Being Prepared For A Dental Emergency
Being Prepared For A Dental Emergency
Being Prepared For A Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies are very common and can happen at any time or any place. Being prepared and knowing how to handle a dental emergency is critical in order to minimize damage to your teeth and reduce pain and other symptoms associated with the injury. Any type of dental injury- a chipped tooth, lacerated lip or a broken crown- has the potential to become very serious. The longer you wait to receive treatment from your Rockford dentist, the greater the risk of permanent damage. That means a need for more extensive dental treatments to correct and repair any dental damage that has occurred as a result of the untreated injury.
Time becomes critical when you suffer an injury to your teeth, and that's why everyone should understand what to do during a dental emergency. The first step to caring for any dental injury is to call your dentist in Rockford right away. Your dentist will be able to give you additional instructions on what you should do until you can reach the office.
Nagging Tooth Pain and How to Make it Stop
Let's face it. Toothaches hurt. The pain is often so unbearable it makes it difficult to go about your day to day business when there is a constant aching in your mouth. A toothache is usually a symptom of another more serious dental problem, such as a cavity or tooth abscess. To help ease the pain before you can get to the dentist, rinse your mouth gently with warm water as this can help dislodge any wedged debris that may be caught between your teeth. Then floss your teeth gently; a trapped piece of food could be the source of the pain. If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress outside of the mouth to reduce inflammation.
When tooth pain persists, make an appointment with your Rockford dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to identify the source of the problem and administer proper treatment.
The Tooth is Down for the Count
When a tooth is knocked out, the living tissue is in danger and you will need to act quickly in order to ensure successful re-implantation of the tooth. In fact, how you handle the emergency could determine whether or not you can save the tooth. If possible see your dentist within the first hour of the trauma as this is the best chance of successfully re-implanting the tooth.
When handling the knocked out tooth, always hold it by the crown and not the root to avoid damaging the attached tissue. If possible, gently try and place the tooth back into its socket. If this isn't possible, place your tooth in a small container of milk. It is very important to keep the tooth moist until you can see your Rockford dentist.
Luckily, today there is a wide array of new dental procedures available to restore lost teeth. Even if your tooth cannot be saved, rest assured that your dentist can help you find another way, such as implants, to help restore your smile.
Precautions to Help Avoid Tooth Injuries
Injuries to the teeth and mouth can happen unexpectedly, and that means there is no way to completely prevent them. However, there are always some simple precautions that can be taken in order to reduce your chances of a dental emergency.
Visit your Rockford dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Keep your dentist's number on hand, just in case of an emergency.
When driving, always remember to wear your seat belt and avoid eating or drinking in a moving car.
While playing competitive sports, wear protective gear and a mouth guard to avoid injury.
Never discount the severity of a dental injury. Dental emergencies are serious and need to be taken care of right away. Knowing how to handle these injuries can help ease pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
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