At the first sign of a dental problem, your dentist should be the first one you call. But, what happens if your dental issue occurs in the middle of the night, on holiday, or the weekend? If it’s an emergency, you may need to use Guilliot Dental’s emergency dental services in Broussard or Lafayette.
So, the question is, what dental issues are considered an emergency? Here are a few questions to ask to determine if an emergency trip to Guilliot Dental is necessary.
- Are you in severe pain? Severe pain and bleeding are signs of an emergency.
- Have you lost a tooth? Fast treatment can potentially save a tooth.
- Do you have loose teeth? Adults should never lose teeth. A loose tooth, even without pain, is a severe problem.
- Do you have an infection? An abscess or severe infection in your mouth can be potentially life-threatening, and treatment should not wait. You may notice swelling or knots on your gums or swelling around the face.
- Are you bleeding from the mouth? Bleeding is a potential sign of an emergency.
If you or a family member can answer yes to answer any of the above, you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Call Guilliot Dental immediately to schedule an emergency visit. The pain caused by dental emergencies almost always worsens without treatment, and dental issues can seriously jeopardize physical health.
While a visit to the emergency room may be necessary in some cases, we urge our patients to give us a call first to avoid unnecessary costs and time spent in waiting rooms. There are cases that we do recommend visiting an ER if you have experienced trauma to your mouth that is causing you extreme pain, cuts, bruising, or swelling.
Examples of Dental Emergencies
Avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out)
If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.
Steps to take:
- Call our office.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
- If possible, place it back into its socket – if not tuck it into the cheek pouch.
- If the tooth cannot in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is essential to keep the tooth from drying out.
- Get to our office, quickly and safely.
Lost filling or crown
If a crown has dropped out of the mouth, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because there is a possibility that we can reinsert it. If the crown is out of the mouth for an extended period, the teeth may shift or sustain further damage.
When we are not immediately accessible, here are the steps to take:
- Apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate pain.
- Clean the crown, and affix it onto the tooth with dental cement. You can purchase this at a local pharmacy.
- If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.
- DO NOT use any kind of glue to affix the crown.
Cracked or broken teeth
If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible.
When a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that you can take at home:
- Call our office.
- Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
- Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
- Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
- Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if you cannot see us immediately.
Dislodged/loose teeth
If a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it is essential to call our office immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
If you have any questions on handling a dental emergency or needing to schedule an emergency appointment, Guilliot Dental is here for you. Call us at either our Broussard or Lafayette locations.
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