Emergency Dental Care in Columbia, MO
At Cherry Hill Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can strike at any time, catching you off guard and causing immense discomfort. From excruciating toothaches to chipped or knocked-out teeth, these unexpected oral issues can be stressful and alarming. Our team is here to help.
How to Identify a Dental Emergency and What to Do
A dental emergency can be defined as any unexpected oral health problem that requires immediate attention to alleviate pain, stop bleeding, or prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. When faced with a dental emergency, it is essential to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to minimize pain and prevent further damage.
List of Common
dental emergencies
Severe Toothache
To Look For: Intense, persistent tooth pain often indicates an underlying issue, such as an infected tooth or abscess.
To Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water, floss gently to remove any debris, and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Contact your dentist immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
To Look For: A tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma or injury.
To Do: Hold the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root), gently rinse it with water if dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Rush to your dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
To Look For: A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth that may cause discomfort and vulnerability to bacterial infection.
To Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gauze if there’s any bleeding, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Visit your dentist promptly.
Loose Tooth
To Look For: A tooth that becomes loose due to injury or advanced gum disease.
To Do: Avoid wiggling the tooth, keep your mouth clean with gentle rinsing, and reach out to your dentist right away.
Dislodged Dental Filling or Crown
To Look For: A filling or crown that has come loose, causing sensitivity and discomfort.
To Do: Keep the filling or crown safe and visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
To Look For: A foreign object wedged between teeth that can lead to pain and irritation.
To Do: Gently try to remove the object with dental floss. If unsuccessful, do not use sharp objects. Instead, contact your dentist for professional help.
Need Financial Options?
Check out our Affordable Dentistry page to learn about what insurances we take and how we can help if you don’t have insurance.
Learn More About
Dental Emergencies
Learn more about what you can do in case of a dental emergency and preventative measures in our blog, “Dental Emergencies: How to Handle Unexpected Oral Issues with Confidence.”