Dental emergencies can be traumatic and potentially serious. Taking the proper steps prior to receiving emergency dental care can lessen the impact of injuries. It can also reduce the potential for extensive necessary restorative care later down the road. Dental emergencies happen to people of all ages and they never occur when it is convenient, but there are a few tips which can help you deal with these situations until you see the dentist.
Toothache or Abscess
A serious toothache can be bothersome and uncomfortable. You should first rinse gently with warm salt water to sooth the area. Carefully floss around the tooth to dislodge any small food particles which may be stuck, aggravating the situation. Apply a cold compress to the outer facial area and take acetaminophen for pain.
Knocked Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it is important not to handle it by the root and do not touch any tissue which may still be attached. Rinse the area gently with warm water and place the tooth in a cup of milk or Save-A-Tooth solution for transport. If the area is bleeding it may be necessary to bite softly on a piece of clean gauze. Seek emergency dental care immediately as there is a small window of time where the tooth may be saved.
Broken Appliances
If the appliance contains metal or sharp edges, and it can be safely removed, gently take it out of your mouth. If not, try to cover the sharp edges temporarily with gauze, cotton or even chewing gum. If pieces of the appliance become lodged in the soft oral tissues, do not attempt to remove them yourself. Instead, seek immediate medical attention.
Properly managing dental emergencies can ease their effects. Be prepared by keeping the emergency dentist’s contact information handy. This saves valuable time during an already stressful event. If you have questions about any of these situations, or you need an emergency dentist, schedule an appointment with our team at Fresh Dental today. Preparation and early intervention are the keys to handling dental emergencies effectively.
