Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. However, most people do not think about what to do if it happens to them until it is too late. Many dental emergencies are the result of an injury or trauma that can cause panic. It is important to plan ahead and have an Emergency Dentist in mind in case something does happen. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do if they occur.
Many active people experience chipped or broken teeth, especially those who are involved in contact sports. The first thing you should do if this happens is collect and save the broken pieces of the tooth. Next, rinse your mouth out with warm water and gently rinse off the broken pieces. Be careful not to lose them down the drain. If you are bleeding, use a piece of gauze or another type of clean, dry cloth to apply pressure to the affected area for ten minutes or until the bleeding has slowed to a stop. If there is swelling, gently apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. This will also help alleviate pain.
One of the most upsetting injuries that sends people to the Emergency Dentist is having a tooth knocked out completely. The most important thing to do when this happens is to stop whatever you are doing and locate the tooth. Hold it by the bottom and gently rinse it off with warm water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that may be attached to the root. If you can, try to place the tooth very gently back into place without forcing it. If this is impossible, place it in a small amount of salt water or milk. It is imperative that you see your dentist as soon as possible, as the chances of reattachment are best within an hour of the tooth coming out.
Losing a filling can be very painful. As a temporary solution, use a piece of sugar free gum to plug the area where the cavity is. Do not use regular gum, as the sugar will cause pain. If you have access to it, over the counter dental cement is ideal for filling a cavity temporarily until you can get to your dentist. See Joseph A. Schell D.D.S., S.C. for your emergency dental needs.
