Let’s face it—dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Whether it’s a sudden toothache that keeps you up at night or a chipped tooth from that impromptu backyard basketball game, these situations can leave you scrambling for solutions. At Ashley Laird, DDS in Tyler, TX, we are here to help you navigate these unexpected dental curveballs with confidence.
1. Toothache: The Unwelcome Surprise
Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies, and they can range from mildly annoying to downright unbearable. They’re often a sign of something deeper—like a cavity, infection, or gum disease—so don’t just pop a painkiller and hope for the best.
What to Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean out any debris, then gently floss around the affected tooth to remove anything stuck that might be causing irritation. If the pain persists, give Dr. Laird’s office a call. We’ll get to the bottom of it and provide the relief you need.
2. Chipped or Cracked Tooth: The Unexpected Mishap
Maybe you bit down on something harder than expected, or you took an elbow to the mouth during a friendly game of hoops. Whatever the cause, a chipped or cracked tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
What to Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces of the tooth if you can find them. If there’s swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Then, call Dr. Laird’s office to schedule an emergency appointment. We’ll assess the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s bonding, a crown, or another treatment.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth: The Dental Emergency That Can’t Wait
A knocked-out tooth is about as urgent as it gets. The key here is time—if you act quickly, there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved.
What to Do: Handle the tooth by the crown (the part you normally see) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket. If that’s not happening, keep it moist by placing it in a glass of milk or holding it in your mouth next to your cheek. Then, get to Dr. Laird’s office ASAP. The sooner you arrive, the better the chances of saving your tooth!
4. Lost Filling or Crown: The Inconvenient Slip-Up
Losing a filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable and sensitive, not to mention it might feel pretty odd in your mouth. But don’t worry—this is a fixable situation.
What to Do: If a crown falls out, try to slip it back over the tooth using dental cement from a drugstore. For a lost filling, you can use dental cement or sugarless gum to cover the exposed area temporarily. Then, reach out to Dr. Laird to get it properly fixed and avoid any further complications.
5. Abscess: The Sneaky Infection
An abscess is an infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gums and can be pretty serious if left untreated. It often comes with severe pain, swelling, and sometimes even a fever. You sometimes may see what looks like a pimple on the gums next to the root of the tooth.
What to Do: If you suspect an abscess, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to help ease the pain and draw out the infection. But don’t wait—call Dr. Laird’s office immediately. This isn’t something to put off; abscesses need prompt attention to prevent the infection from spreading.
Expert Emergency Dentist In Tyler, TX
Dental emergencies are stressful, no doubt about it. But knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. Dr. Ashley Laird and her team are here to provide quick, compassionate care when you need it most. Whether it’s a toothache that just won’t quit, a chipped tooth, or a full-blown dental emergency, we’ve got your back.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you find yourself in a dental bind. At Ashley Laird, DDS in Tyler, TX, we’re just a phone call away, ready to help you get back to smiling without the stress!
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