A broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, tissue trauma, or even a severe toothache could be a dental emergency. These occurrences are scary and it’s important to be prepared with knowledge of how to handle each situation and which dentists in Oklahoma are available to help.
While many dentists in Oklahoma offer emergency dental treatment, much of the treatment begins at home or wherever the emergency occurs. Dr. Matthew Bridges believes that knowledge and education are extremely important. So, we’ve outlined how to handle these types of situations and our dental team in Duncan, OK is here to help.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call (580) 255-4880 for help today.
Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is typically the result of trauma or biting down on something too hard. This not only hurts, but it can impact your appearance. After a tooth has been chipped, rinse your mouth out with warm water. If it is bleeding, place a clean cloth or gauze over the area. Then, apply a cold compress to your face at the location of the damaged tooth. This will reduce swelling and relieve pain.
If you have the chipped part of the tooth, place it in a glass of milk or water until you arrive at the dentist’s office. The dentist may be able to put it back together. If not, dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown may be necessary.
Knocked-Out Tooth
The sooner a knocked-out tooth is treated, the better. Here are the steps to take when a tooth has been knocked-out:
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Apply gauze if bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on the face.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root) and rinse it off only if it is dirty.
- If possible, place it back in the socket. If not possible, place it in a glass of milk or water.
- Call emergency dentists in Oklahoma (Dr. Bridges if you are in Duncan, OK) to find someone who can treat you immediately.
Gum Tissue Trauma
A sports injury or fall may result in gum tissue trauma. Typically, these heal on their own and do not require a trip to the dentist’s office. For this type of injury, rinse with a mild salt water solution and remove any foreign objects. Then, rinse again and place a damp gauze or cloth over the area. Bleeding should stop within 10-15 minutes. If it does not stop, seek medical care within six hours of the injury.
If a foreign object is stuck between your teeth and gums, try removing it with floss. Gently slide the floss toward the tooth to dislodge the object. If this doesn’t work, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Severe Toothache
Toothaches that don’t resolve with pain medication or ones that are accompanied by swelling or other symptoms require emergency dental care. While waiting to visit an emergency dentist, apply a cold compress to the area.
The toothache may be caused by tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling, infected gums, or an impacted tooth.
Loose Dental Crown
A loose dental crown can be painful because the enamel from the tooth underneath has been removed. In these instances, you will want to visit the dentist as soon as possible. If the crown is loose, leave it where it is and visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Duncan, OK Emergency Dentist
When an emergency dental situation occurs, Dr. Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center spring into action. To find emergency dentists in Oklahoma, simply Google search “emergency dentists in Oklahoma.” If you live in or near Duncan, OK, call us at (580) 255-4880 for treatment.
