We’ve all been there. Everything is going great, and then the unexpected suddenly happens. When dental emergencies occur, it can lead to chaos. Having a plan in place is an excellent way to alleviate some of the stress and worry associated with dental trauma. If you are searching for an emergency dentist in Denver, look no further than Metropolitan Dental Care. In fact, why don’t you add our office phone number to your contact book right now? Call 303-534-2626 anytime you have a dental emergency, and our staff will help you restore your smile, so you get back to enjoying life.
Defining a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies come in many different forms. Here, we will discuss a few of the most common scenarios, and tell you how you can handle them effectively.
Fractured Tooth
Sometimes teeth can crack even if you aren’t eating anything hard or crunchy. If you have a hairline crack or a weak restoration, a fracture can seemingly happen out of the blue. Not to worry! If this happens to you, simply place the broken piece of tooth in a plastic bag and call us for further instruction. If there are any rough or jagged edges irritating your tongue, cover the problematic area with sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax until you can make it to our office.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Sporting injuries, vehicular accidents, and other traumatic situations can result in a knocked-out tooth. If this occurs, see if you can locate the tooth and carefully wash it off; avoid handling the root if you can. Next, try to replace the tooth back into the open socket. If this isn’t feasible, keep the tooth soaked in milk or saltwater and call us right away. In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can be re-implanted successfully. To do this, it is important to get to the dentist office as soon as possible.
Dental Abscess
If decay or damage reaches the pulp chamber, an abscess can develop. This may be indicated by a pimple-like lesion on the gums or a large, swollen jaw. It is important to have this situation addressed right away, as infection can spread to adjacent teeth and other parts of the body. Call us immediately to schedule an appointment so your emergency dentist in Denver can remedy the problem. In the meantime, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen and apply a cold compress to the area in 20-minute increments.
Soft Tissue Trauma
When trauma occurs to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or other area of soft tissue, it can be concerning. Gently rinse the area to determine the severity of the laceration and call us for further instruction. If the trauma is severe, we will instruct you to either come to our office or visit your nearest emergency room.
Broken Jaw
A broken jaw is serious and can lead to a number of other oral health concerns. If you sustain this type of injury, it is important to head to your local emergency room right away. Once the immediate concerns have been addressed, schedule an appointment at our office to discuss any other necessary treatment.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
We know emergencies cannot always be prevented. However, there are certain things you can do every day to reduce your risk of dental damage. For example:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss at least once daily
- Attend all routine dental cleanings and examinations
- Wear a custom mouth guard while playing contact sports
- Protect your teeth with a night guard if you suffer from bruxism
- Eat a well-balanced diet and consume sugars and starches in moderation
Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Denver
When the unexpected strikes, be prepared. Metropolitan Dental Care also serves the surrounding communities of Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Centennial. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, reach out to a team member. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our Denver dentists, contact us online or call us at 303-534-2626.
