Emergency Dentistry
When dental emergencies strike, Anchored Family Dental provides prompt, compassionate care. Dr. Bailey Munson and her experienced team in Davidson, NC, understand that emergencies can be stressful and often painful. We prioritize providing swift and effective treatments to address your urgent dental needs.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires immediate attention, but some situations require prompt care to prevent further damage or alleviate severe discomfort. Common dental emergencies include:
- Toothaches: Persistent or severe pain that may indicate an infection, abscess, or decay.
- Broken or Chipped Teeth: Caused by accidents, sports injuries, or biting into hard foods.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: A tooth that has been completely dislodged due to trauma.
- Loose Teeth: Teeth that feel unstable or have shifted significantly.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: These situations can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to damage or sensitivity.
- Abscesses or Swelling: Infections in the gums or around the root of a tooth.
- Bleeding Gums or Oral Injuries: Excessive bleeding caused by mouth, lips, or gum injuries.
- Jaw Pain or Swelling: This could be related to a broken jaw, TMJ disorder, or infection.
If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s always best to call our office. Our team will guide you on the next steps to take.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome of your treatment. Here are some tips to manage common emergencies until you can see us:
- Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in the socket or store it in a milk or saline solution container. Seek care within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- Broken or Chipped Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces of the tooth. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Lost Filling or Crown: Temporarily use dental cement or sugar-free gum to protect the affected area until you can see us.
- Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze and seek immediate care if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
At Anchored Family Dental, we provide a range of treatments tailored to the specific emergency:
- Root Canal Therapy: For infected or severely damaged teeth.
- Tooth Repairs:Using fillings, crowns, or bonding for cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
- Extractions: When a tooth cannot be saved, we perform gentle extractions to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
- Periodontal Care: Treating infections and injuries affecting the gums.
- Pain Management: Immediate relief through medications and techniques to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Reimplantation: We’ll attempt to reinsert the tooth if it’s viable for knocked-out teeth.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
At Anchored Family Dental, we provide a range of treatments tailored to the specific emergency:
- Root Canal Therapy: For infected or severely damaged teeth.
- Tooth Repairs: Using fillings, crowns, or bonding for cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
- Extractions: When a tooth cannot be saved, we perform gentle extractions to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
- Periodontal Care: Treating infections and injuries affecting the gums.
- Pain Management: Immediate relief through medications and techniques to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Reimplantation: We’ll attempt to reinsert the tooth if it’s viable for knocked-out teeth.
Why Choose Anchored Family Dental for Emergency Care?
- Same-Day Appointments: We reserve time for emergencies to ensure you’re seen as quickly as possible.
- Experienced Team: Munson has extensive experience handling a wide range of dental emergencies with precision and care.
- Comfort-Focused Care: From the moment you walk in, our team prioritizes your comfort and well-being.
- Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to diagnose and treat emergencies efficiently.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies can be avoided, you can reduce your risk with these preventative measures:
- Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to catch potential issues early.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities to protect your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies.
- Address dental issues promptly before they worsen.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
FAQs About Emergency Dentistry
What should I do if I can’t get to the dentist immediately?
Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid aspirin for injuries that are bleeding). Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and prevent infection.
How quickly do I need to act for a knocked-out tooth?
Time is critical. Seek care within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Will my dental insurance cover emergency visits?
Many insurance plans cover emergency dental care, but coverage varies. Our team can help you navigate your insurance benefits.
Can I prevent a dental emergency?
While not all emergencies are avoidable, good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and protective gear can significantly reduce risk.
What if my emergency happens after hours?
Call our office and follow the instructions provided. We strive to accommodate urgent cases as quickly as possible.
Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care
At Anchored Family Dental, we’re committed to being your trusted dental provider in times of need. If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call our office today or visit us in Davidson, NC, to get the care you need when you need it most.