If a tooth sustains an injury and a tooth is cracked or chipped, then you have a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. To provide this relief, we can provide our patients with Urgent Care Dentistry. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about restoring smiles with Urgent Care Dentistry.
The Causes and Risks of Dental Emergencies
What is a dental emergency? This could be a damaged tooth, which can occur due to a sports injury or even by biting down on a hard piece of food, like a popcorn kernel or even a piece of ice. When a tooth is cracked and chipped, you need to see us right away. Other examples include sudden pain in a tooth, or even a damaged or missing restoration or prosthetic. Injuries to your orthodontics also need immediate attention. If a tooth is knocked loose or knocked out completely, you should see our team right away. These injuries could increase the risk of complications like tooth decay and infection, which could eventually threaten your smile’s stability.
Help with Urgent Care Dentistry
When your injury occurs, please contact our office right away. If you reach us during our regular business hours, then we will likely try to arrange a same-day visit, or one early the next day. If you contact us outside of our regular business hours, then please leave a message and a team member will reach out shortly to discuss protective actions you can take and to schedule a visit soon to receive care. Don’t let your injury lead to the risk of serious pain or even tooth loss!
Taking Steps for Minimizing Risks
You can take steps to help minimize your discomfort. For example, rinse with warm water and use cloth or gauze to prevent bleeding, biting down on the pieces gently. Applying a cold compress to the side of your face could reduce swelling, and you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If possible, recover any broken pieces of your tooth and bring them with you. Also, bring any damaged restorations or prosthetics too. If a tooth is knocked out, then only pick it up by the crown, don’t touch the root. Rinse away dirt under gently running water, but keep any tissues intact. Place it in a glass of milk or salt water, and bring it with you. You can also secure the tooth back into your socket and gently bite down to hold in place.
Call Dr. Robert Browne, D.D.S. Provides Urgent Care Dentistry
Our team wants to help address damaged teeth and protect your smile’s health, beauty, and function. To find out more about dental emergency treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
