A dental emergency could happen so fast that you are startled and too upset to think rationally. In these cases, you should gather as much information as possible to take corrective action right away.
Dos and Don’ts in a Dental Emergency
Here are some pointers to remember in the event of a dental emergency.
Try Not to Stress
A dental emergency can cause significant anxiety as well as discomfort. However, as frightening as the sight of blood or dental injury may appear, not every urgent dental problem requires immediate medical attention.
For example, a chipped tooth that does not cause severe discomfort can be treated in a few days.
Don’t Expect Damage to Be Visible
Root damage may not be noticeable for days or weeks after an impact. When an incident occurs, fractures in your teeth are always a possibility. However, not all cracks are immediately visible.
A root canal may be performed if the damage is below the gum line. Visit your dentist as soon as possible following an accident, especially if there is any residual discomfort or swelling in the gum region.
Do Save Chipped or Damaged Teeth
When a tooth is chipped or fractured due to an accident, try to preserve any shattered pieces you find. A dentist might still be able to fix them. Warm water should be used to rinse your mouth and the shattered pieces.
Bleeding can occur as a result of a chipped tooth, so apply gauze to the affected area until the bleeding stops. To relieve swelling and discomfort, put a cold compress outside of the mouth near the afflicted area.
Do Maintain an Emergency Dental Care Kit
Always keep an emergency oral care kit on hand. Sterile gauze pads, plastic tweezers, cotton rolls, dental floss, and ibuprofen should all be included in your pack. Apply an ice pack to ease in case of any swelling.
Consulting the Dentist
In the event of a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call your dentist and seek professional help. The dentist can assess your situation and symptoms and then provide you with precise guidance on what to do next.
Knowing the Dos and Don’ts can make a significant difference in the outcome of your emergency. Proper guidance can help you save the tooth instead of having them replaced with a bridge or implant.
For comprehensive dental care, visit El Camino Dental Arts at 1938 Via Centre Ste A, Vista, CA 92081. Call us at (760) 433-8986 for appointments.