The importance in handling dental emergencies for patients in Frisco, TX

Trauma to the mouth during which teeth have been knocked out, loosened, forcefully moved out of position, or fractured are all considered dental emergencies. When these situations occur, your lips, gums and/or cheeks may also be lacerated and bleeding. These dental emergencies can often be painful and quite scary. If you experience any of these situations, you need to call Dr. Bindu Kolli at SouthFork Dental in Frisco, TX immediately for top-quality emergency care.

How long should I wait before calling the dentist?

Do not wait. If you are facing a dental emergency, making sure you get to a dentist within a half hour may be the difference between keeping or losing your affected tooth.

My tooth has been knocked out. What should I do?

• Call your dentist immediately. Set up an immediate emergency appointment.
• If you need to handle the tooth, do so by the crown and not the root. Handling by the root may cause damage to the cells that make it possible to be re-attached.
• Rinse the tooth (gently) under cool water. Avoid scrubbing it.
• If you are able, place the tooth gently into the now empty socket. It’s very important to not let the tooth dry out.
• If you are unable to place the tooth into the mouth submerge it into milk or saliva.

What do I do when my tooth is forced out of position?

If you are in a situation in which your tooth has been forced out of position, attempt to get it back into its original alignment using careful and slight pressure. It’s important not to force it. Once back in position, you can softly bite down to keep it in place.

What can I do for my fractured tooth?

First, rinse your mouth with some warm water and use an ice pack/cold compress to try and reduce any swelling. If you need a pain medication, use ibuprofen and not aspirin. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

An emergency dental situation can be very scary and painful. There are additional emergency situations you could be facing that are not discussed here, so if you have any concern that you may be experiencing a dental emergency, please call Dr. Bindu Kolli at 469-535-6939 to get an emergency appointment set up.