Tips to Handle Different Types of Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency can happen at any moment, but even when they occur, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. At Fletcher Hills Dental Arts, we believe it is best for patients to be prepared with the right information to properly their dental crises.
Our El Cajon dentist has provided the following tips to educate patients on how to handle their dental emergency appropriately. This ensures that their smiles remain beautiful and healthy, no matter what life throws at you.
Dental Trauma and What to Do
The first thing anyone facing a dental emergency should do is assess the situation and determine the necessary course of action. When severe enough, Injuries to the smile may require the patient to seek urgent care.
Dental trauma can cause a wide range of complications such as chips, fractures, or a dislocated tooth. If these occur, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food particles and prevent the spread of bacteria. You can also floss the surrounding area to remove any debris.
Chips or fractures- First, you should try and locate all dislodged pieces of the tooth and rinse them under warm water. If the injured area is bleeding, gently apply gauze and wait for it to stop. If bleeding does not subside, you may need to go to the hospital and receive treatment from a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing discomfort, pain-relievers such as ibuprofen reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Chips and fractures do not always warrant an immediate trip to the dental office, as it depends on the severity of the emergency.
Tooth avulsion- Whenever a tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence to increase the chance of successful reattachment. You also have a better chance to save the natural tooth by making sure it doesn’t dry out. You may do this by placing the tooth in a glass of milk or slightly salted water. our dental professional immediately so they may reinsert the tooth and reduce the chances of future complications.
Dislodged Restorations and What to Do
While it is not common for fillings or crowns to fall out, it does happen. If your restoration breaks or becomes loose, place dental cement over the to secure it in place. If there is none at your disposable, apply sugarless gum over the cavity until appointment dentist can schedule you in. For a loose crown, place the restoration over the tooth and use dental toothpaste to secure it.
Dr. David Keen and Dr. Amy Jagger want to ensure patients’ smiles remain healthy and beautiful. That is why at Fletcher Hills Dental Arts we provide the information our patients need to preserve their oral health and aesthetic.
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