When you are experiencing a dental emergency it is important to act fast. Luckily, there are many resources to help you find an Emergency Dentist in Minneapolis MN. Reviews are an important part of this process because they can give you insight into a dentist’s experience and quality of care.
A 24-Hour Dentist is a dentist that is open at any time of day to assist with dental emergencies. These clinics usually take walk-in appointments and are available at least 6 days each week, with hours outside of normal dental clinics.
Toothache
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or pressure, that’s a dental emergency. This may be caused by untreated advanced gum disease, which can expose your root and nerves, or it could be due to a broken or knocked-out tooth.
If your toothache is accompanied by other symptoms, like fever or swollen glands in your neck, head or jaw, that’s another sign it’s time to get emergency care. Brush your teeth two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss between your teeth and use mouthwash twice a day to keep bacteria levels low.
Over-the-counter oral ointments and cold compresses can help alleviate pain until you’re able to see a dentist. If you’ve broken a tooth, try to locate the piece and put it back into its socket, cleaning the area with water and applying gentle pressure to control swelling. Also, don’t chew on the affected tooth until you see a dentist.
Tooth Injuries
Tooth injuries are a major reason to seek emergency dental treatment. If your child sustains a knocked out tooth, it is very important that the dentist sees them as soon as possible to assess the injury and determine the best course of action for saving the tooth. The nature of the injury, how quickly it is treated and the body’s response all affect the long-term health of the tooth.
Injuries to a fractured tooth can be managed by intraarticular splinting or hard tissue bridging. It is also important to monitor the progress of an injured tooth and to take the patient for regular follow up appointments, depending on the type of injury.
Any time you or your child experience pain and swelling in the mouth, rinse the area with cold water and apply a piece of gauze to control bleeding. For pain, you can give your child over the counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen (see label for proper doses).
Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful collection of pus in the tooth or gum tissue. It is caused by a bacterial infection. It can be a serious condition if it is not treated immediately. In addition to the pain, it can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing and a high fever.
If you have an abscess, you must see a Emergency Dentist in Minneapolis MN immediately. They will drain it to remove the pus and help you recover quickly. They may also recommend warm soaks or a warm compress. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics.
The area will be numbed before the procedure is performed. The doctor will cut open the abscess and drain it. They will then insert packing to minimize bleeding and keep the wound open for a day or two. The pack will allow the abscess to drain and prevent it from returning. The doctor will then place a bandage over the wound and give you instructions for home care.
Root Canal
Root canal is a treatment that can save a tooth that has become inflamed or infected. It removes the damaged tissue inside a tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If left untreated, the tooth may break or develop an abscess.
A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area before starting the procedure. A thin sheet of latex, called a dental dam, will be placed over the affected area to keep saliva and bacteria away from the tooth.
If the dentist discovers that a root canal has calcified or is blocked, they will stop and discuss other options. This may include retreatment or surgery like an apicoectomy.
After a root canal treatment, the treated tooth will feel sensitive for a few days. The pain is typically controlled with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen. To help the tooth heal, it is recommended that you continue to brush and floss as usual.