An emergency is any unwanted situation or incident that can result in unpleasant symptoms. Such situations can also occur in dentistry mostly due to trauma, severe tooth decay, or gum disease. Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and it’s essential to know how to handle them to prevent further damage and alleviate pain. A dental emergency can be a traumatic experience, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can reduce the risk of complications and ensure prompt and effective treatment.
In times of dental emergencies seek dental help from the Gettysburg dentist.
Common dental emergencies and how to handle them
Toothache
- You may experience toothache due to severe tooth decay involving the pulp, advanced gum disease resulting in abscess formation, or dental trauma.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use a floss near the affected tooth to remove any debris
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication
Broken or chipped tooth
- You may experience a broken or chipped tooth due to dental trauma, biting on hard foods, or a weakened root canal-treated tooth.
- Save and rinse the broken pieces of your tooth
- Rinse with warm salt water
- If there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops
- Apply a cold compress on the exterior of the affected tooth to manage pain and swelling
Knocked-out or avulsed tooth
- Here the tooth may be completely dislodged from the tooth socket, mostly due to the forceful impact of trauma
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root)
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached tissue fragment
- Place the tooth in a container with milk or saline solution
- Seek immediate attention
- Your dentist can treat an avulsed tooth when it is returned to its socket within an hour
Dental abscess
- Abscesses are swollen areas or boil-like infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between your teeth and gums. It can cause serious damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
- These are often formed due to severe or advanced gum disease
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Do not prick the abscess as the pus discharge can spread to the surrounding tissues
- Seek dental help immediately
Lost filling or crown
- Save the filling or crown if possible
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity to prevent the sharp edges from hurting your tongue or cheeks
- If a crown is dislodged, carry it safely to the dentist. If not, you can hold it in place with a denture adhesive available on the market
- Do not use any form of glue
Severe soft tissue injury
- Soft tissue injuries may involve your tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips due to any trauma. You may experience profuse bleeding.
- To control bleeding:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water solution
- Use a moist gauze to apply pressure near the injured area to arrest bleeding. Hold it in place for 10 to 15 minutes
- Use a cold compress to alleviate pain and manage swelling
How to prevent dental emergencies?
While dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings at least once in six months, to catch potential problems early. This can help prevent the onset and progression of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Wear a dental mouthguard: If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. Try to refrain from contact sports that may increase your risk of dental trauma.
Avoid certain foods and drinks: Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods and drinks that can damage your teeth.
Avoid chewing on anything: Avoid habits like chewing on hard things like pens, pencils, or nails since these can cause cracks or chipping in your teeth. You may also suffer from increased tooth sensitivity.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be stressful and painful, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can handle them effectively and reduce the risk of complications. Remember to stay calm, follow the dentist’s instructions, and seek immediate attention if necessary. By practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
