On a mild winter day, the last thing you want to deal with is an uncomfortable dental emergency. Unfortunately, these sorts of events can arise when you least expect them to. Of course, you’d like to prevent such situations from happening, but to be on the safe side, you need to know how to effectively respond. As you continue reading, your dentist in Melbourne explains what you can do for some of the more common types of dental trauma.
The First Steps You Should Always Take
In the event of any type of dental emergency, it’s critical to do the following:
- To remain as calm as possible so you can effectively assess the situation
- To reach out to an emergency dentist to explain what has happened and schedule a visit
In addition to following these steps, there are some specific measures you can take for certain situations to aid in your recovery and immediate comfort.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A blow to the face or a bad fall can sometimes lead to a tooth dislodging. If this happens, locate the tooth and carefully grab it by the crown. Rinse it under cool water, while making sure not to disturb any tissue that may be attached. You should then attempt to reinsert the tooth, but if you’re unsuccessful, place it in a cup of milk or water with a pinch of salt added.
In such a situation, it’s critical to contact your local dentist immediately. The more expeditious you are in doing so, the better the chances are of the tooth being successfully reattached.
Toothache
If you’re stricken with a toothache, it’s usually the sign of acute oral bacteria growth that has penetrated to the inner area where the canals and nerves are housed. The first step you should take is to carefully floss around the infected tooth to remove any dislodged food that may be triggering the pain.
To quiet the discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). For any swelling, simply apply ice to the outside of your jaw in 20-minute increments.
Lost Crown or Filling
When a dental crown or filling is lost, it leaves a tooth exposed to food and other particles entering it to cause a painful infection. To prevent this from happening, gently brush and floss to remove any debris from your mouth. Then, apply a dollop of toothpaste or dental wax to the fixture and carefully reinsert it. Until you can be seen by your dentist, be sure to avoid any activity on that side of your mouth.
Dental emergencies are unfortunate, but by knowing how to properly respond, you can stabilize the situation until you can visit your emergency dentist for a full recovery.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. As part of the compassionate and comprehensive care she provides, Dr. Rose treats dental emergencies at Exceptional Dentistry. She can be reached for more information through her website.