Emergency Dental Treatment in Birmingham AL
A dental emergency can force you to change your plans and even leave you frightened. Fortunately, your emergency dentist in Birmingham, AL treats dental emergencies, with the goal of restoring your smile health and easing your pain.
A dental emergency can mean a variety of different things—anything from a toothache to a broken tooth. At Cook Family Dental, we have the technology and skill to deal with these issues, restoring your wellness and your well-being.
Dental Emergencies in Birmingham, AL
In some cases, especially when there are only mild tooth discomfort and no swelling, patients are unsure whether their situation is an emergency or whether it can wait a few days. (Sometimes a chipped tooth or cracked tooth, for example, can wait a day or two if there is no swelling or pain.)
Your dentist in Birmingham defines dental emergencies as:
- Toothache, sometimes severe
- Extreme tooth sensitivity, sometimes made worse with hot or cold
- Broken tooth or restoration
- Tooth or restoration knocked out or knocked loose
- Broken or lost tooth replacement—denture, etc.
- Soft tissue injury
- Item lodged between the teeth or other locations
Of course, there are different emergencies, but typically they fall under or near one of the above points. However, if you’re unsure, we always want you to contact our dental office. It is easy for a member of our team to sort through your symptoms and make a determination that considers your comfort and your oral health.
Emergency Root Canal Treatment
A toothache with swelling or a blister on the gum may indicate a root infection that requires root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy means your dentist numbs the area and gently removes the infected root and pulp of your tooth to restore health and ease the pain. You may notice a day or two of mild discomfort following root canal therapy but a vast improvement over the pain that often accompanies the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be sufficient.
After healing, you return to our Birmingham, AL dental office for a permanent filling or a tooth-shaped dental crown. The latter is necessary if infection and treatment rendered your tooth weak and susceptible to breakage.
Lowering Your Dental Emergency Risk
Your dentist wants you to follow best practices for a healthy smile, which reduces your risk for a dental emergency and even gum disease.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least two times per day.
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental exams, teeth cleanings, and x-rays as needed.
- Call your dentist if you notice oral health changes like tooth sensitivity sooner rather than later.
- Never use your teeth as a tool to open a bottle or other similar tasks.
- If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard or the proper face gear.
- If you grind and clench your teeth (bruxism), remember to wear your nightguard during sleep.
At Cook Family Dental, we always want you to enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile.
Contact an Birmingham Emergency Dentist
When you have a toothache, swelling, or other dental health emergencies, we are here for you.
A
As a patient of Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to get emergency treatment when you need it. If your emergency occurs during business hours, we will do everything possible to see you the same day. After hours, you can
