What You Need to Know About Emergency Dentistry
If you live in Manhattan, KS, or nearby areas, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable emergency dentist. Dental emergencies can be overwhelming and stressful, but knowing what to do can make all the difference in the outcome of your situation. That’s where Emergency Dentistry from Downtown Dental Group comes in.
Our experienced Manhattan dentists and staff are here to help you handle any dental emergency and provide you with prompt and efficient care. In this helpful guide, we’ll cover common dental emergencies and how to handle them.
What Qualifies As a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be a sudden and unexpected situation that requires prompt attention to avoid worsening the condition. Dental emergencies can cause severe pain or discomfort, and they may also pose a risk of permanent damage to the teeth or gums.
Some common examples of dental emergencies include severe toothaches, a broken or chipped tooth, knocked-out teeth, abscessed teeth, or a loose tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms or have a dental emergency, it’s essential to seek professional help from a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying emergency dental treatment can lead to more severe problems and a longer recovery time.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you’ve knocked out a tooth, don’t panic. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), and rinse it with water without scrubbing it. If possible, try to put the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or your saliva and see a dentist immediately.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
If you have a broken or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relievers and see your dentist as soon as possible. If a piece of the tooth is broken off, save it and bring it to your dentist.
Toothache
Toothaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including decay, gum disease, or injury. To alleviate the pain, rinse your mouth with warm water, floss to remove any food particles, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Lost Filling or Crown
If you’ve lost a filling or dental crown, try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. You can use over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily fill the gap until you see your dentist.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Symptoms include severe toothache, swelling, fever, and a foul taste in your mouth. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and see your dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Braces or Wires
If you have broken braces or wires, use a cotton swab to push the wire into a more comfortable position. Cover the wire with orthodontic wax or a small piece of gauze until you can see your orthodontist.
Foreign Object Stuck Between Teeth
If you have a foreign object stuck between your teeth, try to remove it gently with dental floss or a toothpick. Avoid using sharp objects like needles or scissors as they may cause injury or damage to your teeth and gums.
If you can’t remove the object yourself or if you experience pain, swelling or bleeding, seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to safely remove the object and address any related dental issues.
Broken Jaw
A broken jaw is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt attention from a medical professional. To manage the situation until professional help is available, first, stabilize the jaw by gently tying a towel or cloth around it. Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth, and manage pain by using a wrapped ice pack. Remember to seek immediate medical attention from a dentist or go to your local emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, it’s best to seek emergency dental care rather than going to the emergency room. Most emergency rooms aren’t equipped to handle dental emergencies and may refer you to a dentist. However, if you can’t see your dentist immediately and the problem is severe, an emergency room doctor can help you manage the injury and keep the damage minimal until you can see your dentist.
While you can’t always prevent dental emergencies, you can reduce the chance of them occurring by practicing good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports activities, avoiding hard or chewy foods that can damage teeth, and scheduling regular dental checkups to catch and treat any problems before they become emergencies.
Yes, in many cases a broken or chipped tooth can be repaired. The type of treatment required will depend on the severity of the damage, but options may include dental bonding, a filling, a crown, or a root canal. If the tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.
Whether or not dental emergencies are covered by insurance depends on the specifics of the insurance plan. Some insurance plans cover emergency dental services, while others do not. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs. Your dentist can work with your insurance company to help maximize your benefits and minimize any financial burden.
Call Downtown Dental Group for Emergency Dentistry Services
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Downtown Dental Group at our Manhattan dental office for prompt and efficient emergency dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff are equipped to handle a variety of dental emergencies, including severe toothaches, broken teeth, abscessed teeth, and more.
We provide emergency dentistry services to patients from Manhattan and surrounding areas such as St. George, Junction City, and Riley. To learn more about how Downtown Dental Group can help you handle dental emergencies, give us a call at (785) 776-0097 or schedule an appointment by filling out the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly. Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your day – let Downtown Dental Group provide you with the care you need.