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 know 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 keeps you in good oral health and prevents 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 need 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. We have options like dental implants and crowns if we can’t place it back in.
- Broken or Cracked Teeth: Teeth can break or crack because of an injury, biting hard foods, or underlying decay. These situations can expose sensitive nerves and will need quick 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:
- Knocked-out tooth: If you can find the tooth, hold it carefully by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse the tooth and try to place it back in its socket, and bite down gently. If this doesn’t work, keep it moist in a cup of saliva. Call us and try to get to our office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- 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.
- 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. We may be able to bond the pieces back or may recommend cosmetic care if needed.
- Lost a filling or crown: If you lose a filling or crown and can’t find it, try to first rinse your tooth with warm salt water. 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 our dental practice with an 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
Getting prompt emergency dental care is important for your oral health and overall well-being. If you ignore a dental problem, it can quickly turn into a serious infection. That infection can spread beyond your mouth to other parts of your body. Dr. Fisher can often save a tooth that might otherwise be lost if you act quickly.
Dental emergencies are usually very painful. Professional treatment gives you faster and more effective relief than anything you can do at home. When you address problems right away, you also limit the damage to your teeth and gums. This can make your treatment simpler and less expensive in the long run.
Emergency Dental FAQs
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.
We welcome you to read answers to common questions about emergency dentistry in our Omaha, NE dental office.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Please call us first so we can prepare for your emergency. We do our best to see patients on the same day.
How can I get emergency dental care if I’m afraid of pain?
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful and can cause pain. Dr. Fisher offers sedation options to help you feel calm and relaxed and to get pain-free care at your appointment. He can also numb your mouth if needed. In many cases, you’ll feel less pain after getting emergency care.
How long does an emergency dental appointment take?
The length of your appointment depends on the type of emergency. A simple repair may take 30 minutes, while more complex issues like an abscess or root canal may take longer. Dr. Fisher will explain the timeline before starting your treatment.
Is it okay to take pain medication before my appointment?
Yes, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain before your appointment. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums, as this can cause tissue damage.
Get Urgent Dental Care Today
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.
We welcome you to request an appointment online if you’re not currently experiencing an emergency. Preventive care is the best way to avoid dental emergencies altogether!