Emergency Dental Information in Lewiston ME

While we always strive to be careful about our welfare and that of others, sometimes accidents do happen. Most people know what to do when someone hurts an arm or leg, but a dental emergency in Lewiston ME often renders us helpless about what to do next.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency please call a dentist right away. Here at Aspire Family Dentistry we provide same-day emergency dental services that include helping with damage to teeth and damage to dental implements like crowns or bridges. Different dental emergencies require different care. For example, if a tooth is knocked out or breaks, you should bring the tooth or piece of tooth with you to the dental office. If you or your family member is experiencing swelling or pain you can use a cold compress to alleviate pain as you travel to the dentist. If you or a family member is bleeding you can use gauze or a clean cloth and apply light pressure to the area.

NOTE: If you are experiencing a dental emergency severe in nature and/or involves a medical emergency, call 911.

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What Should You Do If You Have A Dental Emergency in Lewiston ME?

The most important thing to do if you are someone you know is having a dental emergency is to contact a dental office right away. We provide 24/7 dental emergency services. All you need to do is call to set up an appointment at our office or one of our dental partners’ offices. When a dental emergency strikes, you may have some questions:

When Should You Go To The ER For A Dental Emergency?

• If you are experiencing unbearable pain, the pain is spreading throughout the jaw and neck area, or you are bleeding profusely and it will not stop, you should go to the ER right away. Call 911 immediately if you are experience a medical emergency.

Are Dental Emergencies Covered By My Insurance?

• Most dental benefits to cover dental emergencies. However, deductibles, annual maximums, and co-pays still apply to emergency dental work. To find out if your dental insurance covers dental emergency, consult your insurance provider.

What's Considered A Dental Emergency?

• There are many types of dental emergencies. But simply put, a dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate attention. Life-threatening emergencies should always be handled by doctors. But a broken tooth, lost filling, knocked out tooth, or similar emergency can be handled by a local dentist that offers emergency services. Our office offers 24/7 emergency services and works with a network of dentists throughout Maine.

What Helps With Unbearable Tooth Pain/Ache?

• While waiting to see a dentist, you may be in considerable pain. Pain medications can help decrease the pain you experience. Additionally, a cold compress, ice pack, or cool dishcloth can reduce swelling and decrease pain. In cases where a tooth’s nerves are exposed due to a crack in the enamel or a broken tooth, many pharmacies sell dental cement that can temporarily cover the exposed nerves.

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How Do You Know When To Seek Emergency Dental Services?

Sometimes, it’s obvious. At other times, you might question whether your pain qualifies as an emergency. We’d recommend calling immediately so we can assess both our emergency dental issue and level of pain, then make a plan to take care of both. While a professional should always be the final stop in any dental emergency, there are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the problems before going in for treatment.

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Chipped, Cracked, Or Broken Teeth

Most chipped teeth can be fixed easily with a dental filling. However, if the pulp is exposed root canal and a dental crown may be necessary.

What To Do: If you are able to recover the fragment of the tooth, rinse it off and bring it to your emergency dentist. Apply gauze or a clean cloth to any area that is bleeding with light pressure. You can also minimize swelling and pain by using an ice pack or a cold/damp dishcloth. Additionally, a topical pain reliever can be administered to decrease pain.

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Toothaches

Toothaches range in severity as do the causes of toothaches.

What To Do: Minor toothaches can often be handled at home by thoroughly cleaning the tooth and rinsing out the mouth. However, if pain persists or is severe, contact an emergency dentist right away. Toothaches can be caused by Bruxism (grinding teeth) which can caused cracked teeth over time. Another common tooth issue is root surface sensitivity which can be caused by a variety of factors. DO NOT place aspirin or other pain relief medication between your teeth and cheeks as it can damage your gums as it dissolves. Instead use an ice pack or cold compress until you can see a dentist.

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Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out due to injury, you need to act quickly. If you can get to a dentist quickly, it may be possible to re-implant the tooth.

What To Do: The first thing to do when a tooth is knocked out is call a dentist and schedule an emergency appointment. If possible place the tooth gently into the socket or hold it inside your mouth against your cheek. Do not pick the tooth up by the root, only touch the crown of the tooth. If you can’t keep the tooth in your mouth, it can be kept in a cup of milk.

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Lost/Loose Dental Fillings/Crowns

Tooth decay can cause a filling or dental crown to detach from the tooth. Crowns/fillings are most likely to detach when chewing on food.

What To Do: First, make an appointment with a local emergency dentist. If you still have the crown you can bring it to the dentist. In the meantime, your exposed tooth may be sensitive to temperature and pressure. Mild pain relievers and dental cement (sold at many pharmacies) can be used to treat sensitivity.

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Bleeding/Sore Gums

Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease or infection. If your gums bleed frequently or do not stop bleeding you should make an immediate appointment with a dentist.

What To Do: One cause of bleeding gums is improper brushing technique. If you brush too hard you may damage your gums. Adjusting how you brush your teeth and changing your toothbrush can help. However, if your gums bleed often or are sore this is likely a sign of gum disease. An earlier dental visit can help prevent further damage to your gums and teeth.

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Bleeding After Loss Of Baby Tooth

Lost a baby tooth and now it's bleeding? Get a piece of gauze, fold it, and apply it gently but firmly to the affected area. Have the child gently bite down to apply pressure for about 15 minutes, which should ensure that proper clotting and closure occurs. If this doesn’t happen, visit a dentist for emergency treatment.

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Swollen Jaw

A swollen jaw often paired with tooth pain or general soreness can be a sign of a few different dental issues. One of the most common concerns are infections or tooth abscesses.

What To Do: An infected tooth can look perfectly fine above the gum, but decay can happen internally. Tooth injection can lead to jaw pain as well as swelling. Like any infection, the earlier it is treated the better. Make a dental appointment right away and use ice packs to reduce the swelling.

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Broken Jaw

What To Do: Prevent as much movement as possible by tying the jaw to the mouth with a towel, tie, or some other cloth that can keep the mouth closed and as immobile as possible. For this emergency, go to a hospital emergency ward rather than a dentist as this may require more general medical treatment.

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You May Need A Root Canal

Some dental injuries may require an emergency root canal procedure. If the tooth pulp is exposed due to a broken tooth you will likely need a root canal.

What To Do: If you believe that you may need an emergency root canal procedure, you should quickly contact an emergency dentist in your area. If your tooth is damaged, pain relievers can help manage discomfort prior to your dental appointment. A cold compress or ice pack can help manage any swelling as well.

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Many different dental issues are cause for concern. If an emergency occurs, the most important thing to do is maintain calm. Panic in an emergency situation just means that nothing gets done efficiently. Acting in a calm, controlled manner will do more to solve a dental emergency than panic. The general rule of thumb is that if you are experiencing pain or noticing swelling/bleeding you should make an appointment right away. The earlier a dentist can intervene the better. Not only can early intervention help reduce pain and other symptoms it can also help save your teeth. Contact our team at Aspire Family Dentistry for more information.