Emergency Dentistry
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Emergency Dentistry in Denver
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on treating urgent dental issues and injuries that require immediate attention. These dental emergencies can range from severe toothaches and broken teeth to infections and traumatic injuries to the mouth or jaw. Our emergency dentists can assess and address these urgent situations promptly to prevent further complications and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Common Dental Emergencies
Even if you take all the necessary precautions to protect your teeth against damage, they can still become hurt through any daily activity. Dental emergencies can come in many forms at any time. Some of the most common dental emergencies that may require urgent care include:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Intense or persistent toothaches can indicate underlying issues such as tooth decay, infection, or abscess, which require immediate attention to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
- Broken or Chipped Teeth: Traumatic injuries, accidents, or biting down on hard objects can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break. Emergency dental care can repair or restore damaged teeth to prevent infection and restore function.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, requires immediate intervention to increase the chances of successful re-implantation. Time is critical, so seeking emergency dental care as soon as possible is essential.
- Loose or Dislodged Teeth: Teeth that are loose or partially dislodged due to trauma or injury should be treated promptly to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
- Bleeding Gum Tissue: it is common for our gums to bleed after flossing for the first time in a long time, but it isn’t common for bleeding to be constant. Bleeding and swelling of gum tissues could indicate the presence of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease can be a severe issue for your oral and overall health. The earlier it’s diagnosed and treated, the better.
- Dental Abscess: An abscess is a serious dental infection that can cause swelling, severe pain, and fever. Emergency treatment is necessary to drain the abscess, alleviate symptoms, and prevent the spread of infection.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
In the event of a dental emergency, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Contact Your Emergency Dentist: Call Aspen Dental to schedule an emergency appointment immediately. Our team will prioritize your situation and guide you on what to do next.
- Manage Pain: Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed to alleviate discomfort until you can see the dentist. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, which can cause tissue damage.
- Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Carefully: If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket or store it in milk or saliva until you can see the dentist.
- Control Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to any bleeding areas using clean gauze or a damp tea bag. Avoid aspirin or other blood-thinning medications if possible.
- Protect Broken Teeth: If a tooth is broken or chipped, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth and avoid hard or sticky foods.