Throughout America, dental offices are offering limited hours and services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But what happens if you have a dental emergency? Dr. Mark Sowell, a dentist in Plano, TX, lists common dental emergencies and how you can help yourself at home before you’re able to be seen in the office.
Taking Care of a Dental Emergency
The first thing you should do if you’re experiencing a dental emergency is to call us immediately. We can advise you on how to proceed further. Below is a list of common dental emergencies and things you can do to help them.
Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain isn’t something you should discount or ignore. This is especially true if it’s something sudden. The cause of your pain can be any number of things, including tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. Many times, you won’t be able to decipher what the issue is without a dental checkup. Use over the counter pain medication to ease pain and a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Most importantly, try not to panic if you get a tooth knocked out. Try to find where it went and retrieve it. Pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root at all. Gently rinse it off, but avoid scrubbing, as it can cause damage. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva to try to preserve it as long as possible. While the tooth may be able to be reattached, never try to put it in the socket by yourself.
If your original tooth can’t be replaced, we offer multiple replacement options for missing teeth in our office. In particular, Dr. Sowell recommends dental implants for tooth replacement. They’re considered the gold standard and are the most natural and stable of the replacement options.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
While chips can be cosmetic and harmless, they can also be very intense. Any break or crack that exposes the tooth pulp and nerves can be extremely painful. A crack that’s deep can also make it easy for harmful bacteria to get inside the tooth. This can lead to the need for a root canal or other procedures.
There are multiple methods Dr. Sowell may use to repair your broken tooth, depending on his assessment. Dental crowns will cover the entire tooth with a customized cap. Porcelain veneers go over the front and sides of your tooth to hide any issues. Dental bonding is a cost-effective option that uses a malleable resin to repair your break or chip.
Your Dentist in Plano, Texas
If you have a dental emergency, call us immediately for the next steps. We’ll also be here to help you with all of your issues depending on the isolation guidelines for the state. Call us or schedule an appointment online. We hope to see you in the office shortly!