While we can always plan, prepare, and take precautions to maintain our dental health, accidents and unforeseen circumstances can still happen that lead to dental problems. This is why it’s important to know where to go for emergency dental service in case you or a family member experiences a problem that requires immediate attention.
At Superior Dental Health in Omaha, NE, we are here to help you with any dental emergency you may have. We understand that these situations can be stressful, which is why we will do everything we can to make sure you’re seen as quickly as possible and that your problem is resolved efficiently.
What is Considered an Emergency?
Anytime you have a dental problem that is causing you severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or other discomfort, it is considered to be a dental emergency. Additionally, if you notice any abnormal ulcers or growths in your mouth or on your lips, you should seek urgent attention. Some common dental emergencies we see include:
- Toothaches
- Abscesses
- Knocked out teeth
- Broken or cracked teeth
When you call us for an emergency appointment, we may ask you questions about your symptoms so that we can be prepared for your visit. We will then work to schedule you an appointment as soon as possible.
If you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at Superior Dental Health in Omaha, NE. We are here to help you get the care you need—when you need it most.
Emergency Care Guide
While your first step in the event of an emergency should always be to call a professional, there are some things you can do to care for your teeth and gums until you can get to our office. Below, we have provided a guide on what to do in some of the most common dental emergencies.
If you have a toothache:
A toothache can be caused by many different things, including tooth decay, an infection, or a foreign object caught between your teeth.
To help ease the pain and discomfort of a toothache, you can rinse your mouth with warm water, floss to remove any food or debris that may be stuck in your teeth, and take over-the-counter pain medication. Contact our office as soon as possible, so we can determine the cause of your toothache and provide treatment.
If you have an abscess:
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of your tooth. This can be caused by a severe infection that has spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissue.
If you have an abscess, it is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible, as this can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and take over-the-counter pain medication to help ease any discomfort.
If you have a knocked-out tooth:
Healthy teeth are generally very stable and unlikely to be knocked out. However, accidents can happen.
If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it is important to act quickly. First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, being careful not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off with water, but do not scrub it. You can then try to insert the tooth back into its socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. It is important to get to our office within the next hour, as there is a greater chance of saving the tooth if it is treated quickly.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth:
Cracked or broken teeth can occur due to an injury, biting down on something hard, or even grinding your teeth at night.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, it is important to visit our office right away to prevent further damage. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.