With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the country, dental offices are operating with limited services and hours. At Tyma Trachtenberg Center for Contemporary Dental Health, we’re currently still here for emergency dentistry in Doylestown, PA during this crisis. But what constitutes a dental emergency and what should you do to handle it?
Taking Care of a Dental Emergency
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call us immediately. We want to get you seen in the office and taken care of as soon as possible. Below are some common dental emergencies and how you can help until you’re seen in the office:
Severe Tooth Pain
Dental pain isn’t something you should ignore. It can be caused by any number of things, many of which can’t be determined unless a dentist does an examination. Possible issues include severe tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. If the pain is sudden and sharp, as well as lasting, it’s time to call us. Use over the counter pain medications to ease the pain, and a cold compress to take on any swelling until you can be seen.
Knocked-Out Tooth
It’s natural to want to panic when an adult tooth is knocked out. However, you have to remain calm and try to retrieve the tooth. Pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently wash off any dirt that’s accumulated. Place the tooth in a cup full of milk or your own saliva to try and preserve the tooth. You should never attempt to put it back in the socket by yourself.
When you get to our office, one of our experienced dentists will evaluate the tooth to determine if it can be replaced. However, there’s no reason to worry if it’s no longer viable. Our office has a variety of replacement options for missing teeth. We especially recommend dental implants, as these are the most stable and natural form of tooth replacement.
Broken Dental Restoration
While restorations are built to last, we all know that accidents happen. If you have a broken dental crown, don’t try to reglue the restoration. If it completely falls out, don’t try to replace it on your own. You could damage your tooth. Dental crowns aren’t viable for replacement, so a new one will be created and placed for you.
If your dental bridge or denture breaks, gather the piece or pieces and bring them with you to the appointment. We’ll determine if they can be repaired and replaced or if new dental restorations will have to be made for you.
Emergency Dentistry in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
We’re ready to help you with any emergencies you may have. After the pandemic is over, we look forward to seeing you again for regular dental services. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future!