It’s normal to be stressed and frightened when you suddenly have to deal with a toothache or dental injury. At Avion Dental & Orthodontics, you have a team of knowledgeable and caring dentists that you can turn to when your oral health takes a turn for the worst. We will make time to see you as soon as possible so we can help you get relief quickly. Make sure you have our contact information handy, so you can call us right away for emergency dentistry in Dallas, TX if there’s a problem with your smile.
Any dental issue that involves persistent oral pain and/or noticeable damage to the teeth or gums can be seen as a warning sign of a dental emergency, be it due to prolonged decay or a sudden accident. Below, you’ll find some tips for dealing with particularly common emergencies. Make sure that you have a fully stocked dental first aid kit so that you’re prepared to deal with these issues at a moment’s notice.
If there’s anything caught between your teeth, remove it with dental floss. Over-the-counter pain medications can be taken while you’re waiting for an appointment, but try to avoid aspirin, as it might cause a burning sensation if it happens to come in direct contact with the tooth or gums.
Call us without delay; there’s not much time to try and replant a lost tooth. It’s important to keep the cells on the root alive for as long as possible; always handle the tooth by the crown, and make sure it stays moist by either putting it back in its socket or storing it in a container of milk.
Some dental damage is more severe than others, so it’s best to have a chipped or broken tooth checked out as soon as possible. Keep the remaining structure safe by using the other side of your mouth to chew. Sometimes swelling will accompany a dental injury, so use an ice pack if you need one.
You can hold a lost crown or filling in place with a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive until we’re ready to permanently reattach it or give you a new restoration. If the tooth remains exposed, it’ll likely be very sensitive, so try to stay away from hot or cold foods as well as anything that would be difficult to chew.
Think about your daily oral hygiene routine. Are you brushing and flossing at least twice every day? If not, you should start making it a habit to do so right away. You also need to be aware of any potentially harmful behaviors like chewing your fingernails, opening packages with your teeth, and crunching ice. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us for a nightguard; we can also supply mouthguards to keep your smile safe whenever you play sports.
Dental emergencies come in various forms, and the type of treatment one requires will depend on the severity of your pain and the root of the problem. As such, we can only give you an accurate idea of how much your dental emergency will cost once we’ve already examined your smile and determined what treatments are necessary. We’ll work alongside your insurance company to make sure you receive the appropriate benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask about third-party financing or other options that can make your care more affordable.