If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you know it can bring your life to total shutdown. Not having the full use of your teeth disrupts your quality of life, and the pain itself can be agonizing! A serious toothache can prevent you from sleeping, eating, working, or caring for your family. You often can’t even think about anything other than fixing your tooth.
Dr. Matthew Bridges encourages all his patients to stay calm when experiencing dental emergencies, Duncan OK, and call us as soon as possible. We can help you assess your problem, determine whether the situation is an emergency, and make you an appointment to get you seen as soon as possible. Whether you are already a patient or are looking for a dentist, take a moment to add us to your contacts now, so you’ll never be stuck looking for help. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for your dental emergencies, Duncan OK, at 580-255-4880.
In the meantime, here are some general points of advice, which may help you in the future.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
Knocked-out teeth are common emergencies among athletes young and old, but can happen due to many different types of accidents. If you or a family member has had a tooth knocked out and have recovered the tooth, put it into a small container of milk or saliva and bring it to us ASAP.
A knocked-out tooth can sometimes be reattached in the socket, so it’s important to handle the tooth as little as possible. Do not clean the tooth, as this may disrupt the delicate connective tissues that may make reattachment possible. If the tooth does not take, or if the tooth has been broken in the process, we can help you understand your options for tooth replacement, such as dental bridges and dental implants. We most definitely consider a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any hour if this happens to you!
A Cracked Tooth or Damaged Crown
A cracked or broken tooth is not usually considered an emergency unless it is causing significant pain and limiting your ability to chew or speak normally. Call us if this happens to you and we will schedule a next-available appointment to look at your tooth.
A cracked or dislodged crown should also be seen as soon as possible, especially if the tooth is very sensitive. If the dislodged crown is intact, you may be able to temporarily replace it yourself to keep it in place and protect the tooth until your appointment. Check your local pharmacy for an over-the-counter crown repair kit, which will have a temporary dental adhesive to keep it in place.
In the mean time, limit your diet to soft foods and use the tooth as little as possible. Avoid foods that are chewy or crunchy. Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce any pain; follow the package directions for dosage.
Toothache
Toothaches can be nagging, throbbing, sporadic, or constant. They usually indicate deep dental decay, but they can also result from deep cracks or—worse—an abscess. A toothache that is so severe that it disrupts your ability to sleep or perform your usual routines is always a dental emergency. We never want to see anyone suffer in silence, so call us at any hour and we will make an appointment for you.
If a toothache is accompanied by swelling in the face or jaw, this usually indicates a dental abscess and will require a tooth extraction. If your toothache is extremely painful, but is not accompanied by swelling, you may need root canal therapy to address the infection but often will be able to keep the tooth. If your toothache is accompanied by a fever, go directly to an emergency medical clinic or ER, as you may have developed a life-threatening systemic infection.
For a non-emergency toothache, topical anesthetics such as eugenol (clove oil) can be effective at numbing dental pain. NSAIDs can also reduce the pain of a toothache that comes and goes while you wait for your appointment. Even an ice pack applied to the cheek (not inside the mouth, however) can reduce your pain. Stick with liquids and soft foods to avoid aggravating the tooth, as well.
Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for Dental Emergencies, Duncan OK
For any dental crisis, call us and a member of our staff will listen to your symptoms. Depending on the nature of the situation, we will schedule an emergency or next-available appointment and advise you of the steps you should take to protect your health and reduce sensitivity until your appointment. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for your dental emergencies, Duncan OK, at 580-255-4880.
