Emergency Dental Care Requirements

There are several things that could require emergency dental care, any of which are not usually pleasant situations. Thankfully Olathe Dental Care Center has you covered for any emergency dental care situations you may encounter. We hope that you never have to go through an emergency dental care situation but if you do, we are ready to help you get the treatment you need.

Dental injuries, accidents, or any kind of tooth damage can require emergency dental care, and some often require immediate attention. Here is a list of some things that DO require emergency dental care:

• Toothaches: tooth pain can sometimes be overwhelming – impossible to eat, sleep or function normally in day-to-day activities. More serious tooth pain is often caused by dental abscess or infection, or even serious decay. If your tooth pain doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication you need to be seen by a dentist. The dentist will exam and take x-rays to determine the next actions which may involve a root canal or extraction. Until the dentists can see you some tips you can try are:
  • Holding a cold compress near the sore tooth on the outside of your mouth
  • Rinsing your mouth with salt water to diminish inflammation
  • Use floss to dislodge any food near the sore tooth
  • Apply oral numbing solution to the sore tooth and the gums around it
• Broken or cracked teeth: anytime you chip or break a tooth its important to see the dentist as soon as possible. If there is pain associated with the chipped or broken tooth you can try the above-mentioned tips and over the counter pain medication. If there is any bleeding, try biting on a piece of gauze to slow the bleeding.
• Knocked-out tooth: a knocked-out tooth can be a traumatic experience, but it is an emergency dental care situation and emergency dentists treat it frequently. If you can get to a dentist within an hour of the tooth knocked out, there’s a good chance the dentist can re-insert the tooth into the socket and save it. When a tooth gets knocked out there are some steps you can follow at home until you are able to seek emergency dental care:
  • Rinse the tooth of any debris by running it under clean, cold water – do NOT dry it
  • Push the tooth back into the socket, facing the correct direction, and bite down slowly to keep it in place until you reach the emergency dentist
  • If you cannot easily put it back in the socket, store it in a glass of milk until you reach the emergency dentist
• Dental abscess: a dental abscess occurs in or around the root of a tooth. Abscesses can cause serious pain and can also be dangerous if they spread to the jawbone, nearby teeth, or even your blood. This is an emergency dental care situation that requires immediate attention to risk the chance of the infection spreading – especially if a fever is associated. Most treatment options for an abscessed tooth are root canals, or even extraction as a more affordable option.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any kind of situation that requires emergency dental care, please contact Olathe Dental Care Center for after-hours treatment or last-minute appointments. We do our very best to get you seen right away by offering same day and after-hours appointments to get you treated efficiently. Contact us today by phone (913) 782-1420 or online and we’ll gladly answer any questions you have about any dental services we offer!