Emergency Dental Care in Brentwood, TN
At Brentwood Dental Center, we promise to provide the care you need and want. We offer the latest in dental technology and a wide range of services so you can be confident in your treatment. Dr. Nelson and our caring staff understand that dental emergencies can be very stressful, and we work to ensure each emergency case is handled efficiently and as quickly as possible. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we strongly advise you to call and schedule your appointment immediately.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is concerned with unforeseen dental concerns that require immediate attention. Tooth emergencies can happen at any time. If you have questions about what constitutes an emergency or how to handle it when it arises, continue reading.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
One of the most critical signs of a dental emergency is swelling, especially if it interferes with breathing, a fractured tooth, or persisting pain. Urgent dental cases can also include the following:
- Broken teeth
- Severe toothaches
- Damaged crown
- Dental abscess
- Knocked-out teeth
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
Ideally, your dentist will catch an emergency before it arises during your routine dental exam. However, you should see an emergency dentist if you experience trauma to the tooth, swelling related to your mouth or jaw, persisting pain or sensitivity, bleeding gums, a broken tooth, or a crown that comes off. At Brentwood Dental Center, we have solutions to help you through your dental emergency.
How Can Tooth Pain be Managed?
You can use an NSAID over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen) taken in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol) as an effective way to manage pain. However, if the source of the pain is from the tooth, dental treatment is the only definitive way to correct your dental concern. Should aching or swelling occur, an antibiotic or steroid may be prescribed by your provider.
How Should Dental Emergencies be Handled?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Be prepared to describe your situation so we can triage over the phone and prepare for your visit. If your emergency occurs outside of office hours, you can leave a message on our voicemail or text our mobile number at (615)-880-9023, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you are experiencing an emergency like swelling or trouble breathing, please visit your local emergency room immediately.
Emergencies happen, but the best way to stay in front of a dental emergency is to be preventative. Schedule your 6-month dental exams, and we recommend radiographs be taken to check for cavities or root infections that may exist under the bone. Also, continue a good oral hygiene regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once daily, and avoid brittle foods that may damage your teeth or mouth.
What are the Most Common Dental Emergencies Handled at Brentwood Dental Center?
Along with several other dental services offered, the most common dental emergencies handled at Brentwood Dental Center are broken crowns, broken teeth, and infected teeth.
Broken Crowns: A crown is permanently bonded to the tooth, lasting between 10 and 15 years. However, crowns can become chipped, cracked, or broken without the appropriate maintenance. If your crown is fractured or loose, if you experience tooth or gum pain, or if you see visible changes to the tooth, your crown might need to be replaced.
Broken Teeth: A cracked tooth can sometimes be small and harmless. However, other times, it can cause your tooth to break. If you suspect a broken tooth, schedule an appointment right away. If you experience pain that comes and goes, sensitivity to temperature changes, swelling around the tooth, or a toothache when biting or chewing, this can be a sign of a cracked tooth. Cracked teeth don’t always cause symptoms, so remember to see your dentist regularly.
Infected Teeth: An infected tooth, often called an abscess, is a pocket of pus trapped within the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the tips of your tooth roots. Once this happens, your only option would be an emergency root canal or extraction. It’s typical for an infected tooth to go through cycles of symptoms, meaning the symptoms will come and go. However, these symptoms will eventually arise and not go away. An abscessed tooth is painful, and if you experience a severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, difficulty swallowing, pain when biting down, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a swollen face or cheeks, then make an appointment to see us right away.
Emergency Care at Brentwood Dental Center
We have state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology at Brentwood Dental Center, allowing us to capture an image at a lower radiation dose than traditional 2D imaging. With this technology, we can see all aspects of the tooth and bone. If you are experiencing an emergency, contact our office in Brentwood, TN, immediately. We will arrange a same-day appointment for an emergency consultation and, if possible, will provide same-day treatment.