Dental emergencies can occur at any time of the day. It is important to be aware of the immediate steps and a nearby emergency dentist to save the tooth. Listed below are the major dental emergencies.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked out tooth is an emergency condition. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
If you are able to locate the tooth, rinse it with water to remove any dirt. Avoid touching the root with your fingers. Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the white part visible above the gum line. If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket and bite down gently to keep it in place.
If you can’t return the tooth to the socket, place it in a container of milk.
Call your dentist right away. He or she may be able to re-implant the tooth, but if that isn’t possible, the dentist can provide other treatment options.
If a tooth is knocked out, a dentist may be able to save it. If a tooth is loose, it should be stabilized by a dentist. When a tooth is damaged, it may bleed. This is a sign of trauma and tooth damage. If a tooth is bleeding, it may be a sign of infection.
Objects Caught Between Teeth
One of the most common dental emergencies occurs when something gets lodged between a tooth. When something is trapped between teeth, the patient will likely experience pain. Sometimes, this pain can become quite severe. Soft foods, especially those that are sticky, can get stuck between teeth. These include gummy bears, caramels, and taffy. An emergency dentist can help remove the object and clean the area.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection in a tooth or in the gums. They typically begin as a cavity that has spread to the center of the tooth. Treatment for a dental abscess usually involves a root canal procedure. The dentist will also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
If you develop an abscess, contact your dentist right away. Prompt treatment is important to ensure that the infection doesn’t spread to nearby teeth.
Toothaches
Toothaches can happen at any time, and when they do, you are probably tempted to use aspirin or a cold compress to help relieve your pain. Please don’t. Taking aspirin and using ice and cold compresses can be painful for your sensitive tooth. Instead, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and using floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. If you’ve previously had a root canal, your tooth may be extra sensitive, so consider calling our office to schedule an appointment.
Jaw Injury and Fractured Jaw
A broken jaw can be caused by any number of accidents, including those involving falling, getting hit in the face, or getting in a car accident. When these types of accidents occur, a visit to the emergency room is warranted to make sure everything is all right. However, in most cases, a broken jaw can be treated with a root canal and crown.
If you need to know more about dental emergencies, visit Down to Earth Dental at 1407 W 29th St, Pueblo, CO 81008, or call us at (719) 546-0404 to schedule an appointment.
