What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation where a patient requires urgent attention from a dentist. From sudden pain to a dislodged tooth or crown, a dental emergency can happen at any time and any place, which is why our Springfield dentists offer same-day dental appointments and an after-hours emergency number (417-232-0609).
Our state-of-the-art dental office is equipped with advanced technologies that enable us to provide efficient treatment for a variety of concerns, including emergency root canals and same-day dental crowns. Your oral health and comfort are our top priorities, and our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you feel better as soon as possible.
How Can I Prevent a Dental Emergency?
While some emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing dental issues:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the likelihood of cavities and infections.
- Protect Your Teeth: If you’re engaging in sports or other high-impact activities, wear a mouthguard to shield your teeth from potential impacts. Mouthguards can also help safeguard your oral health if you are prone to grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
- Avoid Biting Down on Hard Objects: Biting on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard substances can lead to cracked or chipped teeth.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Your teeth should not be used to open bottles or packages, as this can cause damage.
- Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine dental visits allow us to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into emergencies.
How Can I Treat a Dental Concern at Home?
While home care is no substitute for professional treatment, it can provide temporary relief in certain situations. Our dentists have compiled helpful tips for managing discomfort and caring for your teeth in cases where professional care is not immediately available.
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected area to remove any debris. Avoid placing aspirin or painkillers directly on the gums, as this can lead to burns.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth becomes dislodged, handle it gently, being careful to avoid touching the root (the yellow part of the tooth). As needed, rinse the tooth gently with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If reinsertion is not possible, you can also place the tooth in milk or a specialized tooth preservation kit. In this situation, it is important to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to give the tooth the highest possible chance of being saved.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth and save any tooth fragments. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and contact an emergency dentist for further guidance.
- Loose Filling or Crown: If a filling or crown is loose but not dislodged, we recommend being mindful of your chewing habits and trying to avoid jostling the loose crown or filling further. In some cases, temporary dental cement can help secure a loose filling or crown until you can schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Bleeding Gums: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze.
Remember, these are short-term solutions. For lasting relief and comprehensive care, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Contact Innovative Dental For Emergency Care
At Innovative Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing compassionate and prompt care to alleviate your discomfort and safeguard your oral health. Contact us immediately in case of emergencies, and trust us to be your partners in maintaining a healthy smile. If you experience a concern outside of our normal operating hours, call our after-hours number: 417-232-0609.