Emergency Dentist – Lincoln, NE
Quick Relief from Dental Discomfort
No one is ever quite prepared to deal with dental emergencies, even though one in six Americans will face one every year. If you find yourself in this situation, you might not know what to do. You may not even be sure if the problem warrants attention from your emergency dentist in Lincoln. However, many dental emergencies are time-sensitive, meaning you should call us at Weber Family Dentistry right away when you have an oral health problem.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in two types: sudden injury, and infection that develops over time, typically as a result of poor oral hygiene. Dr. Weber is well-equipped to handle both, but here are some basic steps to take before you reach our office.
Toothaches
Gently floss around the area to dislodge any food debris that might be causing your pain. If you still feel discomfort, contact your dentist in Lincoln right away. Chances are you have an infection that requires a root canal, which removes the inner portion of the tooth to keep the infection from spreading.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Gather up all the pieces of your tooth that you can and rinse them off with warm water. Bring them with you to your appointment. We may be able to repair the tooth, but if the damage is too severe, a tooth extraction might be the best option.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Losing an adult tooth can be traumatic, but there’s still a chance it can be saved, provided to get to our office within the hour. Pick the tooth up by the crown, rinse off any debris, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, hold it in your mouth or a container of milk until your appointment.
Lost Filling/Crown
Your tooth underneath the crown or filling may be sensitive. To remedy this, you can temporarily reattach the restoration by covering the inside of it with dental cement, sugar-free gum, or even toothpaste. Once you’ve dealt with your discomfort, contact our office for a more permanent reattachment.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can never be completely prevented, there are some steps you can take to minimize their chances of occurring, such as:
- Brushing and flossing daily to reduce infections like decay and gum disease
- Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash
- Visiting our office for routine checkups and cleanings
- Wearing a mouthguard during physical activity
- Avoiding chewing on hard items
- Not using your mouth as a tool to open packaging or hold bags
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Because of the differing treatments that may be necessary, it’s difficult to estimate the cost of your emergency. A toothache, for example, might require a simple round of antibiotics or a complex procedure like a root canal, depending on your individual case. We never want you to have to worry about cost when it comes to treating your dental problems, which is why we accept most major insurance plans and even offer an in-house savings plan for those without insurance.