What should be done during a dental emergency?

What should be done during a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and it comes in many forms. Some dental emergencies are more critical than others. You should not ignore injuries to your teeth, gum, oral disease, or any other emergency in any case. These problems are potentially serious, which requires immediate treatment.

Do not neglect a sudden dental problem to avoid further damage or any serious complications. If overlook the dental emergency, it may result in rather expensive treatment or permanent dental problems.
But, How to handle the dental emergency? Well, there are certain steps you should practice. Go through this article to get more details on how you can handle any dental casualties that will help you to prevent further damage.

Sometimes, dental emergencies can occur so suddenly that you are not sure about what just happened. For instance, one minute you are enjoying riding your bike, and the next minute you are holding your knocked-out tooth in your hand. Now you must be wondering what to do next?

When dental emergencies occur, generally you have two choices; immediately visit the casualty center or take care of the injury until you see your dentist. Depending on the circumstances, you need to follow certain steps .

For severe dental problems, you should never try to treat it on your own. Rather rush to the emergency room right away. Nevertheless, if it is not an urgent problem like a lost filling, you can wait until the dental office opens. Still, you should go to see a dentist as soon as possible in case of any dental emergency. Seeking dental care in an emergency situation gives you the best possible treatment.

What are the common dental emergencies and how to handle it before you see a dentist?

  • Knocked-out tooth – Delicately pick up the tooth with the crown or the top. Make sure you are not touching the root. Carefully wash it without scrubbing. Reinsert the tooth in the socket if it is possible. If you are unable to do so, place the tooth in a small container of milk and get to the dentist immediately and increase the likelihood of saving your tooth.
  • A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth – In case of a tooth fracture, rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face that will help to reduce swelling. You can take acetaminophen for the pain. But, you need to avoid using a painkiller or numbing gel because it can have damaging effects on your gums.
  • Abscessed tooth – this is an urgent dental emergency that needs to be examined by a dentist as soon as possible. But, before you see the dentist, wash your mouth with mild saltwater several times. This soothes the pain and brings the pus to the surface.
  • Severe pain on biting – avoid hard food and limit the movement of your mouth. Make the earliest possible appointment at the dental office.
  • Gum, pulpal, or tooth abscesses – Contact your dentist promptly if you notice signs and symptoms of an abscess in your mouth. Your dentist will give you the best suitable treatment to prevent infection spread.
  • A painful or infected tooth – use antibacterial mouthwash or salt water to rinse your mouth. And, contact your dentist immediately.
  • Jaw pain – limit the movement of the jaw, and try to have a soft diet until you see your dentist. You can apply cold compress from outside to soothe the pain.
  • Mouth injury – Visit your dentist right away in case of any severe mouth injury.
  • Lost filling or crown – make an appointment with your dentist as early as possible. If you can not reach the dentist immediately, and the tooth is causing severe pain, you can apply little clove oil with a cotton swab to the affected area.
  • Broken wires and braces – Sometimes, a dental emergency can occur with braces. If a wire breaks or out of a bracket or band try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you are unable to reposition the wire, you should cover the end with orthodontic wax with a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze before you can visit your orthodontist’s office.

 

Tips for a dental emergency

As dental emergencies are common, you should handle it carefully to avoid further complications. If you face an emergency, You should take appropriate steps before you see a dentist right away. Here are some tips you can follow during the time you’re waiting for treatment.

  • Don’t panic at all and breathe in deeply. And, understand the situation. Is it a bleeding gum? Did something get stuck between your teeth? Or is there any mouth injury? This will help you explain the exact problem to your dentist.
  • Immediately call your dentist and ask for the earliest appointment. If your dentist is not available see the nearest emergency center to get treatment as early as possible
  • If you have knocked out the tooth, save it safely to carry at your dental appointment.
  • Explain the situation as thoroughly as possible. Give accurate details about what happened and what you believe the damage is. So, the dental staff can give you the best possible treatment.
  • Strictly follow their instructions and cooperate with your dentist. Thus, you can get the best treatment for dental casualty and avoid further complications.

In short, you should get the prompt treatment for any dental emergency to prevent permanent damage or further complications. Try to follow the above-mentioned remedies in some emergency before you can visit your dentist. Do not forget that your dentist is the right person to handle all dental emergencies. If you want to get emergency dental care in Roswell, GA, do not hesitate to contact TruCare dentistry. We are available for any dental emergencies, and ensure the best possible treatment for your dental problem.