Emergency Dentist – Norman, OK

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

We know that it sounds cliché, but it’s true: in case of a dental emergency, stay calm. When you’re calm, your brain can think clearly. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re able to stay calm is having an emergency dental plan in place. Dr. Carmen suggests having our dental office's number in your list of cell phone contacts. Our number is (405) 364-2200. If you call during the day, then we will do our best to schedule a same-day appointment. When you call us during a dental emergency, here’s how you can typically expect us to treat it:

• We’ll schedule an emergency dental appointment as quickly as possible, typically within the same day you call us.
• When you arrive, Dr. Carmen will see you right away for an emergency evaluation. He’ll also get you out of any immediate pain.
• Once Dr. Carmen has learned more, he’ll review his findings with you, and together, you’ll make a treatment plan for getting your oral health back on track.
• As soon as you’ve agreed to a treatment plan, our talented team will get to work right away to alleviate your discomfort and protect your smile.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is considered a dental emergency? Any accident or trauma to the mouth that fractures or knocks out teeth or causes bleeding and lacerations inside the mouth is considered a dental emergency. Whether a dental emergency happens due to a collision playing backyard sports or from biting down on a hard nut, it is important to see an emergency dentist right away. If left untreated, a dental emergency can lead to even more serious oral health problems.

However, not every dental emergency is easy to identify. If you experience any of the following emergencies, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us immediately.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Although Dr. Carmen is always ready to help in case of a dental emergency, he prefers to have patients avoid them in the first place. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple habits and precautions that can dramatically lower your risk of running into one of these scary situations! Read on to learn the five best practices for preventing dental emergencies in Norman.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if your teeth look and feel fine, it’s essential that you get a dental checkup twice a year! Oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, weakened tooth enamel, and many more often develop unnoticed until they cause a dental emergency. Regular biannual dental checkups help spot and stop problems as early as possible! Plus, since dental insurance almost always covers checkups at a much higher percentage than restorative or emergency dental services, these visits can potentially save you a lot of money as well as hassle.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Between dental checkups, one of your best defenses against a dental emergency is great oral hygiene. Bacteria and plaque naturally build up in your mouth throughout the day. If they’re not removed regularly, they can weaken your teeth, infect your gums, and put you at a higher risk of dental damage. To avoid this, be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly.

Be Careful With Your Diet

You probably already know that eating too many sugary snacks can give you cavities. But did you know that carb-heavy foods are just as bad for your smile? Similarly, some fruit juices, energy drinks, and sports beverages can be just as harmful to your teeth as soda. Watching what you eat is very important for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Eat lots of calcium and vitamin C to keep your smile strong and your gums infection-free.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you or a family member is active in sports, an athletic mouthguard is essential. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards that are made from an exact impression of your teeth and gums. These are far more comfortable than the ready-made ones available in sporting goods stores and are therefore more likely to be worn. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, you need a similar type of mouthguard called a nightguard. If you wake up with headaches or a stiff jaw, come see us so we can look for signs of teeth grinding.

Use Tools, Not Teeth, to Open Packaging

Using your teeth to open packages, hold bags, and cut your nails may all seem convenient in the moment, but they can cost you a lot of extra time, money, and pain if you chip or crack a tooth! You shouldn’t use your teeth on any inedible objects, as this weakens the enamel, introduces bacteria into the mouth, and one wrong move can damage your teeth. Instead, keep the right tools somewhere handy so you’re not tempted to put your smile at risk!