Dental emergencies like tooth decay, gum disease, and chipped teeth, are far too common for comfort. Fortunately, an emergency dentist in Rock Hill, SC can help solve  these issues: fast action! 

Immediate response, combined with the appropriate first aid treatment from emergency dentists in Rock Hill, SC can not only prevent long-term damage but also help you restore your oral health to its original state. 

But do you know what to do when faced with one of these dental dilemmas? With preventive measures and quick thinking — as well as swift responses —you’ll be able to preserve your beautiful smile for years on end!

When it comes to dental emergencies, understanding whether your situation is urgent or non-urgent can make all the difference in saving your tooth. For instance, if you’ve knocked out a tooth, our emergency dentist must provide treatment immediately – no matter what time of day it happened. So, if you may need emergency dental care immediately, call us at once!

Although some dental emergencies may not be as urgent, such as a lost porcelain crown which can be treated during regular business hours, our emergency dentist is still available to advise you on the steps necessary for safeguarding your teeth and gums until treatment.

Ways to Deal with Emergency Dental Issues 

TOOTHACHE

When pain strikes, it can often be a warning sign of something more serious – like tooth decay. While some mild discomfort can be managed with time and home remedies, specific indicators such as swelling should not wait for treatment. 

Avoid taking aspirin or over-the-counter painkillers to address the issue; contact with inflamed gums may cause further burning or tissue damage. Instead, apply a cold compress to the outer side of your cheek and contact an emergency dental clinic for assistance. 

Once you receive treatment, your dentist will likely encourage regular oral hygiene habits to prevent further issues such as cavities or tooth decay from occurring.

CHIPPED OR BROKEN TEETH

Has your tooth been chipped or cracked? Not only can it make you feel self-conscious, but it also has the potential to be quite painful. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying a piece of gauze to the bleeding area. 

Next, place a cold compress on the side of your face closest to where the incident happened to bring down swelling and lessen discomfort. Be sure that while seeking emergency dental attention, avoid biting onto complex objects like ice cubes and be mindful when participating in sports activities so further breakage doesn’t occur.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

If a tooth is chipped or broken, be sure to handle it gently and carefully by the crown only. Refrain from scrubbing it off unless necessary for dirt removal. Depending on your particular injury, you may be able to place the tooth back into its socket but ensure not to press down too hard when doing so; timeliness is key! 

If reinserting isn’t an option, put the tooth in a small cup filled with either milk or water containing a pinch of salt before bringing it over to your dentist ASAP – this way increases your chance of saving and restoring that knocked-out baby pearly white!. This will help preserve the tooth for emergency restoration at our Rock Hill, SC dental clinic.

LOST FILLING OR CROWN

Restoring broken teeth, crowns and fillings can help them reach their optimal appearance and performance. However, if these break or become damaged again, seeking treatment immediately is essential to avoid further destruction or contamination. As a temporary solution, until you get emergency dental aid, you should place some sugarless gum into the hollow space in your mouth without attempting to fix the tooth yourself, as that could worsen its condition even more. Also, bring your restoration inside a zip-top bag for reapplying at the dentist’s clinic -or being fitted with an entirely new crown instead!

BROKEN ORTHODONTICS

Braces are impressively durable and crafted to handle the daily rigors of chewing, speaking, and eating. However, even with this robust build quality, they can still break or stick out and cause irritation in your cheeks or gums. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can impede progress when trying to straighten teeth. 

If you find a wire has broken off, try pushing it into a more comfortable position if possible; otherwise, use orthodontic wax, cotton balls, or gauze to cover any exposed ends of the wire – no matter how tricky! But whatever you do, don’t cut yourself short by cutting the wire, as there’s always a risk of swallowing it accidentally.

ABSCESS

If you’re uncertain if your mouth is infected, look at your gums for an inflamed or swollen bump. If present, this could be an abscess that can spread to other teeth and gum tissue and the rest of your body! 

Please don’t wait any longer; call our Rock Hill dental clinic immediately for emergency treatment before it gets worse. To provide temporary relief, try rinsing with lukewarm water and applying ice to the affected area.

BLEEDING AND PAIN AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION

Though tooth extraction is considered a routine procedure, it’s normal to experience discomfort and to bleed afterward. To help reduce both, take regular painkillers like ibuprofen and rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times daily – preferably after meals. 

While you may be tempted to use a straw when drinking beverages, resist the urge, as this could start up blood flow again! If bleeding persists or worsens, contact our emergency dental clinic right away in Rock Hill so we can look at it and provide further instructions on how best to manage your particular case. Additionally, if you notice any signs of infection (i.e., fever or prolonged bleeding), seek immediate medical attention without hesitation.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent most of these emergency dental problems. But if you ever find yourself in a situation that requires immediate attention, then know that our Rock Hill clinic is here to help! We offer same-day appointments and treatments for urgent matters.

River District Smiles Dentistry has been helping patients in Rock Hill, SC, and nearby locations for years. We’re here to provide the same quality care and emergency dental services that have made us a trusted name in Rock Hill and the surrounding areas. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay healthy and get the smile you deserve!