Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache that wakes you up at night, a broken tooth from biting down on something hard, or an injury that affects your smile, Dr. Jake Fisher and the team at Fisher Dental in Omaha are here to help. We understand that dental emergencies are stressful and often painful, which is why we prioritize emergency appointments to get you the care you need as quickly as possible.
At Fisher Dental, we believe that prompt emergency dental care is essential for preserving your oral health and preventing more serious complications. Our compassionate team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to address a wide range of dental emergencies effectively and efficiently.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can take many forms, and recognizing them is the first step to getting the right care. Here are some common dental emergencies we treat at Fisher Dental:
- Severe Toothache: Sudden or persistent tooth pain can indicate infection, decay, or other serious issues that require immediate attention.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, quick action can sometimes save the tooth. Gently rinse it (without scrubbing), and place it in milk or saliva until you can reach our office.
- Broken or Cracked Teeth: Teeth can break or crack due to injury, biting hard foods, or underlying decay. These situations can expose sensitive nerves and require prompt treatment.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: When a filling or crown falls out, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to further damage and infection.
- Dental Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause severe pain, facial swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. This requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, tears, or puncture wounds to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums may need emergency care, especially if there’s significant bleeding.
- Objects Caught Between Teeth: When something gets lodged between your teeth and can’t be removed with gentle flossing, professional help is needed to prevent damage to your gums or teeth.
What to Do Before Your Emergency Appointment
While it’s important to see Dr. Fisher as soon as possible during a dental emergency, there are steps you can take at home to manage pain and prevent further damage.
For a knocked-out tooth, handle it carefully by the crown, not the root, and try to keep it moist in milk or saliva. Time is critical, so try to get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
If you’re experiencing a toothache, gently rinse with warm saltwater and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum as this can cause tissue damage.
For broken or cracked teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If possible, save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
If you’ve lost a filling or crown, try to keep the restoration if possible. For a lost crown, temporary dental cement from a drugstore can help reattach it until your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and consider covering any sensitive areas with dental wax.
Remember, these are temporary measures. The most important step is contacting our office right away for professional care.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment
When you arrive at Fisher Dental with a dental emergency, our team will:
- Assess Your Condition: Dr. Fisher will quickly evaluate your situation to determine the severity and immediate needs.
- Relieve Pain: Your comfort is our priority. We’ll take steps to alleviate pain and make you as comfortable as possible.
- Diagnose the Problem: Using advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll identify the root cause of your emergency.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Dr. Fisher will explain your treatment options, including immediate solutions and any follow-up care that may be needed.
- Provide Prompt Treatment: We’ll address your emergency efficiently, whether that means repairing a broken tooth, treating an infection, or performing another necessary procedure.
- Offer Follow-Up Care: Some emergencies may require additional appointments to fully resolve the issue. We’ll create a comprehensive treatment plan if needed.
The Importance of Emergency Dental Treatment
Seeking prompt emergency dental care is crucial for your overall oral health and well-being. Untreated dental issues can quickly escalate into serious infections that may spread beyond your mouth and affect other parts of your body. Quick intervention by Dr. Fisher can often save teeth that might otherwise be lost to trauma or disease.
Dental emergencies are typically quite painful, and professional treatment provides faster and more effective relief than home remedies alone. By addressing problems promptly, you can also minimize the extent of damage to your teeth and surrounding tissues, potentially reducing the complexity and cost of necessary treatments.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t wait if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. Contact Fisher Dental immediately at 402-526-5091 for prompt, compassionate care. For after-hours emergencies, please call our office for instructions on how to reach Dr. Fisher.
If you’re not currently experiencing an emergency but want to establish care with a dentist who’s prepared to handle emergencies when they arise, we welcome you to schedule a regular appointment with Dr. Jake Fisher. Preventive care is the best way to avoid dental emergencies altogether!
At Fisher Dental in Omaha, NE, we’re committed to providing exceptional emergency dental care when you need it most. Your smile is our priority—in good times and in dental emergencies.