One of many reasons people visit their local dentist is because of pain or swelling in their teeth or gums. If you have ever had a dental emergency, then you would know how painful and frightening the situation could be. Often people are unsure if it is a dental emergency, who they should call and what to do. Dental emergencies are never fun, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference in the world! Below is information that we hope to prepare you for a dental emergency.
Evulsed Tooth – A knocked out permanent (adult) tooth. What you need to know when this happens:
Recover the tooth. Do not touch the tooth roots! Handle the crown(top) only.
Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
Gently rinse it to remove dirt or debris, without scrubbing the tooth.
Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket. This could cause further damage.
Preserve the knocked out tooth by either placing it in your mouth between the cheek and gum, or wrap it in a clean cloth/gauze and immerse in a glass of milk.
Get to your dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
Extruded Tooth – partially dislodged tooth. This happens when a tooth is knocked loose or comes partway out of its socket. If you are having a lot of tooth pain use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth, or cheek nearest to the extruded tooth.
Fractured Tooth – There are many types and degrees of fracture. It is hard to know how bad your fractured tooth is until seeing your dentist. Please see a dentist right away to get an appropriate treatment. Teeth fractures vary: a minor factor can be easily smoothed by your dentist; a moderate fracture can be fixed by restorative procedures and possibly a placement of crown; a severe fracture is the most serious type and has a slim chance of recovery. However, there are dental procedures available for restoration. Please consult your dentist as soon as possible for the appropriate treatment.
Even if your tooth shows no external damage, a toothache is a sign that something could be wrong on the inside, and that should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, time is of the essence to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Call our emergency dentist when you have an urgent need. Our clinic at Arcadia is equipped with the tools and expertise to help you feel and look better after an emergency situation.
Your dental health is our top priority!
Reference
California Dental Association
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