Not sure what necessitates urgent dental care? Let’s discuss common signs of a dental emergency and how to handle it. 

Signs of a Dental Emergency

Trauma like a car accident or sports injury may require urgent dental care. In those cases, it is best to seek immediate medical attention at a nearby emergency room. Nonetheless, an emergency dentist should still be contacted as soon as possible following an injury to the mouth. 

Dental emergencies do not always have to be the result of trauma. Indications of a dental emergency unaccompanied by an injury might include:

• Inflamed or bleeding gums. If you notice that your gums are red or bleeding, then these might be the early signs of gum disease. Treatment should be administered promptly to avoid infection or tooth loss.
• Loose teeth or teeth that fall out. Wiggly teeth in young children is normal; loose teeth in adults is not. If you have loose teeth or teeth that have fallen out, an emergency dentist will be able to pinpoint the issue and remediate the problem.
• A toothache or mouth pain. Oral pain can indicate something more serious, like a cracked tooth or an abscess. Regardless of the cause, aches and pains in the mouth need to be addressed immediately.
• Swollen face, jaw, or neck. Swelling can be the sign of an infected tooth, a cyst, or a tumor.
• A sore mouth or changes in tongue texture. Noticing persistent mouth soreness or new lumps and bumps on your tongue? These might be the signs of oral cancer, and you should contact an emergency dentist immediately.
• Extreme tooth sensitivity. Not only is tooth sensitivity annoying, but it could also mean that the nerves of the tooth are exposed. If this is the case, then emergency care is needed to protect the delicate nerves from injury or infection.

What To Do In The Case of an Emergency

The first thing to do in a dental emergency is to stay calm. Next, schedule an emergency dental visit. Until then, here are some ways to deal with common dental emergencies:

• A Loose tooth. Leave it alone! A dentist can stabilize the tooth at your visit, but leaving it alone will prevent the tooth from falling out.
• A tooth that’s been knocked out. If you can make it to a dentist quickly, then a knocked out tooth might be salvageable. Try to put the tooth gently back into the socket. If that’s not possible, then keep the tooth hydrated in either your mouth or a glass of milk.
• An abscessed tooth. Rinse your mouth with salt water. The salt water will temporarily relieve the pain while also keeping the area clean.
• A cracked or fractured tooth. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications will help with pain and swelling until you can see a dentist.
• A loose dental crown. A loose dental crown can fall off and accidentally be ingested. Take extra precautions while eating or brushing your teeth.

Marlow Dentist for Emergencies

Accidents happen to the best of us. If you’re in need of an emergency dentist, let Dr. Bridges and his attentive team take care of you. Call our office at (580)-255-4880 or contact us online. 

The post What to Know About Dental Emergencies appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Not sure if it is time for a new dentist in the new year? Consider the following five signs that a change could be the right decision.

1. You do not feel comfortable at your current dentist’s office.

It is extremely important for you to make and keep your appointments with your dentist. If you do not feel welcomed or otherwise comfortable when you step in the door, you will be less likely to remain compliant. Sometimes, a dentist may not be a good fit because of atmosphere or operating procedures. Take the time to shop around for a new dentist that will better meet your expectations.

2. Your dentist does not offer many treatments.

Does your dentist focus only on general dentistry? This may have been perfect years ago, but what if you want cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers? What happens if you lose a tooth and want to talk about restorative dentistry options? In these cases, you will feel better knowing that your dentist offers a variety of treatments and services. As your mouth ages and your health considerations change, you should periodically assess whether your dentist meets your current needs.

3. You have not been to your dentist in years.

Some individuals have a dentist but never see him. At our office, we stay in regular contact with patients to ensure that we know what is happening in their lives. If you have not seen your dentist in years and your dentist has not been in contact, you are overdue for a visit. You can call us to make an appointment for a check-up and x-rays to determine what you need to get healthy.

4. You no longer have dental insurance.

Did you switch employers and move from having dental insurance to not having insurance? This can cause some individuals to stop going to their dentist, especially if the dentist does not offer flexible payment arrangements. Our practice works with patients to help them receive the quality care they deserve even if they are not partially or completely covered by dental or health insurance. We make understanding financial obligations and payment options easier.

5. You recently moved.

Whether because of a life or work change, you may have moved to Central OK from another part of the state or country. Usually, individuals in this circumstance should look for a local dentist who can take care of them. Even if you loved your other dental provider, you should always have a dentist you can turn to who is located close to your home or office. Not only does this make staying healthy more convenient, but it increases the likelihood that you will keep up with your dental maintenance appointments.

Visit a New Dentist in Marlow, OK

Searching for a new dentist in Marlow, OK begins with a phone call to our office at (580) 255-4880. We look forward to meeting you at your first appointment with Dr. Bridges.

The post 5 Signs It May Be Time to Consider a New Dentist in the New Year appeared first on Chisholm Trail.