Our teeth can be unpredictable. Even when practicing good oral care, accidents occur. Teeth get knocked out, crowns fall out, or something might start hurting and you don’t know why. Whatever it is that you are experiencing, we are here to help.
When to Call
If you are not sure what is causing your discomfort, it’s always advisable to contact a dentist. At our dental office we will assist you in determining if an in-office visit is needed. If any of the following issues are affecting you, give us a call:
- You’re experiencing unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- You’re in severe pain
- You notice a loose tooth
- You’ve been hit in the face or mouth
- You have discomfort with swelling or bulging gums
Common Issues and What to Do
Toothache
Most toothaches can be cured with simple remedies. However, there are numerous issues that might cause your teeth to hurt, so you should always call a dentist to determine the cause. If you are experiencing pain, the longer you wait to receive dental care, the more likely it is that the problem will progress into something more serious. Here are a few steps that you can take if you have a toothache:
- Try to clean the tooth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and floss. This may help alleviate pain.
- If you notice swelling, apply a warm washcloth on the outside of your cheek.
- If the pain persists, don’t wait more than 2 days to see us.
- If you notice swelling, or have a fever you may require more urgent attention. Call us immediately.
Tooth Loss
It’s normal for children to loose their baby teeth, but if an adult tooth is lost during an accident, contact us immediately and we will determine how to salvage or restore it.
- If you can retrieve the tooth hold it by the crown (the part of the tooth that shows, not the root.)
- Rinse it thoroughly with warm water, but do not scrub.
- If you are able, try and put it back in place. If you can’t, put it in milk until you bring it to us.
Lost Crown
Losing a crown can be very painful because it exposes your tooth tissue to bacteria and foreign particles. If you’ve lost a crown contact us immediately. In the meantime, following these tips to prevent further teeth damage.
- If you have the crown, rinse it thoroughly.
- If possible, put the crown back on your tooth by applying dental cement, tooth paste or denture adhesive to the inside of the crown.
- Bring the crown with you when you come to our office.
Remember, if you are experiencing dental pain or discomfort, ignoring it only puts you at risk of further damage that may require more extensive care and treatment. If you have any concerns about your oral health, give us a call at (828) 631-3283 and we can advise you on how to move forward. If you have a dental emergency, contact us immediately and we will do everything we can to help you as quickly as possible. Our priority is restoring your healthy smile.
Sincerely,
Dr. David McGuire
