Most Americans will experience a dental emergency of some sort in their lifetime. Finding a reputable emergency dentist ahead of time can dramatically reduce the stress and anxiety associated with a pressing dental issue.
Emergency Dental Services
Dental emergencies can come out of nowhere, at any time of the day or night. However, they don’t have to be scary or even stressful when you have a trusted emergency dentist in Travelers Rest, SC you can call.
The compassionate, gentle team at Carolina Oaks delivers quick, comprehensive, emergency dental care. We will work with you to get you in the office to see our dentist as soon as possible so you can get on with life.
Emergency Dentistry Prevents Further Damage
A lot of people will try to suffer silently until they can get a regular appointment to see their dentist. The Carolina Oaks Dental Care team wants to see you right away so you don’t have to experience continued pain. Also, some dental emergencies can quickly become serious health issues if they aren’t treated immediately.
Prompt and thorough dental emergency care can actually save your tooth, prevent other issues, provide instant pain relief, and even save you money in the long run. If you have a dental emergency, call us immediately at (864) 836-8416. We’ll work with you to get you the treatment you need.
Which Injuries Are Dental Emergencies?
An accident or injury can have you searching for a trusted dentist in Travelers Rest, SC or the ER. Not sure where to go first?
Here’s a list of common dental emergencies and what to do when you have them:
Broken or Chipped Tooth/Teeth
Teeth can very easily become chipped or broken. When they do, the sensitive areas of the tooth become vulnerable and exposed to infections or decay.
- No Pain- Most likely the crack isn’t deep enough to expose nerves or inner tissue. Call your trusted dentist in Travelers Rest, SC for an appointment. They can help you assess the situation to see if you need immediate care or can wait to see the dentist in a day or so. Avoid hard to eat foods and hard candies.
- Painful Crack in Tooth- Immediately call your dentist. Your inner tissue and nerves are likely exposed.
Missing or Lost Tooth
Call your dentist right away, this is definitely an emergency. A missing tooth can leave a dangerous gap in your smile and lead to decay or damage of surrounding teeth. If the tooth has been knocked out, follow these steps while you prepare to see your dentist:
- Do not touch the root. Carefully carry the tooth only by touching the crown otherwise you may make reattachment impossible. The root has very important dental tissue that can be damaged when touched.
- Rinse, Don’t Scrub- Carefully and gently rinse your tooth in water but do not scrub, this could also damage the root tissue.
- Keep Tooth Moist- If you can, safely place the tooth back in the socket while you head to the dentist. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in sterile gauze, in milk or your own saliva.
Loose or Missing Crowns or Fillings
It isn’t uncommon for a crown or filling to become loose. However, you will still want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Consult your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the situation. If your crown has any fragments of the tooth attached to it, your dentist will want to see you immediately. Meanwhile, be sure to:
- Avoid Sticky, Hard, or Tough Foods
- Carefully Cleanse Your Mouth with Warm Water
- Keep the Crown Dry, Clean, and in a Safe Place
Punctures and/or Cuts to the Face or Mouth
Any cut to the facial area, mouth, tongue, or jaw can be a serious emergency. You cannot wait to seek help. You may even need to go directly to the Emergency Room. Call your dentist and as you prepare to seek emergency care:
- Very Gently Rinse Out Your Mouth with Warm Water
- For Tongue Injuries, Add Pressure. Carefully use sterile gauze to apply proper pressure to the area.
- Do Not Take Aspirin. It decreases the body’s blood clotting abilities.
- Go Straight to Your Emergency Dentist or to the Emergency Room.
Other dental emergencies can include a severe toothache, dry sockets, or swollen gums. All of these issues can be a sign of more serious problems or cause future damage to your dental health.