Although you never expect it to happen to you, one in six Americans faces a dental emergency every year. If you or a loved one experiences an unexpected situation, it is normal to have plenty of questions. You do not want to waste valuable time trying to find the answers you need. Your emergency dentist in Wheaton, Dr. Lam has the information you need about common unexpected problems to help save your smile.
When the unexpected strikes, your first instinct may be to head to your local emergency room. Unfortunately, they are not equipped to handle oral health issues. The most they can do is provide pain relief or antibiotics. They cannot address the underlying concern, like a dislodged or broken tooth. It is always best to first consult your dentist; however, if you have uncontrollable bleeding, suspect a broken jaw, or have another injury that requires prompt care, go to the emergency department first.
Whether a weakened tooth cracked or one broke from trauma to your face, you need to see your dentist right away to save your tooth. Rinse your mouth with salt water and avoid placing pressure on the tooth until after it is repaired. Use over-the-counter pain relievers and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to manage any discomfort.
Over time, a crown or filling may come loose or fall off. There are over-the-counter kits you can buy to repair them, but this is never a good idea. Your tooth must be properly sterilized before the restoration is put back on it, which you cannot do at home. Not to mention, your tooth may have new damage that caused the restoration to come off in the first place. It is best to contact your dentist right away to have the filling or crown replaced.
Your toothache in Wheaton may go away on its own, but that does not mean the problem has been solved. The underlying cause of your toothache must be addressed to prevent it from reoccurring in the future. Dr. Lam will pinpoint the problem to provide you with the long-term relief you need while preserving the health of your tooth.
In some cases, Dr. Lam can save a knocked-out tooth if you act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with cool water. Do not use any soaps, scrub it, or dry it. Gently try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket. If you are not successful, place it in a cup of milk or water.
If you have a dental emergency, do not wait to call your dentist. Contact our office right away for a same-day appointment.