With an increase in dental emergencies over the last decade there has never been a better time to discuss the topic. When a serious dental problem arises that requires your immediate attention, it’s often stressful and daunting to deal with. It’s best if you already Emergency Dentistryknow the best ways to cope with a dental emergency, so that you can be prepared for anything.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth can be a scary situation. Here is the best way to handle this emergency should it happen to you or someone you know:
- Gently rinse out of the tooth, being sure to only handle it by the crown and never the roots.
Rinse out your mouth with warm water. - If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket. If this isn’t possible, either hold the tooth between your cheeks or place it in a container of milk.
- See your Queen Creek emergency dentist right away. A knocked out tooth can be saved if you seek treatment within an hour of the incident.
Fractured Tooth
While chips and cracks are a bit more obvious, most people won’t even be able to see that they have a fracture or break in their tooth. Pain is often the most common symptom of a fractured tooth. You may notice severe pain or sensitivity that comes and goes when chewing or releasing your bite.
A fractured tooth will not heal on its own and it can’t be treated at home. You need to see your Queen Creek dentist right away. Here are some other steps you can take:
- Rinse your mouth out with warm water to remove any food particles or debris.
- If there is swelling or pain, use a cold compress or opt for over-the-counter pain medications to reduce your symptoms.
- If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area for a few minutes with gauze or a towel.
Broken Braces
Damaged braces aren’t effective and can actually increase the length of treatment if not tended to right away. If a wire comes loose and is sticking out this could cut the gums or cheek. Try using the eraser end of a pencil to slowly and carefully push the wire back, then visit your Queen Creek dentist right away so we can replace the damaged wire.
Bitten Cheek/Tongue
A bleeding mouth is always a disconcerting. If you’ve bitten your tongue or cheek put a moist compress on the bite and apply pressure for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes or if it gets worse, then it’s time to take a trip to your local emergency room for care.
If you are dealing with a dental emergency in Queen Creek let Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry, PLLC handle any of your smile issues. Our goal is to preserve and protect your smile from permanent damage.