When should I visit the ER and when should I visit the emergency dentist?
You should head straight to the emergency room if you experience trauma to the face or mouth, including:
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Jaw fractures
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Jaw dislocations
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An infection that is swollen or affecting your breathing
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Serious cuts or lacerations to your face or mouth
These situations are potentially life-threatening, which is why you should go to a hospital or call 911 immediately if any of these issues occur. For any other dental emergencies like a broken or cracked tooth, toothache, knocked-out tooth, loose crown or filling, and more, we are ready to help!
Should I go to the emergency dentist right away?
Unlike other medical conditions that will typically heal with time, dental problems will only get worse if left untreated. That’s why dental emergencies should be dealt with swiftly. We offer same-day treatment at Kobza Dental to give you the quality care that you need, right when you need it. If your dental emergency happens outside of our office hours, we still have a line that you can reach for helpful tips, but you should visit the ER right away. Typically, the longer that you wait to deal with a dental emergency, the more pain, swelling, or bleeding you may experience.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
A throbbing toothache could be the result of several things – from a significant crack to a severe infection. Regardless, the next step should be scheduling an exam with our Falls City emergency dentist. That way, Dr. Kobza can determine the root of the problem and the necessary treatment to restore your pain-free smile ASAP.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
No, toothaches don’t typically go away on their own. There are some cases where the infection can “kill” the nerve of the tooth, making it no longer able to register pain. However – as you may have guessed – that doesn’t make coming in for an appointment any less of a priority. In short, the best thing to do is contact us when your symptoms first arise. This will ensure we intervene with the restorative care early on, before more extensive treatments are needed.
My chipped tooth doesn’t hurt. Do I still need to visit?
If your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, then a same-day visit to our Falls City dental office may not be necessary. With that said, you still need to schedule an appointment within a day or two so we can examine the tooth, checking if it’s at risk of developing an infection or breaking further in the process.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
If you’re struggling with tooth pain, but your appointment with us is still a few days away, then you’ll be relieved to know that there are a few things you can do to get a good night’s sleep. That starts with your dinner, which should be free of spicy, acidic, crunchy, and sugary foods. Then, take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes before bed and prop yourself up on a few pillows when you go to sleep. This will help alleviate your discomfort and ensure your head stays elevated throughout the night.
Should knocked-out teeth be placed in water?
Although you can use clean water to gently rinse a knocked-out tooth, it cannot preserve the root surface cells of your teeth. That’s why patients are encouraged to either place the tooth back in its socket or submerge it in a clean container filled with milk instead.
What is causing my jaw pain?
Chronic teeth grinding, impacted wisdom teeth, and TMJ dysfunction are the three most common causes of jaw pain. When you come in for your exam, we will learn about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, take X-rays, and look at your teeth to determine what the root of the problem is. Then, we will share our findings, review our treatment recommendations, and answer any questions you have before intervening with the necessary care.