Do you play a lot of basketball or another sport that carries a high risk of getting hit in the mouth? Or do you sometimes carelessly crunch down on overly hard foods that can crack your enamel? There are plenty of ways for a dental emergency to occur, and you’ll need to act fast if you want to avoid severe long-term problems. Here are 4 common reasons to call your emergency dentist in Deer Park – learn them by heart so that you’ll always be prepared to act quickly when the time comes.
1. Knocked Out Teeth
Losing a permanent tooth can be alarming, but if it happens you won’t have time to panic; you’ll need to get to the dentist in about an hour so it can be reattached. Rinse off the tooth without touching the root and keep it in your cheek so that it stays moist. (You could also put it in a glass of milk or a saline solution to preserve it; just be sure not to use water, as it could damage the roots.)
2. Cracked Teeth
Sometimes a cracked tooth will cause a lot of pain, but in other cases it might not hurt at all. Either way, you’ll need your dentist to assess the damage and decide the best course of action. While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to lessen any discomfort; if there’s swelling, feel free to use an ice pack.
3. Toothache
Never ignore pain in your tooth, especially if it lasts more than a couple of days and doesn’t seem to be caused by any stuck food particles. If the pain is accompanied by sensitivity to temperature or pressure while chewing, fever, or swelling, there’s a good chance that your tooth has been infected. This issue won’t go away on its own; the sooner you call your dentist, the better chance you’ll have of continuing to live with a complete smile.
4. Broken or Lost Dental Crown
If you lose a crown, take it out of your mouth so you don’t swallow it and put it somewhere safe. Sometimes you can use a dab of Vaseline to temporarily reattach it to the tooth. Avoid chewing with the side of the mouth where the crown came off, as the tooth it was protecting is likely to be fragile or sensitive. Your dentist will repair a crown when possible, but they can also replace it entirely if they need to.
Good oral hygiene and precautionary habits (wearing a mouthguard for sports, staying away from hard foods like un-popped popcorn kernels, and so on) can make dental emergencies less likely to happen, but the risk will always be there. Have your emergency dentist’s number ready at all times so that you’re always ready for the worst!
About the Practice
At Deer Park Family Dentistry, Dr. Jane Reeves, Dr. Jason Peck and Dr. Troy Tregre work together to provide comprehensive dental care while creating a warm office environment that patients can always feel welcomed in. When an urgent dental issue comes up, they have the training and knowledge to deal with the problem quickly and decisively. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (281) 479-2841.