Reliable Emergency Dentist in Winston Salem, NC
Emergency Dental Care
It would be great if dental emergencies could come with warnings. But that’s rarely the case. Accidents, injuries, and tooth damage can occur at any time and often require immediate attention. That’s why having an emergency dentist who can provide you with the care you need can be a lifesaver. At Zackeru Family Dentistry, our emergency dentist, Dr. Jeffrey C. Zackeru, DMD, and his excellent dental team have the expertise and experience to handle any form of a dental emergency and are available to provide you with same-day treatment. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, and need to find an emergency dental clinic in Winston Salem, NC, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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What is a Dental Emergency?
Unlike a routine dental checkup, a dental emergency requires immediate action to address severe pain and discomfort caused by unaddressed bacteria growth or sudden facial trauma that may fracture or dislodge teeth and cause bleeding and lacerations to the gums.
Common urgent dental problems include:
- A broken or cracked tooth: If you break or crack your tooth while attempting to chew something too hard or playing sports, it’s crucial to see a dentist immediately. The sooner you come in, the more likely we’ll be able to reattach the broken piece to your tooth. Try to save any parts of the broken tooth, then gently clean them with warm water. Place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to the dentist’s office. You should also rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
- Teeth knocked out: If you have a knocked-out tooth, don’t touch the root. Only the crown to avoid introducing any bacteria to the tooth root. Try to put it back in the socket. If that doesn’t work, place it in a cup of milk or water to keep the roots alive until you can visit Dr. Zackeru for treatment. Use a wet, cold compress for bleeding.
- Extreme toothache: If you have tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, you have a dental emergency on your hands. The first step is to call our office then carefully floss around the affected area to remove any possible food or other particles lodged near the sore tooth. We also recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to alleviate inflammation and kill bacteria. Apply ice to the outside of your jaw to decrease any swelling.
- Injuries affecting your gums: If you suffer an injury to your gums resulting in bleeding or tissue damage, contact us immediately. Meanwhile, you can clean the area gently with water and control the bleeding by applying a cold compress.
- Lost filling or crown: A lost filling or crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to attack from bacteria and other pathogens. If the crown or filling is still intact, try to put it back using dental wax or toothpaste. If you cannot secure it on your tooth, store it in a plastic bag and call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zackeru.
If you are in need of immediate dental care, call our Winston Salem, NC practice as soon as you can.
What Is Not a Dental Emergency?
While it’s important to address emergencies with your teeth promptly, some relatively minor dental ailments may not require emergency dental services. Sometimes dental problems that seem critical can wait for a few days, as long as you take care of yourself. So if your dental issue can wait for a couple of days, it isn’t a dental emergency. You can schedule an appointment with our office for a checkup. Here are some non-urgent dental issues:
- Chipped tooth: If your tooth is chipped but doesn’t hurt, you can likely wait a few days to
- Minor toothache — If the pain isn’t severe and you don’t have symptoms of an abscess like a high fever, swelling, or bumps on the gums, you can wait and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zackeru for treatment.
How to Avoid a Dental Emergency
The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to be proactive about your oral health by maintaining proper oral hygiene and having routine checkups with your dentist. When you come in for your dental checkup, Dr. Zackeru and his team will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, infection as well as loose crowns and fillings. This way, we can catch and address any issue before it develops into an emergency. You should also pay attention to what your body and teeth tell you and watch out for signs that you may be heading toward an emergency.
Other precautions to help you avoid the need for immediate dental care include:
- Mouthguard for sports: If you play any sports, always wear a mouthguard to help absorb any sudden impact to your face.
- Avoid chewing on ice and hard foods as they can crack your teeth.
- Use scissors to cut things – never use your teeth.
How Can I Manage The Pain?
Most dental emergencies can cause you a lot of pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen and topical relievers, like Orajel, can help reduce the pain. Applying a cold compress can also alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. But remember that even when the pain begins to subside, it’s critical that you still visit our office for treatment as soon as you can.
Do You Need Emergency Dental Work? Call Zackeru Family Dentistry!
When you need emergency dental care, immediate action is vital to prevent the situation from getting worse. At Zackeru Family Dentistry, we’re always available to provide you fast relief from your dental emergency. If you need an emergency dental clinic, we offer same-day appointments to help alleviate your symptoms as soon as possible. If you need emergency dental treatment, contact us today to schedule an emergency dentist appointment!