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 strive to provide same-day emergency care to ensure the comfort, safety, and ongoing oral health of patients from our community and surrounding areas.
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, holding it only by the crown. Do not rinse the tooth. Do not scrub the tooth or attempt to remove any attached tissue. Place it in a container of milk to preserve the viability of the cells (for six hours). If no milk is available, wrap the tooth in plastic food wrap (keeps cells viable for about an hour) and transfer the tooth to milk as soon as possible. Do not wrap in tissue or cloth – this will kill cells very quickly. 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. Bring 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. Contact us to make an emergency appointment for evaluation and/or treatment. If the injury is severe or the bleeding will not stop, you may need to visit 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 actively prepare for a dental emergency, 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.
Do I Need a Root Canal Treatment? Helpful Information from Cowlitz River Dental
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a process by which a diseased tooth is cleaned and disinfected on the inside 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 Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team help patients preserve more of their natural dentition with root canal treatment, all while treating the underlying cause of persistent discomfort.
Root Canal Therapy in Castle Rock, WA
When a tooth needs endodontic therapy, the infected tissue from deep within the root must be removed. The resultant cavity is then filled with a biocompatible material and a crown is placed atop the treated tooth. This crown’s purpose is two-fold; the crown protects the inside of the tooth from further damage, and it allows you to eat and smile with comfort and confidence.
Signs that one of your teeth may need root canal therapy include the following:
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Persistent pain localized to one area of the mouth
- Tenderness or swelling in the area surrounding the affected tooth
- The development of an abscess in the gums
- A change in tooth color (the decaying tooth may appear gray or darker than normal)
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is important that you make an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Root canal treatment can potentially save a diseased tooth before extraction becomes necessary.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Cowlitz River Dental, our primary objective is preserving your oral health and comfort, utilizing the latest technology in the industry complemented by a caring, personalized touch. If you or someone in your family is suffering with the pain of deep dental decay, Dr. Kennington can help. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to reserve your appointment, and experience the difference our patient-centric approach can make for you and your family. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves patients from Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, Castle Rock, and the surrounding communities.