
and Kevin G. Murphy & Associates
Are you in the midst of dealing with a dental emergency, like a damaged, knocked-out, or painful tooth? No matter what oral situation you face, always contact our office immediately so we can get to the root of your problem and address the situation. We offer same-day appointments for our patients in pain to ensure that they get the fast, effective, and high-quality care they need to preserve their smile.
Handling a dental emergency can be overwhelming because they always seem to occur at the most unexpected moments. The first thing you should do if you ever experience trauma or any out-of-the-ordinary oral symptoms is contact our office so we can schedule an appointment for you. We’ll provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance, or you can prepare for your appointment by following some of the tips below.
If you have a toothache that’s persistent and painful, it’s likely because of an infection hidden deep beneath the enamel of your tooth. To help ease the pain, you can place a cold compress on the area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.
If you’re able to locate the broken-off portion of your tooth, pick it up and gently rinse it under cool water to clear off any debris. If the area that’s damaged has created a sharp edge of your tooth, you can protect your oral tissues by placing a piece of orthodontic wax over it. Be sure to bring the pieces of your tooth to your appointment so we can attempt to glue them back on!
In this situation, time is of the essence. Retrieve your tooth, being sure to only handle it by the biting surface, and gently clean it off under cool water, being sure not to scrub it. Place the tooth in a sealable container of salt water or milk to keep it viable. If the area is bleeding, place a piece of sterile gauze to help it clot.
If you’re able to find your filling or crown, pick it up and rinse it off. You can temporarily place it back on your damaged tooth with a dab of denture adhesive or toothpaste. However, it’s important to visit us as soon as possible so we can replace or repair your restoration to prevent an infection from developing.
While it’s impossible to completely avoid experiencing a dental emergency, there are some ways that you can reduce your risk of needing to visit our office in a panic. Here are some tips to help prevent oral accidents from ruining your smile:
Before we’re able to determine what type of dental treatment you require, we’ll need to examine your smile first to see what problem is causing your pain. Once we’ve determined the issue, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan and walk you through our findings. During this time, we’ll also discuss cost-factors with you and each of your financing options.