Family Dentist Offers Emergency Dental Care

Does your family dentist in Olathe or Johnson County offer emergency dental care? Like other emergency services, emergency dental care is something that most people don’t think much about until we need it.  But knowing what to do and whom to call in a dental emergency is an important aspect of your overall health care. Your family dentist at Olathe Dental Care Center knows how vital it is to act quickly in a dental emergency. That’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments, even for new patients.
 
Tooth injury is a common occurrence, with children and teens the most frequent sufferers. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE), notes that younger children are most likely to suffer injuries to the mouth and teeth through falls while at play. Children and teens who participate in sports are also more prone to dental injuries. Vehicle accidents are another frequent cause of injuries, and can happen to people of any age. It is important to know what to do in the event of an oral injury. At Olathe Dental Care Center, we follow and recommend the American Dental Association’s emergency dental care guidelines. If you or a loved one has suffered a dental injury, the following information will help you know what to do until you can see your family dentist.
 
 
Knocked Out Teeth
If a knocked out tooth can be replaced within an hour, there is a good chance that it will reattach and heal normally. Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
 
Baby tooth: If your child knocks a baby tooth completely out, do not try to put it back in the socket. Call your dentist as soon as possible. While children will lose their baby teeth naturally over time, losing them too soon can result in problems with their permanent teeth. 
 
Adult tooth: If a child or adult has a permanent tooth knocked completely out, put it back into the socket as soon as possible. Hold it in place with a clean washcloth or gauze pad. If that isn’t possible, have the person try to hold it in place with their tongue. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with clean water. Do not remove any bits of gum tissue. If the tooth can’t be held in position, place it in a container of milk, saliva or saline solution. If these are not available, use plain water. 
 
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to help with pain. If you can find the missing piece of the tooth, wrap it in wet gauze or a damp towel and bring it with you to your emergency dental care appointment. 
 
Objects Caught Between Teeth
First, try to remove the object using dental floss. If this is unsuccessful, contact your dental care provider right away. Do not use a sharp object to try to remove it, as this can cause further damage.
 
Toothache
Having a toothache can be one of the most miserable experiences in life. If you have pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, you should call for emergency dental care right away. Follow these steps to get some relief while you wait to be seen by your family dentist:
 
  • Place a cold compress against the outside of your mouth near the aching tooth.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water. This can reduce inflammation
  • If any food is lodged near the painful tooth, use dental floss to remove it.
  • Apply an oral numbing gel to the sore tooth and the gums near it. This can be bought over-the-counter anywhere you purchase oral care products. 
 
Like many things in life, the need for emergency dental care can often be avoided through prevention. Toothaches may be avoided by having regular dental check-ups and cleanings, as well as practicing good oral hygiene. If you participate in sports, wearing a mouth guard is the best protection against oral injury. 
 
If the worst happens and you need emergency dental care, call the Olathe Dental Care Center at (913) 782-1420 or request an appointment online. We have same-day emergency appointments available, and our team will treat your problem quickly and compassionately. Celebrating 60 years of smiles in Olathe and Johnson County, we look forward to being your family dentist.