Emergency Dental Information in Windham ME

While we always strive to be careful about our welfare and that of others, sometimes accidents do happen. Most people know what to do when someone hurts an arm or leg, but a dental emergency in Windham ME often renders us helpless about what to do next.

While a professional should always be the final stop in any dental emergency, there are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the problems before going in for treatment.

Fast, Convenient Dental Care When You Need It Most in Windham ME

When a dental emergency occurs, it’s normal to be in a bit of shock. But before you allow panic to set in, remember that our team at Roosevelt Dental is here to help. Offering fast, convenient dental care when you need it most, we provide same-day appointments for emergency patients. No matter if you’re experiencing a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth, you can call us right away and know that our Windham emergency dentists and team will do everything we can to get you the assistance you need.

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

No two dental emergencies are the same. However, you can expect that we will follow a similar process when handling these types of cases. This includes:

• Scheduling an appointment – You’ll need to call our office and let us know of the situation. Based on your explanation, we will determine a time for you to come in and see our emergency dentist. While waiting at home, we’ll make sure you have the tips and first-aid techniques to minimize any pain.
• Undergo a thorough examination – Once you arrive at our office, we’ll escort you back to receive dental X-rays and imaging. We’ll then perform a visual examination and learn more about the situation that resulted in an emergency visit.
• Analyze findings – Using the images and notes gathered during our examination, we’ll analyze our findings to determine the underlying cause. This will allow us to create a personalized treatment plan that we will go over with you.
• Get your smile back on track – Once we review the detailed plan with you, we will begin to administer appropriate treatment so that your smile is fully restored.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies in Windham ME

Not all dental emergencies seem urgent. However, what might seem minor to you might actually be something quite serious. It’s always best to call our office and let us know of the situation before assuming it will just heal on its own. But if you’d like to know more about what constitutes a dental emergency, review the information below, as these are some of the most common injuries we treat.

Toothaches

• With toothaches, it is always important to gently clean around the affected tooth. Warm salt water is good for removing food and other foreign matter from the area. If there is pain, do not use aspirin, as this thins the blood and is not suitable for an area like a tooth or gums. Acetaminophen, commonly found in painkillers like Tylenol, is a better alternative. Also, be sure to use a cold compress, and, if the pain persists for more than a day, schedule a dental appointment.

Bleeding After Loss Of Baby Tooth

• Lost a baby tooth and now it's bleeding? Get a piece of gauze, fold it, and apply it gently but firmly to the affected area. Have the child gently bite down to apply pressure for about 15 minutes, which should ensure that proper clotting and closure occurs. If this doesn’t happen, visit a dentist for emergency treatment.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

• It may be possible to preserve the tooth and keep it in the mouth with quick action. Retrieve the tooth by the crown (top) and do not touch the root. Rinse it for foreign matter like dirt or dust, but don’t clean it too thoroughly and wash off actual tooth enamel. Reinsert the tooth if possible and hold it in place with cloth or gauze. If this isn’t possible, preserve the tooth in a container of milk or water and make an emergency visit to a dentist to see if the tooth can be properly reinserted.

Broken Tooth

• Clean out the area gently with a warm water rinse. If there’s a facial injury as well, apply a cold compress to the injured area to control pain and swelling. If any tooth fragments can be found and recovered, retrieve them, and make an emergency visit with them to a dentist.

Broken Jaw

• Prevent as much movement as possible by tying the jaw to the mouth with a towel, tie, or some other cloth that can keep the mouth closed and as immobile as possible. For this emergency, go to a hospital emergency ward rather than a dentist as this may require more general medical treatment.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies

You may be tempted to forgo emergency dental care because you fear how much it will cost. This is probably the worst thing you can do, as neglecting essential treatment will only lead to more serious and harmful results. Instead, you will find that if you are using your dental insurance, most companies offer one emergency exam each year, and minor and major restorative services may be covered anywhere from 50 to 80%. Our team will review your plan to determine how much you can expect to pay out of pocket as well as ways to reduce your expenses while getting the care you need.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

You cannot expect to avoid all dental emergencies. No matter how diligent you are with your oral hygiene or how careful you might be, accidents still happen. But you can take certain precautions to minimize your chances of ending up at the emergency dental office, such as:

• Keeping up with your six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings with our Roosevelt Dental team.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly.
• Wearing a protective mouthguard if you choose to engage in sports or if you are prone to grinding your teeth at night.
• Eating a diet that is rich in calcium, lean protein, and other nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals.
• Giving up bad habits that will only put your smile at risk, including smoking, eating ice, and chewing on inanimate objects like pens and pencils.

Dental Emergency FAQ's