Dental Emergency? Don’t suffer through excruciating pain – we’re here to help!
Contact Affiliated Dentists today if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Swollen/Infected gums
- An abscessed tooth
- Broken dentures
- Lost crowns
- Chipped tooth
- Loose filings
- Tooth decay
Ignoring these problems and leaving them untreated will cause poor oral health, which may lead to more serious health issues.
Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room.
Let’s discuss the leading causes of mouth pain:
Periodontitis
This is a serious condition in which the gums have become swollen or even infected. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Red or puffy gums,
- Bleeding or pus-filled gums,
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Bad breath
- Pain while chewing
Gum disease can be serious if put off. Do not let fear keep you from seeking the necessary medical treatment. We will put together a plan to help your gums on the path towards healing.
Abscessed Teeth or General Tooth Decay
If you are experiencing pain, redness, or swelling around a tooth, fever, back or neck pain, or a bad taste in your mouth, then you might have an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is one where a pocket of pus has developed as a result of an infection, usually caused by bacteria that has entered through a crack in the tooth or general decay. Infection can cause serious damage to the tooth, surrounding tissues and jaw bone.
Broken Dentures
Daily wear, temperature fluctuations, uneven chewing pressure from slippage, and even acidity in food and beverages take their toll on dentures. If your dentures have broken from normal use or an accident, please see us as soon as you can.
Lost Crowns
Crowns are protective caps that fit over teeth that have undergone decay or structural damage. Crowns may fall out due to trauma, exceptionally hard or sticky foods, or simply time. If these caps are lost, the vulnerable teeth underneath are exposed to bacteria and risk being subjected to further decay or infection.
If your crown falls out, please do not attempt to glue it back in yourself! This can result in infection or further tooth damage. Keep your crown in a safe place, if you still have it, and give us a call.
Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth are more than just a cosmetic problem. Breaks expose the inside of the tooth to decay-causing bacteria. If you chip a tooth and still have the broken piece, keep it moist by placing it between your teeth and cheek or in a cup of milk and call us immediately. We may be able to repair the tooth or provide a cap or veneer for protection and to restore the tooth’s appearance.
Loose Fillings
Due to age, hard foods, teeth grinding, or trauma, fillings can become loose or fall out, allowing bacteria to enter in their place. Please retain your filling if it does come out and call us right away so that we can remedy the issue.
We are dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients. If you are experiencing any of these dental emergencies, don’t suffer alone. We can help! Call us today. We offer general and emergency dental services in Madison, Wisconsin.
Dental Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
What if I crack my tooth?
Immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.
If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it?
Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist if the swelling doesn’t go down within the next day or two.
How do I treat a toothache?
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.
What do I do if I knock out my tooth?
Keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in a cup of milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.
What if I think my jaw is broken?
Apply cold compresses to control the swelling. You need to get the inflammation down. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.
How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth?
Try to gently remove it with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist if you are unable to remove it and/or if it causes swelling and/or bleeding.
How can I avoid a dental emergency?
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
- Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.
What do I do if I experience a dental emergency?
Don’t hesitate! If you’re having a dental emergency, call us as soon as possible to make sure you’re able to get it looked at right away. Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you experience a dental emergency outside of our office hours, it may take a visit to your local emergency room.
East Office
100 River Place, Suite 220, Madison, WI 53716, (608) 222-3231
West Office
5601 Odana Road, Madison, WI 53719, (608) 274-9077
