Emergency Dentistry

What is an emergency dentist?

Emergency dentists treat injuries to the mouth and teeth that need to be addressed immediately. Many dental emergencies involve efforts to save a tooth that has been broken or knocked out. In a dental emergency, it’s important to go to the Dental Care Center of Decatur as quickly as possible. Receiving care in less than an hour can be the difference in saving or losing a tooth. 

How do I know if my dental problem is an emergency?

It’s always a good idea to seek dental care if you’re concerned about an oral health problem or sustain an oral injury. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• A loose permanent tooth
• Extreme mouth pain or tooth pain
• Bleeding, swelling, or injury to the cheeks, gum, or tongue
• A fractured or badly cracked tooth
• A tear or laceration to your lips

Not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency, but if you chip your tooth, and you’re not sure if you need immediate attention, call Dr. Livingston and his staff to check. They’ll explain how to best care for your chipped tooth until you can visit the office.

What do I do if my tooth is knocked out?

If your tooth is knocked out, it’s vital to act quickly. Immediate dental care can save your tooth, but the longer you wait, the lower the chances your tooth can be saved. Promptly clean and rinse your mouth and the tooth with tepid water, especially if it’s fallen on the ground or gotten dirty.  

Be sure to handle the tooth by the end that is visible in your mouth, not by the roots. Place the tooth gently in its socket, and hold it in place by softly biting down on some gauze until you can get to the Dental Care Center of Decatur.

If, for some reason, you can’t replace the tooth in your mouth, place it in a glass of milk, or in your cheek if necessary. The goal is to keep it moist until you can receive dental attention.

The next time you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call the Dental Care Center of Decatur.