A dental emergency may refer to any damage or pain in your teeth, gums, or mouth. Without treatment, serious complications can develop that endanger your overall oral health. What are common dental emergencies? How will the doctor address these problems?
Common Dental Emergencies
Chipped Tooth: If a tooth becomes chipped then the inner layers may be exposed to bacteria, allowing decay or infection to occur. We can often repair a chip in a single visit with a dental bonding procedure. The procedure uses the same composite resin we employ in our filling procedures, which means the material blends with the surrounding tooth structure.
Cracked Tooth: A dental fracture, like a chip, exposes the inner structure to harmful bacteria. Instead of bonding, we may place a dental crown after performing an endodontic procedure. Afterward, the tooth will be restored to full function and appearance. We use lifelike ceramic for many of our dental crowns.
Knocked-Out Tooth: If you knock out a tooth we may be able to return it to your smile, or if this isn’t possible, provide a lifelike replacement option. Now, once you notice you’ve lost the tooth, remember to only pick it up by the crown, never touch the root. We recommend rinsing the tooth gently under running water to remove dirt, but take care not to wash away any tissue. You place the tooth in a glass of milk or salt water. Bring the tooth with you to the office. The longer the tooth remains out of the socket the greater the chance that it cannot be saved.
Loose/Lost Restoration: If a crown or filling comes loose or is lost see us right away. We can either reattach the restoration or replace it, depending on the factors surrounding the lost/loose restoration.
Toothache: If you notice a toothache that persists after 48 hours, don’t ignore it. Instead, contact our office to schedule a visit. Often a toothache is a warning of a serious problem, such as a cavity, infection, fracture, or a tooth that has become worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding).
If you have a question about addressing a common dental emergency or would like to schedule a consultation, then please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.