Emergency Treatment

At our dental office, we provide a wide range of dental services, specializing in orthodontics to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Here’s how we can transform your smile:

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is not just painful—it’s a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. Here’s what you need to know:

What Is an Abscessed Tooth?

It’s a pocket of pus caused by an infection that spreads from the root of the tooth to the surrounding tissue. The infection originates in the pulp—the tooth’s soft core containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This infection can cause swelling, intense pain, and even damage to nearby bone if untreated.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Severe, throbbing toothache
Swelling in your face or gums
Sensitivity to hot or cold
A foul taste in your mouth

How Do We Treat It?

Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics can stop the infection and reduce the pain.
Root Canal Treatment: If the infection has reached the pulp or bone, a root canal may be needed. This involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the area, and restoring your tooth to full health.

Don’t ignore the signs of an abscessed tooth—it can lead to serious complications. Visit us for expert care and relief from pain. Your smile is worth it!

Dental Injuries and Accidents

Dental injuries can happen to anyone at any age, often due to sports, car accidents, or falls. Immediate dental attention is crucial—even for seemingly minor injuries—to assess and address hidden damage that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Common Types of Dental Injuries and Treatments

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Minor Chips: Repaired with a tooth-colored filling to restore appearance and function.
Severe Breaks: If a significant portion of the tooth crown is lost, an artificial crown (cap) may be necessary.
Cracked or Split Teeth: Injuries in the back teeth may involve fractured cusps or cracks.
- Treatment: For deep cracks extending to the root, a root canal and a full-coverage crown might be required. Split teeth may need extraction.

Dislodged Teeth

What Happens: A tooth can be pushed out of its normal position or deeper into the socket.
Treatment: The dentist repositions and stabilizes the tooth. A root canal may be required, ideally within a few days of the injury.
For Kids: Children aged 7–12 may not require a root canal due to developing teeth. Close monitoring ensures proper healing.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Immediate Action: Handle the tooth carefully, avoiding the root surface. Rinse gently with water if dirty.
Storage: Place the tooth in milk or water to keep it moist. Do not use soap or scrape the tooth.
Reinsertion: If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. The dentist will stabilize it with a splint and may begin root canal treatment after a week or two, depending on the tooth’s condition.

Root Fractures

What Happens: A horizontal fracture in the tooth root can occur.
Outcome: Success depends on the fracture’s location. Fractures near the root tip have better outcomes, while those closer to the gum line may have a poorer prognosis. Splinting may stabilize the tooth for healing.

Root Resorption

What Is It?: A condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own tooth tissue following an injury.
Prevention: Regular dental checkups after an injury are essential to monitor healing and prevent resorption.

Bleeding and Swelling

Understanding Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can indicate an underlying issue, often stemming from inadequate oral hygiene. While common, this symptom should not be ignored as it may signal more serious health concerns.

Primary Causes

Plaque Buildup: Poor plaque removal at the gum line can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding.
Tartar Formation: If plaque isn’t removed through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into tartar. This can progress to periodontitis, an advanced gum and jawbone disease.

Other Contributing Factors

Brushing too hard or improper flossing techniques
Ill-fitting dentures
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Infections (tooth or gum-related)
Bleeding disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Blood thinning medications
Deficiencies in essential nutrients like Vitamin K or Vitamin C (scurvy)
Medical conditions, including leukemia or platelet disorders

Preventing and Addressing Bleeding Gums

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss correctly to prevent gum irritation.
Regular Dental Checkups: Professional cleanings can remove tartar and prevent gum disease from worsening.
Follow Dentist’s Guidance: Improper brushing or flossing techniques can exacerbate the problem, so adhere to your dentist’s recommendations.

Diet and Nutrition: Ensure a balanced intake of vitamins and nutrients critical for gum health

Emergency Care for Braces (Orthodontics)

Common Braces Issues and Solutions

Sore Teeth

- Cause: Soreness is common after braces are initially installed or adjusted.
- Relief: Use non-aspirin pain relievers to ease discomfort. Warm saltwater rinses, a heating pad, or a warm cloth can help reduce jaw soreness.

Wire Irritation

- Cause: A wire poking or rubbing against the cheeks or gums.
- Solution:
  - Move the wire away from the irritated area using a cotton swab or eraser.
  - Cover the wire end with wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of gauze.
  - For severe discomfort, carefully cut the wire with sterilized nail clippers or scissors.
  - If the wire is stuck in soft tissue (cheek, tongue, or gums), visit the dentist immediately.

Loose Bracket

- Cause: A bracket detaches from the tooth or main wire.
- Solution:
  - Contact the orthodontist to check if it needs reattachment.
  - If needed, you can carefully slide the bracket off or cut the wire using sterilized clippers.

Lost Separator

- Cause: Separators may occasionally come loose during treatment.
- Solution: Call your orthodontist to determine if it needs replacement.

Broken, Chipped or Lost Tooth

Knocked-Out Tooth

Handling the Tooth:

- Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part). Avoid touching the root.
- Gently rinse the root in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.

Storing the Tooth:

- Try to carefully place the tooth back into its socket.
- If not possible, store it in a cup of milk or water to keep it moist.

Seek Immediate Care:

- Head to your dentist immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Clean the Area:

- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.

Reduce Swelling:

- Apply a cold compress to your face near the injury site.

Visit the Dentist:

- See your dentist as soon as possible for repair or treatment.

Persistent Toothache

Relieve Discomfort:

- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Use floss to remove any food particles around the tooth.

Seek Dental Help:

- Visit your dentist promptly to address the underlying cause.

Broken Jaw or Severe Injury

Immediate Attention:

- A broken jaw or significant facial injury requires urgent care.
- Visit your dentist or a hospital emergency room immediately.

Reduce Swelling:

- Apply cold compresses to the affected area.