Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to your mouth, getting quick care will stop the pain and prevent further damage. As part of our commitment to general dentistry, we provide urgent care to address unexpected dental issues and protect your oral health.
At Mallard Creek Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you during those stressful times. Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin offer prompt emergency dental services to get our Charlotte patients back to feeling their best as soon as possible.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation where you have severe pain, bleeding, or damage to your teeth and gums. Sometimes, dental problems develop slowly, but emergencies are sudden and need immediate care. Here are a few common situations that qualify as dental emergencies:
- Toothaches: Intense throbbing pain in a tooth can be a sign of infection or decay that needs urgent attention.
- Broken or Cracked Teeth: Get care right away for a chipped, cracked, or completely broken tooth to avoid further injury or infection.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin can save a knocked out tooth if you visit them within an hour. Time is critical in these situations.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown comes loose or falls out, the exposed tooth will cause pain. Severe sensitivity can be controlled with a new filling and crown.
- Bleeding or Swollen Gums: Unexplained bleeding, swelling, or pain in the gums can be a sign of infection or gum disease.
These are just a few examples of dental emergencies. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help if you have significant pain or discomfort in your mouth.
How Mallard Creek Family Dentistry Can Help
We are dedicated to providing fast and compassionate care when you need it most. Our team can address a wide range of urgent dental problems, including severe pain, injuries, and infections. Here’s what you can expect when you visit us for emergency care:
- Pain Relief: We know that dental emergencies can be painful. Our first priority is to help you feel comfortable by addressing the source of your pain and providing relief.
- Quick Diagnosis: We’ll carefully examine the affected area and take digital X-rays to get a clear picture of the problem. This helps us quickly and accurately diagnose your condition.
- Immediate Treatment: Once we know what’s causing your pain or discomfort, we’ll take immediate steps to treat the problem. This may include repairing a broken tooth, treating an infection, or performing a root canal if necessary.
- Follow-Up Care: After addressing your emergency, we’ll work with you to develop a plan for any additional care you’ll need. We’ll make sure you leave our office with a clear understanding of the next steps.
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How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While you can’t prevent every accident, there are simple ways to significantly lower your risk of dental emergencies. One of the smartest things you can do is wear a custom-fitted mouthguard whenever you play sports. These protective guards cushion your teeth and gums from impacts that could otherwise cause chips, cracks, or knocked-out teeth.
Your daily habits make a difference too. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly keeps your teeth strong and prevents decay between dental visits. Don’t forget those twice-yearly dental checkups either. Routine visits allow us to spot small problems like hairline cracks or weak fillings before they turn into bigger emergencies.
Other smart precautions include:
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that can crack teeth
- Using scissors instead of your teeth to open packages
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Keeping up with recommended treatments like fillings or crowns
Remember, prevention is always better than emergency treatment. Our team can help you create a personalized prevention plan during your next visit. A little care today can save you from pain and inconvenience tomorrow.
Keep our office number saved in your phone just in case. Quick action can often save a damaged tooth if an accident does happen.
Contact Us for Immediate Care
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait to call us at 980-550-5572. We’re here to provide fast, effective care when you need it the most. Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Rankin, and our team is ready to help relieve your pain and get your smile back on track.