A dental emergency can seem like a real crisis. Whether it happens to you or a loved one, an emergency such as a loose or missing tooth, or a cracked tooth is never easy to deal with.
But if you know what to do when there’s a dental emergency, you’ll be able to react properly, get the treatment you need, and minimize the pain and discomfort of a dental injury. At Crossroads Family Dentistry, we went to keep you well-informed, so here’s a few things to keep in mind if you ever experience a dental injury or emergency:
1. Start By Making A Dental Emergency Appointment ASAP
First thing’s first: If you experience any kind of dental emergency, whether it’s a knocked out tooth, a missing crown, or a loose filling, make an appointment right away at Crossroads Family Dentistry.
Quick treatment is often required to save damaged or injured teeth. For example, a knocked out tooth must usually be re-implanted within just an hour or two in order for the best possible prognosis.
The longer you go without treatment, the bigger the risk that your tooth may become infected or further damaged, and the bigger the risk is that you might lose it.
As soon as a dental emergency occurs, give Crossroads Family Dentistry a call. We’re always willing to make room for emergency appointments, and we may even be able to see you after-hours!
2. Save The Tooth Or Dental Work
If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse it off with water and replace it in the socket, or keep it in a small baggie or container with milk until you see your dentist.
Loose, missing, or damaged teeth should be preserved as well. Do not mess around with the tooth or move it around with your tongue, and avoid putting pressure on it. This increases the risk that it will become even more damaged.
Dental work such as crowns and fillings should also be recovered, if at all possible. They may not be re-used, but if the dentist can examine them, it’s easier to determine what steps need to be taken in order to restore the tooth.
3. Deal With Pain, Bleeding, And Swelling
Over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help mitigate bleeding, and also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with swelling. Note that aspirin should not be used, because it prevents proper blood clotting.
Bleeding can be treated with cotton balls or clean gauze, or even paper towels if there is nothing else available. Ice packs can also be used externally to help with pain and swelling.
4. Get Emergency Dental Treatment
The final (and most important) step is to get to your emergency appointment, and let one of our experienced doctors examine your mouth, and provide you with the proper restorative treatment.
React Properly To Dental Emergencies (And Save Your Teeth)
A dental emergency is tough to deal with. Whether you’re experiencing the pain and distress of a serious dental injury, or if you witness the injury of a loved one, it’s not a walk in the park.
But if you stay calm and follow these tips from Crossroads Family Dentistry, and make sure to come in for an emergency appointment, you’ll set yourself up for success and we’ll be able to get you out of pain and back to smiling again.
Have an emergency? Don’t wait. Contact us now at (405) 631-0322, or come to our office at 8101 S Walker D, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.
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