subject: What Do You Do When A Dental Emergency Occurs? [print this page] Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at anytime-without rhyme or reason. Whether you are at home, or traveling, it is important to understand what to do in case of an emergency. While it is important to visit your dentist immediately, there are steps to take that will help you to potentially save your tooth in the mean time. In some cases, seeing a dentist within 30 minutes or less can make a big difference in saving or losing your injured tooth.
So You Knocked-Out your Tooth-Now What?
If your tooth is knocked out, be sure to call your Orlando dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. Within an hour of your injury it is very important to see your dentist for the best chance of your tooth surviving. If appropriate steps are taken, the chances of your tooth being reinserted and preserved by your dentist are extremely high.
If your tooth is knocked out, follow these steps immediately:
*Pick up your tooth by the top (crown).
*Do not touch the root, or roots, of the tooth.
*Rinse off your tooth gently to ensure that it is clean. Whatever you do, do not scrub your tooth or remove any of the tissue that may be attached to it.
*If you are able to, gently place your tooth back into the socket. Hold the tooth in place while trying to bite down.
*If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, put the tooth in a small container or in a cup of milk.
*Most importantly, call your Orlando, FL dentist immediately because getting to the dentist as soon as possible with your tooth is crucial to saving your knocked out tooth.
What if my Tooth is Chipped, Cracked or Fractured?
A cracked or fractured tooth is a serious issue, resulting in a dental emergency. If your tooth is only chipped, but does not hurt, it does not usually constitute an emergency and can wait a few days. While waiting a few days is a possibility, it is important to be careful with chewing so you do not chip your tooth any more than it already is.
Fractured or cracked teeth usually suggest that damage has occurred to the inside of the tooth as well as the outside of your tooth. Seeking care from your dentist right away is critical to saving the tooth. If you do suffer from a fractured tooth, it is important to call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. Additionally, you should follow these steps:
*Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
*Save any pieces of your broken tooth and bring it with you to the dentist.
*If the fracture is caused by facial trauma, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize the swelling.
If you are experiencing any sort of extreme pain associated with your tooth, a visit to your Orlando dentist immediate care dentist may be in order. It is always important to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting your teeth. Upon an emergency, visit your dentist immediately for proper treatment and prevention of further complications.
