A dental emergency can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to do when it happens. Fortunately, Clarkson Dental Group is experienced in treating a variety of oral health issues. When the unexpected happens, you can rely on our professional team to make you comfortable and create the best treatment plan possible.
So, what constitutes a dental emergency, and what should you do until you reach our dental office? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
The most common dental issues we treat as emergencies include the following:
- Toothache or infections
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Loose teeth
- Broken or lost restorations, such as crowns or fillings
- Mouth injury, including knocked-out teeth
Fast Facts to Help You Save Your Smile
Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes is essential, so keep these fast facts in mind if it happens to you:
- Call your dentist—The first thing you should do is call your dentist’s office. They can instruct you on the next steps and either schedule an emergency appointment or direct you to the nearest emergency room.
- Stay calm—Once you have contacted your dentist, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Keeping yourself calm can help you focus on following your dentist’s instructions and get the care you need as quickly as possible.
- Manage pain—Take over-the-counter pain relievers until you can reach your dentist’s office if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. You can also place an ice pack on your mouth to help with pain and swelling.
- Control bleeding—If your mouth is bleeding, rinse it with warm water before applying pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding can’t be controlled, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
- Replace your tooth—If your tooth has been completely knocked out, try to place it back in its socket without touching the roots. If that doesn't work, you can store it inside your cheek or in a glass of milk, but time is critical in this situation.
Do You Need Emergency Dental Care in Chesterfield, MO?
Please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office if you or a loved one has suffered a dental emergency! At Clarkson Dental Group, we know how to alleviate your pain and work to save your smile. Call (636) 537-0065 for more information or to schedule an appointment.