Oral health issues often occur when you least expect them. If you lose a permanent tooth or develop a painful cavity, emergency dentistry can provide immediate relief. At King Centre Dental, C. Benson Clark and the team boast years of experience offering emergency dental care. To make an appointment at the practice in Alexandria, Virginia, call the office today or schedule online.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry provides same-day care for potentially serious oral health problems. If you damage a dental restoration or bite down on your tongue and it won’t stop bleeding, don’t wait to seek professional help. The sooner you contact the team at King Centre Dental, the sooner you can take steps to limit the pain and prevent complications.

What issues can benefit from emergency dental care?

At King Centre Dental, the team uses emergency dentistry to treat various issues, including:
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Fractured and chipped teeth
  • Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
  • Oral abscesses
  • Damaged dental restorations
  • Broken orthodontic appliances
  • Loose or broken dentures

You might also benefit from emergency dentistry if you develop a toothache that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments like ice or over-the-counter pain medication.

What should I do in an oral health emergency?

The steps you should take during an oral health emergency depend on the underlying issue.

Knocked-out tooth

If one of your permanent teeth gets knocked out, carefully pick it up and rinse it in tap water. After cleaning it, try to put the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth wobbles, tuck it inside your cheek or put it inside a glass of milk. Once the tooth is safe, contact King Centre Dental.

Severe toothache

If you wake up with a severe toothache, take over-the-counter pain medication and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. If the pain persists or worsens, contact King Centre Dental. The administrative staff can make recommendations to ease the discomfort on your way to the office.

Damaged dental restoration

If you damage a dental restoration, like a crown, bridge, or veneer, try to pick up the pieces and carefully rinse them in cool tap water. Once the pieces are free of dirt and debris, place them inside a plastic bag or wrap them in foil and contact King Centre Dental.

How can I keep my teeth and smile healthy?

The easiest way to keep your teeth and smile healthy is to invest in preventive dentistry. Routine visits to King Centre Dental can alert you to potentially serious issues in their early stages when they’re most responsive to treatment.
Aside from regular oral exams and professional teeth cleaning, the team recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing before going to bed, and avoiding bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on hard objects like pen caps.
If you need emergency dentistry, make an appointment at King Centre Dental by calling the office today or scheduling online.