When you fall victim to a serious injury, you rush to the ER. If your injury involves the teeth or gums, then this is considered a dental emergency. How do you address dental emergencies? Who do you call? Thankfully for residents of Prosper and surrounding communities, an emergency dentist is on hand to assist you. Your Prosper family dentist, Dr. Vimal Patel, explains what to do during a dental emergency.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Have you lost a filling? Perhaps you broke a tooth or started experiencing severe pain in your teeth or jaw? These are common examples of dental emergencies. You should immediately contact Dr. Patel at our Prosper Smiles practice. We offer emergency care to patients of all ages and extended office hours. Common dental emergencies include:
- Intense jaw or tooth pain
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Lost teeth
- Injuries to gums and soft tissue of the mouth
- Objects stuck between teeth
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Many dental injuries are easily preventable. For athletes and children who play sports, wearing a mouthguard reduces the chances of enduring broken or lost teeth. Avoid chewing hard foods, such as ice and hard candy, which can crack your teeth. When cutting tape or wrappers, use scissors instead of your teeth. This prevents injuries to your gums and teeth.
Steps to Take Before Seeing Your Emergency Dentist
You or a loved one just called Dr. Patel regarding your dental emergency. So, now what? Depending on the injury, there are several things you should do before heading out the door. These simple steps will help reduce the risk of infection, and ease the pain until you arrive at Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry. If you lose a tooth, rinse off any dirt or foreign debris with water. Do not remove any tissue that may be stuck to the tooth. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket until you can see Dr. Patel. If this is impossible then place it in a glass of milk and bring it with you. For broken or cracked teeth, rinse the area with warm water. For severe pain in the jaw, gums, or teeth, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling until Dr. Patel can see you.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Prosper Dentist
Do you have questions or concerns about your Prosper emergency dentist? If you or your family is in need of dental care, call or visit our 75078 dentist office to talk to Dr. Vimal Patel. We serve patients from Prosper and the surrounding communities.