Plano Dentist - Denton Wiginton, DDS

Plano Dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS stresses that Dental Emergencies should not be ignored. 

Dr. Wiginton’s office always reserves time for emergency patients to be treated the day they call with a problem.  Some frequently seen Dental Emergencies are:

• Items Caught Between Teeth

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends trying to first gently remove the item (i.e.: food piece like chicken fragment) with dental floss.  Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth.  If you cannot dislodge the item using dental floss, make an appointment with a dentist to get it removed.

• Cracked Tooth

This situation is generally accompanied with pain from a specific tooth or actual loss of a part of the tooth.  Most cracked teeth hurt because of biting pressure causing the crack to open.  Even if the crack is microscopic the nerve inside is irritated and a sharp pain is felt.  If the nerve inside the tooth becomes damaged or infected as a result of the crack, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.  A dentist can best help you determine the necessary treatment for your cracked tooth.  So, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and call a dentist.

• Loose Crown

If a crown is loose, but cannot be removed from the tooth, call a dentist.  If the crown can be removed, clean out any debris, coat the inside of the crown with Vaseline, and carefully replace it on the tooth.  This Vaseline coating is only a temporary measure until a dentist can be contacted to correctly recement the crown.

Dental Emergency Problems not covered in this blog may be found in additional blogs from a long time ADA member and Plano Dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS.  He has maintained an active dental practice in Plano for over 25 years.  He can be contacted by phone at 972-491-2244 or by email at drdentonwiginton@verizon.net or through his website at: drwiginton.com.

The Plano Dental Office of Dr. Denton Wiginton offers Emergency Dental Appointments every day because you never know when an emergency might arise.

Dental emergency problems should not be ignored! Continued dental neglect may result in greater amounts of time and money spent! Contact a dentist ASAP.

Some common examples of Dental Emergencies are:

• Bitten Lip or Tongue

A bitten lip, cheek, or tongue area should first be cleaned gently with a dampened cloth; then followed by applying a cold compress (i.e.: ice bag).  The ice bag application to the area may help reduce swelling.  Apply the compress at five minute intervals.  If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of a soft bite guard to help prevent further injuries to the lip or tongue, especially during sports or recreational activities that may pose a risk.

• Chipped Sensitive Tooth

Clean the tooth with a soft dampened cloth.  If any red interior spot is visible inside the chipped tooth, call a dentist soon.  If the tooth is reactive to cold or hot liquids for only a few seconds, a dentist can generally repair it without anesthetic using a bonded tooth-colored material.  Call a dentist to schedule a restorative appointment.

• Broken Jaw Possibility

Apply a cold compress to control swelling.  If pain is constant and teeth do not fit together as normal, go to the hospital emergency area immediately.  If the jaw is only sore and the teeth fit together normally, make a dental appointment to have an x-ray made to evaluate the jaw for a possible fracture.

Dental Emergency Problems not covered in this blog may be found in additional blogs from Plano Dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS, and a long time ADA member.  He has maintained an active Plano Dental Office for over 25 years.  He can be contacted by phone at 972-491-2244 or by email at drdentonwiginton@verizon.net or through his website at: drwiginton.com.