When Is Urgent Dental Care Needed the Most?

Urgent dental care is a must if you have received an injury to your teeth or the soft tissues of your mouth. Time is of the essence in many situations. Waiting more than just a few minutes can result in long-lasting damage that may not be able to be repaired. Dr. Kelsi Lewis of Glow Dental Co. in Austin, Texas, firmly believes in seeking treatment immediately after an injury occurs. The faster you seek treatment, the sooner healing begins.

Can a tooth that has been knocked out be put back in place?

If a tooth has been knocked completely out of the socket, you only have minutes to react if you want to have it put back in place. Waiting longer than 30 minutes often means that the window for replacement has closed. A lost tooth requires immediate attention. You will need to keep the tooth moist and clean until you reach the dentist’s office. Once your dentist can see the wound, she can determine whether or not the tooth can be replaced in the socket.

What happens if I wait to seek treatment?

Facial injuries, especially those that affect the mouth, heal rapidly. The sooner you seek urgent dental care, the more options you will have available to you. If you wait too long, the healing process may be underway, meaning you may not be able to repair the damage. When a tooth breaks, leaving it untreated often means that it can’t be repaired. In this situation, having it pulled may be the only option you have left.

What if my teeth are knocked loose?

If your teeth are knocked loose but have not fallen out, your dentist can use a retainer or other dental appliance to hold them in place during the healing process. It’s important for your teeth to be stabilized so that they don’t shift or move out of their natural position. You will need to follow your dentist’s instructions on types of foods to avoid while your teeth are healing. It may only take a few days for your teeth to heal, but until that is complete, you will want to do everything you can to keep them stable.

What types of problems are treated by an urgent care dentist?

An urgent care dentist can treat a host of different problems that occur unexpectedly. For example, injuries to the soft tissues can be extremely painful and may be at risk for infection if they aren’t treated immediately. Biting your tongue or cheek can result in deep wounds that may need stitches. An urgent care dentist can also treat damaged or broken teeth. Fixing these problems as soon as possible is the best way to handle the situation.

How will I know if my dentist offers urgent care?

Not all dentists offer urgent care services. Dr. Kelsi Lewis of Glow Dental Co. in Austin, TX, takes pride in providing her patients with the urgent dental care services they need. Understanding her patients’ immediate needs allows her to address them and make them as comfortable as possible. New patients can call (512) 572-4842 to get the answers they need. Existing patients will need to call (512) 814-7823.

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