Are you prepared for a dental emergency? Knowing what to do during a dental crisis can make a difference in preserving precious oral structures and improving your comfort. The first step to responding to a dental crisis is to contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. We strongly encourage you to save your dentist’s practice number in your mobile phone and keep business cards handy in your purse or wallet.
Following are more helpful tips for handling a dental emergency.
Broken and Knocked Out Teeth
Knocking out or breaking a tooth is everyone’s nightmare. If you find yourself with a broken or knocked out tooth, try to stay calm. An emergency dentist may be able to reattach its pieces. Place the tooth, or any fragments of your tooth, in Save-A-Tooth solution or milk. If you have facial trauma, profusive bleeding, or think you could have a concussion, visit an emergency room for care.
Toothaches
Developing a toothache is distressing. You can manage discomfort with cold compresses, over the counter pain relievers, and salt water rinses. As soon as you’re able, make an appointment with your dentist and be sure to explain your symptoms.
Don’t be fooled by a toothache subsiding as it could mean the infection within your tooth killed its nerve endings. It’s always best to have tooth pain evaluated by an oral healthcare provider.
Abscesses and Infections
Oral infections and abscesses can be serious. When you suspect an infection or abscess, call your dental provider as soon as possible to make an appointment. You can manage discomfort with over the counter pain medication and cold compresses to the outside of your face. Foregoing care for infections and abscesses could cause serious complications including tooth loss.
Our practice offers dental emergency care. If you have broken or chipped a tooth, developed a toothache, or have an infection, call the office of Dr. David Kuban to schedule an appointment.
