It’s a normal day when, suddenly, a dental emergency in Houston rears its head. In addition to being inconvenient, dental trauma can be painful and leave your oral health compromised. At our office, whether you have a severe toothache, a broken or lost restoration, or a laceration, we can provide comprehensive and effective care to leave you feeling whole again. To get relief from any type of dental emergency, contact us to request a visit with Dr. Gray or Dr. Newman today!
Dental emergencies usually result from prolonged, inadequate oral hygiene or sudden trauma, an example of the latter being a collision with another person while playing a sport. While our dentists are capable of treating any type of oral trauma, to expedite the recovery process and to quiet any pain or discomfort, there are some steps you can take before you visit our office. Here are the best ways to respond to the most common types of dental emergencies.
In response to a toothache, you should first carefully floss around the affected area to remove any leftover food particles that may have become lodged between your teeth. You can also take ibuprofen to lessen the pain and apply ice to the outside of your jaw to decrease any swelling.
Tooth chips or breaks are usually caused by biting into hard objects or foods, blunt force to the mouth, or a bad fall. While it can be a discomforting ordeal, you can get some relief by taking a store-bought pain reliever. It’s also best to avoid chewing with the injured tooth until you can visit our office.
In the case of a knocked-out tooth, grab it by the crown and attempt to reinsert it. If that isn’t possible, then let the tooth rest in a cup of cool water or milk to keep the roots alive until you can visit Dr. Gray or Dr. Newman for it to be carefully replaced.
A lost filling or crown restoration leaves the sensitive areas of your tooth vulnerable to bacteria and other particles. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to contact us immediately to schedule a visit to have it restored. Meanwhile, you can attempt to temporarily re-insert the fixture using a dollop of toothpaste or dental wax.
If a decayed or severely damaged tooth is causing immense pain, Dr. Gray can perform root canal therapy to not only remove the infection, but also alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing. When a root canal is recommended, it is because Dr. Gray believes it is the only way to save your tooth from extraction. By thoroughly cleaning and removing the diseased area and fitting a custom-made dental crown over the weakened tooth, you will not only be pain-free, but your tooth will have the protection it needs to keep decay and disease out.
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Hands down, the best form of treatment for any type of dental emergency is prevention. A simple way to go about this is to practice excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. This, coupled with six-month preventive care appointments, helps to fortify your oral health. If you’re involved in any type of sport, we highly recommend you wear a mouthguard to protect you in the case of a sudden blow to the mouth.
Because the scope of potential dental emergencies is so vast, there is no set price for treatment. When you visit, either Dr. Gray or Dr. Newman will carefully examine you, which may include capturing X-ray images and assessing the severity of your situation. Based on the treatment necessary to restore your oral health, we’ll generate an estimate for you.
To prevent a dental emergency from stopping you in your tracks, contact your dentist in Houston to schedule a visit today!