If you have experienced an accident or are in need of urgent essential care, please call our hotline at 580-223-6720. We typically offer next-day appointments and will try to work within your schedule. Storts Family Dentistry is your emergency dentist serving Southern OK communities, including Madill and Ardmore, OK. Emergency dentistry is one of the general dentistry services we offer to new and existing patients in Oklahoma.
Emergency Dentist in Southern Oklahoma
Dental emergencies can lead to pain, discomfort, and permanent tooth damage if you do not seek treatment. Please contact us if you are unsure if you are having an emergency. It is better to be sure than to risk your oral health.
If you require emergency dentistry in Southern Oklahoma, call Storts Family Dentistry immediately. We will give you further instructions for your particular situation. Some of the emergency dental services we provide to our patients include:
Severe Toothache
There can be many causes of tooth pain or toothache. Some common causes include damaged teeth, impacted teeth, dental abscesses, and tooth decay. Contact our office right away if you are experiencing a severe toothache. Your dentist must diagnose the underlying cause of the toothache since it could indicate a serious dental issue.
Until your appointment, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication. You may also hold an ice pack on your cheek to help with pain and swelling. Avoid applying heat or painkillers directly onto the gum because this can worsen the situation.
Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth
A tooth that is broken, cracked, or chipped may or may not be a dental emergency. Always call us to discuss the extent of the damage to your tooth. If the damage to the tooth occurred because the tooth was already weakened, then you may need treatment for an underlying issue. Also, if the extent of the damage is severe, you are at risk for infection.
Until your appointment, you must keep the area around the tooth clean. Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water often. If there are sharp fragments, cover them up with sugarless gum or dental wax to prevent cuts. You can manage pain and swelling with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medicine. If possible, bring any tooth fragments with you to your dental appointment.
Knocked-out or Loose Permanent Tooth
If you lose a permanent tooth or it becomes loose, act quickly to increase the chances of saving it. Call our office as soon as possible to schedule your dental appointment. Bring the tooth with you to the appointment.
For a knocked-out tooth, you should handle it by the crown (top) and never touch the root. Gently rinse it with cool water if there is any dirt or debris, but do not scrub. If possible, reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place. Get a clean piece of gauze and gently bite the tooth to hold it in place.
If you can’t reinsert it, moisten the tooth by placing it in milk or between your cheek and gums. You need to hold the tooth in its original position for a loose tooth and avoid chewing on it. If we cannot save your tooth, we recommend replacing it with a single dental implant.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious dental infection. A tooth abscess is a painful, pus-filled, swollen spot on the gums near the tooth base. It requires emergency dental care. Please do not wait to call our office. If the infection is left untreated, it can enter the bloodstream and travel to other body parts.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for temporary pain relief. Never apply heat, as this can cause the infection to spread. Rinsing with salt water may help alleviate pain and draw pus to the surface. Never try to drain the dental abscess yourself. Professional treatment is required to drain the infection, address the underlying issue, and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Missing, Broken, or Loose Dental Crown or Bridge
You should address a missing, broken, or loose dental crown or bridge immediately to prevent further damage or discomfort. If you can, retrieve the crown or bridge and bring it to your appointment. Do not try to place your restoration back in your mouth. Keep the exposed teeth clean, and avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
Contact our dentist office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Your dentist will properly reattach or replace the crown or bridge. If we cannot fix your restoration, we will provide you with a temporary dental crown or bridge. Then, we will create a treatment plan for your new restoration.
Missing, Broken, or Loose Dental Filling
An exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay and even infection. Therefore, if you have a loose dental filling, you should contact your dentist right away to have them repair it. If it has already fallen out or it is broken, your dentist can repair it immediately. Contact your Storts Family Dentistry dentist as soon as possible to schedule your appointment. They will either repair the dental filling or replace it.
In the meantime, avoid chewing on the tooth to prevent additional damage and discomfort. If the tooth is sensitive, you can cover it with dental wax. Never attempt to place the filling back in the tooth. Keep the tooth and the area around the tooth as clean as possible. Rinse often with water to remove food and debris.
Broken Dentures
If your dentures break, handle them with care to prevent further damage. Discontinue using them, as this can lead to discomfort and injury. Never attempt to repair them yourself with super glue or other types of adhesives. They can be harmful to your health and permanently damage the dentures.
Call our office to schedule a dental appointment. To aid in the repair, bring all the pieces of your denture to your appointment. Before your appointment, stick to a soft diet and avoid foods that require excessive chewing.
How To Create a Dental Emergency Kit
A dental emergency kit can be a lifesaver when facing unexpected dental problems, such as a knocked-out tooth, a broken filling, or a painful toothache. Having the right items on hand can help you manage the situation until you can get to a dentist. Creating a dental emergency kit is a simple and effective way to prepare for any dental emergencies.
1. Gather the Basics: Pain Relief and First Aid Items
The first step in creating your dental emergency kit is to include basic pain relief and first aid supplies. These items can help you manage discomfort and treat injuries before you get professional help.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce pain and swelling. These are especially useful for toothaches or mouth injuries.
- Cotton balls or gauze pads: These can apply pressure to a bleeding wound, such as after a tooth extraction or a mouth injury.
- Ice pack or cold compress: To reduce swelling, apply a cold pack to the affected area, especially if you’ve had trauma to the mouth or face.
- Saline solution or salt: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help clean and soothe injuries, infections, or abscesses.
2. Tooth-Saving Tools for Knocked-Out Teeth
If you lose a tooth in an accident or injury, it’s important to preserve it until you can see a dentist. The faster you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
- Tooth preservation kit: A tooth-saving kit is a special container to moisten a knocked-out tooth. You can buy these kits at most drugstores or online, but in a pinch, you can store the tooth in milk or saliva. Be sure to hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and not the root to avoid damaging it.
- Plastic container: If you don’t have a tooth-saving kit, a small, clean plastic container will work. Fill it with milk or saliva to store the tooth.
3. Tools for Cleaning and Caring for Your Mouth
Keeping your mouth clean and infection-free is crucial during a dental emergency. Adding the following items to your kit can help you manage any injury or infection until you can get to the dentist.
- Floss: Dental floss can help remove food particles from between your teeth, especially if you have a sudden toothache or discomfort.
- Antiseptic mouthwash: A mouthwash with antiseptic properties can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, especially if you have an injury or infection. It can help prevent further complications until you see your dentist.
- Cotton swabs: These are handy for applying a saltwater rinse to wounds or using antiseptic products on sensitive areas.
4. Extra Items for Braces and Orthodontic Emergencies
If you wear braces or other dental appliances, it’s important to be prepared for potential problems that could arise with your braces.
- Orthodontic wax: If a broken bracket or wire is causing pain or irritation to the inside of your mouth, orthodontic wax can temporarily cover the sharp edges.
- Small pair of pliers: If you experience a wire or bracket malfunction, a small pair of pliers can help you temporarily bend or trim the wire until you see your dentist or orthodontist.
5. Contact Information and Instructions
Having the right contact information is crucial during a dental emergency. Add the following to your kit:
- Your dentist’s contact information: Write down your dentist’s phone number and any emergency numbers or after-hours instructions. If your dentist offers emergency services, include that information in your kit.
- Directions to the nearest dental clinic or hospital: If your regular dentist is unavailable, have a backup plan with contact details for nearby emergency dental clinics or hospitals.
- Emergency dental instructions: If you or a family member has specific dental needs, such as sensitivity to certain treatments or medications, write them down and keep them in your emergency kit.
6. Keep Your Kit Accessible and Up-to-Date
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary items for your dental emergency kit, ensure it’s easy to access. Store it in a place where you and your family members can quickly find it during an emergency. A small, portable bag or box works best so you can grab it and go if needed.
Don’t forget to periodically check and update the items in your kit. Medications can expire, and dental wax or temporary filling materials may dry out. Make sure everything is in good condition and replace items as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of patients’ most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies.
Should I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
If you experience serious pain, uncontrollable bleeding, or facial swelling, you should go to the emergency room. However, seeing a dentist first for most dental emergencies is best. Emergency rooms aren’t equipped for specific dental treatments. Call our emergency dental line for toothaches, broken teeth, or lost fillings. We can often provide more appropriate care. If you’re unsure, call us, and we’ll guide you to the right place for treatment.
Does insurance cover emergency dental?
Most insurance plans provide some coverage for emergency dental care, but the extent varies by plan. Coverage typically follows a 100-80-50 structure for preventive, basic, and major procedures. Emergency treatments may fall under basic or major procedures, depending on your needed treatment. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers in the event of a dental emergency.
Is a filling falling out a dental emergency?
A filling falling out isn’t typically a dental emergency but requires prompt attention. Without the filling, your tooth is vulnerable to decay, infection, and increased sensitivity. Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair. Afterward, you should avoid chewing on the affected side and keep the area clean to prevent further damage.
Is a crown falling out a dental emergency?
A crown falling out isn’t usually a dental emergency. However, it needs serious and prompt attention. Without the crown, the underlying tooth is exposed and vulnerable to damage, decay, and sensitivity. Contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can reattach and replace your crown. In the meantime, keep the crown and tooth clean, and avoid chewing on that side. If you experience pain or discomfort, contact us!
What constitutes a dental emergency for children?
A dental emergency for children includes severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or a dental abscess causing swelling or fever. Other emergencies might include a loose or displaced tooth due to injury, especially a permanent tooth. If your child experiences any of these issues, contact our office for immediate dental care to prevent further complications.
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
If your child’s tooth is knocked out, quick action is crucial. First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). If the tooth has dirt on it, gently rinse it with water—don’t scrub or use soap. If possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite down softly on a clean cloth to keep it in place.
If you can’t reinsert it, store the tooth in milk or saliva to keep it moist. Then, get to the dentist immediately, ideally within 30 minutes. The chances of saving the tooth lessen the longer it’s out of the mouth.
Contact Your Storts Family Dentistry Office if You Have a Dental Emergency
Storts Family Dentistry has dentist offices in Ardmore and Madill, Oklahoma. If you require emergency dental care, please contact the office closest to you. You can also call our hotline at 580-223-6720.