Emergency Dentistry
Have you ever experienced a dental emergency? The majority of us will at some point in our lives, and even those who take conscientious care of their oral health can break a tooth when biting down too hard on something or trauma from sports injuries.
The next steps you take are critical, and the first is to call our office. Our team understands how upsetting any unexpected dental problem can be and we are here to help you. We will listen to your concerns, explain what you need to do at home, and schedule an appointment to see you as soon as possible.
Common Dental Emergencies
Our team helps patients with all types of dental emergencies, and we offer treatment to relieve your pain and restore your tooth, including:
- Tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities or repair broken teeth
- Replace lost dental crowns and fillings
- Referrals to a specialist for root canals, bridges, and some other procedures
- Tooth extraction as a last resort when we can't salvage the tooth
Once your pain is stabilized, Dr. Suman may recommend a dental filling or crown to reinforce a weakened tooth. If we need to replace a missing tooth after extraction, Dr. Suman may recommend a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Different Types of Dental Emergencies
The most common dental emergencies fall into three categories:
Mouth Pain
Any kind of mouth pain, whether it’s a mild toothache or one so severe you can’t function, is your body’s way of signaling you that something’s happening that needs prompt treatment. Mild mouth pain may only require a tooth filling, while a more severe toothache can be a sign of an infection or abscess where we need to perform a root canal to save it.
Dental Trauma
You can sustain dental trauma that includes a broken tooth, loose tooth, or one that’s been knocked out of its socket. These are all common injuries, and you need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible to repair or save the tooth and relieve your pain.
For a broken tooth, collect any tooth fragments and bring them with you to your emergency appointment. If a tooth has been knocked-out, handle it by the crown only so as not to disturb the root or any attached tissue. Try putting the tooth back in its socket or hold it in your cheek pocket or under your tongue to keep it moist until you get to our office.
Jaw Swelling or Infection
A tooth can become infected due to a very deep cavity or dental trauma that’s allowed bacteria to enter the inside of the tooth. If you have a throbbing toothache, swollen gums or jaw, or notice a raised bump on your gums, you will likely need a root canal to save the tooth and relieve your pain.
While Dr. Suman can prescribe antibiotics to tame the inflammation and resolve your pain, you may still need a root canal to treat the damaged tooth.
Prompt Emergency Dentistry in Durham, NC
The sooner we see and treat you, the faster we can relieve your pain, and the better the long-term outcome will be for you. If you have a dental emergency, our team is here to help you. Call us at (919) 544-7777, and a caring member of our team will be happy to assist you.
