Emergency Dentist – Midwest City, OK
Get Fast Relief from Dental Pain
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them and can often feel
scary – but do not worry! Our expert team at
Midwest Dental Center
stands ready to assist you in an emergency situation – often on the
very same day the accident or injury happens. Dr. Steven Kendrick has many
years of experience providing urgent oral care and will be able to quickly
reduce your dental pain and anxiety.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
There are two general categories when it comes to dental emergencies:
long-term infections, characterized by toothaches, and unexpected accidents
or injuries that can result in a chipped or dislodged tooth or other dental
trauma. At Midwest Dental Center, we are equipped to deal with any type of
dental emergency you may experience.
If you have a tooth infection or dental injury, do not wait to call to schedule an emergency appointment. You can also follow the basic first-aid tips below until you can make it to an emergency dentist.
Toothaches
While you may be tempted to treat a toothache as more of an annoyance than an emergency, dental pain is usually an indicator of an underlying infection or other serious issue. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers until you can come see Dr. Kendrick. If a dental infection has progressed too far, a root canal may be necessary.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth out with warm water and apply a cold compress to your check to reduce any swelling. Over-the-counter pain medicine can provide some temporary relief. It is important to seek urgent dental care right away. While a crown may be an adequate treatment if the tooth roots remain intact, an extraction may be necessary if the inner tooth is badly damaged.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Having a tooth knocked out is always a serious dental emergency that should be treated right away. If you can, try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket while avoiding touching the exposed tooth roots. If you cannot, place the tooth in a small container filled with milk before heading to our office.
Lost Filling/Crown
If a crown or filling falls out, rinse it off with water and try to reattach it using dental cement or denture adhesive. If you cannot, avoid chewing on that side of the mouth and contact our office promptly. Dr. Kendrick may be able to reattach your restoration if it is still in one piece and in good shape. However, a broken restoration usually requires full replacement.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Not all accidents and injuries can be prevented. However, there are some
simple precautions you can take to protect your smile and hopefully avoid
a trip to an emergency dentist:
- #1: Always wear a protective mouth guard when participating in basketball, football or other contact sports.
- #2: Avoid chewing on hard foods that can chip or crack teeth, such as hard candies, nuts, popcorn kernels or ice.
- #3: Never open packages with your teeth. Use a pair of scissors instead!
- #4: Practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent dental infections. Brush twice a day, floss daily and rinse with mouthwash.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
There is no one set cost for emergency dental care, as the appropriate
treatment will vary depending on your unique situation. Resolving a dental
emergency could be as straightforward as providing a prescription or as
complex as performing a root canal or extraction. Dr. Kendrick will be
able to provide you with an accurate cost estimate when you visit our
office for your emergency appointment. Remember, at Midwest Dental Center,
we are always committed to providing quality oral care at an affordable
price, so do not let any financial concerns put you off from seeking the
urgent care you need.