Emergency Dentist Leawood, KS

Not everything with our teeth happens when we have a scheduled dentist appointment. Accidents and other things can and will happen. At Dental Expressions, Dr. Bhoot is well-trained and qualified to handle anything that comes her way. 

What is classified as emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is any type of dentistry situation that requires a patient to be seen immediately. While there can be issues pertaining to dental discomfort that requires treatment sooner rather than later, those issues would not fall under the banner of an emergency. For example, if you feel a little discomfort in your tooth and you think it could be a cavity, call your dentist to schedule an appointment for them to look at it. That wouldn’t be an emergency, but it is something you want to deal with before it becomes one!

There are situations that can’t wait. Here are some examples of emergency dental care.

  • Bleeding in your mouth that won’t stop
  • Sudden pain in your gum or tooth that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain medications
  • Sudden sensitivity to cold or warm foods and drinks
  • A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
  • If a tooth has suddenly come loose
  • If a tooth has been knocked out of your mouth
  • An abscess or infection 
  • Your jaw appears swollen
  • Pain in your jaw
  • A tooth (or teeth) feel numb
  • A filling or a crown feels loose or falls out
  • A veneer is loose or comes off
  • Any type of damage to bridgework or implants
  • Your dentures sustain a crack or other damage

While these are some of the most common reasons for an emergency dental visit, this list is not exhaustive. If you feel anything that doesn’t seem normal, call the office right away and speak with the staff. They can walk you through what your next steps need to be. 

What should I do if my tooth becomes loose or if my tooth is knocked out?

Sustaining damage of any kind to your tooth is a traumatic situation. And while it may be hard to think about when you are in pain, acting quickly is the best way to save your tooth. Getting to your dentist’s office in 20-30 minutes is critical. So is bringing the tooth with you. Touch the tooth as little as possible, and never handle it by the root. Preserve it in milk, if possible, or in clean water. Use gauze or a wet tea bag to stem the bleeding in the socket where the tooth was. 

For a loose tooth, try to position the tooth in place, and then bite down on something like gauze to help keep the tooth in place. Then head to your dentist ASAP. 

Moving quickly and following these steps will help your dentist save your tooth.

What should I do if I suspect I have an infection?

If you think you have an infection, contact your dentist immediately. Infections will spread to other parts of your body, including to your brain and the tissue around your heart. Quick treatment of oral infections by your dentist can get to the root of the issue and make sure it doesn’t spread. You may need a prescription for antibiotics or other medications to address the problem.

What should I do if my filling (or crown) is loose/has fallen out? 

Contact your dentist’s office right away for further instructions. It is possible you may be able to reattach the crown with denture glue and visit the dentist on another day. The same applies to a filling. There may be homemade remedies that can keep the filling in place for a day or so. However, there will be situations that require immediate treatment from your dentist, especially if this is causing you pain. 

What should I do if my bridgework/implant/dentures are damaged?

Contact the dentist immediately. While none of these are “real” teeth, they still serve a very important role in both function and appearance. Your dentist can help make repairs or give a temporary fix until a permanent repair is completed. Damage to any of these can impact your ability to eat and chew, so don’t hesitate to reach out. 

What should I do if I am bleeding from my gum or oral surgery incision site? 

Bleeding that won’t stop is never a good sign. Try using gauze or a wet tea bag to stem the bleeding until you get to the dentist’s office. Both of those can help absorb the blood until you get in for your appointment.

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