Dental emergencies can catch you off guard and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Whether it’s a broken tooth, sudden swelling, or something that just doesn’t feel right, having access to urgent dental care is essential. At South Littleton Family Dental in Littleton, CO, we’re here to get you back to comfort with fast, reliable care. Call us now to get the help you need right away.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can vary in severity, but many require prompt attention to avoid long-term issues. If you’re dealing with discomfort, damage, or anything out of the ordinary, it’s best not to wait it out. Acting quickly could save your smile.
- Severe or lingering discomfort: Especially when it keeps you from eating, sleeping, or focusing.
- Visible damage to teeth or restorations: Like broken crowns, chipped teeth, or cracked fillings.
- Signs of infection or swelling: Including puffiness in the face, jaw, or gums, and fever.
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth: That doesn’t stop after applying light pressure.
Steps To Take In A Dental Emergency
Knowing what to do in the moment can make a huge difference in your outcome. Taking the right steps can ease discomfort and protect your teeth until we can treat the issue. Don’t panic. Just follow these quick actions.
- Contact our office right away: So we can advise you and schedule a prompt visit.
- Gently rinse your mouth: To clear out food particles, blood, or debris.
- Store any broken pieces properly: In milk or saliva to preserve them until you arrive.
- Apply a cold compress: To ease swelling, reduce discomfort, and slow any bleeding.
Emergencies We Treat
Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental situations with care and efficiency. From sudden trauma to worsening infections, we’ll help you get back to feeling like yourself again. When the unexpected happens, we are ready to help.
A toothache might seem minor at first, but it often signals something deeper. Whether it’s decay, an infection, or an injury, addressing the cause quickly prevents further damage. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
- Diagnose the root issue: Using tools to locate decay, damage, or infection.
- Relieve discomfort quickly: With numbing, medication, or temporary solutions.
- Plan follow-up treatment if needed: Such as deep cleaning, fillings, or root canal therapy.
Cracks in a tooth can be tricky. They may not always hurt right away but can lead to bigger issues fast. Left untreated, a crack can deepen and put the entire tooth at risk.
- Assess the crack’s depth and direction: To determine if it’s surface-level or deeper.
- Stabilize the tooth: With dental bonding or a crown to protect it from further damage.
- Prevent infection and further damage: By sealing vulnerable areas and restoring function.
Fractures are more severe than surface cracks and often affect how you chew or speak. These injuries may expose sensitive areas of the tooth, causing ongoing discomfort. We’ll create a solution that restores function and strength.
- Evaluate the extent of the break: Including any involvement of the nerve or root.
- Create a restoration plan: This may include a crown, veneer, or other restorative treatment.
- Support long-term health: With follow-up care to monitor stability and comfort.
When a tooth is knocked out completely, quick thinking matters most. If handled properly and in time, there’s a good chance we can save it. Time is key, so don’t wait to reach out.
- Handle the tooth by the crown only: To avoid damaging the root or ligament.
- Keep it moist in milk or saliva: Which helps preserve it until reimplantation.
- Visit us within 30 minutes if possible: For the highest chance of saving the tooth.
Accidents involving your lips, cheeks, or gums can seem alarming, especially when there’s bleeding. These soft tissue injuries are common and usually treatable with a careful, gentle approach. Our team will ensure proper healing and comfort.
- Control bleeding with gentle pressure: Using clean gauze or a damp cloth.
- Examine for internal injuries: Such as tooth fractures or bone exposure.
- Support healing: With antibacterial rinses, care instructions, and check-ins as needed.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not every dental emergency can be avoided, many are preventable with the right habits. Staying consistent with care and protecting your smile during high-risk activities can go a long way. Prevention is always worth the effort.
- Visit us twice a year: For early detection of weak spots, decay, or gum problems.
- Use a custom mouthguard: To protect teeth during contact sports or jaw clenching.
- Avoid chewing hard items: Like popcorn kernels, ice, or pens that can crack enamel.
- Brush and floss daily: To keep gums healthy and reduce your risk of infection.
Feel Better, Faster With Care You Can Count On
You shouldn’t have to second-guess where to turn when the unexpected happens. At South Littleton Family Dental in Littleton, CO, we’re ready to step in and restore your smile with fast, trusted care. Whether it’s a cracked tooth or something more serious, we’ll help you feel better and stay healthy. Call today to get the emergency help you need.