In a dental emergency, you need a dentist who will see you on short notice. Common dental emergencies include a sharp toothache, a lost filling or crown, and a knocked-out or broken tooth.
If a dental injury occurred in an accident that also led to head or mouth injuries, the patient might need a visit to the emergency room. However, an emergency dentist appointment and home care are often enough to control the situation.
NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics and Kids Dentistry provides emergency orthodontic & pediatric dental care in Huntersville, NC.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Parents usually bring their children to the pediatric dentist for emergencies such as severe tooth pain, a broken or loose tooth or crown, or lost fillings.
Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
Chipped and Broken Teeth
If your child chips or breaks a tooth, carefully collect any broken tooth pieces and bring them with you when you come into our office. Use dental floss to remove any tiny particles stuck between your child’s teeth. You may apply gauze to control bleeding and an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling.
Knocked-Out Adult Teeth
It may be possible to save a knocked-out tooth if you act quickly and come into our office for urgent treatment. Rinse the tooth gently and carefully try to put it back in its socket, but don’t use any force.
If the method above doesn’t work, place the knocked-out tooth in a small container of salt water or milk and call our office immediately.
In case of a loose tooth after a mouth injury, use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and offer your child an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. Either way, contact us as soon as you can for broken or knocked-out teeth, and we will schedule an urgent appointment for you and your child.
Children’s Toothaches
Common causes of child tooth pain include dental decay and cavities, new tooth growth, and improper brushing that wears down the tooth enamel.
If your child suffers from extreme tooth pain, swollen gums, or fever, they may have developed a dental abscess. This dangerous condition can lead to the infection spreading to other parts of the body. Contact our Huntersville, NC, office as soon as possible if you suspect a tooth abscess.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity in children may result from cavities, poor brushing habits, or enamel erosion. Amalgam fillings and sinus problems may also cause sensitivity.
Lost and Loose Fillings
A lost or loose filling may lead to sharp tooth pain and sensitivity. Schedule an appointment in our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the exposed tooth clean and avoid any foods that may get stuck in or between teeth.
Orthodontic Dental Emergencies
An orthodontic dental emergency usually involves a loose appliance or bracket, although patients may also complain of general soreness.
General Soreness
Patients with new braces or a recent brace adjustment may suffer from soreness in the teeth or mouth. Over-the-counter pain relievers and gargling lukewarm saltwater may be enough to help you cope with any temporary discomfort.
Loose Appliance
Carefully try to remove the loose orthodontic piece or pull it back with sterilized pliers. Call our office immediately to schedule a repair appointment.
Loose Bracket
Contact us for a repair appointment as soon as possible. If the loose bracket causes rubbing and discomfort, you may cover it with a small piece of orthodontic wax.
Loose or Poking Wire
If a loose or poking wire comes loose and irritates the patient’s mouth, you can try to adjust it using clean, alcohol-sterilized tweezers. If the wire doesn’t budge, you can try covering the loose end with a tiny amount of orthodontic wax while you wait for an appointment.
Dental emergencies are situations that require immediate attention and urgent treatment. At NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics and Kids Dentistry, we provide quick and efficient emergency dental care. Don’t take risks with oral health! Contact our office in Huntersville, NC, if your child suffers from tooth pain, a broken or loose tooth, bleeding, or swelling, or if you or your child experience an orthodontic emergency.