When you or someone in your family experiences a sudden dental emergency, you want to know that you’ll be able to get the urgent care you need right when you need it. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team provide same-day emergency care to ensure the comfort, safety, and ongoing oral health of patients from throughout our community.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can happen at any time. Keep the following guidelines in mind in case of an emergency situation at work, at play, or at home:
- Knocked out tooth. Collect the tooth carefully (avoid touching the root). Do not scrub the tooth or attempt to remove any attached tissue. Do not let it dry out. Rinse it with milk if it is dirty. Place it in a container of milk to preserve the viability of the cells and call us immediately. It may be possible to re-insert the tooth if you receive care in a timely manner. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply pressure with sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
- Severe toothache. Check for any foreign objects lodged between the teeth and gently floss in the affected area. Do not use any sharp or pointy objects. If pain does not subside, contact us to make an appointment.
- Chipped or cracked tooth. Retrieve any tooth fragments and store them in a moist paper towel. Schedule your emergency dental visit with our team, bringing the pieces with you. It may be possible to reattach them with dental bonding.
- Soft tissue injury. Gently clean the area and apply pressure to stop bleeding. A cold compress may be used to decrease swelling and provide pain relief. If the injury is severe and bleeding will not stop, contact us or your nearest ER.
If you experience any type of trauma to the mouth and are concerned about injuries or other complications, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you address and manage the situation properly until you can reach our office for emergency care.
Emergency Dentistry: Here for You and Your Family
While no one can effectively prepare for all dental emergencies, knowing that you have a caring, experienced team standing by to address your family’s most urgent dental needs is a priceless reassurance. Contact us today to learn more about how our emergency dental services can help you should the unexpected occur. Our Castle Rock, WA dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Longview, Lewis County, Kelso, and more.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a process by which the inside of a diseased tooth is cleaned and disinfected to prevent the total loss of the tooth. When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, the patient may experience pain and swelling; it is important to remember, however, that not all teeth in need of root canal therapy cause painful symptoms. At