Dental Injuries Require Fast Care
Dental injuries can happen at any time and knowing what to do at that moment can help save teeth. In many cases, it is important to get emergency treatment as soon as possible. Acting quickly may help save a smile and reduce repair costs.
Not every dental problem that is encountered is a dental emergency. Many of them can be treated at a regular dental appointment. Some dental injuries that are emergencies include:
A Knocked Out Tooth
When a tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), you want to pick it up immediately by the crown and rinse it off if it is dirty. Gently try and put it back in the socket, if possible. If not, hold it between your gums and cheek, or in milk, saliva, or in water with a little salt in it to keep it moist. Do not use regular tap water.
If possible, make a trip to a dentist within 30 minutes. The timing is very important because when a tooth knocked out is out of its socket for more than an hour it may not be able to be saved. The dentist will also need to determine if nearby teeth have been damaged or loosened.
When it is a child’s baby tooth that is knocked out, do not try and put it back in the socket. The dentist will usually not try to do this because it may interfere with the permanent teeth underneath.
A Cracked Tooth
A tooth that is cracked should be looked at by a dentist. Rinse your mouth out with warm water to remove bacteria and food particles. Although it is not always a dental emergency, you should have a dental fracture looked at by a dentist to prevent infection, depending on the size of the crack, which could lead to an abscessed tooth. If the pulp is exposed, you may need a root canal. You may also experience pain when you eat hot or cold food or drinks.
Dislodged Tooth
When a tooth has not been completely knocked out, but has been pushed deeper into the socket or is partially out of it, you will likely need root canal treatment. When you see the dentist, the dislodged tooth will be stabilized first and the root canal may be conducted a few days later.
A Broken Jaw
If you experience what could be a broken jaw (or definitely is), you need to seek emergency dental care right away. Your jaw may need to be moved back into the correct position, or oral surgery may be necessary. Breathing may be difficult and your jaw will need to be stabilized if it is a serious break. It is also possible that your mouth may need to be wired shut – in extreme cases in order to heal correctly. Use an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
If at all possible, find the pieces of the tooth to take to the dentist. Rinse it with warm water. Place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling. If there is any bleeding, place gauze or cotton on the broken tooth.
An Abscessed Tooth
An infection that appears in your gums with a lot of pain could be an abscessed tooth. The infection may be in the tooth and it is necessary that you receive urgent dental care for it. The infection will only get worse but it will also spread until it becomes a life-threatening situation. An emergency dentist will remove the inflammation and perform a root canal on the tooth to remove the infection in the tooth. It is possible that an extraction may be needed.
Toothache
A toothache can occur in any tooth, including wisdom teeth. Generally, a cavity will occur first that has no other symptoms, but as it grows deeper you will experience pain. If not treated, it may become an abscessed tooth. The pain will not go away until the decayed tooth material is removed and a filling put in its place.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
A walk in dentist can provide emergency dental treatment for many dental injuries, but by following some basic guidelines, you may be able to avoid most dental problems. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing will enable your teeth to stay healthy longer. Using fluoride toothpaste will help them resist cavities, and an antibacterial mouthwash will reduce the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Wearing a teeth guard during sports will help to protect your teeth. Seeing a dentist regularly will help keep dental problems at a minimum – as well as the costs for dental treatment.
When you need emergency treatment for a dental injury, you can visit a walk in dentist and get the dental care you need. If in Farmers branch , just visit Champion Dental Clinic, 2936 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.
