Emergency Care

Are you in pain? Do you have a tooth that hurts or gums that are swollen? A dental emergency can be one of the most uncomfortable positions that you’ll ever find yourself in.

Here are some of the most common types of dental emergencies, and what you should do if they happen:

Abscessed Teeth

Having a “pimple” on your gums is a tell-tale sign that the nerve of your tooth has become infected. It may or may not be painful, but if the infection isn’t treated by a dentist, it could spread to another area of your body. Fortunately, a root canal can save your tooth and your smile.

Knocking a Tooth Out / Breaking a Tooth Off

First, locate any broken fragments of your tooth. If the tooth was completely knocked out, gently rinse it off (don’t scrub it) and if possible – put it back into your socket – otherwise, store it in a cup of milk or contact solution. It is vital that you get to our dentist in Wellington within the next 1-2 hours, so that we can attempt to reattach the tooth.

Broken Dental Work

Do you feel a rough area where a filling broke off? Perhaps a crown or bridge even came off of your teeth? In most cases, this is due to new decay or a leaky margin around your dental work. You can prevent emergencies like these by seeing your dentist regularly and replacing restorations as soon as they show signs of aging.

When to Seek Care

If you are experiencing severe discomfort or have a damaged tooth that makes it too embarrassing to continue with your normal daily activities, contact Steven M. Miller, DDS immediately.

Even if you aren’t sure about what to do next, we invite you to call our office for advice. We will either work you in on the same day, or schedule you at your first convenience. Financing plans are available.