When you have a damaged tooth or severe oral pain, it’s important to call your dentist quickly to give yourself the best chance of keeping your smile intact. Dr. Courter will make every effort to see you as soon as possible so that he can provide the expert care you need in a safe, caring atmosphere. Get in touch with us right away the second you think you might need urgent dental care we're here with emergency dentistry in Midland, TX.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Courter for Emergency Dentistry?
Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Available
Expert Dentist That Makes Your Comfort a Priority
Detail-Oriented Approach to Finding Underlying Cause
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
“Dental emergency” is a broad category. It might mean your tooth has suffered some kind of physical trauma after a blow to the face, but it could also be the result of an infection that formed due to poor oral hygiene. Dr. Courter will examine the damage carefully (which might involve taking an X-ray) before recommending treatment. It’s important to keep your smile safe until then, so here are some tips for responding to common dental emergencies.
Toothaches
First, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss thoroughly around the affected tooth; there might be food particles or plaque wedged between the teeth. You can use an over-the-counter painkiller while waiting for your appointment. Don’t place aspirin on your gums, as it could cause a burn.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
If there’s bleeding, hold a piece of gauze on the injury for about 10 minutes. Apply a cold compress to your cheek near the broken tooth if you notice any swelling. Only eat soft foods while you’re waiting for your appointment, and avoid chewing with the damaged tooth at all costs.
Knocked-Out Tooth
You should get to our dental office as soon as possible; if you wait too long, you could lose your chance to save the tooth. Find the tooth as quickly as possible and pick it up by the part that’s normally visible in your mouth; rinse it off and try to put it back in its socket if you can. Otherwise, try to preserve it in a glass of milk or saline solution.
Lost Filling / Crown
The tooth is likely to be sensitive, so avoid chewing with it or eating anything that’s particularly hot. If the crown is still intact, you might be able to reattach it to the tooth with dental cement. (Remember, this is only a temporary solution.) You can also put dental cement directly on the tooth’s surface to seal and protect it until we can treat it.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Maintain a good oral hygiene routine to prevent oral infections. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day, and floss at least once.
If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard. (This applies to both contact and non-contact sports.)
Don’t bite down on anything too hard. This includes ice, hard candy, pen tips, and fingernails. On a related note, don’t use your teeth to open packages.
Visit our dental office for regular checkups and cleanings so that potential oral health issues can be caught early.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
When you need urgent care, you may be concerned about the cost. The kind of dental emergency you’re experiencing as well as the type of treatment you need will help determine the overall price. We can create a reliable estimate for you and help you file a claim with your insurance company to make sure you receive whatever benefits you’re entitled to. For uninsured patients, we can also offer a low-to-no interest payment plan through CareCredit.
