
A dental emergency can happen to anyone, anytime. Playing sports, at work, or even biting into a hard apple can cause damage to teeth and gums. When you find yourself facing a dental emergency, it is important to take the necessary steps to help prevent further damage and get relief from pain as soon as possible.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we are here for you during emergencies. We understand that dental issues happen at inconvenient times, but we are available to help when you need it most. Dr. Baughman and his friendly staff can help you get back on track by evaluating and addressing your emergency as soon as possible.
If you are searching for an emergency dentist near me or an emergency dentist Greeley, call us immediately at (970) 515-3550 for same-day appointments. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an urgent dental problem that requires immediate attention and prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage or more serious health issues. Dental emergencies can include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Bleeding
- Broken teeth (fractured teeth)
- Abscesses (oral infection)
- Severe toothaches
- Objects stuck in gums or mouth
Contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the situation and provide treatment. If you are not in pain or bleeding, it is still best to call us and let us know what happened. We can advise you on what to do next. If it can wait a day or two, we will schedule an appointment for you.
If you are facing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
It is impossible to prevent all dental emergencies, but there are things that you can do to help reduce the risk of them occurring.
- The best way to avoid dental emergencies is with regular dental check-ups and cleanings so that any issues can be addressed early on.
- Consistent at-home oral hygiene regimen -brushing teeth twice per day for 2 minutes and flossing once per day)
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard when playing sports to help protect against oral injuries.
- Be mindful of what you eat, and avoid hard objects or foods that can chip your teeth.
What To Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, the most important thing to do is remain calm and act quickly. Here are a few steps that can help:
- Find the tooth and handle it carefully, taking care not to touch the root of the tooth.
- Rinse the tooth briefly with warm tap water, if there is any obvious debris on the tooth.
- If possible, replace the tooth back in its socket and lightly bite down on a piece of gauze or wet towel to keep it in place.
- If you cannot replace the tooth in its socket, put the tooth in a cup of milk to keep it moist and viable.
- Contact us immediately so that we can schedule an appointment. The sooner you bring the tooth to us, the more likely we can save it.
What To Do With Objects Stuck in Mouth
If you have something stuck in your teeth or gums, there are a few things you can do to reduce your discomfort.
- Gently try to remove the object with dental floss or a water flosser.
- Do not use sharp objects, such as a pin or needle, to remove the object.
- If you can’t remove it, contact us immediately.
We can assess the situation and provide treatment to remove the object and relieve any pain or discomfort safely.
What To Do for a Painful Toothache
If you are experiencing a toothache, the best thing to do is call us immediately. We can provide an assessment and answer any questions you may have.
In the meantime, there are a few things that can help provide relief from pain:
- Gently floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck in between teeth.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to help with the pain.
- Apply a cold compress outside your mouth against your cheek to help reduce swelling. (Note: never apply ice pack directly to the skin, always use a towel or cloth as a barrier.)
- Avoid foods or beverages that cause or initiate pain, such as cold drinks or hard foods.
What To Do for an Abscessed Tooth
If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it is important to contact us immediately. An abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt attention and treatment.
- In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain.
- You can also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce any discomfort.
- Do not try to pop or lance the abscess, as this can worsen the situation.
Your Emergency Dentist in Greeley
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact us at (970) 515-3550. We will do our best to get you in for an appointment as soon as possible so that we can assess the situation and provide treatment. Along with dental emergencies, we offer full dental services to keep you and your family happy and healthy.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we care about you and your oral health! For high-quality emergency dental care and the best dentist in Greeley, Johnstown, or Evans, CO, visit Clearwater Dentistry.
Summary
- A dental emergency is an urgent dental problem that requires immediate attention and prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage or more serious health issues.
- Dental emergencies can include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Bleeding
- Broken teeth (fractured teeth)
- Abscesses (oral infection)
- Severe toothaches
- Objects stuck in gums or mouth
- To prevent dental emergencies:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Be mindful of what you’re eating
- Contact us immediately if you have a painful toothache or an abscessed tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we work with many major dental insurance companies. It is best to contact your insurance carrier and ask if they cover emergency treatments to be sure.
If you have a dental emergency, the best thing to do is remain calm and contact us immediately. We will work to get you in for an appointment as soon as possible so that we can assess the situation and provide treatment.
Yes, we can extract teeth if necessary. Tooth extraction is always a last resort; we will try to save the tooth if possible.
Yes, we can perform root canals in some instances. We will assess the situation and discuss your treatment options before proceeding. A tooth left untreated can be more complicated and costly to repair, so it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible.
While not necessarily an emergency, a chipped tooth should be treated as soon as possible. If the root is exposed, it is an emergency, as this can lead to infection and possible tooth loss. Contact us immediately if you suspect that the root is exposed.