1 in 6 Will Experience a Dental Emergency This Year

By R.S. Mayberry, DDS

Mayberry Dental

. https://www.mayberrydental.com/

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1 in 6 Will Experience a Dental Emergency This Year

At one time or another we are all likely to experience a dental emergency. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do in common dental emergency situations.

Lost Filling or Crown If your filling is gold or ceramic you should keep it as your dentist may be able to reinsert it. Crowns should also be saved for refitting. It is important to remove the crown or filling from your mouth to avoid swallowing. Loose fillings and crowns are often swallowed, and most pass harmlessly. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Note Many dentists do not consider a lost filling or crown to be an emergency, so you may have to call around to find one that will treat you right away.

Toothache Clean the area around the tooth thoroughly. Rinse vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. Do not place aspirin on the gum or on the tooth. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek Apply ice to bruised area(s). If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes with simple pressure, go to a hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist immediately. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Broken Braces and Wires If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. See a dentist immediately.

Broken Tooth Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out Fold and pack clean gauze over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

You may want to select a dentist who has the training and facilities for extensive diagnostics and restorations and is available after hours. The standards you would expect from an emergency dental care provider are also ideal standards for choosing your regular dentist.