Dental Emergencies
Experiencing a dental emergency can be distressing and often accompanies intense pain. Swift action is typically necessary to alleviate discomfort and maximize the chances of tooth preservation.
Dental emergencies encompass various situations, including tooth fractures from trauma, grinding, or biting on hard objects, as well as damage to fillings, crowns, or other restorative devices. Immediate contact with our office is crucial when severe pain arises, as untreated dental issues can pose risks to overall physical health and well-being.
Below are common types of dental emergencies and steps to address them:
Avulsed Tooth (Tooth Knocked Out):
Contact our office immediately, the likely hood of the tooth re-attaching decreases significantly after one hour.
Handle the tooth by its crown, avoiding touching the root.
Rinse the tooth gently under warm water. If feasible, reinsert it into its socket; otherwise, place it in milk, saliva, or hank’s balanced salt solution if you happen to have it on hand.
Seek immediate dental attention to attempt reattachment. In most cases, root canal therapy will be required once the bone around the tooth has healed.
Lost Filling or Crown:
Preserve the lost filling or crown and make a dental appointment promptly.
Clove oil can alleviate if dentin is exposed.
Temporarily packing dental wax in a cavity where there is a missing filling can help alleviate sensitivity as well.
Clean the crown and use temporary over the counter dental cement to reattach it temporarily, if available.
Avoid using glue and seek professional evaluation to ensure proper fit and address underlying decay.
Cracked or Broken Teeth:
Contact our office immediately for an appointment.
Rinse the mouth and tooth fragment with lukewarm water.
Apply gauze to control bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Over the counter pain medications such as Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve can help with paid as well.
Dislodged/Loose Teeth:
Call our office promptly to schedule an appointment.
Use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief.
Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it with splints. Root canal therapy may be necessary if the tooth fails to heal properly.
It's essential to address dental emergencies promptly to minimize pain and optimize outcomes. If you have any concerns or questions regarding dental emergencies, please don't hesitate to contact our office for assistance. We are here to provide prompt and effective care.