subject: Steps To Take In A Dental Emergency [print this page] Thanks to increases in modern dental technology, a dental emergency does not have to be a catastrophic event. Your dentist has the capability to repair and restore your smile no matter the situation, but you should still be wary of what to do in certain situation. Here is some advice for what to do when faced with various dental emergencies.
*Knocked out tooth. When you have a tooth knocked out, it is important to act fast. Find the tooth, and pick it up by the crown (not the root). Lightly rinse off the tooth if it is dirty. Try to reattach the tooth into the socket without forcing it in. If you cannot, put the tooth into a small container of milk or lightly salted water and see you dentist as soon as possible. Knocked out teeth are most likely to be saved if they are reattached within one hour of being knocked out.
*Chipped or broken tooth. Save any pieces that you can find. Apply gauze and a cold compress to the tooth to stop the bleeding and control swelling. See you dentist as soon as you can.
*Soft-tissue injuries. An injury to your tongue, cheek, gums or lips can be potentially serious and cause a great deal of bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and apply pressure on the bleeding site with a piece of gauze. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to a hospital emergency as soon as you can.
*Abscess. An abscess is an infection that occurs around the root of a tooth. They can be very painful and need to be treated by your dentist. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with salt-water solution several times a day to help with the pain.
Avoiding Dental Emergencies
To avoid a dental emergency, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important thing you can do is to take care of your oral health. Healthy and strong teeth and gums will be more resistant to trauma and will also help you avoid problems due to infection. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is also beneficial to catch any potential problems before they develop into more serious issues.
When participating in sporting activities, it is important to wear a mouthguard to avoid problems with your teeth. Sports are one of the most common situations where dental emergencies can occur. In highly violent sports, wearing a helmet can also be necessary to protect your teeth and head from violent hits.
To learn more about how to avoid and treat dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment, contact your Riverview dentist today. Most dentists will be able to treat you immediately in the case of a dental emergency.
