Dental Emergency

You take care of your mouth. You brush and floss every day. You even have regular professional cleanings and exams. Even with proper oral care, it is still possible to experience a dental emergency. A dental emergency can be a scary situation, especially when it is after regular office hours. There are numerous types of dental emergencies. The exact treatment that you need will vary based on the severity of your situation. At Van Alstine Family Dentistry, we are here to help you with your dental emergencies, helping you to get the treatment you need to restore the health of your mouth.

Emergency Care At Home

In the event of a dental emergency, especially after regular office hours, it is easy to panic and rushes off to the emergency. Not every dental emergency requires emergency care. Some emergencies do not even require care in the office. Injuries such as a bitten lip, tongue, or cheek can usually be treated right from the comfort of your own home. To stop the bleeding, place gauze over the wound and apply light pressure. For pain, a non-aspirin over-the-counter pain reliever can help. If swelling occurs, you can use an ice pack. These types of injuries usually heal within just a few days. However, if you experience bleeding that lasts longer than 15 minutes, or the bleeding is severe, then you should go to the emergency room.

Toothaches are another emergency that can sometimes be treated at home. While they can have a serious cause that requires professional treatment, sometimes they occur simply because food has become lodged between your teeth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution. If nothing is stuck between your teeth, or you notice redness and swelling, then you should call our office immediately.

Emergency Care In Our Office

There are several dental emergencies that can be handled in our office, so it is important that you call us before you rush off to the ER. We will try to get you scheduled as soon as possible. Common emergencies that we treat in our office include:

• Teeth that have been knocked out. If one of your teeth has been knocked out, it can be saved. Find the tooth and rinse it under cool water, making sure not to touch the roots. Store the tooth in a jar of milk until your appointment. The tooth can usually be replanted. In the case that it cannot, options for replacement will be discussed.
• Displaced teeth. These include teeth that have been pushed deeper into the socket or are partially dislodged. Do not try to move the tooth yourself. Over-the-counter pain, relievers, and ice packs can help with pain and swelling until we can reposition and stabilize the tooth.
• Cracked teeth. A cracked tooth needs to be treated as soon as possible, which will help to reduce your risk of infection and the need for a root canal. Until your appointment, keep the area clean. Rinse with warm water and apply an ice pack. In our office, we can assess the damage and determine the best treatment for your situation.

When To Go To The Emergency Room

While we can treat a wide variety of dental emergencies in our office, there are some instances in which you should head straight to the emergency room, or call for an ambulance:

• You are having trouble breathing.
• You are experiencing excessive bleeding.
• You suspect that you have a fractured jaw.

Dental emergencies can be scary, but they can also be treated with the right care. For more information on dental emergencies, call Van Alstine Family Dentistry today at Van Alstine Family Dentistry Phone Number (734) 482-8500.