Dental emergencies can range from a crown or filling coming loose to a tooth getting knocked out during a soccer game. Whatever your emergency, acting quickly can make the difference in possibly saving your tooth, and certainly for your comfort level. This includes what you do at the scene of your accident and your speed in getting to your dentist.
Take action for the following emergencies:
- A tooth that has been knocked out must be kept moist. Place the tooth in milk, or, if none is available, tuck the tooth between your cheek and gum and go immediately to your dentist’s office.
- A serious crack or chip in a tooth should be seen immediately, as the root could be exposed. A smaller fracture should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible to ensure saving the tooth. You may rinse your mouth with warm water and use cold compresses for swelling. Rinse carefully if the tongue or lip has also been injured.
- For severe toothache pain, rinse gently with warm water and floss gently to remove food that may be caught near the tooth. DO NOT use aspirin on the tooth or gum tissue.
- See your dentist immediately for injuries to the mouth or teeth caused by objects or objects lodged in the mouth.
The most common dental emergencies are cracked or loose teeth as a result of a fall or athletic accident, but severe toothache pain or broken braces also should be seen immediately. At Thomas Dental, our dental emergency service in North Canton, Ohio, is available for last minute appointments, walk-ins, and any urgent need. These include:
- A knocked out or loose tooth
- A severely cracked or chipped tooth
- Missing fillings
- A crown that is loose or has fallen off
- An abscessed tooth or severe toothache
- Broken braces
- Cheek or gum injuries that cause severe bleeding
Avoid injuries to your teeth
Prevention is always the best policy when it comes to your teeth. Wearing faceguards and mouthguards when participating in athletic activities can dramatically reduce the risk of injury to your teeth and jaw. Dentists also advise against chewing hard candy and ice, especially if your teeth are particularly vulnerable to cracks and chips.
Finally, never use your teeth as a tool to open packages, no matter how harmless it may seem.
At Thomas Dental, we encourage you to see a member of our team right away if you have been injured or are experiencing any tooth pain, even if you are not sure what is causing it. Remember, hospital emergency rooms are not equipped to handle dental injuries and emergencies. Contact our office if you have concerns about your dental health.