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Emergency Dentist – Bedford, TX

Expert Care When You Need It Most

A dental emergency can turn the best of days into a traumatic experience, but what you do next could ensure the health of your smile. If an emergency does occur, it’s vital to know how to handle it and who to call. Dr. Maegan Elam is experienced in treating dental emergencies to get her patients out of pain and save their smiles. Read on to learn more about dental emergencies and how to prevent them from your emergency dentist in Bedford.

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can typically be fit into two different categories: infection that has developed over time or a sudden dental injury. Dr. Elam and Dr. Brown are equipped to handle both, but even before you get to our office, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of a healthy smile. Here are the best ways to handle some of the most common dental emergencies:

Toothaches

If you’re experiencing pain in a tooth, you may have an infection. These can be painful because the sensitive dental pulp inside of your tooth is affected. However, you should try flossing around the tooth to ensure some debris isn’t causing the pain. If your discomfort persists, call our office. Chances are high that we may need to perform a root canal to remove the infected or decayed part of your tooth while saving it from having to be extracted.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, use gauze to stop bleeding and a cold compress to reduce swelling on the outside of your face. After, call us immediately. We may be able to save and repair your tooth, but if it’s too damaged, there’s a chance that extraction is our only option.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be shocking and painful, but it’s important to remain calm. Pick your tooth up by its crown and rinse it off carefully. Then, try to put it back in your socket, holding it in place with your tongue. If this isn’t possible, store it in milk or water until you can get to our office. If you can make it here in around an hour, we may be able to successfully replant your tooth. 

Lost Filling/Crown

If you lose a crown or filling, use dental cement found at your local drug store to seal your tooth. This will protect you from temporary pain and discomfort, but you should contact our office right away to receive a proper restoration.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While it’s impossible to completely prevent dental emergencies from occurring, here are some ways that you can minimize your risk:

  • Maintain a good brushing and flossing routine to keep your enamel healthy and strong.
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste because it can remineralize your teeth and prevent decay.
  • Visit our office at least twice a year for preventive checkups and cleanings.
  • Avoid using your teeth for anything other than speaking and eating.
  • Watch out for especially hard or sticky foods.
  • Avoid poor lifestyle habits like smoking and tobacco use as well as heavy drinking.

The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

It’s difficult to give you a precise cost estimate without examining your mouth first. That’s because there are a wide-range of dental emergencies, which in turn require a variety of treatment solutions from your dentist in Bedford. Treatment options can vary from prescribing antibiotics to serious dental restoration, which is why the cost of dental emergencies will depend. Our friendly team is experienced and will help you find the financial option best for you. If you’re experiencing dental pain, call us right away for treatment. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive your treatment may be.