Dental emergencies include tooth decay, gum disease, and a chipped tooth, to name a few. While good dental care and prevention are the best ways to maintain your oral health, knowing what to do in an emergency can help you avoid long-term damage.
Do you know what the most common dental emergencies are, and how to handle them? The best way to handle a dental emergency is to have a go-to dental expert who can handle such situations.
Below are common emergencies that dentists handle.
Infected Tooth
A dental emergency might be as simple as a tooth infection. A dental infection can develop a tooth abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket caused by bacteria. If left untreated, your infection could spread to the gums and potentially harm nerve connections in the jaw, resulting in more significant health issues. If you have a fever or are in excruciating pain, this may be the case. Consult your dentist if you have a chronic and throbbing toothache and believe you have a dental infection. In the interim, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol can help relieve some of the discomfort.
Chipped or Broken teeth
Warm water should be used to rinse your mouth, and any fragments found should be kept. Rinse the shattered pieces and place them in a safe place; you should bring them to the dentist with you.
For ten minutes or until the bleeding stops, apply gauze to the bleeding area. Placing a cool compress against the chip or around the lips near the broken tooth can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
A Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
If your tooth has been knocked out, there’s a chance that it can be saved if the injury is handled quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the vulnerable root. Rinse it in milk and store it in some until you arrive at our office. If you don’t have any milk on hand, you can rinse it with water and place it in your mouth. We will try to re-implant the tooth after clearing debris from the socket. If the tooth is treated within 30 minutes to an hour of the incident, there is a good chance it can be salvaged.
Bleeding Gums
Gum disease, often known as gingivitis, can cause bleeding in the mouth. Even if there’s no reason to be concerned, you should visit your dentist right away to have it checked out. Blood in your saliva could be a sign of advanced cancer or gum disease.
Damage to Braces
Please contact us as soon as possible to make an appointment if you notice your braces are out of shape. Bend the broken wire back toward your tooth and cover the end with wax if it bothers you. If a bracket comes loose, use wax to keep it in place. Please save the bracket if it comes off the wire and bring it with you to your appointment, so it may be reattached.
Lost Filling or Crown
Crowns and fillings are used to restore the appearance and function of teeth that have been previously damaged. As a result, if these break, you must treat them straight away to prevent further harm or infection.
While you’re waiting for emergency dental care, try this quick remedy in the meantime. To avoid injuring the tooth, insert a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity. Do not attempt to repair the tooth yourself. You can alternatively put the restoration in a zip-top bag and take it to your dentist’s office to have it reapplied or replaced.
What To Do During a Dental Emergency
The first thing you should do if you have a dental emergency is to ensure your safety. If you’re bleeding, apply light pressure to the region and try to stop the bleeding. If you require immediate medical attention, you should consider going to an urgent care center or an emergency hospital to be evaluated by a specialist.
Skilled Dentist for Dental Emergencies in Eugene, Oregon
For experienced and friendly emergency dental care, visit Dr. Ari Binder of 360 Dental. Dr. Binder can examine your mouth and teeth to quickly diagnose the problem and discuss your treatment options with you.
Please call (541) 689-1645 or fill out our simple online appointment request form if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Binder. We want to be your family dentist for many years to come, and we’re excited to help you find relief from your dental pain!