Emergency Dentist in Russellville, AR
Even with excellent oral hygiene, dental emergencies can occur when you least expect them. When they do, knowing how to respond quickly and calmly is essential to protect your smile and minimize long-term damage.
In addition to seeking care from an emergency dentist in Russellville, AR, there are a few important steps you can take to manage the situation effectively.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve a child or happen unexpectedly. However, staying calm and informed can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies until you can visit our office.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying infection, such as cavities, gum disease, abscesses, or even sinus infections. Besides putting your entire oral health at risk, dental pain can be intense and severely debilitating, impacting your quality of life. In these circumstances, getting prompt dental assistance is key.
In the meantime, you can relieve the discomfort by:
- Rinsing with Warm Saltwater: This helps reduce inflammation and cleanse the mouth of bacteria.
- Applying a Cold Compress: The cold can numb the pain and reduce swelling. Make sure to wrap ice in a cloth to prevent ice burns and use it for about 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain levels temporarily. If you doubt what medication to take, contact us for detailed instructions!
Knocked-Out Tooth
Having a tooth knocked out can be alarming, but with quick action, it may be possible to save it. Knocked-out teeth can be recovered if they’re reinserted into the tooth socket within 30 minutes of being lost.
To do so, pick up the knocked-out tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water to remove any dirt or debris, but don’t scrub.
Then, try reinserting it into the socket, biting slightly. If not possible, keep it in milk or saliva, and head to an emergency dentist immediately.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
Sudden hits to the face or trauma during contact sports can easily result in a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth. Besides being unsightly, broken teeth can be painful and sharp, causing further dental injuries if left untreated.
If there are any broken shards of your teeth, gather them—we may be able to bond them back together. Rinse your mouth and all the broken pieces with warm water and store them in a container with your saliva or milk.
If bleeding occurs, use gauze to stop it. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Then, visit a dentist to prevent further damage.
Lost Filling or Crown
Crowns and fillings are long-lasting restorations that help protect and strengthen teeth damaged by decay. However, failed applications or accumulated wear and tear can weaken these appliances, making them loose and ill-fitting and, in worst-case scenarios, causing them to fall out entirely.
This leaves your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and debris, so aim for immediate restoration at a dental office. In the meantime, you can cover the exposed area with dental cement, which is available over the counter at pharmacies. To prevent sensitivity, avoid hot or cold foods and try not to chew on the affected site.
Abscess or Swelling
Besides being extremely painful, dental abscesses are often a result of a dental infection that needs urgent care. Some signs to look out for include swollen gums or face, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or severe pain or fever.
To ease pain, rinse with warm salt water and take pain relievers if needed. Then, make sure to seek dental care immediately. The infection can easily spread to the surrounding teeth and even your bloodstream if left untreated.
