Emergency Dentist — Springfield, MO
Compassionate Dental Care When You Need It Most
A dental emergency can strike at the most inopportune time, causing patients understandable fear and anxiety. Dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, but you can plan ahead and be prepared in the event of unexpected dental damage. Knowing what to do in the case of dental emergencies can significantly improve a patient’s ability to remain calm and seek the dental health care they need. For compassionate dental care when you need it most, contact the team at Olson Family Dental . We’ll do our utmost to provide treatment on the same day you contact us and guide you through first-aid techniques to protect your smile until you arrive at our practice.
Why Choose Olson Family Dental for Emergency Dental Care?
- #1 Experienced & Compassionate Dentist with Advanced Training
- #2 Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- #3 Calming Sedation Available for Maximum Comfort
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
There are several first aid techniques that help patients during a dental emergency, but we recommend patients at least try to remember the three ‘C’s:
- Call – No matter what type of dental emergency you’re facing, contact us as soon as you can. We will do our best to accommodate same day emergency visits to our existing patients. Even if you are unsure if you need urgent dental care or if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, we want to hear from you as quickly as possible. We’ll assess your situation over the phone and guide you through what steps to take next.
- Clean – To prevent infection, gently clean your mouth and any cuts or wounds outside the mouth with warm water. If you’ve lost a tooth or piece of a tooth, clean this with warm water as well. Return a knocked-out tooth to its vacated socket whenever possible, or store it in a container of milk until you reach our practice.
- Cold – Applying an ice pack or cold compress at 20-minute intervals (20 on/20 off) relieves pain, reduces swelling, and aids in slowing blood loss. This is beneficial pain management tool for patients experiencing any level of dental trauma.
When you arrive at our office, we’ll see you right away for an emergency examination, where we’ll strive to learn more about your situation and alleviate any serous pain. From there, we can explain our findings to you and which treatment(s) we recommend moving forward with. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan and get your oral health back on track right away.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
If you’re unsure whether your condition constitutes an emergency, we recommend calling to discuss your situation. We’re happy to make recommendations over the phone, and help you determine what action to take next. Some of the most common dental emergencies we see are:
Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment Right Away
Contact Olson Family Dental in Springfield if you’re in need of emergency dentistry or you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon. If at any time you are fearful that your life may be at risk during a dental emergency, proceed to your local emergency room right away. We would be happy to help you with any dental health damage once your life is no longer in danger.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Will a toothache go away on its own?
The pain you feel may dissipate over time, but do not assume this means that your toothache is no longer an issue. Instead, it is likely that the opposite is true. When an infection deep within the tooth persists, the nerve tissue can die. You may no longer feel any pain, but your tooth will still be nonviable. This is why you should schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Springfield right away. Addressing your symptoms from the start will give you a greater chance of saving the tooth instead of losing it.
Should you put a knocked-out tooth in water?
You should never place a knocked-out tooth in water. Here’s why: the roots of teeth are highly sensitive. If they come into contact with water, the cells can swell and burst, leading to the tooth's death. If this happens, your dentist will be unable to try to reintegrate it with the surrounding tissues. Instead of using water, place your tooth in a container of milk. Its nutrients will keep the tooth alive until you reach our dental office within an hour.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
Having a toothache when you go to bed can be problematic, but you don’t have to lose sleep if you do the following:
- Elevate your head using several pillows to keep the blood from rushing to this part of your body and causing a throbbing sensation in your mouth.
- Take an OTC pain reliever to reduce discomfort.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek to promote greater comfort.
- Do not eat anything hard, chewy, or crunchy before bed, as this will place additional pressure on your already painful tooth.
Can I fix dentures that are broken in half?
If your dentures are broken in half, your dentist will likely need to replace them. Using household items like superglue can be dangerous. Not only is it toxic, but it can also cause more harm to your mouth. Also, it is ineffective in moist areas, so it’s unlikely to work.
If you discover that your denture is broken, call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Olson. He will review the severity of the break and determine whether a replacement is required.