What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that provides prolonged or unbearable pain or that threatens your dental health. Dr. Bruggeman can handle emergency dentistry that is anything but routine. Immediate action is often needed, and we will do everything we can to get you the treatment when you need it. Examples of dental emergencies include:
Lost fillings
A lost filling can occur when you bite into something hard. Food can get stuck in the cavity and cause pain and swelling.
Broken, chipped, or displaced teeth
Your teeth are strong, but unfortunately, many things can break them. Especially when you fall, chew on something hard, or grind your teeth.
Toothache
A toothache can be caused by many things, such as cavities, abscesses, or infections. Sometimes the pain can quickly become unbearable.
Swollen gums
Gum swelling is often a sign of infection, which can be caused by periodontal disease (gum disease.)
When to See an Emergency Dentist
If you have a dental emergency, you might wonder whether you should see an emergency dentist or a doctor in the emergency room. If you are unsure, it might be best to err on the side of caution and call 911 or get to an urgent care facility.
You shouldn’t wait if you experience certain types of dental issues. Until you get the professional dental care you need, there are some things you can do to relieve pain and promote the best possible healing.
- Infection
If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you might have an infection. Additional symptoms might be fever and difficulty swallowing. It would be best if you didn’t ignore an infection – call us to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Until then, you can rinse with warm salt water to clear infectious materials from your mouth and provide a safe, gentle cleaning. You can also wet a towel with cold water and press it against your cheek to relieve pain and reduce swelling. And take an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever as prescribed by your doctor.
- Cracked or broken teeth
If you break a tooth, try to save any loose pieces and bring them to your emergency dental appointment.
- Displaced tooth
Don’t touch the socket or root if you get a tooth knocked out. If you still have the crown, place it back into the socket or place it in a glass of milk.
Did you know that if you get to us within about an hour of experiencing a broken or displaced tooth, we might be able to save it? We can cement the broken piece back in place in some cases, and your tooth will still be functional. And we can take measures to stabilize a displaced tooth back in its socket until it regains a permanent hold.
Call Us in Thornton for Emergency Dentistry
No one should have to deal with a dental emergency alone. If you are dealing with one, you should call the experts at Bruggeman Dental. You won’t have to suffer from dental pain any longer.
Our emergency dentistry services can help you get the relief you need and get you back on track to a healthy smile – quickly and easily.
Call our office at 720-428-8607, and we can determine the best course of action.
