Dental emergencies can be alarming, but knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make all the difference. Knowledge is power, so the more you know about various dental injuries you may face, the better prepared you’ll be. If you want to learn some of the most common dental emergencies and what treatments might help, continue reading.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies because you have a very short time to fix it. From the moment your tooth is pushed from the socket, you have 30 minutes to an hour to have it treated. Otherwise, the chance of re-implantation goes down dramatically.
Grab the tooth by the top (crown) and carefully rinse it with water. You can try to push it back into the socket yourself and bite down gently to hold it in place. However, if you can’t you’ll need to place the tooth in a small container with milk. This will keep it moist and protected until you can reach your dentist.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can also use dental wax to fill in the small gap as a temporary measure to keep it from getting infected. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you can get to your dentist.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache may be a sign of an underlying issue such as tooth decay or infection. Use warm water and salt to rinse your mouth and bring down inflammation. You can also gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief, but it’s essential to see your dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown becomes dislodged, you may not feel the effects immediately. Still, you should schedule a dentist’s appointment at your earliest convenience. In the meantime, you can temporarily cover the exposed area with dental wax. You can even use sugar-free gum to protect it from sensitivity and bacteria in a pinch.
Dental emergencies can be frightening, but a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in preventing panic. By learning these strategies, you can manage common dental emergencies before seeing your dentist. Remember, you are your first line of defense for your oral health, so be prepared!
About the Practice
When a dental emergency strikes, you need expert dentists to help you stop the pain and restore your smile. Dr. Mark Gray and Dr. Marlayne Newman have the experience and modern dental technology to quickly treat your teeth and give you back your quality of life. Call (281) 493-9395 to schedule an emergency dental appointment at Mark Gray DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, or visit the website to browse their full menu of services.