Emergency Dentist — Ashwaubenon, WI

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

• Contact us right away. Time is of the essence in any emergency situation. If you get to our office quickly enough, we’ll be able to quickly restore your smile. Over the phone, an experienced team member will share tips to help manage your problem in the meantime.
• Have an emergency exam. When you get to our office, we’ll conduct a detailed oral examination to identify the cause of your emergency. Based on our findings, we’ll create a custom treatment plan to address your situation.
• Get the care you need. Our team might be able to temporarily relieve your pain during your appointment. However, you may have to return for additional treatment like fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, and extraction.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

The first step you should always take when it comes to dealing with a dental emergency is to call our dental office. If we’re closed, just follow the instructions on our answering machine to contact our emergency hotline. While you’re getting ready to come to our dental office, follow the tips below to help ease your discomfort and prepare for your visit. Our team will also be happy to provide you with first-aid guidance over the phone if necessary.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

The cost of your dental emergency treatment will depend on what type of procedure you need to address the problem at hand. For example, if you’re experiencing dental sensitivity as a result of a cavity, a tooth-colored filling would be a less expensive treatment than if you had a tooth infection, which would require root canal therapy and a crown. We’ll walk you through all of your options during your emergency checkup before we begin any treatments. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect financially.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

There are some simple precautionary measures you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency, including:

• Maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Limit your sugar intake.
• Wear a mouthguard to bed if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
• Don’t chew on things like ice, pens, pencils, fingernails, etc.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a highly misunderstood dental treatment that is often described as painful, but that’s not the case. The discomfort associated with this treatment is actually what it cures. When a tooth infection attacks the vulnerable and sensitive nerves within a tooth, it can result in a severe toothache, which is the pain that many people associate with the treatment. However, we use root canal therapy to stop this kind of discomfort and save the tooth.

TMJ Therapy

If you experience head, neck, or jaw pain associated with a dysfunctional jaw joint (called the TMJ), our team at Brodhagen Dental Care can help. We can diagnose the underlying issue and create a treatment plan to provide you with long-lasting relief. All of our TMJ therapy options can be customized to fit your needs, including occlusal adjustments and splints.

Dental Emergency FAQs 

Reading through the above information can give you valuable insight into everything from the common types of dental injuries to preventive tips. However, to be as prepared as possible, you may still have some questions on your mind. Well, we want to help! Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from patients regarding a dental emergency in Ashwaubenon.

Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Despite popular belief, toothaches do not heal on their own. In fact, a once-painful toothache that has “disappeared” may actually be an indicator the infection has damaged the nerve of the tooth! Therefore, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. From there, they can determine the root of the problem and put a plan in place to restore the look and function of your smile.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

If your dental emergency has resulted in a potentially life-threatening condition, like difficulty breathing or a broken jaw, then you should head to your local emergency room first. However, ERs typically don’t have dentists on staff, meaning they won’t be able to address dental emergencies effectively. Therefore, with all other smile-related injuries (lost filling, knocked-out tooth, etc.), your first call should be to your emergency dentist in Ashwaubenon.

My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt. Do I Still Need a Dental Visit?

Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although you may not be in any pain, the inner layers of your tooth could be vulnerable to damage. Plus, your chipped tooth may break further without professional attention, resulting in sensitivity, soreness, and overall discomfort. With that being said, you can most likely afford to wait a day or two until your appointment if needed. Just make sure you don’t put off seeing your dentist for too long.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dental Kit?

From a lost filling to a knocked-out tooth, dental injuries can be anxiety-inducing. To make the entire experience as stress-free as possible, preparation is paramount. You should keep an emergency dental kit accessible with these essentials:

• A storage container large enough to fit a tooth or restorations
• Sterile gloves
• Gauze pads
• Cotton balls
• Dental cement (or other temporary filling material)
• Denture adhesive
• Petroleum jelly
• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen
• Orajel
• Floss
• An ice pack or cold compress
• Contact information for your emergency dentist in Ashwaubenon