What is emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for potentially serious, but non-life-threatening oral health problems. If you damage a restoration, like a crown or bridge, or you lose a permanent tooth, emergency dentistry can lower the risk of complications by providing same-day care.
At Healing Smiles, Dr. Onukwugha always sets aside time for emergency appointments, providing comprehensive, individualized treatment in a comfortable, spa-like environment.
What types of problems can benefit from emergency dentistry?
At Healing Smiles, Dr. Onukwugha uses emergency dentistry to treat various problems, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Damaged or broken dental restorations
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Gum disease
- Oral abscesses
- Cuts and lacerations that won’t stop bleeding
- Foreign objects between teeth
You might also benefit from emergency dentistry if you develop a severe toothache and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatment like over-the-counter pain medications.
What should I do if I lose a tooth or break a dental restoration?
If you lose a tooth or break a dental restoration, it’s important to act quickly:
Lost tooth
Pick up the tooth and rinse off any debris with cool tap water. Try to put the tooth back into the socket, but if it won’t stay, place it in a glass of milk.
After securing the tooth, call Healing Smiles and explain the situation. The administrative team can make recommendations to limit bleeding and pain on your way to the office.
Broken dental restoration
Pick up the pieces of your restoration and rinse off any debris. Put the pieces into a plastic bag, or wrap them in a piece of foil, and call Healing Smiles. Explain what happened as well as your symptoms.
The team will get you in for an appointment and make recommendations to limit discomfort or swelling.
Can I prevent a dental emergency?
The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Onukwugha recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Healing Smiles two times a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
To prevent damage to your teeth and gums, avoid bad habits like nail-biting or opening objects with your teeth. In addition, wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports like football, lacrosse, hockey, or rugby.
To learn more about emergency dentistry, make an appointment at Healing Smiles by calling the office to speak with a caring team member, walking in during normal business hours, or by clicking the online booking tool.
