Because you just never know when an emergency situation is going to happen, understanding how to handle any type of dental emergency is important. It could even mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing a tooth.
Staying calm during a dental emergency situation
Finding out how to stay calm during a dental emergency is one of the most important things you can learn how to do. It is important for those who tend to become flustered when experiencing an emergency situation to learn how to remain calm, as it is necessary to have a clear head when dealing with any type of dental emergency. Suggestions for remaining calm include taking deep and slow breaths, focusing only on the situation at hand and educating yourself on how to treat certain types of dental emergencies.
Three tips to handle a dental emergency
According to the American Dental Association, when someone has a dental emergency, it is important for them to visit their dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. The three tips listed below can help anyone understand how to handle a dental emergency.
#1. Damaged teeth
There are a few options when it comes to handling an emergency situation that damages someone’s teeth. If the tooth is broken, then saving any of the broken pieces, if possible, is necessary. Rinsing the mouth with warm water is the next step. If bleeding is involved, then a clean piece of gauze needs to be applied to the area. If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth, then it needs to be rinsed off, making sure to only hold it by the crown. While placing the tooth back into the socket is preferred, it can also be placed in a container of water or milk.
#2. Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess means that there is an infection present in the mouth, which can lead to additional dental problems. In order to address this emergency situation, rinsing the mouth several times a day using saltwater is necessary, as this helps reduce any pain and swelling. If a tooth abscess is not treated by a dental professional in a timely manner, it can lead to someone experiencing both damaged teeth and damaged gum tissue.
#3. A lost crown or dental filling
While lost crowns and dental fillings do not happen often, it is a possibility and would require immediate treatment. Placing a lost crown back over the tooth is suggested, which can be done by using a denture adhesive or toothpaste until a dental appointment is made. When comes to treating a lost dental filling, using clove oil can help numb the pain, as well as over-the-counter pain medications. Mold dental wax or temporary dental cement can be placed into the area of the lost filling until replaced by a dental professional.
Have any questions for us?
After reading the above tips, you should feel confident in your ability to handle any dental emergencies. Whether it is you or someone else who experiences an emergency dental situation, when you know how to handle it, there is going to be a better outcome. If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, then please contact us right now so we can help you with your next steps.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lightbreezedental.com or call Light Breeze Dental at (949) 274-4719 for an appointment in our Irvine office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
All too many teenagers and adults do not receive the orthodontic care they need due to fear of an extensive treatment process. Invisalign® offers a way to straighten your smile in a minimally invasive manner. You can also enjoy the discreetness that Invisalign offers, which is not the case with traditional braces. The most notable reasons…
A dental crown serves as a durable restoration for a compromised tooth, yet certain conditions can eventually cause it to fail. These caps provide essential protection for the underlying enamel and restore the ability to chew without discomfort. Therefore, identifying the early signs of wear helps patients protect their investment and maintain a healthy smile…
To find a dentist both parents and children feel comfortable with can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. It may seem hard to think of a trip to the dentist as a family affair, but everyone should be on the same page when it comes to oral health. Consistency in oral health cleanings…
The American Association for Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to a dentist for kids before the age of one. At this point, some of their teeth should have erupted, so a dentist can evaluate their development and spot any abnormalities. Issues like a poor bite are easier to address when detected early in life…