Because you never know when an emergency situation is going to happen, understanding how to handle a dental emergency is important. It could even mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Finding out how to stay calm during a dental emergency is one of the most important things you can learn how to do. It is critical for those who tend to become flustered when experiencing an emergency situation to learn how to remain calm and have a clear head. Suggestions for remaining calm include taking deep and slow breaths, focusing only on the situation, and educating yourself on how to treat certain dental emergencies at home prior to going in for a visit.
According to the American Dental Association, when someone has a dental emergency, they must visit their dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. The three tips listed below can help anyone understand how to handle a dental emergency.
There are a few options when it comes to handling an emergency situation that damages someone’s teeth. If the tooth is broken, then saving any of the broken pieces, if possible, is necessary. Rinsing the mouth with warm water is the next step. If bleeding is involved, a clean piece of gauze must be applied to the area. If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth, it needs to be rinsed off, making sure only to hold it by the crown. While placing the tooth back into the socket is preferred, it can also be placed in a container of water or milk.
A tooth abscess means an infection exists in the mouth, which can lead to additional dental problems. In order to address this emergency situation, rinsing the mouth several times a day using saltwater is necessary, as this helps reduce any pain and swelling. In addition, if a dental professional does not treat a tooth abscess promptly, it can lead to someone experiencing both damaged teeth and gum tissue.
While lost crowns and dental fillings do not happen often, it is possible and would require immediate treatment. Placing a lost crown back over the tooth is suggested, which can be done using a denture adhesive or paste until a dental appointment is made. When treating a lost dental filling, clove oil can help numb the pain, as well as over-the-counter pain medications. Mold dental wax or temporary dental cement can be placed into the area of the lost filling until replaced by a dental professional.
After reading the above tips, you should feel confident handling dental emergencies. Whether it is you or someone else who experiences an emergency dental situation, when you know how to handle it, there will be a better outcome. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us so we can help you with your next steps.
Please request an appointment here: https://elitedentalandorthodontics.com or call Elite Dental and Orthodontics at (310) 668-1088 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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