How to React in a Dental Emergency
Not every dental issue is an emergency, and therefore you need to learn when to make a visit to an emergency dentist and when to wait. In most dental emergencies you can expect severe pain, bleeding from the mouth, a loose or knocked out tooth or even an infection. Ignoring any of the above signs could increase the risk of irreversible damage as well as the need for more extensive and costly treatment in future. However, since there is no telling when emergencies will arise, you need to identify an emergency dentist near your area beforehand and have their contact details on standby. And since it may take sometime before you get to the clinic, here are some of the things you can do, in response to the emergency situation:
Knocked-Out Tooth
Acting fast after a tooth has been knocked out, increases the chances of having it reinserted and preserved. If this ever happens to you, carefully pick the lost tooth and hold it by the crown to avoid contaminating the root in any way. You can rinse the tooth with clean water and try to place it back in its socket. If that is not possible, carry the tooth in a clean container with fresh milk or water that contains a pinch of table salt and quickly rush to the dentist. Your dentist will assess the damage and then prescribe the most suitable treatment. if the tooth cannot be saved, then you may to get dental implants to stand in for the lost tooth.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is an infection occurring around the root of a tooth or in any specie between the teeth and gums. It is a serious and potentially fatal condition in which pus pockets around the tooth develop into an infection. The infection generates symptoms like fever, tenderness in the lymph nodes on the neck, face swelling, increased tooth sensitivity, an insistent toothache and pimple-like bumps on the gums around the affected area. If not treated in good time, the infection can spread to the jaw, surrounding tissue or any other parts of the body.
In case you spot any of the symptoms of an abscess, visit your dentist immediately. An X-ray and physical exam will be done to ensure proper diagnosis. But before you get there you can ease the pain by rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution, usually ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. The solution will help draw the pus towards the surface.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
The first response to a cracked chipped tooth is to save any pieces that have been lost. Proceed to rinse your mouth with warm water and if there is bleeding, place a piece of gauze on the affected area until bleeding stops or you get to the dentist. You can also apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth near the chipped or cracked tooth to reduce pain and minimize swelling.
Lost Crown
If you lose a crown, you can come into our emergency dental clinic in Bronxville, NY within short notice. If you can find the crown, make sure to carry it with you. In case of pain, use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area. If you cannot get to a dental clinic soon enough, try slip the crown back on using over the counter dental cement and not any other type of adhesives like super glue.
Damaged Braces
Are you interested in getting an after-hour dentist near your area to fix damaged braces? We offer emergency dentistry for broken braces and wires. As you wait to get to the clinic, if your braces have any wires that are broken or sticking out in an uncomfortable position, use the eraser end of a pencil to try push the wire in a more comfortable position. When that does not work, use orthodontic wax, cotton wool or a piece of gauze to cover the poking end. Do not attempt to cut or remove the wires as you may just end up causing greater damage.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissues include the tongue, gums, cheeks and lips. When you experience bleeding on any of these tissues, first rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution then use a moistened gauze or tea bag to apply pressure on the affected area. You can also use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to relieve pain and control bleeding. If the bleeding and pain persists or you suspect it might be a serious injury, proceed to visit an emergency dentist near you.
Take note that the response advice given to dealing with these dental emergencies are not effective treatment, but just a way to relieve the symptoms as you await professional help. Do not self-diagnose, instead go to a dentist to carry out the necessary tests and exams.