Emergency Dental Care
Research suggests that the number of U.S patients that visited emergency dentists doubled between the years 2000 and 2010. A deeper look however revealed that most of the patients that used the service would have been okay visiting a regular dentist. Considering these facts makes you wonder what qualifies as a dental emergency.
At Millennium Smiles, we offer dental emergency care services in Frisco, TX. Whenever you suspect you have a dental emergency, you can call us on lines that are available 24/7 and we will help you determine if you need urgent care. Some of the situations that require immediate attention include infections and abscesses, loss of a tooth, debilitating toothache, cracked or chipped teeth and trauma to teeth, gums or face.
Responding to Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, and this means it may take some time for you to get to a dental clinic. After contacting an emergency dentist near you, there are a couple of things you can do to lessen damage and prevent complications.
In the case of a knocked-out tooth, hold it only by the crown and rinse it gently under running water before trying to put it back in its socket. If it is impossible to have the tooth back in its socket, you can store it in a clean container with milk. Hurry to reach the dentist office to have the tooth re-inserted and its function preserved. Usually, there is great chance of saving the tooth if you get to the dentist within an hour of the accident occurring.
If there is pain, you can try ease it by taking over the counter medications like paracetamol. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen especially if there is bleeding as they can make it worse. Natural remedies can also be used to ease pain and stop infections from spreading. For example, limes and lemons contain citric acid that kills bacteria. Just apply a few drops of lemon juice on the affected area. Another alternative is using salt and garlic or ginger to ease pain and control infections.
Take note that home remedies are not a substitute for dental treatment. They should be used to help you cope with the discomfort associated with a dental emergency as you wait to get proper medical attention.
Can Dental Emergencies Be Prevented?
Our emergency dentist in Frisco offers advice on how to prevent dental emergencies in the future. Prevention begins with basic steps like brushing and flossing daily. If you participate in contact sports or activities that put you at risk of dental trauma, make sure to wear a mouth guard or any other relevant protective gear.
Avoid using your teeth as a tool. Do not open bottles, cut things or break object using your teeth. Also watch on what you eat, making sure to take a balanced diet while avoiding too much sugar and caffeine. We also recommend that your toothbrush after every 3 months and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Your dental appointments are very important too and you should make sure to observe them. That way any issues can be spotted early, and treated before they become complicated or severe.
What if My Dental Issue Is Not an Emergency?
Even when experiencing a non-threatening dental issue, it is still important that you get to see a dentist. You may not need to visit an emergency dentist but you can schedule for an appointment within regular working hours to get checked.
Preparing for A Dental Emergency
For every dental emergency, it is important to notify your dentist right away. To stay prepared, always have the contact information of your emergency dentist. If you are in Frisco area and you have no dentist to turn to, you can come to Millennium Smiles whenever need be. We offer premium services to all our patients to ensure timely and effective treatment. We also have a friendly and highly experienced staff that will help you stay relaxed as you get treatment. We listen to our patients and treat each case individually and also offer preventative care to reduce chances of you coming in for another dental emergency.