Informing your dentist immediately when a dental emergency occurs is ideal for saving your tooth. Most dentists have the time for emergency procedures and will attend to you at all times. Book a dental appointment in Sedona, AZ, for your dental emergency procedures.
Here are some of the details you need to know about a dental emergency.
Common Dental Emergency Cases
Some of the common instances of dental emergency include:
· Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate medical attention to increase the chances of reinserting or preserving the tooth.
Your actions after the tooth gets knocked out determine the chances of preservation. Pick up the tooth by the crown without touching the roots. Rinse it off gently without scrubbing to avoid removing attached tissues.
If possible, return the tooth to the socket while slowly biting it down. If that isn’t an option, put the tooth in a small container with milk or saliva.
Reach out to your dentist immediately. The longer you take with the tooth outside the socket, the higher chances of losing it.
· Chipped, fractured, or cracked tooth
Chipped teeth come in various forms. If a chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, you don’t have to rush to the dentist. In most cases, the dentist will smoothen the chip out part of the tooth.
A fractured or cracked tooth mostly means more serious damage hence the need for an immediate dental visit. For the fracture, clean your mouth, then apply a cold compress to the mouth to avoid the possibility of swelling.
Take a painkiller to help you withstand the pain, then reach out to the dentist as soon as possible.
· Loose tooth
For a loose tooth, you need to book an appointment with your dentist immediately. Try putting the tooth back to the socket while applying slight pressure. Slightly bite down the tooth to keep it in position.
· An unexpected toothache
Toothaches are some of the most common dental issues. In some cases, it might be so severe that you cannot open your mouth. In such a case, you need an emergency dental examination.
Some of the intense pain can be caused by gum infection, fractured tooth, or severe dental decay. The treatment you receive will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
Possible Treatment Options by the Dentist
A dentist provides various treatment options depending on the size and extent of the damage. For minor injuries, the dentist will, in most cases, recommend small fixations. For example, a tooth-colored composite resin works well for front tooth damage. The dentist can also opt for bonding and filling to fix a chipped tooth.
For extensive damage, the dentist will use more procedures. The dentist can opt to grind or away part of the remaining tooth to cover a broken tooth. They can also use porcelain fused to metal or glass to create permanent crowns.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies are devastating. As such, you are better off avoiding them as much as you can. The best way to keep off the dental emergency is by routine checks to ensure your mouth and teeth are healthy.
Wear a mouth guard to protect your mouth during intense activities like sports. This helps protect from tooth chipping or getting knocked out. With comprehensive dental care, you are always a step ahead in protecting your teeth.
How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency
A dental emergency can happen to anyone at any time, irrespective of how much you keep safe. The best thing is not to panic but prepare enough. Keep a small dental kit that has the various equipment for an emergency.
The emergency kit should contain; a container with a lid, contact details of your dentist, gauze, and a handkerchief.
Bottom Line
You have to act decisively after a dental emergency to save your tooth. Use the above tips for the various cases, then reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
