Jeff R. Call, DMD, FAGD, FICOI Dix C. Densley, DDS, FAGD, FICOI |
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What to Do in A Dental Emergency? It is one of the most uncomfortable feelings imaginable: you bite down on something and hear a crunch, but it wasn't your food. Maybe you walked into a door and cracked a tooth, or you're in horrible pain due to an abscess. Whatever the issue may be, it's a dental problem that doesn't feel good, and you want it fixed now. During those moments of discomfort, it is helpful to know what to do in case of an emergency. At Century Dental we understand how important time is when your mouth hurts. With some easy information to aid during crucial moments, we hope we can help soothe your uncertainty until the problem is fixed.How to Respond to A Dental EmergencyWhether it's a pain in the mouth or a tooth in hand, it's possible to find yourself in a moment of shock where you have no idea what to do next. Rest assured, we have your concerns in mind. The first step is to access the situation. Determine the severity of your problem act accordingly. Remember, your teeth are important for eating and talking, so it is essential to keep them at their best. Many sports are known for their head injuries. Facial trauma, including lacerations, fractures, and serious dislocations should be taken to the emergency room immediately. Any bleeding that doesn't stop or slow down is also a cause for concern. If a tooth is infected or creates an abscess that impairs breathing, it should be addressed by emergency personnel. However, if you crack or break a tooth, uncomfortable as it may be, just show up here during a regular visit, and we will get that taken care of in a jiffy. Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth does get knocked out, but there are ways of preserving it until you can get it to our office and get it repaired. The first step is picking it up crown where you chew, but not by the root! There are sensitive cells you want to protect from handling as much as possible. Use only water to gently wash off any dirt and be sure not to scrub or use any soap on the tooth. Try to reposition the tooth in the socket and hold it in place with your fingers or by biting down. It needs to stay moist, so keep it in the socket, or at least, hold it in your mouth against the cheek. If you are unable to do this, keeping it in milk is fine, but using tap water is damaging to the root and should be avoided at all costs. Call us for an emergency appointment within thirty minutes, and we can do our best to save your tooth. Keep in mind it is possible to save it even if it has been out of the mouth for an hour or more, so move fast! Remember all head trauma should be taken seriously and if you are concerned, trust your instincts and call for help. Nobody should have to worry about what to do in a dental emergency, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call Century Dental at (971) 708-1608 so we can help set your mind at ease. |
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