Call Henderson Family Dental in Dallas, TX, at 214-253-4868 in a dental emergency. Dental emergencies are one of the general dental services we offer to the public in Dallas. A knocked-out tooth or bitten tongue can cause panic in any parent.
However, quick thinking and staying calm are the best ways to approach common dental emergencies and prevent unnecessary damage and costly dental restoration. We recommend taking measures such as applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and contacting our office as soon as possible for dental care.
Emergency Dentistry Services in Dallas, TX
If you have a dental emergency, call our office. We will provide the proper treatment to address your dental problem. Common dental emergencies that we can address in our office include:
Toothaches
You can sometimes relieve a simple toothache by rinsing your mouth to clear debris. Sometimes, a piece of debris lodged between teeth can cause or aggravate a toothache. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain. The dissolving aspirin can harm your gum tissue.
However, if your toothache does not go away, it could indicate a bigger problem. A toothache may be a sign of a tooth cavity, tooth abscess, or gum disease. We will examine your tooth in our office to find a solution to your pain.
Lost Tooth
If you have knocked out a tooth, try to place the tooth back in its socket while waiting to see your dentist. First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris. Then, place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will reduce swelling.
If you cannot locate the tooth back in its socket, hold the dislocated tooth by the crown – not the root. Next, please place it in a container of saliva and keep it in the solution until you arrive at the emergency room or dentist’s office.
In some cases, we can reattach your tooth. However, if we do not get your tooth in time, we will recommend a dental implant. Implants restore missing teeth at the root.
Fractured Tooth
If you have a fractured tooth, rinse it with warm water and apply a cold pack or compress. Ibuprofen may help keep down swelling. If you have a minor tooth fracture, a dentist can restore the tooth if the pulp is not severely damaged.
In addition, if your child’s baby tooth is loosened by an injury or an emerging permanent tooth, have your child bite down on an apple or similar food. In some cases, the tooth will easily separate from the gum.
If you have a severely broken tooth or teeth, we recommend that you visit our office as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of your injuries, we may recommend dental crowns, bonding, or extraction.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
You can’t avoid some dental emergencies like a lost or broken tooth. However, in some cases, you can prevent a dental emergency in these ways:
- Brush and Floss: A good oral hygiene routine is essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth abscesses. Floss before you brush your teeth to help remove leftover food from between teeth. Then, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Regular Dental Visits: As soon as you notice a change in your oral health, contact our office. Even if the change seems minor, a small dental problem can quickly snowball. Over time, it can cost more or you may need more complex care to treat your dental problem.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Don’t use your teeth as tools. If you use your teeth to open packages, you can potentially chip or crack a tooth. The same goes for chewing on ice or biting your nails.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Sports mouthguards are essential for athletes of every age. Wearing a mouthguard during sports can prevent a knocked-out tooth, chipped tooth, tooth fracture, or even jaw injuries. If you or your child need a new sports mouthguard, contact us for your fitting.
What is Not A Dental Emergency?
While you may have a dental problem, it does not mean you have a dental emergency. Non-emergencies include:
- Something stuck between your teeth: If you have something stuck between your teeth, first use floss or a toothpick to try to dislodge the object. If this does not work, use a toothbrush to try and remove it gently. You can contact us so we can use dental tools to remove the object.
- Small tooth chip: If you have a small chip in your tooth, you do not need emergency care. However, we will ask you to schedule a visit so we can use bonding to fix your tooth.
- Dull toothache: A severe toothache needs immediate care. However, you can call our office to schedule a visit if you have a dull toothache or sensitivity. At home, take pain medication before you visit our office.
- Lost filling or crown: While losing a dental filling or a tooth crown is not an emergency, please contact us so we can provide a temporary restoration. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with saltwater to clean debris from your uncovered tooth. Don’t wait more than a couple of days for temporaries.
When to Visit a Hospital
You may need to visit the hospital for some emergencies connected to your dental health. If you have a physical injury, including a concussion or broken bones in the face, you need to visit a hospital before the dentist office. We also recommend that you visit a hospital if you have excess bleeding and cannot reach a dentist.
Our team wants you to be physically healthy before we treat your dental problems. Then, we can treat any damaged or lost teeth.
Contact Our Office
Get urgent dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call 214-253-4868 if you have a dental emergency. If you do not have an emergency but require dental care, schedule your next dental visit online.
We welcome you to ask us questions about your dental concerns. Our team will help you find the solution to your dental problem.