Dental and orthodontic emergencies often happen when you are least expecting them to. It’s important that you know how to handle common emergencies so that you can avoid further pain or discomfort. Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place if you are ever faced with one. Dr. Sankey and our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics are equipped with the tools and solutions you need to alleviate your symptoms. Here are some common dental & orthodontic emergencies, as well as some tips on how to manage your symptoms at-home:
Knocked-out Tooth
When a permanent tooth becomes dislodged, we consider this a knocked-out tooth. Often this occurs due to facial trauma or as the result of eating excessively crunchy foods. If your tooth is knocked out, try to locate it and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the tooth roots. Then, attempt to place it back in its original socket. If you are unable to do so, place the tooth in a glass of milk. Following this, make your way to the closest dental office. In many cases, a dentist can help restore health and function to your smile, as well as alleviate any symptoms you may have. If afterward, your orthodontic plan needs to be altered, our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics can work with you to coordinate the care you need.
Loose or Damaged bracket, tie, or archwire
We always recommend calling our office if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort due to your oral appliance. After you have scheduled your emergency orthodontic appointment, there are some things you can do at home to relieve some discomfort. If you have a loose appliance poking you or causing irritation, try placing orthodontic wax on the offending part. If the loose part has come off, be sure to put it in a bag and bring it to your appointment. In some cases, as the teeth begin to shift, you may experience a misplaced archwire. This may mean the archwire pokes the back of the mouth or may irritate the cheek area. In many cases, you may be able to use tweezers or a pencil eraser to push the wire down. Some patients choose to place wax on the wire to reduce irritation.
Toothache
It’s very common for patients to experience some soreness after they have advanced to a new Invisalign aligner or had their braces tightened. Additionally, as your teeth begin to shift into their new placements, you may also experience some discomfort. However, any severe tooth pain should be addressed as soon as possible by a dentist or orthodontist, depending on the source of the pain. To manage the symptoms of a toothache, try placing a cold compress to your cheek or jawbone. This will help reduce any facial swelling that comes with the toothache. Additionally, over-the-counter ibuprofen or other pain medications can be used to relieve discomfort.
Schedule An Appointment
At Flower Mound Orthodontics, Dr. Sankey offers emergency orthodontic care for those in need. Our goal is to make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. If you are in need of emergency orthodontic care, be sure to contact our office as soon as possible. Please call 972.539.4747 for a referral to after-hours on-call service.