You might not think much about emergency dentistry, but it is essential when infection or tooth pain strikes. At Missoula Dental in Missoula, Montana, general dentist Soren Loftus, DDS, provides emergency care for tooth abscesses, knocked-out teeth, and broken restorations. Get in touch with Missoula Dental for an appointment by calling the office or by scheduling your visit online today.
Whether you experience severe oral pain or a knocked-out tooth, you need care right away. While it’s fine to wait a few days for an appointment for most dental concerns, dental emergencies need treatment before complications occur.
Missoula Dental keeps some daily availability to see patients with dental emergencies. In the case of a dental emergency, call ahead and describe the issue to find out the best time for you to come in. Dr. Soren evaluates the issue and might use digital X-rays for a clearer view of the inside of your mouth.
Using an X-ray, Dr. Soren can detect damage to your teeth and jawbone that might not be detectable from the outside. He can also see the extent of an infection and plan your treatment according to its severity. Some dental emergencies require restorations or repairs while others require in-office treatments like root canals.
There are a few circumstances that call for emergency dentistry care. You might need to use your judgment or call the office to find out if a specific injury or symptom is a dental emergency. Generally, dental emergencies can involve:
You might assume that there is nothing you can do about a knocked-out or broken tooth. However, with prompt emergency dentistry care, you can often save or repair the original tooth.
Preventing dental emergencies isn’t always an option, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk and prepare for an unforeseen dental emergency. To avoid dental emergencies like tooth infections, broken or knocked-out teeth, or dislodged dental restorations, you should:
To prepare yourself in case of a dental emergency, Dr. Soren encourages you to familiarize yourself with how to keep a knocked-out tooth or restoration safe.
Be sure to clean off a tooth or restoration thoroughly. You should soak a knocked-out tooth in milk or keep it inside the socket until you can get to the office for emergency care.
If you want to better prepare for a dental emergency or learn more about emergency dentistry, get in touch with Missoula Dental over the phone or schedule an appointment online today.