No one ever plans to have a toothache or deal with a knocked-out tooth. These kinds of dental issues always
seemingly come out of nowhere and never occur during regular business hours. Dr. Gramse understands that
life is unpredictable, and if you’re experiencing dental pain, the last thing you want to do is wait. That is
why, as an emergency dentist in Springfield, she’s happy to offer immediate help to patients who need it right
away. If you or a loved one is hurting, just give us a call, and we’ll do
everything we can to get you in as soon as possible.
Why Choose Dr. Laura Gramse Family Dental Care for Emergency Dentistry?
Same-Day, After Hours, & Weekend Emergency Appointments
Emergency Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
Convenient Dental Office Locations in Springfield & Palmer
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Initial Call: You can call us any time if you have a dental emergency, and a team member will walk you
through what to do. This could include going over first-aid to help with immediate symptoms, and they will
also help you get scheduled in the office right away if necessary.
Emergency Exam: Once you arrive, we’ll perform a visual exam and take X-rays so we can determine the
exact source and scope of your emergency.
Treatment Proposal: We’ll share our findings, discuss your treatment options, and alleviate your
current pain so that you can choose the approach that best works for you.
Application: Any treatments you’ve agreed to will be performed, and we’ll schedule a follow-up
visit so we can provide further repairs if needed.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
While many situations can be labeled as a “dental emergency,” below are just a few examples of some
we frequently treat. Of course, we recommend giving us a call if you even suspect you have an urgent dental
problem—always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your teeth!
Many people avoid scheduling an emergency dental appointment because they are concerned about one
thing—the bill. This is perfectly understandable, but the truth is that putting off treating a dental
issue will always result in it costing more. Dental problems only get worse over time, meaning they
require more extensive (i.e. expensive) procedures to treat. That’s why being proactive and taking
advantage of our flexible emergency appointments is highly recommended for your health, comfort, and
wallet.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
If you are struggling with a toothache, there is a pimple-like bump on your gums, or you’ve knocked out a tooth, you can have peace of mind knowing you can turn to our Springfield dental team for help. That said, the ideal scenario is to not deal with dental emergencies at all. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to help yourself (and your loved ones) avoid them, like:
Committing to Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Simply put, daily brushing and flossing are the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. So, if you aren’t already, make sure that you’re brushing for two full minutes each morning and evening as well as flossing every night before you go to bed. It’s also important to rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash for 30-60 seconds, replace your toothbrush every quarter, and avoid using any expired products.
Scheduling a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Twice a Year
Routine dental checkups are crucial because they ensure we can stop cavities, toothaches, and every dental problem you can imagine before it becomes serious or painful. The cleaning portion of your visit is equally as important because it allows us to remove plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of common oral health problems in the future. In short, if it’s been longer than six months since you’ve visited us, it’s time to get your next appointment on the calendar!
Not Using Your Teeth as Tools
When the scissors are in a different room, you might be tempted to use your teeth to remove plastic wrapping. Don’t! Using your teeth as tools increases your risk of sustaining a serious dental injury considerably. So, use the appropriate tool instead. For the same reason, we don’t recommend biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or putting pens or pencils in your mouth.
Avoiding Hard and Sticky Foods
Taffy, peanut brittle, candy canes, and hard pretzels may be delicious, but they can wreak havoc on your oral health. That’s why we recommend avoiding hard and sticky foods entirely. Instead, incorporate foods into your diet that benefit your smile, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This will help prevent dry mouth while also removing residue and food particles.
Wearing a Mouthguard
Lastly, make sure you wear a mouthguard during contact and non-contact sports so your teeth and gums are protected from unforeseen impact. It’s also important to wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. If you don’t have one already, that’s okay – we can have a custom one made for you. That way, it fits comfortably while reducing your risk of chips, cracks, and fractures.
