Whether you need a tooth pulled, a chipped tooth mended, or a broken tooth repaired, our office can handle your emergency dental work. The level of pain and concern that comes with needing an emergency dentist St George Utah can be intense. Please call our office if you need immediate help and we’ll see if we can work you in.
Emergency Tooth Pulling
When a tooth is aching, it may suddenly become unbearable. There are many possible solutions such as filling a cavity, having a root canal, or pulling the tooth. Here are some examples of emergency tooth problems:
- An accident has chipped or broken your tooth or teeth.
- An accident has loosened your tooth or teeth.
- Biting down hard has caused dental work or permanent teeth to break or come loose.
- Bleeding indicates a gum or root problem that needs to be addressed quickly.
- Pus indicates an abscess, which is a dying tooth.
Emergency Room or Dentist Office
If our staff is available, you can avoid high fees at the emergency room. Plus you can get a permanent solution to your problem. Tooth problems that are not part of head injuries can be addressed by your St. George dentist. Here are some notes about common tooth emergencies:
- If your tooth is knocked out, put it in the socket and bite down on a wet tea bag or moistened gauze. (Don’t do this if there’s a risk of swallowing the tooth). You want to have it reattached as soon as possible.
- If you can’t hold the tooth in place, keep it in milk or saliva until you see the dentist. Hold a wet compress in your mouth to staunch the bleeding.
- A fever or red streaks indicate an infection which can become dangerous. In this case antibiotics may be needed. These cases may land you in the emergency room if you don’t get antibiotics in time.
- Severe tooth pain may be managed for a short time with over-the-counter medicines. Be wary of any over-the-counter topicals that claim to deaden pain. They can make the pain worse.
- Be careful not to put anything too hot or cold on the exposed pulp or nerve.
- Hold ice or cold cloth on the cheek to address swelling.
- Don’t eat salty or spicy foods because they can make pain symptoms worse.
- A slightly chipped tooth is not an emergency unless it is bleeding or loose. However, it is important to have it bonded soon to make sure it doesn’t start to decay.
There’s more to these situations, but we hope we’ve given you some helpful tips. Most of all, please call our office with your dental emergency in St George Utah.