Am I having an Orthodontic Emergency?
It’s rare that an orthodontic issue is an emergency, but when it does happen, it can be hard to determine if you need immediate care. Sometimes wires and brackets become loose and cause irritation, and occasionally pain, in the mouth. If this is the case, we recommend contacting your orthodontist as soon as possible during business hours. However, if you are suffering from an injury that’s causing continuous, sharp pain, it’s important to call your doctor immediately. Fallen teeth, though rare with braces, or a tooth that becomes loose, are also orthodontic emergencies and you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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Digital X-Rays & Imaging
Better diagnostics means better results. With modern imaging techniques, we can quickly and accurately assess your orthodontic emergency, and create a treatment plan right away, so you can relieve your pain and get back to your life.
After Hours Appointments
Orthodontic emergencies are never planned. We know that emergencies don’t just happen 9-5, that’s why we extend ourselves to help our patients when they need it most. Come into our office and get the care you deserve.
Schedule a Same-Day Appointment
If you’re having an orthodontic emergency, our care can be available right away. If you need to get help promptly, call us to schedule immediate care.
Problem-Focused Exams
When issues arise, our team can perform problem-focused exams (also known as limited exams) where we will directly address the issue. Limited exams allow us to focus on what’s hurting or injured so we can immediately treat your emergency.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Emergency Dentistry
Relieve Your Pain
There is no reason to live with pain. Orthodontic emergency treatment provides relief so that you can get back to your life.
Prevent Further Complications
Untreated emergencies can lead to more problems which is why getting immediate care will avoid any further complications.
Helps Straighten Teeth
If you have a bent wire or damaged clear aligners, getting immediate treatment will keep the straightening process on track.
What do I do in an Orthodontic Emergency?
Keep Calm & Reduce Bleeding
We understand that any emergency can cause panic. You may be worried about irreversible damage to the teeth or further complications. It’s important to stay calm and know that any problem can be solved with treatment. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with gauze to the affected area. Keep it in place until you can safely reach our office.
Control Pain
If you can’t wait for pain relief before getting in to see your Lawrenceville orthodontist, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can alleviate the pain and swelling you may be experiencing. However, it’s important to avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, as they hinder clotting and make it difficult to control the flow of blood. You can also relieve pain by applying a cold compress to the cheek or lip near the affected area.
Call Us Right Away
The most important thing is to call us right away. Even if you are unsure whether it’s an orthodontic emergency or not, we can help you assist the situation so you can get the proper treatment to solve the problem. If it is an emergency, our team will get you into our care as soon as possible to receive the relief you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
What is an Orthodontic Emergency?
Put simply, an orthodontic emergency is when you are in continuous severe pain, have extreme swelling, or a knocked-out tooth. When it comes to your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Give us a call and one of our team members will help decide if a visit to the office is necessary. If not, they’ll be sure to provide you with recommendations on effective home treatments.
What should I do if my bracket breaks?
If your brackets are loosening and aggravating your mouth, place a small amount of wax on the part causing discomfort. If a bracket has fully detached from your braces, put it in a small container, give us a call, and bring it with you to your next appointment.
What should I do if my braces are causing mouth sores?
Braces can often irritate the mouth, but luckily, there is a solution. Gently stick a small amount of wax to buffer the area between metal and mouth. This can work wonders for patients that are new to braces, and can especially help patients eat more comfortably. If you accidentally swallow the wax, don’t panic. The wax is harmless and won’t cause discomfort or digestion problems.