Dental Emergencies
Get Urgent Assistance From the Best Emergency Dentist in Aurora, CO
Dental emergencies are quite frightening and often painful. Luckily, Associates in Family Dentistry in Aurora, CO, is always here to help. With prompt treatment from our dedicated team, we are able to alleviate pain and ensure your teeth have the best possible chance of survival.
Dental emergencies come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from cracked teeth to damaged restorative devices. No matter the issue, we can help. Our team has seen it all, and we understand what it takes to ease your pain and put your smile back together.
Avulsed or Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately. When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves, and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again without requiring surgical procedures or implants.
Here are the steps to take if you have a knocked-out tooth:
- Call our office to schedule an appointment.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water, but do not touch the root.
- If possible, place the tooth back into its socket. If this is not possible, put the tooth into the cheek pouch.
- If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.
- Get to our office quickly and safely.
If these steps are followed, there is a possibility that the tooth can be reconnected. If the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, however, root canal therapy might be necessary. In this instance, speed is imperative, so be sure to get in touch as soon as possible.
Dislodged or Loose Teeth
Under circumstances like trauma or decay, it is possible for teeth to become dislodged or loosened from the socket. In these cases, quick thinking and an immediate response can save your tooth and prevent the possibility of root canal therapy. For example, if the tooth remains in the mouth and is still attached to blood vessels and nerve tissue, the likelihood of successful treatment is high. If at all possible, your dentist will reposition the tooth and use splints to stabilize it.
It is important to call our office immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
Lost Filling or Crown
Crowns and fillings or intended to be permanent. Occasionally, however, food and drink or severe tooth decay can lead to the crown loosening or falling off. Once a crown or filling is out of the mouth, pressure and temperature changes are likely to cause pain or discomfort.
If a crown has dropped out of the mouth, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because there is a possibility that we can reinsert it. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift or sustain further damage. Immediate assistance is absolutely essential.
When we are not immediately accessible, here are the steps to take in case of a lost filling or crown:
- Apply clove oil or an over-the-counter medication to the tooth to alleviate pain.
- Clean the crown and affix it onto the tooth with dental cement. Dental cement can be purchased at a local pharmacy. Do not use any kind of glue to affix the crown.
- If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort and protect weaknesses in the tooth.
We will check the crown to see if it still fits. If it does, we will reattach the crown and ensure there are no other issues. Where decay is noted, this will be treated and a new crown will be made.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth are strong but under duress, fractures, cracks, and breaks can occur. In some cases, fractures are fairly painless, but when cracks extend down to the root, pain may be extreme. Cracks can arise in many ways, but most commonly include trauma, tooth grinding, and pain while biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible.
When a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:
- Call our office.
- Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
- Apply gauze to the area for 10 minutes if there is bleeding.
- Place a cold, damp dish towel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
- Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if you cannot see us immediately.
- Take a topical pain reliever.
The nature of the break or fracture will affect the treatments available to you. If a fracture or crack extends into the root, root canal therapy is often the most effective way to retain the tooth. In the case of a complete break, your dentist will usually affix the fragment back onto the tooth as a temporary measure.
Help on Your Schedule
When you have a dental emergency, the right assistance is absolutely essential. When you call Associates in Family Dentistry in Aurora, CO, you can count on flexible support for even the most serious dental disasters. Get in touch today to see how our emergency dentists can help you!
Call us at 303-755-5768.