Dental Emergencies in Omaha NE

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 Bel Drive Dental, we always leave time available for emergency appointments. The following information will help you take the necessary steps before you receive emergency treatment.

Broken Filling

If you notice signs of wear on your tooth fillings, such as cracks, worn areas or it is broken, see Dr. Nielsen to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. This will ensure that the seal over the area will protect the tooth from harmful bacteria. Continuing to chew with a damaged filling could cause additional decay or the tooth to crack and require additional repair that is more expensive and more complicated than a simple cavity filling.

Knocking Out A Tooth

Did you or someone you know knock a permanent tooth out? We have a few steps you can take to help save the tooth! First, you will want to be sure to keep the tooth moist at all times. You can try to put the tooth back in the socket and if that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk. You want to be sure you are holding the tooth correctly, which is by the crown and not the root. You will want to get in within an hour for your best chance of saving the tooth! Call us if you have an emergency!

Chipped & Broken Teeth

While a broken or chipped tooth may not immediately be deemed a dental emergency, it may worsen over time. If you experience a broken or chipped tooth, you will want to collect all the pieces, if possible. Next, you will want to clean the area by rinsing with warm water. Our doctors may suggest a dental crown, or even dental bonding, to improve the aesthetics and function of the tooth.

Dental Pain & Trauma

Having pain is one of the most common indicators that you may have a dental emergency. Trauma and injury in relation to sports or other physical activities can be easily prevented by wearing a mouthguard. If you do experience an injury, you can reduce pain and swelling with a cold compress. Tooth pain that seems to just appear with no injury may be the result of tooth infection and/or decay. Restorative treatment may be needed.

Dental Abscess

A bacterial infection near the root of a tooth could be an abscess. 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 Bleeding

Excessive bleeding is typically the result of injuries with soft-tissue. Injuries to soft-tissue include gums, tongue, cheeks and lips. You will want to rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and place a damp gauze pad to the bleeding area to help it stop bleeding. You can use over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Ibuprofen, to help with any pain associated. Be sure to schedule an appointment at Bel Drive Dental as soon as possible if the bleeding does not stop.

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