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Dentist in Winston-Salem Explains Signs of Dental Emergencies [Video Guide]

Dentist in Winston-Salem, NC | Dental Emergencies [Video Guide]

As a patient, it’s not easy to distinguish a bothersome dental situation from a true dental emergency on your own. A clear rule of thumb is this: if you’re in severe pain, have suffered a broken tooth, or are showing signs of an infection, you should seek prompt dental care. As an emergency dentist in Winston-Salem, Dr. Keider addresses urgent dental cases. He treats the source of pain, addresses the underlying damage, and helps prevent the issue from becoming more serious.

Dentist in Winston-Salem Explains Dental Emergencies

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Dr. Keider is an emergency dentist in Winston-Salem who treats a wide range of urgent dental issues. Based on his knowledge, the following signs and symptoms mean you should seek urgent care:

  • Worsening or severe pain: Intense pain and throbbing can interfere with basic daily function. But the sensation is more than just uncomfortable. It’s a warning sign of worsening damage or underlying infection.
  • Knocked-out, loose, or badly broken teeth: When teeth are damaged, loosened, or completely knocked out, waiting even a short period can worsen the damage and make restoration more complicated.
  • Signs of infection: If you’re showing swelling, pus, fever, or trouble swallowing, delaying treatment could make the infection worse. If you have neck swelling, trouble breathing, or a fever, go to the ER, as these symptoms may be life-threatening.

If you’re showing these symptoms, it’s worth calling Dr. Keider’s office as soon as possible. When he learns about your situation, he will recommend the immediate next steps. For instance, he might suggest saving broken tooth pieces in milk.

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To manage pain and swelling until you can make it into the office, take over-the-counter pain relievers and use cold compresses.

Once you come in for your urgent visit, Dr. Keider intervenes based on your case. He might use dental bonding to mend a broken or cracked tooth. When teeth are severely damaged, he might recommend a root canal and crown to reduce sensitivity and restore the tooth’s shape. Sometimes, damage is so severe that he might recommend extraction. In that case, he can replace a missing tooth with a mini implant and crown.

Here’s What To Do After a Lost Filling or Crown

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If you’ve lost a filling or a crown, you might experience discomfort if the root is exposed. You may also have sharp tooth fragments exposed that feel uncomfortable against the soft tissue of your mouth. Thankfully, broken fillings and popped-off crowns usually aren’t dental emergencies. But they are uncomfortable, and Dr. Keider is happy to explain the best course of action when you call the office and describe your symptoms.

Here’s what you should do in the meantime. Use dental wax to cover exposed nerves and reduce discomfort. If the crown is fully intact, keep it during your dental visit. Sometimes, Dr. Keider can cement a crown back into place. Once he sees your situation in person, he can assess whether you need a brand-new crown or if the old one will suffice.

Once he establishes your treatment plan, Dr. Keider will rebuild your tooth to restore the structure, remove any sharp edges, cover the exposed nerve, and reduce sensitivity.

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Even when your situation isn’t a dental emergency, Dr. Keider still wants to put you in a more comfortable position. When you call our office because you’re struggling with sensitivity, we take it seriously. So reach out, and we will make it a priority to fix your broken restoration.

Need Emergency Care? Call Today

Are you struggling with pain, swelling, discomfort, or a cracked tooth? You may be experiencing a dental emergency. If you call with an emergency, we will do everything we can to get you in the same day, if at all possible, even if you’re a new patient. Patients of record will have access to Dr. Keider’s personal cell phone number for any pressing dental concerns. So if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give our office a call.

Dr. Keider has been an emergency dentist in Winston-Salem for over 30 years. He will help correct urgent dental issues and keep your teeth healthy for years to come. So call 336-750-6227 for prompt care.

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Matthew Keider, DDS

Dr. Matthew Keider has been providing comprehensive dental care for over 30 years. A Michigan native, he earned his DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, one of the top-ranked dental schools in the world. Since 1993, he has served patients in Winston-Salem, NC, prioritizing high-quality, in-house care. Committed to ongoing education, Dr. Keider completes up to 200 hours of advanced training annually in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. His specialized expertise includes root canals, TMJ treatment, and dental implants, with advanced studies at the Misch International Implant Institute, Dawson Center, and Tulsa Dental. He is a member of the Forsyth County Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. Keider minimizes referrals by handling implants, extractions, root canals, and restorative treatments within his practice. Patients-of-record can reach him after hours for emergencies, and he strives to offer same-day emergency appointments when possible. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, fishing, and traveling with his wife of 32 years and their two children. Dr. Keider and his team are here to provide personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. Call today to schedule your visit and experience a higher standard of dentistry!