Don’t ignore pain, oral injury or a tooth that doesn’t feel quite right. Your emergency dentist in Maple Valley, Dr. Hainer, Dr. Dhaliwal and Dr. Kaur, says you should know your teeth and gums well. The doctors ask you to contact Four Corners Family Dentistry with an urgent dental problem. Their caring staff puts your health first and will help you right away.
What is a Dental Emergency in Maple Valley?
A dental emergency is an oral health situation which needs quick and precise attention because it is very painful, endangers your overall health or ruins your personal appearance smile. The following situations are examples of dental emergencies:
- Fractured or displaced jaw
- A dental abscess, or infection, with drainage and persistent bad breath
- A toothache or jaw pain
- Dental sensitivity to temperature or pressure
- Lost filling, crown or other restoration
- Cracked full or partial denture
- Broken crown or bridge
- One or more avulsed (knocked out) teeth from a fall, sports injury, car accident or other trauma
- Profusely bleeding laceration of the tongue, lips or other soft oral tissues
Your dental team urges you to contact the office immediately for first aid advice or to arrange a same-day appointment. For life-threatening injuries, such as a broken jaw, go to the nearest hospital ER immediately.
Emergency Actions You Can Take
If you fracture or knock out a tooth, save the fragments in a sealed container, and cover them with milk or water. Rinse an avulsed tooth with plain water, leaving any clinging soft tissue on the tooth. If possible, grasp the tooth by the crown and put its roots down into the empty socket. Hold it while traveling to Four Corners Family Dentistry. You could put the tooth between cheek and gums as an alternative solution. Research shows that if an avulsed tooth is replanted quickly, it will likely survive the injury and continue to function for years.
Soft tissue lacerations (lips, cheeks, gums) require direct pressure with sterile gauze pads or even a clean handkerchief. Ice the area to decrease swelling (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off). If serious bleeding does not resolve within 10 to 15 minutes, transport to the ER.
If you have a toothache or suspect you have an abscess, take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain. A warm compress can provide comfort. Call the office right away for further instructions and an appointment.
Be Vigilant about Your Dental Health
Protect your mouth with a custom-made mouthguard when you play sports. Refrain from hard foods such as ice, taffy and peanut brittle. Open plastic packaging with scissors rather than your teeth, and use bottle openers for cold beverages. Don’t bite your fingernails or other non-foods.
Come to Four Corners Family Dentistry semi-annually for your exam and hygienic cleaning because these services help you avoid urgent health problems. Also, your dentist sees issues while they are small and treatable.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us
When you or a loved one has a dental emergency, contact Four Corners Family Dentistry. We’ll get your smile healthy and beautiful again in no time.