What happens when you chip a tooth during the summer, or if one is knocked-out? If this happens, then you should see us right away for urgent care dentistry! In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about how we help smiles during the summer with urgent care dentistry.
Chipped and Cracked Teeth During the Summer
When you play sports, you can end up with a damaged tooth. This can happen to adults and kids alike, and when a tooth is cracked or chipped care is essential. Even a very minor chip could increase the risk of a chipped tooth! When a tooth is damaged, rinse with warm water, use cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding, and keep facial swelling under control with a cold compress. If you can recover any portions of the tooth, please do so and bring them with you.
Urgent Care Dentistry
Give us a call right away! If you reach us during our normal business hours, we will try to see you same-day for treatment. If not, then leave a message so that we can call you back and discuss appointment times. In the meantime, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, or items very hot or cold, as the tooth will be very sensitive. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort.
Repairing Teeth
When you arrive, we will examine the tooth carefully to assess the extent of the injury. For a minor chip, we could offer dental bonding, using composite resin to repair the tooth in one visit, with lifelike results that blend with your smile. We will numb your tooth, and apply a composite resin to the tooth in several layers, shading it to blend with your tooth. We then sculpt the tooth while the material cures under a light. The last step is to polish it.
If you have more severe breakage or a tooth is fractured, then we may need to place a crown. This involves numbing the tooth, removing structure to make room for your crown, and taking images and impressions that will be used to design and craft your restoration. When it is ready, we will attach it with a powerful boning agent. We often use lifelike materials like porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia, all of which can be color-matched.
If you have any questions about how we help smiles with urgent care dentistry, or about repair with options like bonding and custom crowns, then contact our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey!
Dr. Browne, DDS, Provides Urgent Care Dentistry
We want to help protect your smile when you suffer from a dental emergency. To find out more about emergency dental care, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
