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DENTAL EMERGENCY

It is a worrying experience when a tooth is chipped or cracked. It is even more troublesome when you experience sudden dental pain. Whenever a dental emergency arises, it is always best to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Dental issues usually end up being both costly and requiring many appointments to fix if they are not addressed early enough.

 

Why See A Dentist Right Away?

Dental issues and dental pain do not get better with time, they become worse. As well, the treatment required to fit certain dental issues may increase in cost as more damage takes place in the mouth. Dental pain that does not go away after a few days should be checked by your dentist.

What To Do With A Knocked Out Tooth

If you have one of your teeth knocked out, it is vital that you follow the recommend steps below and see your dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving that tooth. When a tooth is knocked out, the supporting blood vessels and nerves are permanently damaged, which means a root canal will be required. The supporting jawbone however can be attached to the root of the knocked out tooth again if it is done quickly enough. Remember that your dentist will only be able to save that a tooth that is in one complete piece. If the tooth is broken, saving that tooth will no longer be an option. You should try to see your dentist within an hour of having the tooth knocked out.

How Often Do You Need A Dental Cleaning?

The frequency of dental cleanings varies from patient to patient. Your dentist or dental hygienist will take into account a variety of factors when recommending how often you should come in for a dental cleaning. Factors such as your current oral health, your oral history, your habits, etc. will be taken into consideration before recommending a dental cleaning schedule. Some patients may not agree to come in as often as their dental professional recommends due to insurance coverage or anxiety when visiting the dentist.

Tips to improve the chance of saving the tooth:

  • Try not to touch the root of the tooth. This is the part of the tooth that would have been covered under the gums.
  • ​If the tooth falls in a dirty area or environment, hold the tooth by the top part of it (the part using for chewing and biting), and rinse it off with milk. If you do not have any milk on hand, rinse it off with water. Avoid rubbing the tooth with a tissue, cloth or anything else.
  • Keep the tooth moist by storing it in a glass of milk. If you do not have any milk, then keep the clean tooth in your mouth between your gum and your cheek to avoid swallowing the tooth. If you have a child that cannot keep the tooth in their mouth safely without swallowing it, have them spit repeatedly into a cup then drop the tooth into the saliva. If they cannot produce enough saliva, place the tooth in a cup filled with water. The tooth must be kept moist at all costs.
  • ​You may also try to slip the clean tooth back into the socket it came from before you go to your dentist. Ensure that it is facing the right way before attempting to do this, do not force it back in if it does not go in easily.

If you have a dental emergency, do not wait until the damage becomes worse or until the pain intensifies. Contact us to schedule your emergency appointment today.