Emergency Dental Care: Fast, Reliable Relief When You Need It Most
Dental emergencies require prompt treatment to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of complication. Sedation dentistry offers a valuable solution, as it alleviates fear and anxiety and helps patients cooperate during procedures. This is important for ensuring effective treatments and optimal outcomes.
Choosing an emergency dental care Bowling Green KY can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you find the right practice for your needs.
Sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful tool for patients with dental anxiety and for those who need extensive treatment. It enables them to receive necessary treatments in one visit without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. It is also a great option for those who have a sensitive gag reflex.
There are several types of sedation, and the dentist will choose the right one for you. For example, nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling gas that is administered through an oxygen mask. This type of sedation is mild and helps you remain awake, but it makes you feel relaxed. Other forms of sedation include oral sedation with prescription medication like diazepam (Valium) or midazolam syrup and single-drug intravenous sedation with lorazepam or diazepam.
The dentist will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure that you are safe and comfortable. You may feel groggy afterward, so you should have someone drive you home. You should also be aware that sedation dentistry is not always covered by insurance.
Tooth extractions
Tooth extractions are the only treatment available for some dental emergencies. These include severe fractures below the gum line, impacted wisdom teeth, and traumatic tooth injuries. These problems can worsen and cause other health issues if left untreated. To prevent complications, it is essential to contact a dentist immediately. In most cases, the doctor can perform a tooth extraction on a same-day basis.
The procedure begins by numbing the tooth, jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue with local anesthesia. The doctor may also use a surgical tool to firmly rock the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. This can cause pressure but not pain, since the nerves that transmit pressure are numb. The doctor will then remove the tooth from its socket and place a clot to promote healing.
The most common reason for a tooth extraction is severe decay, which can damage or loosen adjacent teeth. A tooth can also be extracted due to a broken tooth, or to make room for orthodontic treatments.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are often used to add strength to weak, cracked or decayed teeth. They can also be used to replace large broken-down fillings. They come in different forms, including PFM (porcelain fused to high-noble metal), full gold or stainless steel and all porcelain crowns. The latter are more natural looking, allowing some light to shine through them, like real tooth enamel does.
If a crown becomes loose or falls out, make an appointment as soon as possible. A loose crown can lead to pain, and the tooth beneath can become sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. If possible, keep the crown in a safe place and smear it with clove oil to alleviate discomfort. We will then check if it still fits, and reattach it to the tooth if necessary. If the root is damaged, a new crown will be needed. Dental emergencies almost always get worse if not treated quickly. Contact us for emergency dental care Bowling Green KY.