Description

Unlike a regular dental office, an emergency dentist is open later in the day to help those who are experiencing a dental emergency. These clinics are fully equipped to handle a wide range of issues that would normally be treated in a hospital emergency room.

Imagine Dental of North Laredo is open until 7PM the first 4 nights of the week and also on Saturday, a convenience for those with busy schedules.

Toothaches

Toothaches are a common dental emergency, but can be difficult to treat without the help of an experienced dentist. If you’re experiencing pain that lasts longer than two days, or if the pain is severe and doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medication, you should visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

The dentist will use x-rays and conduct a physical exam to find the source of the toothache. They may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to address an infection, or a root canal to remove the damaged nerve. In some cases, the dentist will need to remove the tooth entirely.

It’s important to follow the emergency dentist’s instructions for home care while you wait for your appointment. If they give you verbal or written instructions, make sure to read them carefully before leaving the clinic. This will help minimize healing time, prevent infections from occurring, and protect your dental work from further damage.

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth are among the most common dental emergencies. They can occur from biting down on hard foods or chewing on ice, sports injuries, car accidents, and falls. Depending on the severity, the tooth can break into several parts. The most serious breaks expose the nerve and may bleed. These teeth require root canal treatment and a crown. If the break is not too severe, your dentist may be able to cement the part back in place.

Your dentist can diagnose a broken tooth by inspecting your mouth. He or she will take a close look at the affected area and your bite to see if the roots are exposed. They will also check the color of the tooth to identify the depth of the crack. If the tooth is cracked in several places, they will put a fluorescing dye on the tooth to highlight it. They will also use a light to illuminate the cracks and may take an X-ray of the area to get a better view of the internal structures.

Minor breaks can be repaired with dental bonding and fillings to restore the appearance of your tooth. They can also use dental veneers and crowns to protect your tooth and restore its function. Larger cracks are more difficult to repair, so it is important to contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible. If the crack extends to the pulp, it may need to be removed. Untreated cracked teeth can cause pain and lead to bone loss in the surrounding area. Bacteria from these fractures can also spread to the lungs and be breathed into the body, leading to respiratory diseases.

Infected Gums

If your gums become swollen and inflamed, it is time to seek out the help of an emergency dentist. Gum infections, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to serious problems for your oral and overall health. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone and tissue loss, and increase your risk for certain diseases.

A common sign of gum infection is a painful swelling filled with pus. This is caused by an abscess, which develops when bacteria get into the space between your tooth and gum. This infection can spread quickly, so it is best to see an emergency dentist immediately.

An emergency dentist will treat your infection with antibiotics, and perform any necessary dental procedures. This may include cleaning the area, removing infected gum tissue, or draining an abscess. You may also receive a tetanus shot and/or an antibiotic to prevent any further infection.

The best way to avoid infected gums is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. In addition, you should rinse your mouth with salt-water solution, and use a chlorhexidine rinse to help remove bacteria. You should also schedule regular dental appointments with a professional. If you do experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with water to make sure there isn’t anything caught between your teeth. If this isn’t the case, you can use a dental floss and light pressure to try to dislodge any object that may be stuck in your gums.

Knocked Out Tooth

Having your tooth knocked out of its socket can be a frightening experience. Fortunately, it can be treated by an emergency dentist in Laredo TX. The key to saving your tooth is being able to find it, rinse it (no soap), and put it back in its socket as quickly as possible. Trying to save a knocked out tooth without proper technique can damage it. It is also important to treat other injuries in the mouth and face that may occur at the time of the injury to prevent more serious complications.

Typically, you will be referred to an emergency dentist in Laredo TX by your regular dentist. This is because they are more familiar with your oral health and treatment history and will be able to provide you with the best care. In addition, they will know if you have any other existing treatments such as dental implants, crowns, fillings, or bridges that could be affected by the knocked out tooth.

The emergency dentist will need to stabilize the knocked out tooth with a composite splint or soft wire until it can be replaced in its socket. In some cases, a knocked out tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted. This will be performed under a local anesthetic and usually takes 30 minutes or less.