Dental emergencies are important, but just as critical is understanding what actually falls into this category. Not only will knowing this help you avoid costly ER visits but more importantly, it could ensure that you handle an emergency without additional health concerns.
There are a variety of dental emergencies that will require immediate care. There are some things you can do right away before you get to the ER that could help with symptoms. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies that people face.
Depending on the severity, a cracked tooth may be a dental emergency. In the event that you have a cracked tooth, cleanse the area right away with warm water and then apply a cold compress to help relieve pain and swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth:
If your tooth is knocked out, try to put it back in the socket gently. If this is not possible, then keep your tooth moist and secure until you can see your dentist. Experts suggest placing the tooth in a container with a small amount of milk or hold it in your cheek with some of your saliva. Be careful not to swallow the tooth as it may be able to be placed back in the socket. You should seek out dental care right away.
Broken Bone/Jaw:
Broken bones are serious. If you suspect that you have a broken jaw, then you should seek medical care immediately. You can place cold compresses on the impacted site in order to reduce swelling.
Toothaches:
Toothaches are another issue that may or may not be a dental emergency. In some cases, severe infection may warrant an emergency. Keep the mouth as clean as possible and reach out to your dentist for additional guidance.
Not every emergency can be avoidable, but there are things you can do to help reduce your chances. Some general tips are:
Practice good oral hygiene
Maintain a regular checkup
Wear protective gear when participating in sports
Use scissors instead of your teeth to cut things
Avoid chewing on ice or hard candies
Keep a First Aid Kit
One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to have a first aid kit on hand. Inside this kit, you should include a few things for a dental emergency. Helpful items include:
Floss
Gauze
Over-the-counter pain medication
There are also some dental kits designed specifically for a knocked-out tooth. You may want to include this as well just to be on the safe side.
If you have a dental emergency, please try to remain calm. Try to address the initial concerns of pain or bleeding right away. Next, you should contact your dentist. Even if it is after hours, they will likely have an emergency line that you can contact. You’ll be able to find additional guidance for what to do. In some cases, what seems like a dental emergency really isn’t one. If that is the case, you can save yourself time and money by not waiting around in the ER for something you could address the following day at your regular dentist’s office.
Dental emergencies happen. If they do, then you know you can count on us to be there. If you would like more information about what to do in the event of a dental emergency, please contact our office today. We can help you identify a treatment plan and prepare you for what to do if you find yourself in an emergency like this.