Reno, NV Emergency Dentistry
The need for dental treatment can’t always be anticipated. You may be feeling fine one moment, and the next you have a terrible toothache. The last thing you need is to feel like you can’t get the help you need when you’re hurting.
We understand the critical need to see a dentist right away when you have an emergency. Not only do you need relief, but toothaches don’t happen to healthy teeth and dental pain is an indication that something is seriously wrong.
At the office of Dan Barrett DMD, we leave extra time in our schedule for emergency patients. We will always do everything possible to see you the same day. An emergency like dental pain is something that needs to be addressed immediately to provide relief and protect your oral health.
Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Prevent Them
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and don’t necessarily involve extreme pain. If you are unsure if you have a true emergency, please don’t wait to call us. Often, prompt treatment makes the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
However, with appropriate home care and preventive treatments, many emergencies can be avoided:
Toothache
The reason you experience pain is because decay has penetrated the sensitive parts of your tooth. Severe tooth pain may also be an indication that you have a root canal infection that requires immediate treatment.
In either case, we will see you as quickly as possible to stop the spread of decay, remove the infection, and repair the tooth. But it’s good to know that preventing decay with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings in the future is your best option for avoiding toothache pain.
Lost Crown or Filling
It can be very frustrating to lose a crown or filling, especially when you’re heading out for an important meeting or event. You lose the function of the tooth, and depending where it’s located, you have to put up with an unsightly tooth.
In some cases a crown or filling falls out because you crunched down on some hard food or candy and dislodged the restoration. However, a secure crown should be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. When you come in for regular semi-annual exams, we will check old dental work for loose crowns and fillings and make repairs or replacements as necessary.
Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth
Breaking or losing a tooth because of a sports injury can be very frightening. The important thing is to remember to call us right away. Handle the tooth very carefully and keep it moist until we can see you. In certain cases, a knocked-out tooth can be saved, but time is of the essence.
There are situations like an auto accident where you obviously can’t anticipate a tooth loss. However, if you or your children participate in any kind of sports activity, you should wear a protective mouth guard at all times.
Your Emergency Dentist in Reno, NV
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office at (775) 329-1855. We make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible, usually the same day. After hours, please call our main number and our answering service will provide instructions for getting in contact with a member of our team right away.
