In case of a dental emergency, the first person you are supposed to call is your dentist. Always keep the after hours dentist’s contact for any emergency that may arise. Most of the dentists will put time for emergency casualties. In the event of an emergency, seeing the dentist earlier stands the chance of saving the tooth. The emergencies are injuries caused by teeth knocked out, fractured or forcing out of position and loosening. External injuries might also arise like gum, lips and cheeks being cut.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Pre-treatment tips can help the dentist preserve and reinsert the tooth. Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse with water. Try reinserting it back to the socket by biting it downwards. In case you are unable to do so, put it in a milk jar and immediately rush to the dentist. The longer you wait for the tooth to be implanted back, the more viability it loses.
Loose Tooth, Tooth Out of Alignment
Call the dentist for an emergency appointment and in the meantime re-align the tooth back to its position with minimal pressure and bite to avoid it moving.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A cracked or fractured tooth means that there might be an extensive damage both on the inside and outside of the teeth. Immediately call the dentist to book for an emergency appointment. Before that, clean the mouth gently with warm water and take a pain reliever mostly acetaminophen.
Others
Severe abscess or infection are life-threatening and require immediate treatment. A first root canal can be performed to drain the abscess from the tooth by opening it up. Basically, all injuries that might lead to a tooth being removed, excessive tissue bleeding or severe acute pain but can be treated immediately is refered to as dental emergency.
Temporary Restorations problems
Temporary crown coming off isn’t a dental emergency. Anyhow when a crown is detached, try reinstating it back. You can use toothpaste, Vaseline, or a little denture adhesive to stick it back temporarily. Firstly before applying the adhesive, fit the crown in its original position then put the adhesive and press the denture with a dry cloth. Wipe off the excessive adhesive on your tooth and you are fit to wait for the dentist’s appointment for another few days for proper recementing of the crown.
How to Avoid a Dental Emergency
Wearing of mouth guards during contact sports activities like boxing reduces the chances of teeth being chipped, broken or knocked out. Constant dental check-ups for decay and cavities that may weaken the teeth, refrain from chewing hard food or ice that may fracture or break your teeth. Routine check up by the dentist in case you have a trip, and you are not sure of getting a dentist. The check up will tell if there is a missing crown, decay near the nerves that might cause pain or abscess developing or any other problem that could be fixed before the trip.