Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it is best to be equipped with the right information to deal with them properly. Dr. Tom Clark wants patients to be well-informed about the next steps when experiencing a dental emergency. Preparing yourself when an incident occurs can help you prevent further damage or complications.
First and foremost, it is important to assess your situation to determine what the following action would be. Our dentist at Sedation Dentistry of San Jose has compiled the following tips to assist patients in alleviating pain and keep their smiles from sustaining any more injury.
Emergency: Dental Trauma or Toothache
Dental trauma can mean anything from a chipped, fractured, or completely dislocated tooth, while a toothache can be caused by any of these reasons as well as decay.
One should always rinse their mouth with warm water when experiencing dental discomfort or injury. To protect your smile from the spread of bacteria, gently floss the surrounding area to dislodge any leftover food particles. After completing the previous steps, if you are still experiencing pain try taking some painkillers such as ibuprofen for relief and reduce inflammation. Be careful to not let the medication touch the damage within your smile.
For dental injuries such as fractures or chips: When you happen to damage a tooth, be sure to locate and secure all the loose pieces then rinse them in lukewarm water. If bleeding were to occur, apply dental gauze to the area. After ten minutes, if bleeding does not subside, a visit to the emergency room may be necessary. Ice packs are also a great way to alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing due to your dental crisis.
For completely dislodged teeth: In the event of tooth avulsion, it is important to keep the displaced tooth and the empty pocket clean. When rinsing the tooth underneath lukewarm water, be careful to not touch the roots, as it can create complication in the future when trying to reinsert it. Preserve the dislodged tooth in its original pocket if possible, if not a cup of milk or slightly salted water should keep it hydrated until you see your dentist. Visiting a dental office within an hour increases the chances of reattachment of the natural tooth.
Emergency: Dental Appliances
For restoration dislodgement: It is not unheard of for protectants such as fillings and crowns to fall out, but when it happens it is best to know what to do next. If your filling comes out and you do not have dental cement available, place sugarless gum in the cavity. Dental adhesives can also be used in the cases of a lost crown. If a crown ever becomes lost, treat the exposed area with clove oil. If the crown is still whole, place it back over the tooth and coat it with toothpaste to secure it.
Whenever you experience a dental emergency, contact Sedation Dentistry of San Jose to be seen as quickly as possible or for instructions on what to do next. Dr. Clark helps patients alleviate discomfort and keep their smiles at their best.