A dental emergency is, practically by definition, unexpected. There are ways you can minimize your chances of finding yourself in the midst of one — like practicing good oral hygiene and wearing an athletic mouthguard for certain activities. But many emergencies just happen and there is nothing you can do to prevent them.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Knowing what steps to take when the unexpected occurs reduces panic and increases the likelihood of getting prompt, effective treatment.
One of the first steps to take in any emergency dental situation in Laredo, TX is to call Davenport Dental Group. We have two locations for your convenience — Junction Drive at 956-242-6745 and Winfield at 956-517-2695 — and we will get you in for a same-day or next-day appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Having a permanent tooth knocked right out of your mouth can be downright scary. You may assume that it’s lost for good and you are stuck with a gap in your grin or on the hook for a pricey restorative procedure. We have good news for you: under the right circumstances, permanent teeth are able to reattach to their sockets. For this to occur, you must come to our office as soon as possible and the tooth must be handled correctly until you get here.
- Touch the tooth by the crown only. Never touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, you may rinse it gently.
- If you can do so comfortably and safely, store the tooth in its socket (facing the correct way) or between your cheek and gum. We don’t recommend this for children.
- Alternately, you can keep the tooth in a small cup with saliva or milk. It’s important to keep it moist, but use water just as a last resort.
Broken Tooth
If your tooth is cracked or broken, save any pieces to bring to the dentist. Until you get in to see us, follow these guidelines.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Avoid exposing the area to temperature extremes, which may cause pain.
- If you eat, stick to a liquid or soft diet.
- Any sharp edges may be covered with a bit of dental wax so they don’t poke the soft tissues of your mouth.
- To stop bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of clean gauze or a teabag.
- A cold compress held to the outside of the cheek may help with swelling and pain.
- You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Sudden Tooth Pain
If you are hit with sudden and unexplained tooth pain, it’s a good idea to make an appointment to see us ASAP. It could indicate a cavity, gum recession, or an abscess — a serious infection of the tooth root that requires a root canal. An over-the-counter pain medicine may help reduce pain. A salt water rinse can also help. A cold compress is another way to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
For any dental emergency in Laredo, TX, one of the first steps you should take is to call Davenport Dental Group. Call the office most convenient for you: Junction Drive at 956-242-6745 or Winfield at 956-517-2695. We also have an online contact form, but we suggest using that for non-urgent appointments only.