As your dental health professionals, Dr. Giamberardino and the rest of our team put your health and well-being first. When an accident happens or dental emergency occurs, your emergency dentist in Medford is available for immediate advice and in most cases, same day treatments! Our office even has a couple days of the week that are open late—up to7 pm. If you are visiting in the area, or are new in the city, we accept patients that need help with their dental problems right away. After you receive the dental care you need and deserve for the first time at our office, we’d be more than happy to make you a regular patient.
What are some common dental emergencies?
A dental emergency is a dental accident or problem that causes pain, swelling, bleeding or an obvious cosmetic problem. The most common dental emergencies include chipped or fractured teeth, a knocked-out tooth or severe toothaches. Some other problems that you may run into could include dental abscesses, teeth that are displaced to one side, broken dentures or other prosthetics, fractured jaws, or deep cuts to the tongue, lips or gums. Whatever trauma your mouth is suffering from, it’s important to reach out to us to receive fast, effective treatments before the condition worsens.
Chipped tooth, filling, or crown
Don’t panic. If you chip a tooth, save the pieces in a sealed bag or container, and keep them moist with salt water or milk. Cover any jagged edges in your mouth with orthodontic wax, denture adhesive, or sugar free gum. Contact your Medford dentist right away for an appointment.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is essentially a hole in your tooth. These can develop from excessive tooth decay, causing an infection. You may experience symptoms like a painful toothache, drainage, fever, a general malaise and swelling of the jaw and gums. Apply a cold compress (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling. Take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and reduced swelling. These are very dangerous and could lead to much more severe problems. Reach out to our office right away.
Knocked out tooth
One of the most common dental emergencies occur during athletic activities. A sudden blow to the head can knock out your teeth. The chance of your saving it increases if you get to our office within an hour of the accident. Rinse the tooth in warm water, leaving any remaining soft tissue attached. Place the tooth back in the socket. Hold it there while quickly getting to our office. If you cannot replace it, put it between your cheek and gum or in a sealed container with milk or water to keep it moisturized.
Foreign object lodged between two teeth
The best thing you can do to remove the object is gently use dental floss. If you cannot dislodge it, call your emergency dentist for advice. DO NOT use foreign objects like scissors or safety pins to try to remove the object.
Broken jaw or deep laceration
Please go to the nearest hospital emergency room. A dental emergency like this requires immediate medical attention. Contact our office after your priority health concerns have been addressed.
Be Proactive and Prevent Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, we get it. But, you can decrease your chances of coming face to face with dental emergencies with the right practices. If you are experiencing symptoms, please don’t wait until your condition escalates to call. And, it’s best to add our phone number to your contacts just in case!
Here are some good preventive habits to practice:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Getting six-month professional cleanings and exams.
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet (limiting sugars and carbohydrates that weaken your teeth).
- Wearing a mouthguard to protect against sports injuries and teeth grinding (bruxism).
You Deserve Excellent Emergency Care
If you have a dental concern, contact us right away. Our team will try our best to schedule a same-day appointment with you to receive the dental care you need and deserve.