If you begin to experience serious pain in your smile, or if a tooth or restoration becomes damaged, then you have a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist will discuss how we treat common dental emergencies and restore the health and comfort of your smile.
Chipped and Knock-Out Teeth
A chipped tooth could expose the inner tooth structure to bacteria, leading to cavities and infection. Of course, a chipped tooth also impacts your overall appearance! When you damage a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and then use a piece of cloth or gauze to control the bleeding. Placing a cold compress against the side of the face can reduce swelling as well. See us as soon as possible, as we can often repair minor chips and cracks in one visit with dental bonding!
If you knock a tooth out completely, then you should see us right away. In route, be sure to reduce swelling with a cold compress, and use gauze or cloth to stem bleeding. You can also take a pain reliever. Bring the tooth with you in a glass of milk or salt water. Never touch the tooth by the root portion, only touch the crown, or the visible portion of your tooth.
Damaged Restorations and Orthodontics
If a crown or filling comes loose or falls out, see us right away and avoid sugary foods and drinks, or very hot or cold foods and drinks, as the tooth is exposed and vulnerable and significant discomfort could arise. If your braces or orthodontics become damaged, use a pencil eraser to bend down any wires that may poke your oral tissues, or use wax to cover the impacted area. Let us or your orthodontist know right away.
Dental Extraction
We can often repair a tooth with dental bonding or possibly a crown. But if the damage is severe, we may need to remove the tooth completely to prevent painful infections or abscesses. The procedure will be safe and comfortable, and we can discuss options to replace the missing tooth, such as a dental bridge or dental implant. If you have any questions about our approach to emergency dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a visit, then contact our team today. We want to make sure your smile doesn’t develop major complications!
Do You Have a Damaged or Aching Tooth?
We can respond to and treat common dental emergencies with cosmetic and restorative treatment options. For more information on repairing smiles and easing discomfort, then schedule a consultation by calling Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, today at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, and all surrounding communities.