Dental emergencies can develop over several days or even months, or they can come suddenly. In fact, not all dental emergencies will cause the symptoms you anticipate, such as the excruciating agony that most people identify with dental emergencies. It’s crucial to call your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a dental emergency. Although if having to visit the dentist right away could seem like a hassle, it is always preferable to have an evaluation to prevent issues.
Here, we take a look at some crucial patient dos and don’ts when receiving emergency dental care.
A lost tooth should not be kept in pocket
Losing a tooth is undoubtedly a dental emergency, but what you should do next after it has been knocked out is equally important.
- Try to locate the tooth before bringing it to your emergency dental appointment. This is important since your teeth can often be reattached, depending on the situation.
- Never ever put your teeth in a pocket, bag, or envelope is the next rule.
- You need to keep the tooth in moist and so it is always better to put it in a cup with clean, ice-cold water or milk to safely transport it to your dentist’s office.
Do think about attempting to reposition your broken tooth
If you are certain that you can, use a mirror to help you carefully replace a knocked-out tooth. If it’s a molar, bite down softly to keep it in place. Hold it in place for the front teeth until you get to the dentist.
A knocked-out tooth should not be picked up by the roots
Be very careful to pick up a knocked-out tooth by the “biting” end rather than the root when doing so. Your tooth’s root end tissue will aid in fusing it back into place.
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Do gently rinse your teeth
If at all possible, rinse your tooth gently without touching the root end, scrubbing it, or using soap. The easiest technique to preserve its integrity is to give it a moderate water washing before dipping it into milk or water without drying it first.
A Broken Yet Painless Tooth Should Not Be Ignored
Even though it may be simple to disregard a cracked tooth that doesn’t hurt, a dentist needs to examine it soon away. In order to prevent food or debris from becoming caught in the crack, rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress on your face to minimise swelling if it hurts or is swollen.
To stop bleeding, apply pressure
When an accident results in bleeding, rinse the blood away and then, if the area is still bleeding, apply pressure with a fresh, cool washcloth. To prevent choking on the blood, make careful to maintain an upright posture.
Please Make An Effort To Gather Broken Teeth Fragments
Bring the broken tooth piece to the dentist’s office right away if the break appears to be clean. The tooth fragment can frequently be mended and reattached.
Do not ignore toothache
Even a sporadic toothache could be a sign of a possible dental problem. If you mention the pain to your dentist, they may want you to come in immediately away for an evaluation. The likelihood of getting a much more painful, significant problem increases the longer you wait.
Don’t hesitate to call the dentist if you see something new
Your oral health may be experiencing new problems, which could indicate a potential emergency. If a new symptom has you even remotely concerned, don’t wait to call your dentist. They would rather see you at the first indication of a change since it enables them to take preventative action and either deal with an emergency you might not be aware of.
Avoid using aspirin
This is particularly critical if you are bleeding. Because aspirin thins the blood, it may worsen the situation. If you have a choice, pick paracetamol. Also, until you see your dentist, cold compresses might help you be comfortable.
Do Treat An Extruded Or Partly Dislodged Tooth As An Emergency
Your teeth may not always be fully knocked out by a blow to the face. If this happens, your teeth may protrude awkwardly, feel floppy, or become dislodged only on one side. All of these problems need to be resolved right away. Your chances of having a tooth saved increase the faster you visit the dentist.
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Don’t Ignore Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
If you can feel something stuck between your teeth but can’t seem to dislodge it with floss, don’t decide you’ll just ignore it, as this can lead to infection. Additionally, avoid attempting to remove it with sharper items. Call your dentist instead, and make an appointment for them to use the appropriate tools to properly remove the object.
If you experience a dental emergency or have any concerns about changes to your oral condition, a call to your dentist is always the best step.
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