At our dental practice, our dentist, Dr. Scott Steedman and our team do everything in our power to ensure that you and your family remain in optimal oral health. When you or a family member has a dental emergency, we want you to know that you can visit us in your time of need. Any time you experience dental pain or have a chipped or broken tooth, contact the dentist immediately to receive the care you need to return to optimal oral health.
Toothaches are always a sign that something is wrong. If a toothache should arise, first rinse the mouth with warm water. After rinsing, make sure to carefully floss around the tooth, removing any food particles that could be causing pressure. If you have any swelling, apply a cold bag of peas or a cold pack to the outside of the affected area. Do NOT place a painkiller such as aspirin directly on the gums or on the tooth in question as this can cause tissue damage.
Teeth that are partially dislodged need to be treated immediately. For comfort and to reduce swelling, you can place a cold pack on the outside of the cheek or mouth near the affected area. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also help relieve discomfort.
Broken or chipped teeth may or may not cause pain immediately, but they still need to be repaired as soon as possible. If you can, save any pieces of the tooth that have broken off. Rinse both the broken pieces and your mouth with warm water. If you experience any bleeding, place a moist tea bag or some gauze on the area for 10 minutes. The bleeding should stop by them. In order to prevent swelling and alleviate discomfort, you can apply a cold pack or cold bag of peas to the outside of the area.
Foreign objects stuck between teeth should be removed by a dentist such as Dr. Steedman if you are unable to remove it by gently flossing.
Lost fillings leave an empty space inside a tooth. For a temporary cover, place a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity. This will prevent food particles from getting trapped in the cavity until you can visit the dentist. It is important to use sugarless gum as a sugared gum will cause sensitivity and discomfort. If available, you can also use over-the-counter dental cement.
Abscesses are tissue infections that occur either between the teeth and gums or around a tooth root. Abscesses can seriously damage the surrounding gums and teeth. If left untreated, they can spread to other parts of the body. Visit our office as soon as possible if you think you may have an abscess. For pain relief before you can visit the dentist, rinse your mouth several times a day with a mix of lukewarm water and salt.
Please contact Smiles By Steedman today at 425-334-4087 if you, your child or another member of your family is experiencing a dental emergency. We are dedicated to helping you return to optimal oral health and comfort as soon as possible. With a dental office in Lake Stevens, Washington, we can assist families and individuals in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Machias, Cathcart, Everett, Marysville, Arlington, Granite Hills and the surrounding areas in Washington.