At Regency Dental, we know that it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a minor dental issue and a true emergency.
As a general rule, if you are experiencing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden swelling, you need immediate attention. Other clear signs include a loose permanent tooth, a visibly infected abscess on your gums, or trauma to your face that impacts your jaw. If you are ever in doubt, we encourage you to call our Omaha, NE practice immediately so our team can guide you.
What To Do Before You Reach The Dental Office
Remaining calm is the first and most important step when facing a dental crisis. Once you have called our office to let us know you are on your way, there are a few things you can do to stabilize the situation. For a knocked-out tooth, carefully pick it up by the crown (never the root) and keep it moist in a glass of milk. For swelling or a blunt force injury, gently apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in fifteen-minute intervals. If you are experiencing bleeding, apply firm, continuous pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a wet tea bag.
Managing Severe Tooth Discomfort & Dental Infections
A severe toothache is often a sign of a deep, internal infection that requires prompt professional care. While you are waiting to be seen by Dr. Ellingson, Dr. Spanel, or Dr. Nelson, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage your discomfort, but never apply aspirin directly to the gums, as this can cause a chemical burn. An untreated dental infection or abscess will not resolve on its own and can spread to other areas of your body. We will prioritize your visit to safely eliminate the infection and get you out of pain.
Emergency Care For Broken, Cracked, Or Knocked-Out Teeth
Accidents happen, and a sudden blow to the face or biting down on a hard object can easily fracture or dislodge a tooth. If a tooth is completely knocked out, time is of the essence; the sooner we can see you, the higher the chances are that we can successfully reimplant it. For a cracked or broken tooth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and bring any broken fragments with you. We utilize advanced in-house technology, including our CEREC milling machine, which often allows us to restore a broken tooth with a permanent ceramic crown in just one visit.
Addressing Lost Fillings, Crowns, & Restorations
It can be alarming to feel a hard object in your mouth while eating, only to realize you have lost a filling or a custom crown. While this might not always cause immediate pain, it leaves the underlying vulnerable tooth structure completely exposed to bacteria and temperature changes. Please do not attempt to permanently glue the restoration back in place yourself. Call our office right away so we can properly clean the tooth and securely reattach or replace your dental work, preventing further decay or structural damage.
How Prompt Treatment Can Help Prevent Further Damage
Ignoring a dental emergency is never a good idea. What might start as a minor fracture or a small, nagging ache can rapidly progress into a severe infection or lead to the complete loss of a natural tooth. Seeking immediate care not only relieves your physical pain but also saves you from needing more complex, invasive, and costly procedures down the road. Our goal is to proactively treat the immediate issue while preserving as much of your natural, healthy smile as possible.
Planning Follow-Up Care After A Dental Emergency
Once we have successfully stabilized your emergency and completely eliminated your pain, our commitment to your health continues. Before you leave our Omaha, NE office, we will sit down with you to discuss a comprehensive follow-up plan. Whether you need a final restoration, an evaluation for a dental implant, or targeted preventative strategies to protect your teeth from future injuries, we will partner with you to ensure your smile remains strong, balanced, and perfectly healthy for years to come.