How Do I Know if I Have a Dental Emergency?
Unlike other types of bodily injuries, dental emergencies are not always so clear. If you are trying to determine whether you have a dental emergency in Lexington, ask yourself the following questions:
If any of the previous statements describe your personal experience, please contact us today for an emergency dental visit. We prioritize dental emergencies and can most likely see you the very same day.
Find Relief from Dental Pain
Toothaches and gum discomfort are very common; according to surveys conducted across the United States, roughly 25% of individuals experience some form of tooth or gum discomfort over a six-month period. While not every toothache is considered a dental emergency, you also shouldn't ignore the symptoms and hope they resolve themselves.
Knocked Out Tooth? Follow these 4 Tips.
A knocked out tooth can be saved so long as it is reinserted into its socket within an hour. After an hour, the odds of saving the tooth become less likely. If you have a permanent/adult tooth that has become knocked out, follow these steps and contact our office right away.
1. Don't panic. Having a permanent tooth pop out can be a traumatic experience, but there is a very good chance the tooth can be saved. First off, do not handle the tooth by the roots, only the crown. Also, do not attempt to clean the tooth (even if it fell on a dirty surface).
2. See if you can gently reinsert the tooth. Sometimes patients are able to place a knocked out tooth back into the socket without too much force. Note: do not apply too much force when trying to reinsert the tooth as this could damage the roots. If you are successful in reinserting the tooth, you should still visit our dentist in Lexington. Never ever reinsert a baby tooth!
3. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, prepare it for transport. The tooth can survive up to an hour outside the socket. To increase the odds of saving the tooth, place it in a clean, spit-moistened paper towel, glass of milk, or tucked into your cheek. The basic idea is to keep the tooth moist and at a similar pH as mouth saliva in order to keep the nerves and blood vessels alive.
4. Visit the dentist as soon as possible. Regardless of whether you are able to successfully reinsert the tooth back into its socket, you should still make a point to visit your dentist in Lexington as soon as possible. A tooth that has fallen out on its own may be a sign of disease. A tooth that has been knocked out due to blunt force might also mean that there is additional injury to the bone material, which will require examination.
