Emergency Dentistry
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Smiles By The Lake
Richard Rhoads, Jr., DDS
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Overland Park, KS
In an emergency, every minute counts, especially when saving one or more teeth hangs in the balance. Don’t wait for disaster to strike to make a plan; knowing where to go for emergency dental care at a moment’s notice can make all the difference. Make Smiles by the Lake in Overland Park, Kansas, your go-to provider for dental emergencies. Richard Rhoads, Jr., DDS, and his experienced team can handle all the most common dental emergencies and can make accommodations to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. Book an appointment online or call the office today if you have any questions or if you’re experiencing an emergency.
Emergency Dentistry
What does an emergency dentist do?
An emergency dentist is specially trained and equipped to deal with dental problems that require immediate attention. The majority of dental emergencies involve saving a tooth that has been broken or knocked out. Every second counts in these situations, so seek immediate attention: seeing Dr. Rhoads in as little as an hour can mean the difference between saving a tooth and having to replace it completely.
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
In general, if you’re wondering if your injury is an emergency, play it safe and see a dentist as soon as possible. The most common dental emergencies usually involve:
- Knocked-out teeth
- A loose tooth
- Extreme pain in the mouth or near a tooth
- Bleeding from your tongue, teeth, or gums
- Traumatic injury to the face and mouth
- Swelling in the face and mouth
- A tooth that has been badly cracked or broken
Just because a tooth is slightly loose does not necessarily mean it’s in danger of falling out, but call the office in this case just to make sure it’s not an emergency. Similarly, children with loose baby teeth are typically just experiencing the natural loss of these teeth. Loose baby teeth are only potentially problematic if they’re caused by a traumatic injury.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
If you have lost a tooth, quick and decisive action is extremely important. With immediate dental care, you can save your tooth, so immediately get ready to come to Smiles by the Lake. If possible, have a friend or family member call ahead while you’re on your way to the office.
First, clean the tooth as well as possible, and rinse out your mouth. Be very careful when handling the tooth to avoid touching the tooth root, and use lukewarm water to rinse it. Lightly place the tooth back in place and bite down gently on some gauze to try and keep it in place. If you can’t put the tooth back in your mouth for some reason, the goal is to keep it moist and preserved on the way to the dentist. Try keeping it in your cheek next to the socket, or in a glass of milk if possible.
If you have a dental emergency, visit Smiles by the Lake immediately, or call the office if you have any questions.
