subject: Use Your Head And Save Your Tooth In A Dental Emergency [print this page] Trauma that is caused by injuries to the mouth and teeth may be significantly reduced if action is taken as soon as the injury occurs. Taking measures such as the application of cold compresses to reduce swelling, and contacting your dentist's office will help in preserving your smile in an emergency. Injuries to your mouth may include teeth that are knocked out, forced out of position and loosened or fractured.
Lips, gums or cheeks can also be lacerated, which are frequently painful and potentially serious. Such injuries should be treated by your dentist or local emergency room immediately. Depending on your emergency, there are various procedures you should perform in order to protect your teeth from any further damage as you prepare to visit your dentist's emergency office.
When Your Tooth Aches
Sometimes a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between your tooth and another tooth. These minor toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing your mouth to clear it of debris and other matter that may be irritating your mouth.
If your tooth is knocked out, try to place the tooth back into the socket while you wait to see your dentist. A visit to your dentist will be required to repair the tooth. Often, there may be blood in your mouth, in addition to other debris. Rinse your mouth to eliminate the blood and debris. Next, place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek, near the injury to help keep the swelling down. If you can't put your tooth back into its socket, hold your dislocated tooth by the crown and not the root. Next, place your tooth in a container of warm milk, saline or your own saliva and keep it in the solution until you arrive at your dentist's emergency office.
For a fractured tooth, the best option you have, at first, is to rinse your mouth with warm water. Again, applying a cold pack or compress will help in the process of keeping swelling down. If your fracture is minor, your tooth can be sanded or restored by your dentist if the pulp is not severely damaged. A moderate fracture can include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp. Your tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown or require further treatment.
When Soft Tissue is Injured
Injuries that are inside your mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. Your wound should be cleaned immediately with warm water, and you or the one injured should be taken to the emergency room for proper care. Lacerations to the tongue will cause bleeding, which can be reduced by pulling your tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.
In some cases, if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, contact your dentist in Bolingbrook immediately. Stitches may be needed in order to stop the bleeding and help with healing. If there is no bleeding, clean the area with warm water on gauze or a clean cloth. Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area and contact your dentist for further instructions.
Whether you have a fractured tooth, chipped tooth, lost tooth or injured soft tissue visiting your emergency dentist in Bolingbrook will help in the process of saving your tooth. By remaining calm and contacting your Bolingbrook dentist immediately, you can potentially save your tooth.
