Emergency Dental Information in Topsham ME

While we always strive to be careful about our welfare and that of others, sometimes accidents do happen. Most people know what to do when someone hurts an arm or leg, but a dental emergency in Topsham ME often renders us helpless about what to do next.

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Count on Us for Emergency Dental Care in Topsham ME

We know that dental emergencies can be both frightening and stressful. As such, when you have an urgent dental problem, our team at Androscoggin Dental Care will work to figure out the source of the issue as quickly as possible so that we can put a stop to your pain, repair the damage to your smile, and protect your teeth and gums from further harm. You shouldn’t have to wait any longer than necessary for a solution to your urgent dental issues, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re in need of an emergency dentist in Topsham.

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How We Treat Dental Emergencies in Topsham ME

Upon receiving your call, one of our team members will take the time to learn more about your issue and the symptoms you’re experiencing. We can give you any first-aid tips you may need, and we’ll work to make room in our schedule (ideally on the same day) for an emergency dental appointment.

After you get to our dental practice, we won’t waste any time examining your mouth in order to narrow down what the issue is. We’ll go over our findings with you and create a treatment plan. When we recommend a service, we will also give you an estimate of how much it will cost. Once you have agreed to a treatment, we’ll move forward with the process of restoring and protecting your smile.

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The Most Common Dental Emergencies

It’s not always clear which dental issues are urgent and which aren’t. Below are some examples of issues that our team can help you with. If you experience any of these problems, get in touch with us right away; we’ll listen carefully as you explain your circumstances, and we’ll help you figure out whether or not an emergency appointment will be needed to protect your oral health.

While a professional should always be the final stop in any dental emergency, there are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the problems before going in for treatment.

Toothaches

• With toothaches, it is always important to gently clean around the affected tooth. Warm salt water is good for removing food and other foreign matter from the area. If there is pain, do not use aspirin, as this thins the blood and is not suitable for an area like a tooth or gums.
• Acetaminophen, commonly found in painkillers like Tylenol, is a better alternative. Also, be sure to use a cold compress, and, if the pain persists for more than a day, schedule a dental appointment.

Bleeding After Loss Of Baby Tooth

• Lost a baby tooth and now it's bleeding? Get a piece of gauze, fold it, and apply it gently but firmly to the affected area. Have the child gently bite down to apply pressure for about 15 minutes, which should ensure that proper clotting and closure occurs. If this doesn’t happen, visit a dentist for emergency treatment.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

• It may be possible to preserve the tooth and keep it in the mouth with quick action. Retrieve the tooth by the crown (top) and do not touch the root. Rinse it for foreign matter like dirt or dust, but don’t clean it too thoroughly and wash off actual tooth enamel. Reinsert the tooth if possible and hold it in place with cloth or gauze.
• If this isn’t possible, preserve the tooth in a container of milk or water and make an emergency visit to a dentist to see if the tooth can be properly reinserted.

Broken Tooth

• Clean out the area gently with a warm water rinse. If there’s a facial injury as well, apply a cold compress to the injured area to control pain and swelling. If any tooth fragments can be found and recovered, retrieve them, and make an emergency visit with them to a dentist.

Broken Jaw

• Prevent as much movement as possible by tying the jaw to the mouth with a towel, tie, or some other cloth that can keep the mouth closed and as immobile as possible. For this emergency, go to a hospital emergency ward rather than a dentist as this may require more general medical treatment.

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Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

It’s important to note that there are several variables that can affect the amount you pay for emergency dental care. For one thing, many dental insurance plans may be willing to cover the cost of an emergency appointment. Furthermore, the nature of your dental emergency will determine the kind of treatment you need, and some services are more costly than others. Rest assured that our team members will work to make sure that you are able to get the care that your smile deserves without breaking the bank.

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Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

It’s impossible to completely eliminate the chances of dental issues occurring, but you will be less likely to need an emergency appointment if:

• You eat fewer sugary and starchy foods that can lead to tooth decay.
• You put a stop to habits that are bad for your oral health, such as smoking.
• You open packages with scissors instead of your teeth.
• You take the time to brush thoroughly at least two times a day.
• You visit our office twice a year for a preventive checkup and cleaning.
• You wear a mouthguard while playing sports. (You should also wear a nightguard if you suffer from nighttime teeth grinding.)

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If an emergency occurs, the most important thing to do is maintain calm. Panic in an emergency situation just means that nothing gets done efficiently. Acting in a calm, controlled manner will do more to solve a dental emergency than panic. Contact our team at Androscoggin Dental Care for more information.