Emergency Dentistry Specialist
Juan M. Carrillo, DMD
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Richmond, VA
In a dental emergency, the best things to have on your side are decisive action and an experienced emergency dentist. If you lose or break a tooth, don’t spend precious time rushing to find a dentist. Just visit the office of Juan M. Carrillo, DMD, one of Richmond, Virginia’s most qualified emergency dentists. Dr. Carrillo can help you repair, restore, or replace any broken, chipped, or missing tooth, and can make time for same-day appointments for emergency patients. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the office or use the online scheduling tool.
Emergency Dentistry Q & A
What is emergency dentistry?
An emergency dentist is trained to treat oral and dental injuries that require immediate attention, most often broken or knocked out teeth. If you knock out or break one of your teeth, visiting Dr. Carrillo within 30 minutes often saves your tooth.
How do I know if my injury is an emergency?
As a rule of thumb, if you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing an emergency, play it safe and seek medical care as soon as possible. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:
- Knocked-out tooth
- A loose tooth (if it’s a permanent tooth)
- Extreme pain in the teeth or gums
- Bleeding from the inside of your mouth, gums or tongue
- Traumatic injury to your face or mouth
- Swelling in the tongue, mouth or gums
- A fractured, cracked, or broken tooth
- A tear or laceration on or inside your mouth
If you have only a slight chip to a tooth, then you’re probably not in danger of losing the whole tooth. However, you should still make an appointment to see Dr. Carrillo as soon as possible to avoid any possible complications and to make any necessary cosmetic adjustments, including installing a crown or dental implant.
What do I do if I knock out a tooth?
If you knock out a tooth, it’s important that you react quickly and decisively to save the tooth. Immediately clean your mouth and the tooth thoroughly with warm water, but be careful to avoid handling the tooth by the root. Gently replace the tooth in the socket and bite down softly on surgical gauze or a bandage until you can get to Dr. Carrillo’s office.
If you can’t get the tooth back in your mouth, find a way to keep it moist and preserved. You can do this by storing it in a glass of milk, or by holding it in your cheek next to the socket. Have a friend or family member call while you’re on the way if possible.
If you need emergency dental care or if you have any questions, call today or visit our office. You can also make an appointment with the online scheduling tool.