What counts as a dental emergency?
Any injury to your mouth or acute pain that you can’t successfully alleviate on your own qualifies as a dental emergency. A few of the most common dental emergencies that Dr. Gertsen treats in his office include:
A fractured, cracked, or chipped tooth
Tooth pain and infections, including wisdom tooth problems
Gum pain, swelling, or abscesses
A loose or lost crown or filling
A permanent tooth that’s been knocked out or loosened
Injuries or cuts to lips, gums, tongue, or other soft oral tissues
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency during regular office hours, call Dr. Gertsen’s office immediately. If your emergency happens outside of normal hours, head directly to your local urgent care center or emergency room.
Can I save a permanent tooth that has fallen out?
If one of your permanent teeth is knocked out or severely loosened in a fall, on the sports field, or in some other way, getting in to see Dr. Gertsen as soon as possible can mean the difference between saving your natural tooth, or eventually requiring an artificial replacement tooth.
Between your accident and the dental chair, it’s important to take care of a lost tooth. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently in water. If possible, place it gently back into its socket to keep it moist. Take care not to push it down into the root canal, however, as you may unintentionally damage the tissues that help facilitate future bone reattachment.
If it’s not possible to set your tooth back into its socket, try holding it in your mouth, between your cheek and gums. Alternatively, you could wrap it in gauze and immerse it in milk. The important thing is to keep it moist.
What should I do if my tooth is cracked?
If you make a habit of opening things with your teeth, chewing ice, or eating hard candy, you’re more likely to fracture a tooth. If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, you can begin injury care at home by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Take ibuprofen, not aspirin, if you require immediate pain relief, and place an ice pack or cold compress over the area to reduce swelling.
As soon as you can, call Dr. Gertsen’s office for an urgent care appointment. He’ll assess the extent of the fracture and determine the best approach for treatment. Although he can usually smooth or restore minor fractures, moderate fractures may need to be restored with a crown.
We are happy to accept new patients! Contact us to book your appointment.
