What is emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry provides immediate care for non-life-threatening but potentially serious oral health problems.
If you knock out a tooth, damage a dental restoration, or bite your tongue and it won’t stop bleeding, contact Dr. Davidson right away. Making it to the practice within an hour of your first symptoms could mean the difference between a quick outpatient procedure or the need for a more complex oral surgery.
What types of issues does emergency dentistry treat?
Dr. Davidson uses emergency dentistry to treat various issues, including:
- Chipped and cracked teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loose teeth
- Severe toothaches
- Jaw pain
- Oral abscesses and tumors
- Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
- Foreign objects lodged between teeth
- Damaged or lost dental restorations
You might also benefit from emergency dentistry if you break your jaw or experience another type of oral trauma.
What does emergency dentistry involve?
No two emergency dentist appointments are exactly alike. Dr. Davidson tailors treatment to your individual needs, symptoms, and oral health history.
At the beginning of the appointment, Dr. Davidson conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they began, their severity, and if you tried any conservative measures (like over-the-counter pain medication) to relieve them.
After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Davidson takes a series of oral X-rays to assess the health of your tooth roots, gums, jaw, and alveolar bone. He uses X-rays to determine the best course of action for treatment.
If you’ve lost a tooth, Dr. Davidson might recommend replacing it with a bridge or dental implant. If you’ve fractured a tooth or developed a deep cavity, he might recommend a dental crown or dental bonding.
Ultimately, the goal of emergency dentistry is to limit the pain you’re experiencing, prevent additional complications, and restore your smile to a healthy, vibrant condition.
How can I lower my risk of a dental emergency?
The best way to avoid a dental emergency is to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Davidson recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the office two times each year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
To minimize the risk of chipped or missing teeth, wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports like hockey or football. In addition, avoid bad habits like opening objects with your teeth and chewing on ice cubes.
To receive emergency dentistry, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert Davidson, DDS, P.C., by calling the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff or by clicking the online booking tool.
