When you encounter an Emergency Dentist in Oklahoma City OK it is best to seek assistance immediately. This is why many people seek the help of a 24-Hour Dentist. These dentists work at special emergency dental centers and are on call to treat any dental emergencies that occur outside of normal business hours. Some common dental emergencies include:
Typically rinsing with salt or saline solution and over the counter painkillers will help relieve toothaches until you can schedule an appointment.
Toothache
When a toothache strikes, it can be one of the most frustrating health emergencies imaginable. Pain that is extreme, sudden or constant points to a tooth’s pulp suffering from infection or inflammation. Pain that is caused by hot or cold foods and drinks, pus in the mouth or dark discoloration of the tooth are also a good indication that a root canal treatment is needed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, rinse the dirt from your mouth or area of injury vigorously. If your mouth or lip are swollen, apply a cold compress. Do not take aspirin to treat your pain, as this can lead to blood clots and increased bleeding. Call your dentist immediately. They can advise you on the next steps.
Broken Wire in Braces
Traditional braces are a great way to align your teeth for better oral health and a healthier smile. However, they aren’t without their risks, including pain and discomfort from broken wires and loose or shifting of the brackets. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, contact our Emergency Dentist in Oklahoma City OK to discuss treatment options.
The brackets in your teeth are held by a uniquely bent wire which helps guide the roots of your teeth and jaws into alignment to produce a healthy smile. We cement metal brackets onto your teeth before threading a unique wire through them. Our doctors will periodically tighten and adjust the wire to keep your teeth moving in the right direction throughout treatment.
If you have a loose or poking archwire in the back of your mouth, try to gently remove it using a cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil and cover it with orthodontic wax. You should also be extremely careful when brushing your teeth to avoid breaking any of the brackets or damaging the bonding between the tooth and the bracket.
Tooth Injury
Teeth can suffer injury from any number of factors. Contact sports, car accidents, falling and even chewing on ice can cause dental trauma. When the damage is serious, a visit to the dentist may be necessary to prevent infection, pain and other problems with the mouth or jaw.
Contact the Saxon Dentistry team immediately after a tooth injury. The first 30 minutes are critical for reattaching a knocked-out tooth. If possible, pick up the tooth by its chewing surfaces (avoiding the root portion) and rinse or submerge it in milk. Apply direct pressure to minimize bleeding and head to the office as soon as possible.
Injuries to the tongue, gums, lips and cheek can also be painful and require immediate treatment. If you suspect you have a broken finger, bite your tongue or scraped your gums on something sharp, you should rinse the area with warm water, clean it well and apply a cold compress. Rinse your mouth if it is swollen and take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication as directed.
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental crown and bridge can improve your smile and your ability to eat. Our Oklahoma City dentists can provide this life-changing solution. In addition, they can help you avoid speech difficulties, bone loss and other health issues associated with missing teeth.