There is no convenient time for a dental emergency to happen. A broken, cracked, chipped, or knocked-out tooth can lead to pain and stress – as well as oral health problems if not treated in a timely manner. Since dental emergencies can happen at any moment, it’s important to be familiar with some of the following situations and what you can do about it. Needless to say if you are currently suffering from tooth pain combined with a high fever and facial swelling; please stop reading here and go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are some common dental emergency situations and what you can do about them
TOOTHACHE
This is the most common dental emergency and has many causes. Toothache pain can range from moderate to severe. Deciding what your plan of action is going to require isolating the location of the pain and to discover what is causing the pain. Is your pain sharp? dull and achy? Does it hurt when you bite on something? Is it sensitive to hot or cold? Before contacting an emergency dentist to schedule an appointment for your toothache, try following these simple procedures first.
- Gargling with a glass of warm salted tap water to help pinpoint the area in pain.
- Remove any food or other debris out from around the area with a toothbrush, water-pik or floss
- Apply an ice pack to the aching area to help reduce the swelling and pain
- taking anti-inflammatories -if you are able to.
Once you are able to be seen by the dentist, he/she will be able to determine the cause of any infection or abscess( usually a small pimple filled with infection that causes facial swelling). The dentist will recommend the appropriate course of treatment ranging from antibiotics to the worst-case scenario-removal of that tooth. If that tooth has to be removed, your dentist should also discuss options for replacing that tooth. A common option would be an implant or bridge.
Dislodged or Tooth Displacement
A dislodged tooth is a tooth that has been struck with enough force to loosen the tooth but has not been completely knocked out. The socket needs to be treated with care by a dentist to ensure that the tooth does not get infected. A call to an emergency dentist should happen sooner than later.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth requires action and you should call a dentist as quickly as possible in order to avoid more invasive dental procedures in the near future.
- If there is bleeding firmly apply a gauze pad to the area
- Once the bleeding stops, gently rinse your mouth with warm salted tap water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
A TOOTH OR TEETH THAT HAVE BEEN KNOCKED OUT
Under certain circumstances, a knocked-out permanent tooth can be reimplanted, but time is of the essence. If the tooth can be found and you are able to get to your dentist within 2 hours; the dentist may be able to save that tooth. Furthermore, It is important to know that neighboring teeth quite possibly have been damaged and the roots may have sustained injuries as well. Keep that in mind as you do the following:
- Locate the lost tooth. We suggest that you hold it by the very top of the crown.
- Reinsert the tooth back into its original location using very little force. Again, please only hold it by the very top of the crown.
- Note: It is very important that you keep the tooth moist. This moisture can sometimes be the key in determining the chances of re-implantation success.
Call Dr. Roy Oyangen for an Emergency Dental Care Appointment
If you are experiencing a dental emergency don’t hesitate to call Advanced Aesthetics Dentistry in Glenville, NY at 518-399-4696 today to schedule an appointment. No matter what your urgent dental situation is, rest assured Dr. Roy Oyangen and his compassionate dental team are dedicated to helping you maintain and restore your healthy, pain-free smile.
