Accidents can’t be helped. Knowing what do to when it occurs,
however, can. And it may mean the difference between loosing and preserving
one’s tooth. Whether you are home or out on vacation, the following short-term
fixes can help you manage a dental emergency if you can’t see a medical
professional right away
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you happen to slip and knock your tooth out, the best thing you
can do at the moment is to keep the tooth moist until you get to your dentist.
Do not touch the root of the tooth. Instead, pick it up by the crown. If
possible, put it back in its socket, and then try to bite down. If you can’t,
put it in a container with milk or saline solution. A knocked-out tooth needs
urgent attention so waste no time and rush to your dentist immediately. If
these are done appropriately, there’s a good chance that the tooth can be
re-implanted in its socket by your dentist
Unaligned or Loose Tooth
Call your dentist right away if you
have a tooth that is unaligned or loose. You can also try placing it back to
its original position, for the time being. But be very careful and only apply
very light pressure. Bite down to keep your tooth from moving until you reach
your dentist
Chipped, Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A chipped tooth does not usually constitute a dental emergency.
However, it is recommended that you see your dentist to prevent it from
chipping more every time you eat.
For a cracked or fractured tooth, immediately rinse your mouth
with warm water, and apply a cold compress then head on to your cosmetic
dentist in Scottsdale as soon as possible. If the fracture’s too painful, you
can take acetaminophen. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging.
A fractured tooth is a serious issue because it usually means that
the inside of your tooth is also damaged. Your dentist may be able to determine
your tooth’s condition through an x-ray. If the tooth pulp inside it is
damaged, root canal may be need. Otherwise, it might only need a crown. In
extreme cases, though, severe fractures lead to extraction. If your dentist
believes your tooth cannot be saved, various options such as implant-supported
restorations and bridges will be provided
Tissue Injury and Facial Pain
Tissues injuries such as puncture wounds, lacerations or tears to
the cheeks, lips, mouth or tongue are all considered a dental emergency. If you
suffer from any type of tissue injury, follow these steps:
- Clean
the injured area with warm water.
- If
your tongue is the one bleeding, pull it forward and apply pressure on it using
gauze.
- To
alleviate pain, take acetaminophen and follow its packaging directions.
- Get
to an oral surgeon or rush at a nearby hospital emergency immediately
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