When a dental emergency arises, do you know where to turn?
While you should be visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, these aren’t the only times you may need a dentist. When a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to know where to go for care. Our dentist Dr. Ike Rahimi provides same-day emergency dental care to those living in and around Placerville, CA. Find out when to turn to us for emergency dental care.
You Have a Chipped tooth
If the chipped or cracked tooth doesn’t hurt, then this isn’t considered an emergency. However, you should still call our dentist to set up an appointment. On the other hand, a fractured tooth needs immediate attention. Rinse your mouth out and take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease any discomfort. If there is swelling you can add a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling. Some fractures are so serious that the tooth is no longer viable, so come into your Placerville, CA, emergency dentist’s office right away for treatment.
Your Braces are Broken or Damaged
Orthodontic accidents happen. If a wire is sticking out or breaks off, use orthodontic wax or place a small cotton ball on the end to protect your soft tissue from lacerations. If there is a loose band, make sure to save it and bring it with you to your orthodontist. Since broken braces won’t be able to shift teeth or function properly, it’s important to come in as soon as possible so we can fix your braces.
You Have a Toothache
Toothaches spell trouble, and most will get worse if you don’t treat the problem. You could be dealing with serious decay or an infection. As with all dental emergencies, you’ll want to gently rinse your mouth out with warm water. If there is any food lodged between your teeth, use dental floss to remove it. If there is swelling you may use a cold compress to keep symptoms down.
A Tooth was Knocked Out
Always handle a knocked-out tooth gently, only touching the crown and never the roots. Rinse the tooth off and if possible, try to put the tooth back in the socket. If you can’t get your tooth back in, then put it in a cup of milk and see our dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you see your dentist the better your chances are of being able to reattach the tooth.
You Badly Bit Your Tongue or Cheek
Any punctures, tears, or bites to the inside of your mouth are considered injuries and should be treated as an emergency. Always rinse your mouth out with warm water. If your tongue is bleeding, put pressure on the laceration using gauze. You should see your dentist or head to the emergency room right away. You can use acetaminophen to alleviate any pain; however, never use aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can cause excessive bleeding.
We know that nothing is more important than finding an emergency dentist that you trust. Our Placerville, CA, dentist Dr. Rahimi has been voted #1 dentist for seven years running, so you know you’re in good hands when you walk through our doors.
Dealing with a dental emergency? Call Mallard Lane Dental at (530) 622-0701 before 10 am to be seen the same day.