Emergency Orthodontic Care
El Paso, TX
 At Gross Orthodontics, we believe that patient education is the cornerstone of good oral health. Knowing what to do during an emergency can reduce your anxiety and make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. It can also save you an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.
Major Dental Emergencies
We understand that a dental emergency can be a serious and frightening experience. However, in reality, there are only a few true orthodontic or dental emergencies. Major dental emergencies include:
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Severe injury or trauma to the face, mouth, and teeth
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Severe pain or discomfort with no clear cause
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Infection, swelling, or abscesses in the gums, mouth, or face |
These types of situations require immediate attention. If you experience any of the emergencies listed above, be sure to go to urgent care or an emergency room as soon as possible. You may also be able to schedule an emergency appointment with your general dentist or an oral surgeon. A loose or knocked-out tooth is an extremely time sensitive situation. Thirty minutes could make the difference between saving and losing your tooth.
Trouble With Your Braces
If you wear braces, the chances are high that you will experience a problem with your appliance at some point during your treatment. The vast majority of these issues are relatively minor, but some may still require an immediate appointment. Fortunately, we always leave time available for these types of problems.
Eating certain foods that are sticky or hard can result in broken brackets, wires, or elastic bands. For this reason, we suggest limiting your consumption of problematic foods such as raw vegetables, gum, and candies. If you do experience one of these issues, be sure to give us a call so we can determine the appropriate course of action.
In most cases, we will ask you to leave the appliance alone so we can fix it during your appointment. If you have a misplaced or poking archwire, you can try moving it to a better position. You can also cover it with orthodontic wax if it is causing irritation or discomfort for the inside of your mouth. We may recommend clipping the wire if the protrusion is causing severe discomfort. Be sure to bring any loose or dislodged parts with you to your appointment.
General Pain or Discomfort
After your braces are first put on, minor pain or discomfort is normal. It can take some time to adjust to your new appliance. You may also experience general discomfort as we periodically tighten the wire.
This discomfort is usually evidence that your treatment is working and should subside within a few days after your latest adjustment. We typically recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever to combat any soreness. It is also normal for your teeth to become slightly loose during treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are amid a true dental emergency, be sure to seek immediate treatment, usually at an emergency room, urgent care, or your general dentist. If you are having trouble with your braces, call 915-615-6767 for our West side office and 915-751-7779 for our Northeast side office to schedule your consultation today! |
