A dental emergency can happen to anyone at any time. It is a fact of life that accidents happen to people, and if you know what to do when a dental emergency occurs, you may be able to avert the potential risk of permanent damage. Injury to the teeth or gums should be attended to as soon as possible by a dental practitioner who is qualified to handle the particular emergency.
The following are some instances which can be classified as dental emergencies:
Sudden toothache
The pain from a toothache can be excruciating and hard to bear. If it is severe enough to affect your daily activities, it may be serious. Before calling the dentist for an emergency visit, clean your teeth and gums, rinse well and remove any debris that may be stuck between the teeth with dental floss. If the pain persists, immediate call your dentist.
Broken tooth
When a tooth is broken from a knock to the mouth, or having bitten down on something hard, it is an emergency that needs to be attended to immediately. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain and do not use any medication as it will interfere with the dental treatment.
Partially dislodged tooth
A partially dislodged tooth needs immediate attention and is considered an emergency. Apply a cold compress but do not take any medication in case you have to have a surgical procedure under anesthetic.
Knocked out tooth
Retrieve the tooth and immediately run it under clean water, holding it by the enamel part, to remove any dirt and place it in a clean plastic bag. If it is possible, try to replace it without forcing, making sure it faces the right way. A knocked out tooth has the highest chance of being saved if emergency treatment is applied within one hour of the accident. Do not take any medication as you may have to undergo surgery.
Lost filling
If the pain is unbearable it is an emergency. If it is possible to bear the pain, you may apply a dental cement, to prevent infection and to keep food out of the cavity until you can see the dentist.
Lost Crown
Retrieve the crown and rinse it. Rinse the mouth and attempt to replace the crown, dental cement will help. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. The longer you wait the more chance there is of infection setting in. Never use Superglue to stick the crown back in.
Broken jaw
A broken jaw could have dislodged a number of teeth and is a dental emergency that should be attended to immediately by a dental surgeon.
Foreign object caught between teeth
If you are unable to dislodge the object with dental floss or a toothpick, contact your dentist immediately. Do not use any sharp objects such as pins as they can damage your gums and cause infection.
Abscess
Serious oral health problems can result from a tooth abscess, apart from the fact that it can be extremely painful, and is considered an emergency. See your dentist as soon as possible.
If you are not sure whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is best to contact your dentist anyway to determine the best course of action.
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