When you need oral health care, it’s not always clear whether your condition qualifies as a dental emergency. At Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, they say an urgent problem is essentially any instance in which you need immediate treatment to save a tooth.

While issues like gum disease or cavities do require swift attention, they’re not as urgent as the following types of dental emergencies:

• Knocked-Out Tooth: If one of your teeth gets knocked out in an accident, your family dentist may still be able to save it. Find the tooth, and try to avoid touching the root section when picking it up. Rinse it thoroughly, then place it in a cup of milk and contact the dentist right away to explain the situation. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it will be for them to save the tooth.
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth: If you didn’t lose a tooth but cracked or fractured it, there’s a good chance the damage isn’t just restricted to the surface, but is actually affecting the inside of the tooth as well. Your family dentist needs to see it immediately to determine if further treatment is necessary. Be aware if you have a tooth with a minor chip, it doesn’t constitute a dental emergency unless you’re also in pain.
• Loose Tooth: When you notice one of your teeth is loose, your first step should be to try and nudge it back into its original position. After doing so, contact your dentist right away and let them know it’s an emergency.

If you have a dental emergency in the Lincoln, NE, area, the dedicated team at Blome Family Dentistry will ensure you receive the care you need. Visit them online to learn more about becoming a patient, or call (402) 483-7000.