Emergency Dentistry A dental emergency is typically the result of trauma or injury to the face. Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Most dental emergencies require swift action and an immediate appointment. At Madison Family Dental Associates, we always leave time available for emergency appointments. The following information will help you take the necessary steps before you receive emergency treatment. Broken FillingsA broken dental filling is a minor and fairly common emergency. If you notice a broken or dislodged filling, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A broken filling will put your tooth at risk of developing further decay. At your scheduled filling appointment, we will replace the filling to improve the structure and seal off the area from harmful bacteria. Knocking Out a ToothIf you or a family member knocks out a permanent tooth, there are a few steps you should take to save the tooth. The most important thing you can do is keep the tooth moist at all times. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket. You can also place the tooth in a small container of water or milk. Milk is preferred. When handling the tooth always hold it from the crown, never the root. Do not remove or scrub off any attached tissue fragments. You have the best chance of saving the tooth if you receive treatment within the hour. Chipped and Broken TeethIf you chip or break a tooth, the first thing you should do is collect all the pieces. Next, you should immediately rinse out your mouth with warm water to clean the area. While a chipped tooth may not immediately constitute a dental emergency, it may worsen over time. We may suggest dental bonding or a dental crown improve the aesthetics and function of the tooth. Dental Pain and TraumaSignificant pain is one of the biggest indicators that you may be in the midst of a dental emergency. Trauma and injuries as the result of sporting and other physical activities are easily preventable with a mouthguard. If you do experience trauma, you can reduce the swelling with a cold compress. Pain that seems to appear out of nowhere may be the result of tooth decay or infection. Severe toothaches may require a restorative treatment, such as a root canal. Dental AbscessesAn abscess is typically the result of a bacterial infection near the root of a tooth. This is a serious condition that can damage your surrounding teeth or soft tissues when left untreated. If you are diagnosed with an abscess, it must be drained as soon as possible to remove the infection. In many cases, the infection is the result of decay within a tooth that spreads outside of the root. Once we remove the abscess, you may need a root canal to fully restore your oral health. Excessive BleedingExcessive bleeding is often the result of soft-tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include those to the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums. To control the bleeding, you can rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and place a moist gauze pad to the bleeding area. You can control the pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Ibuprofen. If the bleeding does not stop, be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. At Madison Family Dental Associates, we address dental emergencies in a prompt and efficient manner. If your emergency is during business hours:Please call your closest clinic! Madison Clinic: 608-274-5970 OR DeForest Clinic: 608-846-3302. If your emergency is after business hours:In the event of an emergency involving severe pain or swelling, the option to consult with the dentist on call is available for current patients for a fee that may not be covered by insurance. A consult via phone does not guarantee treatment. If you feel like you have an emergency that needs immediate care, please call either of our offices. You will be prompted to leave a message or press two for emergency services. Pressing two will take you to an answering service. They will ask you a number of questions to find out what your symptoms are, and depending on the symptoms they will then contact the dentist on call. The dentist will then call you to discuss the problem in further detail. |
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Madison:5709 Odana Road, Madison, WI 53719 608-274-5970 HoursMon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm Friday: 7 am - 2 pm DeForest502 Nelson Court, DeForest, WI 53532 608-846-3302 HoursMonday: 8 am - 5 pm Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm Friday: Closed |
