Have you ever experienced a sudden dental issue and wondered if it warranted an emergency trip to the dentist? It’s always better to be safe and seek immediate care if you need it. Acting quickly can often be the difference between saving and losing a natural tooth. Traumatic dental injuries can occur for various reasons—perhaps you were playing a contact sport, bit into something hard like candy, or have long-standing decay that has taken a turn for the worse. Regardless of the cause, prompt dental attention is crucial. So, if you’re experiencing severe pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth, or any other dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us. As a patient of our practice, you can count on Douglas Hamill DDS to provide the urgent care you need. Remember, timely intervention can save your smile and alleviate discomfort.
Why Is it Important to Have an Emergency Dentist?
We never truly plan for a dental emergency, but it’s reassuring to know there’s a practice you can call when one comes up. So, what are some signs that need immediate attention? Severe tooth pain and knocked-out or fractured teeth are definite red flags. If you’re dealing with intense pain, it might mean an infection or abscess that could get worse without treatment. A knocked-out tooth needs quick action to improve the chances of saving it. And a cracked or fractured tooth can lead to more damage and infection if ignored. Seeing an emergency dentist right away helps prevent complications and keeps your smile healthy.
When Should I See an Emergency Dentist?
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up on your teeth, leading to red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, affecting the bone around your teeth and becoming difficult to treat. Look out for signs like severe gum inflammation, redness, and swelling. If you experience intense pain or significant bleeding or notice your teeth starting to feel loose, it’s crucial to call an emergency dentist right away. These symptoms indicate that the gum disease has advanced and requires immediate attention to prevent serious damage. Early intervention from an emergency dentist can halt the progression, save your teeth, and avoid the need for more invasive treatments later on. Keeping your gums healthy is essential for your overall oral health.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you ever have a tooth knocked out, don’t panic! The first thing you should do is put it in milk or tuck it under your tongue. Avoid rinsing or cleaning the tooth, preventing it from reintegrating into the bone. When you get to our office, we’ll place the tooth back in its original socket and bond it to the surrounding teeth, often saving you from needing a root canal. Acting quickly is key here. Teeth can often be saved if you follow these steps and contact an emergency dentist right away. So, if you ever find yourself in this situation, remember to keep the tooth safe, stay calm, and get to the dentist as soon as possible. We’re here to help you save your smile!
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can feel like a sharp, throbbing, or constant ache. It might worsen when you chew, drink something cold or hot, or even lie down. This pain often signals an underlying issue, such as tooth decay, an abscess, or a cracked tooth. When you experience tooth pain, it means something is wrong beneath the surface. The pulp inside your tooth could be infected or inflamed, or you might have a cavity that’s reached the nerve. In these cases, prompt dental attention is crucial.
To address the pain, we’ll start with a thorough examination to identify the root cause. Depending on the issue, treatments can range from a simple filling to a root canal or even extraction if the tooth is severely damaged. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore your oral health.
Contact an Emergency Dentist Today!
If you have serious dental problems that need attention, please don’t hesitate to call our office today for a free consultation. Our Amherst dentist, Dr. Douglas Hamill, has decades of experience caring for the WNY community and would love the opportunity to put a smile on your face.
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