Dentist in Richardson Discusses What to do in a Dental Emergency

When you are faced with a dental emergency there are two things you can count on:

• It won’t happen at a convenient time
• It may feel scary and even overwhelming

Dental emergencies are stressful, especially when you don’t know what to do. Dr. Tom McDougal and Dr. Chris Richards have some tips to help you navigate the situation. Your dentist in Richardson discusses what to do in a dental emergency.

Soft Tissue Injuries

When your cheeks, lips, or gum tissue sustain an injury there can often be a lot of bleeding, so the first thing to do is to stop it. You can do this with a cold compress and light pressure. Warm salt-water rinses can also be soothing for soft tissue injuries after the bleeding has stopped. Contact our office for further instruction when you have contained the bleeding.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

We’ll need to see you for treatment when you chip or break your tooth. Even small chips should be taken care of as they can cause irritation or injury to your soft tissue. For larger breaks or fractures, bring any pieces of your tooth with you so our doctors can determine the best course of action, and the right treatment for your tooth.

A Knocked Out Tooth

When your tooth has been knocked out, we’ll need to see you as soon as possible as our best chance of preserving your tooth is within the first hour of your accident or injury. Transport your tooth as carefully as possible and try not to handle it very much. Placing it back in its socket is best if you can, if not, use a cup or baggie filled with milk to transport it and keep your cells moist and alive.

Dental Sensitivity or Infection

If your tooth is sensitive, or you’re experiencing a constant ache, this may indicate an infection. Please understand that dental infections will not go away without treatment. In fact, they will likely get worse and could travel to other areas of your body. Again, time is of the essence, so please contact our office right away.

Root canal therapy may be able to preserve your tooth if you act quickly. A dental infection left untreated may result in tooth loss.

Contact our Office

When you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is remain calm. Next contact Dr. McDougal, your emergency dentist Richardson as soon as possible. With the right team on your side, you can rest assured that everything will be fine in the end.