With American citizens currently enthralled in a battle with COVID-19, the last thing anyone needs is for a dental emergency to strike. Unfortunately, one can happen when you least expect it. While most dental offices are temporarily closed for other services, you can still count on your local dentist for emergency dental care. However, you need to know what types of situations are considered dental emergencies, and what you can do on your own until you’re examined. The answers you’re looking for are coming right up!
For any Dental Emergency, Do This
No matter what type of dental emergency you may encounter, the most important thing is to stay as calm as possible. Then, after assessing what has happened, you should reach out to your local emergency dentist to request a visit.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a definite dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Grab the tooth by the crown and rinse it under water, being careful not to remove any tissue that is attached. You can attempt to reinsert it, but if you’re unsuccessful, let it rest in a cup of milk until you can be seen by your dentist.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
To prevent a loose tooth from completely dislodging, you should avoid any activity on that side of your mouth. If you have any pain, you can take ibuprofen and apply ice to the outside of your face to reduce any swelling.
Chipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth
When a tooth is cracked or broken, the first step is to check for any missing pieces. Place any fragments into a small baggy so you can give it to the dentist when you visit. Meanwhile, you should avoid using the injured side of your mouth and take ibuprofen to quiet any discomfort.
Severe Dental Pain
Typically, severe dental pain is the result of plaque growth that has reached the sensitive inner parts of the tooth. This crescendo moment of acute pain requires immediate care to prevent the dangerous spread of the infection, as it could possibly impact your overall health.
To reduce your pain, you can take ibuprofen and rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution to slow down the advancement of the oral bacteria.
Lost or Damaged Dental Work
A missing filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to debris and oral bacteria that could lead to a painful infection. If you can locate the missing restoration, attempt to reattach it with the aid of dental wax or a dollop of toothpaste.
Object Stuck Between the Teeth
If you have an object stuck between your teeth, you can try carefully flossing to remove it. If you’re unsuccessful, don’t try applying force, as it could cause a severe laceration. Instead, avoid any activity in the area as you await emergency dental treatment.
Injury to the Lips, Gums and Jaw
For facial trauma that results in a soft tissue laceration, you can gently apply a cotton gauze to stop the bleeding. If that doesn’t work and bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes, you should head to the emergency room.
If you suspect your jaw is broken, you should also head to the emergency room for treatment. One way to prevent the problem getting worse is to tie a piece of cloth around your head to immobilize your jaw.
Pain or Swelling in the Face
Facial pain or swelling is usually the sign of a bad infection. While applying ice and taking ibuprofen will help to ease the symptoms, you should seek emergency treatment.
Your local dentist is available to help you recover, even during the COVID-19 crisis. So, unless you’re dealing with one of the specified problems that require hospital care, your first choice should be to contact and visit an emergency dentist in your area. Therefore, you can get the expert care you need, while helping to ease the pressure that hospital staff are currently under.