Expert Dental Care When You Need it Most
Life doesn’t always go as planned. When something happens that requires emergency dentistry services, you can trust that the team at River Birch Dental will be there to help. Our Centuria, WI emergency dentist, Dr. Georgie Vargas is well-equipped to handle various dental emergencies thanks to our variety of treatments.
Whether it’s a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth, Dr. Vargas is here to help ease your pain. We encourage patients in Amery, Frederic, Dresser, and surrounding Polk County areas to call our office immediately following an emergency at (715) 646-2161 to receive critical assistance.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any type of trauma that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. They’re often accompanied by symptoms including pain, swelling, and even persistent bleeding. Dental emergencies can also lead to further complications if left untreated. Call our emergency dentist in Centuria, WI today at (715) 646-2161 if you’re experiencing:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Abscessed or infected tooth
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Injured or knocked out tooth
- Loose tooth
- Jaw pain
If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give River Birch Dental a call and we’ll get you in as soon as possible or schedule a visit at your earliest convenience. Dr. Vargas will also provide information on what to do before your non-emergency appointment.
Common Dental Emergencies
Toothaches
Toothaches can occur when your teeth become sensitive to biting or chewing. Hot or icy foods can also create sharp pain and cause toothache. Symptoms of a toothache can be mild or severe, short-lived, or long-lasting.
The best treatment for an escalating toothache is to schedule a dental visit shortly after the onset of pain. However, a toothache becomes an emergency if your pain is unbearable. In such a case, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vargas as soon as you can so that we can address it immediately.
Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Cracks in teeth aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Some cracks can appear in the enamel, while others are deep and penetrate a tooth’s core. Significant tooth cracks may lead to a broken tooth, in which the crown of a tooth breaks off and leaves the root vulnerable to potential bacteria and infection.
A broken tooth is always an emergency. Depending on the severity of a cracked tooth, treatment may involve placing a dental crown, or extracting and replacing the tooth. If the pain reaches a level that makes it difficult to carry out your regular activities, call our office and schedule an emergency appointment to get the help you need.
Mobile Teeth
Once a patient’s permanent teeth have developed, any motion or looseness in a tooth is cause for concern. There are two primary causes of tooth mobility: gum disease and injury. Fortunately, our dentists in Polk County can treat both.
If you haven’t visited our office for a preventative dental visit in the last six months, we recommend scheduling one now. Gum disease sets in over time, and is typically detected at biannual checkups and cleanings. We can assess your loose tooth and determine whether gum disease is the cause, providing you with the necessary periodontal treatment.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Injuries to the jaw and oral cavity can result in one or more teeth being completely dislodged. In the event of a tooth being knocked out, we recommend soaking it in your saliva or some milk. Keep the tooth submerged in a safe container and avoid handling it by the roots. Lastly, place a clean, moist cloth in your mouth and bite down to help stop the bleeding.
If you want to have your tooth reinserted, call our office immediately at (715) 646-2161 to schedule an emergency appointment. Depending on the damage, Dr. Vargas may be able to reattach your dislodged tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s often difficult to completely prevent an emergency, there are steps you can take ahead of time to ensure the best possible outcome. Visiting your Centuria dentist for regular dental checkups helps to catch underlying problems and stop them in their tracks.
Daily oral hygiene care is vital to a strong, healthy smile. It’s essential that you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. If you take part in contact sports, wear a mouthguard for protection.
There are times when a trip to the emergency room is more appropriate than a trip to the dentist. For uncontrolled oral bleeding or a broken jaw, go to the emergency room right away. Something like a chipped tooth doesn’t always cause pain or require emergency dental care. Small dental chips usually only need cosmetic correction with dental bonding, which can be scheduled at a more appropriate time.
If you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is a dental emergency, contact our Centuria office at (715) 646-2161. We’ll provide you with information on the next steps to take. In the case where you have to visit the emergency room, Dr. Vargas and our team can help with the recovery process.
If your toothache isn’t an emergency, there are a few steps you can take to ease the pain. We recommend:
- Rinsing your mouth with a saline solution
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Using a cold compress
- Using over-the-counter gels to numb the nearby areas
If your pain persists or escalates, schedule an appointment at our Centuria dental office and our dentist will get to the bottom of it.