Dental issues can arise anytime and can be particularly distressing when they occur suddenly and without warning. Although preventive dental care is essential to maintain good oral health, you may likely require emergency dental services at some point in your life. That’s why having a reliable dentist who can provide emergency dental care when needed is important. Thankfully, Houlik Family Dentistry offers Wichita emergency dentistry.
Dr. Joseph Houlik is available to help with any dental emergency, whether it be a broken tooth, severe toothache, or any other unexpected dental issue. Patients can rest assured that they will receive top-notch care and treatment to alleviate their discomfort.
Houlik Family Dentistry in Wichita, Kansas, truly understands the importance of quick and effective emergency dental care and is dedicated to providing it to its patients. Today we’ll discuss common dental emergencies and what to do if you experience one.
When to Seek Prompt Dental Care
While many dental problems can wait until regular business hours, others require immediate attention to prevent further damage or complications. Therefore, it is essential to understand what constitutes emergency dentistry and when to seek prompt dental care.
Broken, Chipped, or KnocKed-Out Teeth
Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth are common dental emergencies. These conditions can cause severe pain, swelling, and bleeding; if left untreated, they can lead to more severe dental issues. If you experience any of these problems, seeking immediate dental care is essential. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can provide temporary relief until you see a dentist.
Severe Toothaches
Toothaches can vary in severity, but severe pain is typically a sign of a more significant dental issue. If you experience severe tooth pain lasting more than a few hours, you need to see a dentist. Avoiding prompt dental care for a severe toothache can lead to more significant problems like abscesses or infections.
Gum Infections
Gum infections or abscesses can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection. If left untreated, they can spread to other parts of your body, leading to severe health complications. Signs of a gum infection may include sore and swollen gums, bad breath, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If you experience these symptoms, seeking immediate dental care is essential.
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Common dental emergencies include cracked or lost fillings, bridges, or dentures. They can cause severe pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating or speaking. Left untreated, they can lead to decay, infection, or other dental issues. It’s essential to contact your dentist immediately to have your restorations repaired or replaced.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries are considered dental emergencies and require immediate dental care. They can occur during sports or accidents, and if left untreated, they can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. If you experience a jaw injury, seek medical treatment immediately.
Our Emergency Dentistry Treatments
You have a trusted resource you can turn to. We offer emergency dentistry treatments to help get you back to feeling your best as quickly as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and treatment for our patients, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands when you come to us for emergency dental care.
Our treatments include:
Root Canal Therapy
When it comes to emergency dentistry, root canal therapy is a procedure that frequently comes to mind. The thought of receiving this treatment may produce anxiety for some. Still, it’s important to remember that root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth. It’s a process that involves removing damaged or diseased tissue and filling the root canals with a unique material. The ultimate goal is to save the natural tooth and alleviate discomfort. Although it may not be the most pleasant dental experience, root canal therapy can significantly affect your oral health and quality of life.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy is a crucial aspect of emergency dentistry. Without proper treatment for periodontal disease, patients risk losing their teeth and developing more severe health issues. Periodontal therapy is a comprehensive approach to treating gum disease that incorporates both non-surgical and surgical procedures. This therapy involves removing infected tissue, deep cleaning the gums and teeth, and restoring damaged areas with artificial bone or tissue. Our team is knowledgeable and skilled in administering periodontal therapy to treat patients in potentially life-threatening situations properly. Patients can effectively restore their oral health and improve overall well-being by promptly seeking our emergency dental care and receiving periodontal therapy.
Dental Implants
Losing a tooth is a dental emergency that can affect a person’s confidence and overall health. Luckily, dental implant technology has come a long way in recent years, providing a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for those in need. And in the case of emergency dentistry, dental implants can be an efficient and effective solution to restore a person’s smile and oral health quickly. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their dental health and boost their confidence.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
No one wants to experience a dental emergency, and the good news is that there are many ways to avoid them. One of the most important things you can do is maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Good oral health helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, leading to more serious dental issues. It is also essential to avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like pens, nails, or ice, as this can damage your teeth and lead to an emergency situation.
Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings can also help identify potential problems before they become an emergency. Following these simple tips can help keep your teeth healthy and avoid any unexpected and painful dental emergencies.
And our custom mouthguards can be a great way to avoid dental emergencies. Custom mouthguards provide vital protection for teeth and gums during sports or physical activity.
Designed to fit the contours of a patient’s mouth, these mouthguards shield delicate oral tissue from damage caused by impacts, falls, or other accidents. While store-bought options may be less expensive, they carry the risk of poor fit, discomfort, and reduced effectiveness.
Customized mouthguards, created by our dental professionals, offer superior protection and comfort, ensuring that patients can enjoy their activities with confidence and peace of mind. When it comes to dental emergencies, it’s essential to take every precaution, and investing in a custom mouthguard is a smart move for anyone who wants to safeguard their smile.
Wichita Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can happen without warning and can be a frightening experience for anyone. You may be unsure of what to do. Seeking prompt dental care is essential to preserve your oral health and avoid further complications. Knowing what constitutes an emergency and taking the necessary steps to seek dental care can go a long way in ensuring you receive the treatment you need promptly.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Houlik Family Dentistry immediately, and our experienced dental professionals will ensure you get the care you need to preserve your oral health. Of course, emergency dentistry is a top priority, but the team also specializes in treating TMD, performing oral surgery, Invisalign, and more. Plus, they provide comprehensive family dentistry for patients of all ages. With their knowledgeable and experienced staff, you can feel confident that your dental needs will be taken care of with personalized attention and care. Whatever your needs may be, Houlik Family Dentistry has got you covered.
