likely be prescribed and a treatment plan outlined.
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broken dentures - Dentures that are broken or missing a tooth may be repaired at the dental office or by a local dental lab. Should your dentist need to send your denture to the lab, it may be returned to you in a little as 8 hours. Do not attempt to wear a denture that is badly broken, as it may damage your mouth. Do not use commercial glue or crazy glue to try to repair the denture.
What you can do until you get to the dentist:
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If you lose a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown not the root. If you can, place it back in the hole and get to the dentist immediately.
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Over the counter temporary cement may be used to place the crown over the sensitive tooth until you can see your dentist.
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Over the counter pain relievers can be used to help dull the pain until your dental emergency appointment.
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Your dentist may be able to call in a prescription antibiotic or pain reliever to the pharmacy if you are away from home.
What you need to know before you come in:
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Insurance - Have your dental insurance card ready with a photo ID.
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What you need to bring - any dental work (i.e. dentures, bridges, crowns) or tooth that's fallen out.
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Hours of operation for emergency services - Call as soon as possible to be seen the same day.
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Driving - Depending on your dental emergency, a designated driver may be necessary for some dental procedures.
Hawley Lane Dental has a same-day policy for treating all dental emergencies and injuries. We are here to relieve your pain and provide you with a treatment plan to avoid a future dental emergency.
