It is the most wonderful time of the year! With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it is important to keep your oral health in mind. At Stubbs Family Dentistry in West Allis, Wisconsin, we are here to help with all your dentistry needs, including emergencies. As a reminder, here is what to do if you have a tooth-related accident or injury.
The Most Common Holiday Accidents
An emergency can happen to anyone at any time, but family get-togethers and parties can put you at a higher risk of injuries. Some of the most frequent mishaps we see include chipping or breaking a tooth, losing a permanent tooth or crown, or severe toothache. This can be caused by too much roughhousing when playing sports or family games, biting down on hard candy or food, or ignoring cavity treatment. When this happens, it can be anxiety-inducing if you do not know what to do.
What To Do During An Emergency
First and most importantly, remember to stay calm. We know this can be scary, but panicking can lead to high stress levels and make it difficult to think during a crisis. If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Identify the problem, and then call us immediately. We will do our best to see you as soon as possible.
To stay comfortable, there are a few things you can do for yourself depending on the situation. In the event that you have chipped or broken a tooth, try to keep the pieces. If the entire tooth has been knocked out, clean it, and keep it in a clean Ziploc bag. A toothache can be soothed with an icepack temporarily until you can come into the office.
How We Can Help
Once you get to the office, we will take a look at the problem. During the examination, we will use X-rays to identify the issue. Then, together, we will create the best option for you. A toothache can be caused by many things, but oftentimes it is due to a cavity that has been ignored. We may decide that a root canal or extraction is the best solution for you.
A damaged tooth can be restored with a dental crown. This will take some time to be created in the lab, so in the meantime, we may place a temporary one to keep your tooth safe. If you have lost a crown, we may be able to clean it and re-bond it to the area.
If the problem is a lost tooth, we may be able to re-root it after cleaning it or replace it with a prosthetic depending on the damage.
Call Us During A Tooth Emergency
Do not delay calling us if you have an urgent care. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online form, or call our office in West Allis, WI, at 414-541-8250. We proudly serve the residents of West Allis, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and all Western Milwaukee communities.
