Emergency Dentist – Westport, CT

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

There are two major types of dental emergencies that patients may encounter over the years. First, there are the sudden accidents that often can’t be avoided, like a stumble down some stairs. On the other hand, some emergency situations start out gradually but quickly become too serious to ignore, like the dreaded toothache. Keep reading below to learn more about the most common emergencies our dental team encounters and tips for managing unpleasant symptoms.

Toothaches

While the most common cause of oral pain is an infection, it could also be the fault of some trapped food or foreign debris. To rule out that possibility, try flossing and rinsing the mouth thoroughly. If the discomfort persists, take an OTC painkiller and contact our practice as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to relieve the pain and rescue the natural tooth from extraction.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

Have any large pieces of the tooth come loose? If so, gather them up and plan to bring them to the practice. Place some dental wax or sugarless gum over any rough edges of the tooth; this will help prevent accidental damage to the lips or soft tissue. Additionally, a cold compress can help reduce facial swelling until you’re able to reach professional help.

Knocked-Out Tooth

First question: do you still have the tooth? If so, handle it carefully and rinse any dirt from the white crown while making every effort to not touch the connective tissue or root. Then, if possible, try to place it back into the original socket and hold it there. Carrying it in a cup of milk is a good alternative; the goal is to keep it as moist as possible. Reattachment is only possible within an hour or so of the initial incident, so don’t wait to contact us!

Lost Filling/Crown

While the loss of a dental restoration isn’t quite as serious as the above emergencies, it can still result in lingering discomfort because the once-treated tooth is now exposed to the elements. If you still have the crown, one option is to gently reposition it back over the tooth with the help of some dental cement or denture adhesive, which can often be found at pharmacies. At Dental Center of Westport, we’ll want to see you as soon as possible to either reseat or replace the restoration.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While dental emergencies are never 100% avoidable despite the best-laid plans, there are definitely ways to minimize your risk over time. Here are some helpful tips:

• Remember to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months here in Westport, CT! Our dentists can take a closer look at any concerning symptoms and provide conservative treatment early on.
• Use scissors or other tools to open difficult packaging, not your teeth.
• Be careful when enjoying foods that are overly tough, sticky, or hard.
• Don’t chew on the hard ice in cold drinks!
• If you regularly play sports that involve contact (or the possibility of it), make sure to wear an athletic mouthguard.

The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

Every emergency case is different – some patients may be fine with just a simple prescription, while others could need extensive restorative dentistry or even full tooth replacements to bring back their original smile. During your initial appointment, we will focus on relieving pain first and then provide detailed information about what treatment we recommend, including all cost estimates.We don’t accept any insurances on an in-network basis. However, we work with most insurances and submit all claims for patients to their insurances.