Coastal Dental Care provides emergency dentistry in Nederland, TX, to their patients. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately. We will do our best to see you promptly.
Alongside emergency services, our general dental care ensures all your routine oral health needs are met to maintain a healthy smile. It is impossible to expect a dental emergency. That is why choosing a dentist that offers emergency dental care for their patients is important. A dental emergency can cause pain, discomfort, and long-term damage without the proper treatment. Seeking help from our Coastal Dental Care team as soon as possible is vital to preserving your oral health.
The Importance Of Emergency Dental Care
Timely intervention by a dentist is critical in a dental emergency. It will prevent complications, minimize pain, and help preserve teeth and gums. Dental issues can get worse rapidly, and without prompt treatment, they can lead to irreversible damage. Seeking help as soon as possible ensures that you will receive a diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, which contributes to the overall success of dental emergency management.
What To Do In A Dental Emergency
If you have a dental emergency, the first step is to get your situation under control. Then, contact Coastal Dental Care to seek further advice and schedule an appointment. Taking swift action will lower your chances of permanent damage. Here is what we suggest you do in each type of dental emergency:
Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If you can locate the tooth, hold it by the crown part only, never contacting the root. Rinse it gently in water. If possible, place it back in the socket and hold it in place. If you cannot set the tooth back in the socket, store it in milk or saliva until your emergency dental appointment.
Fracture or Chip a Tooth
Start by rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water. If bleeding is present, apply gentle pressure to control the bleeding. Save any broken pieces if you can locate them. Use a cold compress or ice for swelling and over-the-counter medicine for pain. Your dentist will assess the extent of your damage at your appointment to determine the best treatment.
Dental Restoration Falls Out
If a dental filling, crown, or bridge falls out, keep it until you can see your dentist. Never use household adhesives to try to reinsert the dental restoration. This can lead to further damage to the restoration or tooth. You may use dental cement found in a drug store or sugar-free gum as a temporary fix. Prompt professional assistance is crucial to restoration.
Permanent Tooth is Coming Loose
Gently try to reposition the tooth into its socket. Bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you see your dentist. Seek immediate dental help to stabilize the tooth and prevent further damage.
Tooth Abscess
An abscess is a serious dental infection that must be seen and treated immediately. Until your appointment, rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will determine the best treatment option and prescribe antibiotics. Never attempt to drain the abscess by yourself.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can be a sign of many dental problems. Start by rinsing the mouth out with warm salt water. Floss gently to remove any food or debris. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth. If you are still distressed, see a dentist promptly for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Severe Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding. Rinse the mouth with cold water. If bleeding persists, seek immediate dental care or the nearest emergency room.
Cut to Soft Tissues in Gums
Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater. Gently apply gauze or a clean cloth to the cut. If bleeding persists or the cut is severe, seek prompt dental attention or visit the emergency room.
Painful Gums
Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Gently floss to remove debris. If pain persists, schedule a dental appointment to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to make you less likely to experience them. Simple practices can reduce the risk of injury, pain, and other dental problems requiring urgent care.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
One of the most common causes of dental emergencies is injuries to the mouth during sports activities, whether playing basketball or soccer or even participating in recreational activities like skateboarding; a blow to the mouth can cause broken teeth, chipped teeth, or injury to your gums.
Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing impact and protecting your teeth from damage. If you or your child plays contact sports, wear a properly fitted mouthguard to protect your smile.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can cause a dental emergency. Biting down on something hard can crack or chip your teeth, potentially leading to severe pain or the need for extensive dental work. It’s important to avoid using your teeth for anything other than eating and drinking. If you need to crack open nuts or remove tags, use tools instead of your teeth to prevent unnecessary stress on them. This simple precaution can save you from a painful and expensive dental issue.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene plays a huge role in preventing dental emergencies. Regular brushing and flossing help keep your teeth free from plaque, bacteria, and food particles that can lead to cavities and gum disease. If left untreated, cavities can cause infections or abscesses that may require emergency treatment.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups also help identify potential problems before they become serious.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
What you eat can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary and acidic foods can weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay, cracks, or fractures. Additionally, hard or sticky foods like caramel, nuts, or popcorn kernels can cause damage to your teeth.
A well-balanced diet with calcium-rich foods (like milk, cheese, and leafy greens) can strengthen your teeth and gums, helping prevent future dental issues. Drinking water after meals can also help wash away food particles and acids that may cause long-term damage.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
It is tempting to use your teeth to open packages, remove tags, or cut things, but this can result in cracked or broken teeth. Your teeth are not designed for opening bottles or tearing open plastic. Using your teeth for these tasks can put unnecessary pressure on them and cause serious damage. Always use the appropriate tools for these tasks to avoid causing harm to your teeth. This will help you avoid dental emergencies and keep your teeth in great condition.
Address Dental Issues Early
If you notice any dental problems, such as a loose filling, tooth pain, or bleeding gums, don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable or worsens. Early intervention can prevent many dental emergencies from occurring. For example, a small cavity can be treated before it leads to a painful infection, and a cracked tooth can be repaired before it breaks completely. Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups allows them to catch and treat problems early, reducing the likelihood of needing emergency care.
Avoid Smoking or Using Tobacco
Smoking and using tobacco products can lead to numerous oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Gum disease, in particular, can cause the gums to recede, leading to tooth sensitivity and increasing the risk of tooth loss. To prevent dental emergencies, it’s essential to avoid smoking and using tobacco products. Quitting smoking benefits your teeth and gums and improves your overall health.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health and oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to cavities and bad breath. It also helps keep your mouth moist, which is essential for preventing dry mouth—a condition that can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Staying hydrated can help you avoid various dental issues, reducing the chances of an emergency.
Protect Your Gums
Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and can lead to painful abscesses or infections. Make sure to brush your gums gently with your teeth, and don’t forget to floss between your teeth to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If you notice any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding or swelling, see your dentist immediately to prevent more serious issues from developing.
Regular Dental Visits
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies is to schedule regular visits to your dentist. Routine check-ups help your dentist spot potential problems early when they are easier to treat and less likely to become emergencies. Your dentist can also offer advice on how to care for your teeth and avoid common issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dental emergencies.
Is bleeding gum a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums usually aren’t a dental emergency. They often signal gingivitis or early gum disease. But if the bleeding is severe or won’t stop, call your dentist right away. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups can prevent most gum issues.
How do I stop bleeding after a tooth extraction?
Bite gently on a piece of gauze and place it over the extraction site for 30-45 minutes. This pressure helps form a blood clot, which is important for healing. If the bleeding continues, you can replace the gauze and bite down again. For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing your mouth, drinking through a straw, or doing anything that might dislodge the clot. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or is heavy, contact your dentist!
Can an emergency dentist remove wisdom teeth?
Yes, an emergency dentist can remove wisdom teeth, especially if they’re causing severe pain, infection, or other urgent issues. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, the emergency dentist might perform the procedure right away or refer you to an oral surgeon. The goal is to relieve pain and prevent further complications quickly.
What constitutes a dental emergency for children?
A dental emergency for children includes situations like a knocked-out tooth or a tooth that’s been cracked or broken. Severe tooth pain and infection with swelling are also dental emergencies kids can experience. If your child has heavy bleeding from the mouth or can’t close their jaw properly, that’s a dental emergency as well. These issues need immediate attention to prevent further damage and to manage pain effectively.
Is a filling falling out a dental emergency?
A filling falling out isn’t always a dental emergency, but it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Without the filling, the tooth is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and infection. If you’re in pain or notice sharp edges, it’s a good idea to call your dentist and get it taken care of quickly to avoid further damage.
Does insurance cover dental emergencies?
Insurance coverage for dental emergencies depends on your specific plan. Many dental insurance plans cover extractions or treatment for severe tooth pain. This is especially true if the insurance provider deems the situation medically necessary. However, the extent of coverage and what qualifies as an emergency can vary. You should review your insurance policy and contact your provider. They will inform you of exactly what emergency dental services they cover.
It is crucial to be well-informed about what to do in a dental emergency. Quick and appropriate actions can make a significant difference in preserving oral health and preventing long-term complications.
Coastal Dental Care offers expert emergency dentistry in Nederland, TX, to patients who require immediate dental care. If you experience a dental emergency, it is important to call us as soon as possible for help. You can reach our office at 409-727-3511 to schedule your emergency dental visit.