Emergency Dentistry: All You Need to Know

Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on dental problems that require immediate attention. Examples include dental bleeding, tooth or gum infections, or broken or knocked-out teeth. 

If you require emergency dental care in Albany, Oregon, our team is equipped to provide the best emergency dental treatments and procedures.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies vary in severity. In some cases, something minor such as the loss of a filling or a chipped tooth may be a dental emergency if it threatens the patient’s oral health. 

However, dental emergencies are usually obvious, such as a serious injury to your face or mouth that requires rapid medical attention, or a severe infection causing serious pain and discomfort.

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies?

Here are steps you can take if you have one of the following dental emergencies:

Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out tooth is frequently painful and requires quick medical attention. If you are experiencing constant bleeding, you must halt it. If you can save the tooth, hold it by the crown and never touch the root. 

Rinse the root with water and place it in a container with milk or saltwater, if possible, until you reach the dental office. You can also keep it between your cheek and gums. In such cases, Dr. Torgeson may be able to reposition the tooth in its socket. 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

If you chip or fracture a tooth, try to save the shattered pieces. Using lukewarm water, rinse your mouth. If you are bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the wound to stop it. Visit our office immediately after that to have the tooth repaired and avoid further problems.

Broken Braces and Wires

If a wire from your braces comes loose, try to move it back into a comfortable position. If you are unable to modify the position of the wire, place a cotton swab on its end until you can visit our dentist. Never attempt to cut the wire because you may inadvertently swallow it. 

If an accident causes a piece of metal from the braces to come out, carefully remove it. Make sure you do not swallow it. 

In case of a dental emergency, contact Complete Dental Health LLC at (541) 928-6622 or visit us at 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite A, Albany, OR 97322.