You have the best intentions with dental care. However, no matter how careful, the unexpected can occur damaging an otherwise healthy smile. Trauma can strike anytime, even during routine activities such as playing a sport or even eating an apple. Patients in the greater Philadelphia, PA area can turn to Dr. A for emergency dental care when patients experience the unexpected. Dental Arts Group offers treatments to protect the health of patients’ mouths.
As much as you want it to, life does not always go by your schedule. Dental issues can pop up at any time, especially when you are least expecting it. Dental emergencies often include toothaches, infections, soft tissue lacerations, broken or lost teeth, or damage to a filling or restoration.
First aid for a dislodged tooth or teeth
Emergency dental care does not just occur in a dentist’s office. First aid begins before you even enter the office. First and foremost, when a problem occurs, it is important to stay calm and to contact Dental Arts Group. Dentists are fully trained and qualified to treat a range of dental problems, including unexpected emergencies.
A dislodged tooth and a knocked tooth are common dental emergencies. While they may sound similar, these are two different cases which require special home care before arriving at the dentist’s office. A dislodged tooth is one that has become loose but is still attached to the mouth in some way. A tooth that has been knocked out is no longer attached to the gums in any way.
Trauma to the mouth can occur during a fall, a hit to the mouth, or a sports injury. When a tooth becomes dislodged or knocked out, every second matters. If a tooth becomes loose but is still somewhat attached, place the tooth back into proper position if you can. Once it is in place, bite down to keep the tooth stable until you reach the dentist.
If a tooth has been completely knocked out, the moments following the trauma are very important. The following steps improve the chances of saving your tooth.
- Locate the lost tooth.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown only. Do not touch the root.
- Carefully rinse the tooth to clean it. Do not scrub the tooth.
- Saline solution can be found in some first aid kits. If possible, place the tooth in saline solution. Otherwise, place it in a cup of milk to keep the tooth moist until you arrive at your dentist’s office.
- Contact your dentist immediately to have your tooth restored.
In the best case scenario, if your tooth has been located and preserved, it can be reinserted and restored. If the tooth cannot be saved, your emergency dentist will give you options such as dental implants or restorations.
Emergency dental care tips
Dental emergencies encompass more than just a dislodged or knocked out tooth. Dental emergencies can strike at any time, even during the most routine activities. If you experience dental trauma, the following tips may be helpful until you get to the dentist’s office.
- When a tooth is chipped or broken, rinse the area immediately. Place a cold compress on your face to minimize the swelling.
- For a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water and gently floss your teeth. An oral pain reliever may help ease the pain but do not place anything directly on the tooth or gums.
- If the soft tissues have been damaged, cleanse the area by rinsing your mouth. Then, apply a cold compress to minimize swelling.
- When an object or piece of food becomes lodged between your teeth, gently floss or rinse the area to try to remove the object. If you cannot free the item, your dentist can use precise instruments to dislodge it.
Each situation and patient is different. When emergency dental care is needed, your dentist assesses your teeth, gums, and mouth to determine the problem and course of action. Regardless of the emergency, the goal is to first ease your pain and to preserve the health of your mouth.
If you experience dental trauma, contact the team at Dental Arts Group in Philadelphia, PA for emergency dental care. Call (215) 624-1935.