Emergencies are not uncommon when it comes to dentistry, and yet they are not so common that everyone knows how to deal with one when it arises. Thus, in addition to offering emergency dental care, your Katy TX dentist, Dr. Colin Lathrop, strives to keep his patients informed about responding to emergency situations. A dental emergency may refer to a variety of unsavory occurrences including a cracked tooth, a broken tooth, a tooth that becomes loose after a blow, a knocked-out tooth, or even a severe bite of the tongue, cheek, or lip. Caring for each of these of emergencies may require differing approaching, but one step should always remain the same: get into contact with your Katy TX emergency dentist, quickly. Dr. Lathrop’s experience with dental emergencies will allow him to respond to your emergency to restore your oral health.
Steps You Can Take in Various Emergencies
Even before you arrive at our dental office, there are several things you can do to begin responding to a dental emergency. The following list separates these steps according to common emergency situations.
- Knocked-out tooth. When a tooth is knocked out, your first priority is to find the tooth. When you find it, handle it by the crown and rinse it clean with water. Your next priority is to keep the root of the tooth moist, meaning you should attempt to place it back in its socket. If you are unable to do so, place the tooth in water or milk. Then hurry to an emergency dental appointment.
- Loosened tooth. A that is loosened by a blow may need to be held in place by a splint in order for connective tissues to heal. Before that can happen, however, you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water and then move the tooth gently back into position.
- Cracked or broken tooth. If your tooth cracks or breaks, you should rinse your mouth with warm water. Then, if your tooth has a jagged edge, you may want to cover it with a piece of wax or sugarless gums.
- Severe bite. A severe bite is likely to result in a lot of bleeding. To stem the flow of blood, apply a damp cloth to the wound. If the bleeding will not slow and eventually stop, visit the emergency room.
Emergency Dental Care in Katy TX
If you fall victim to a dental emergency, prompt dental care is absolutely vital. Dr. Lathrop understands the importance of quick intervention and thus offers emergency care to patients and non-patients alike. When an emergency patient arrives, Dr. Lathrop and the rest of our team will strive to get him or her in for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
About Dr. Lathrop: Dr. Colin Lathrop is an experienced and widely respected dentist serving patients in the Katy TX area. Patient can contact Dr. Lathrop at 832-437-3849 to schedule an appointment or a consultation.
