What is emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry focuses on delivering timely care for urgent dental issues. It allows you to find relief at Advanced Dentistry of Center City without waiting for a traditionally scheduled visit.
A sudden, painful, and unexpected dental problem can be stressful, whether it’s your own teeth or those of a loved one. Having a trusted dentist to turn to in times of need can help individuals and families rest easier.
What issues can be addressed through emergency dentistry?
The best way to decide if your dental need should prompt an emergency dentistry visit is to evaluate your current level of pain and the damage to your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues.
If you’ve suffered a traumatic injury, assess your overall condition and call for emergency medical care if needed.
Uncontrolled bleeding should be treated in an emergency room. If you’re having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, have lost consciousness, or have other pressing medical concerns, call for help right away.
If your trauma is limited to your oral tissues, call Advanced Dentistry of Center City and let the office staff know your condition. They can advise you on what to do next.
Some examples of dental emergencies include:
- Broken teeth
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Advanced decay
- Knocked-out tooth
- Abscess
- Signs of infection
- Object lodged in oral tissues
If you’re experiencing significant dental pain, contact Advanced Dentistry of Center City to determine if an emergency dentistry visit is appropriate.
How do I respond to a knocked-out tooth?
A knocked-out, or avulsed, tooth is among the most common types of dental emergencies for children and adults. Knowing how to respond can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth.
Your first step is to find the tooth. If the tooth is no longer in your mouth, try to avoid touching the root portion when picking it up. The area of your teeth that lies beneath the gumline is covered in living cells, and disrupting those cells can make reimplantation difficult or impossible.
If there’s dirt or debris on the tooth, rinse it gently using warm water. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket. Bite down on a small piece of clean gauze or cloth to keep the tooth in place until you can reach the office. You can also place the tooth between your cheek and gums to keep it moist.
If you can’t hold the tooth in your mouth, place it in a small container and cover it with a small amount of saliva or milk. These steps can help preserve the cells needed for successful reimplantation.
If you suffer a knocked-out tooth or any other dental emergency, Advanced Dentistry of Center City is here to help. Call the office to set up an urgent care visit. Walk-in visits can also be accommodated.
