Dental Emergency

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can be the result of an accident at home or during sports that requires immediate dental care to preserve your teeth or gums. 

 

A dental emergency can be the result of an accident at home or during sports that requires immediate dental care to preserve your teeth or gums.

Dr. Rapal offers emergency dental services to address a variety of issues that threaten your oral health. You may need to schedule a visit for a dental emergency to treat:

  • Cracked tooth
  • Infection or abscess
  • Persistent toothache
  • A knocked-out adult tooth

If you have another dental health concern but aren’t sure whether it’s an emergency, you can call the office of Kiran Rapal DDS, Inc. to discuss your options with the dental team.

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Q&A

What should I do in a dental emergency?

While you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapal for any dental emergency, there are things you can do to save your tooth until you get to the office.

If an injury knocks out an adult tooth, it’s important to keep it moist until your appointment. You may be able to place the tooth back in its original location to protect the root. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth between your cheek and gums but be careful not to swallow it. You can also place the lost tooth in a cup of milk.

When you crack or break a tooth, be sure to rinse your mouth out with warm water to flush out debris. You can use an ice pack to prevent swelling and keep you comfortable until you can see Dr. Rapal.

If you have a persistent toothache due to an injury or infection, you can use over-the-counter medications to temporarily relieve pain.

What can I expect during my visit for a dental emergency?

During your visit with Dr. Rapal, she takes time to evaluate the type of damage you have or identify the cause of your pain. She uses the latest digital X-ray technology to get a clear understanding of your overall dental health, so she can create the right treatment plan.

If you have a cracked or broken tooth, Dr. Rapal can restore the tooth using a dental-safe material that closely matches the shade and shape of your other teeth. She may need to remove some of the damaged tooth material to optimize your results.

If you or your child loses an adult tooth, Dr. Rapal may be able to save your tooth by placing it back in your gum. To increase your chances of success, you need to visit the office within 30-60 minutes of the incident.  

To treat an infection, Dr. Rapal may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If the infection is already abscessed, you may need a procedure to drain away fluids before starting antibiotics.

To discuss your dental emergency, call the office of Kiran Rapal DDS, Inc. or request a consultation through the online booking system today.