Orthodontic and Dental Emergency Care

Orthodontic and Dental Emergency Care

By admin March 30th
At Elko Dental Specialists, our team of experts comes from a wide range of dental and orthodontic fields. Our entire staff strives to offer the best possible care from a baby’s first tooth all through a lifetime of smiles. The combined expertise of our pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists allows us to conduct all types of treatment and procedures for our patients. Our combined expertise also prepares us for what to do in case of a problem or an emergency.

Minor Orthodontic Problems
- Pokey Wires, Ties, or Brackets
  
  If the end of a wire, tie, or bracket is poking or rubbing the inside of your mouth, an easy fix is to apply orthodontic wax over the piece that is causing discomfort. If a wire has moved and is starting to poke inside your mouth, you may be able to use a sterilized pair of tweezers, a Q-tip, or even a clean pencil eraser to gently move the wire into a more comfortable position. The last resort would be to try and clip the end of the wire with a pair of sterilized nail clippers, but we recommend that you call us before you try this.
- Loose or Broken Wires/Brackets
  
  If a wire, band, or bracket comes loose or breaks off entirely, the only solution is to schedule an emergency appointment so we can repair or replace the piece. If it is still attached to your braces, leave it in place and try not to touch it or move it around before your appointment. If the piece falls out, make sure to save it and bring it with you to the appointment.
Major Dental Emergencies
- An Injury or Trauma to the Mouth, Teeth, or Face
  
  If you injure your mouth, teeth, or face, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately. You may need an X-ray to determine how severe your injury is, and having orthodontic appliances may compound your injuries. A common occurrence is being hit in the mouth by a ball or something similar while playing sports, which is why it is important to always wear a mouthguard!
- Swollen or Infected Gums or Teeth
  
  It is possible for teeth or gums to become infected during treatment. This may be related to your orthodontic appliances, but can have other causes such as allergies or bacterial infection. If you experience pain or swelling around a tooth that gets progressively worse, seek professional care ASAP.
- Severe Pain in the Mouth, Teeth, or Face
  
  There could be several causes of this, such as an infection or injury. If you have severe pain that won’t go away, don’t wait! Get checked out as soon as possible to address your pain for the proper treatment.
What Should I Do In An Emergency?

Most problems you may run into during dental treatment will be minor, and most of the time can be handled over the phone. If you are experiencing a major orthodontic or dental emergency, DON’T WAIT call us immediately at (775) 753-6118.

We’ll schedule an emergency appointment ASAP. If you have suffered a severe injury that needs immediate attention, head straight to the emergency room. After you have been cared for, call us to explain the situation and we will make sure to get you in for an appointment. No matter what type of problem you may have, we are here to help you resolve it.

Whether you are dealing with a minor problem or a major orthodontic emergency, the first step is to give Elko Orthodontic Specialists a call at (775) 753-6118. Our team is eager to show you why so many patients in the Northern Nevada area trust our expertise to take good care of their smiles. Give us a call or use our online form to schedule a free initial consultation today.
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