What to Do in a Dental Emergency
When a dental emergency happens, it can leave you feeling lost and often in pain. However, modern dentistry allows many dental emergencies to be effectively treated, preserving or restoring your oral health quickly and getting you back to your normal daily life.
Following the dental emergency tips listed below will give you and your dentist the best chance of being able to resolve the situation and minimize its impact on you. Take a look at these common dental emergencies to see what you can do to help preserve your oral health.
A Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
First, locate the tooth and assess whether it is broken or whole. Be careful to hold it by the crown, as the tooth roots are delicate and could break. Take the tooth or tooth pieces and rinse it in warm water or milk, without using soap, to clean off any debris.
If the tooth is whole, try to gently place it back in the empty socket. Otherwise, keep it stored in milk until you can see the dentist – this will increase the chances that the tooth can be successfully reattached.
A Tooth Has Been Fractured or Broken
Rinse your mouth immediately with warm saltwater to wash out bacteria and lower the chances of a tooth infection. If the tooth has broken, apply a cold compress to that area of your face, to reduce swelling and help slow any bleeding. Make a dental appointment as early as possible so that the dentist may examine the damage and take steps to restore your tooth.
Severe Pain in Your Tooth or Jaw
Pain can come from a number of sources, and it is not always easy for the brain to determine its source. Jaw pain, for example, can be due to anything from an infection to teeth grinding, each of which require a different approach. Even sinus infections can sometimes present tooth pain, though the teeth may be perfectly healthy.
Make careful note of your pain, including the location and severity, and any accompanying symptoms. Call and discuss these symptoms with the dental office, so they can make a preliminary evaluation and schedule an appointment for you to come in as early as possible.
Until your appointment arrives, you may use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. A cold compress may also be briefly applied to the cheek in the affected area. Do not apply ice directly to the tooth, as it can cause further complications.
Contact the Dentist as Soon as Possible
Dental emergencies may be inconvenient, but it is important to address them as quickly as possible. The longer the delay, the greater the chance of complications that require more extensive work.
If you are dealing with a dental emergency, contact Niguel Family Dentistry today. Dr. Mahran and her team will work to see you as soon as possible, and make every effort to restore your dental health.