When experiencing a dental emergency, call the dentist right away so they can schedule an appointment for you to come in as soon as possible. This may mean the same day or the next morning. Until you get to the dentist, there are many things you can do at home as a preventative, or supportive measure. However, if swelling, bleeding or pain is severe, or if the problem has caused any difficulty breathing, go directly to the emergency room.
Dislodged Tooth or Crown
If one of your teeth is completely knocked out, there are some measures you can take to preserve the tooth or ensure a better outcome. After gently rinsing the tooth, try to gently fit it back into the socket. If this isn’t possible (if the patient is a child for instance) place the tooth in a glass of milk or some lightly salted water.
Crowns can also become dislodged and there is a process in place that can prevent damage. Before being seen by the dentist, clean out the area, dab some petroleum jelly on it and try to stick the tooth back in. If a filling is lost, you can temporarily seal the hole with dental cement, or if unavailable, sugarless gum.
Broken Tooth
Taking care of a chipped or cracked tooth can vary in urgency. Mostly, rinsing with a saltwater solution and applying gauze to any bleeding area will be effective. Do not apply aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as it can burn. If possible, save any of the broken pieces of tooth. Should the pain, swelling or bleeding persist before an appointment can be made, consider a visit to the emergency room.
Toothaches and Abscesses
For most suffering from a toothache, temporary pain relief is the goal until a dental professional can be seen. Rinsing with water, using a topical pain reliever, and applying a cold compress if swelling occurs can help.
Abscesses are serious and should be treated by a dental or medical professional right away. In the time between, rinse with a salt water solution, and consider the emergency room if you can’t be seen immediately.
Ways to prevent and help with dental emergencies
Your dentist may have products or can recommend items found at the drug store to prepare an at-home dental emergency kit. In addition to being prepared, many dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard during physical activities and to never use your teeth as a tool.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Los Gatos, Call Dr. Cristina Herrera today.
We are here to help!