Always Be Prepared- Dental Emergencies

At one time or another, many of us may have had to confront a minor dental emergency such as a child's knocked out tooth or a bitten lip or tongue

. For most oral injuries, remaining calm and using common sense should get you through most of your dental emergencies until you can get to the dentist. Injuries to your mouth might include teeth that are knocked out, forced out of position and loosened or fractured. Additionally, an emergency may also include lacerated lips, gums or cheeks, some of which require immediate medical attention.

Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible. When possible, getting to your emergency dentist in Florence, KY within 30 minutes of the injury can mean the life of your tooth. By following proper care guidelines and remaining calm and collective, you will be able to successfully handle any dental emergency.

How to Handle a Toothache

Initially, rinse out your mouth with warm water to clean out any debris or foreign matter that may be causing pain in your mouth. Additionally, gently use dental floss or an inter-dental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris wedged between your teeth. Some people may try to place aspirin or another kind of pain killer on a painful tooth, but this should be avoided. These substances can actually burn your gum tissue and cause more harm than good.

Caring for Broken, Fractured or Knocked Out Teeth

For a broken tooth, begin preparation as you may have done with a toothache. Rinse your mouth out with warm water to clean out any debris or foreign matter that may be stuck between your teeth. Use a cold compress on your cheek or gum, near the affected area to keep down any swelling that may occur. Call your dentist immediately.

If your tooth is fractured, rinse your mouth with warm water and use cold compress to reduce any swelling. Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist or simply left alone. It is up to your dentist to determine the severity of your fracture and the best solution to repairing your tooth. Another option for restoration of a fractured tooth would be with a composite restoration. In either case, it is important to take extra precautions and to treat the tooth with extra care for several days.

Moderate fractures may include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, your tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown and if pulp damage does occur, further dental treatment may be required to fully restore your tooth.

Quick action can save your tooth if it is knocked out, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. Retrieve your tooth by the crown and not by the root. If you are unable to easily place the tooth in its socket, place it in a container with a lid filled with low-fat milk, saline solution or saliva. Visit your emergency dentist in Northern, KY immediately.

Whether you are experiencing a toothache or have knocked out one of your teeth, it is important to contact your emergency dentist immediately. The quicker you are able to visit your dentist, the better chances for your tooth to survive are. Stay calm and follow the proper procedures and you may be able to successfully save your injured tooth.

by: Gen Wright

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