Dr. Matthew Bridges offers emergency dentistry for his patients in and around Duncan, OK. If you experience a dental emergency, simply call our office at (580) 255-4880 and our staff will ensure that you receive immediate medical care when you arrive at our office.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies cover a wide range of problems and injuries. What separates an emergency from a dental problem is the sudden onset of pain and risk to your health. Dental emergencies cannot wait to be treated. If you experience one of the following situations outside of our normal business hours, you will need to seek help at an emergency room or suitable health clinic. Dental emergencies can include:
- Traumatic injuries to your teeth or jaw
- The sudden onset of pain in or near your mouth
- A severely cracked or chipped tooth
- Tooth abscess
- Lost crown or filling
No matter what type of dental emergency you are experiencing, quick attention can increase the chances of saving your tooth and preventing further complications.
Tips For How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
More than five million adults and children experience a knocked-out tooth every year in the United States. If your tooth has been knocked out, the first step is to try and place the tooth back into its original socket. Be careful not to touch the exposed root of the tooth. Pick up the tooth by its crown. Every precaution should be taken to not contaminate the root of the tooth. These steps will ensure that the tissue is not damaged and that the tooth does not become infected later on. While the tooth is in your mouth, take extra care to not swallow it.
If you are unable to hold the tooth in your socket, rinse it off with water and place it in a container of milk. Tap water is not a healthy way to preserve a knocked-out tooth. Placing the tooth in your mouth is another way to keep it moist while you travel to our dental clinic. You can use gauze or similar material to control bleeding from your tooth socket.
Your goal should be to see our office within 30 minutes after the accident. If your trip to our office takes longer, don’t lose hope. Some teeth have been reattached as long as an hour after the initial tooth loss. With proper attention and quick action, your tooth can be reattached at our office.
Catch Problems Before They Become Emergencies
If you have lost a tooth or experienced trauma to your mouth, time is of the essence. The single most important factor that will determine if your tooth can be saved is the time between your tooth loss and arrival at our Duncan, OK office. Dr. Bridges has the tools and expertise to immediately address your injury.
Many dental emergencies can be prevented with regular dental exams and cleanings. Small cavities, for example, can easily be cleaned and sealed before they develop into an advanced infection that requires tooth extraction or a root canal.
Visit Dr. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK before trauma strikes. As our patient, you’ll have access to a dentist who can treat and, more importantly, help you prevent dental emergencies. Call (580) 255-4880, or contact us online, to schedule your appointment today.
