Franklin 
A broken tooth, a knocked out tooth, a toothache — they’re not just bad luck. Each one is what your dentist in Tyler calls a “dental emergency.” They can be scary, for sure. But too often, people head to the emergency room to treat a situation that could have easily been prevented through routine preventive care.
Yes, the best way to avoid a dental emergency is through regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist — but if one still ends up happening to you, the best thing to do is skip long waits and inefficiency at the emergency room. Instead, visit an emergency dentist to get the care you need right away.
What to Do After a Dental Emergency
When something goes wrong with the oral health of you or someone you love, you should stay calm — but act fast. Knocked out teeth that are not treated within two hours, for example, can usually not be reattached.
First, you should get the situation under control. Some steps you should take immediately include:
- Find a missing tooth or any missing pieces. Rinse away any debris under warm water, but do not scrub a missing tooth or touch its roots.
- Stop or slow the bleeding by applying firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected cheek to reduce swelling.
After things have calmed down a little — or even before, if you’re really at a loss for what to do — don’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist. We’ll listen to your situation, provide any first aid advice you may need, and then schedule a time for you or your loved one to come in as soon as is necessary.
While your emergency dentist is equipped to handle most urgent situations, there are some times when you should head to the emergency room. Go to the ER for an open wound that bleeds for more than 10 minutes or if you have broken bones in your jaw.
Common Treatments for Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, most are treatable with a few restorative services.
Some of the most common treatments we perform to treat emergencies include:
- Root canal therapy: For a toothache or abscess, or when an injured tooth’s interior (the pulp) has been affected
- Dental crown: A restoration that completely covers a broken, injured, or decayed tooth
- Composite bonding: A simple procedure that can rebuild a broken tooth
- Reattachment for a knocked out or dislodged tooth
- Removal of foreign objects lodged between teeth using special tools and an expert approach
No matter what it is that’s gone wrong with your oral health, you can feel confident knowing an expert is on the case when you reach out to Franklin Dental Center for emergency dentistry in Tyler.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University. Truly committed to the oral health and general wellness of all members of the Tyler community, Dr. Franklin-Pitts is an excellent dentist to turn to when you or someone you love are in the middle of an emergency. We invite you to contact us at (903) 593-2330 when you need a dentist most.