Dental emergencies are dental problems requiring instant aid or treatment. It would be best if you didn't wait several hours to seek treatment. If you do, the problem could become more critical and cause complications.
While most people know the importance of acting fast after a dental emergency, some situations can make it challenging to see the dentist in time. Often, your efforts to seek treatment may not be fruitful if the problem occurs at night or when the dentist is away for various reasons. For this reason, you should learn how to deal with these emergencies as outlined below.
Toothache
A toothache is always a bad sign. It usually means you have an infection or tooth decay, among other dental problems. While it's easy to deal with the pain yourself, there are instances when you'll have to see a dentist promptly. Sometimes, you may find it challenging to endure the pain or swelling from tooth decay or infection. For such cases, take pain medication or swish your mouth using salt water. Another way to lessen the pain is by placing a cold compress on your cheek for several minutes.
Damaged Tooth
Whenever a tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, you shouldn't ignore the problem. Usually, it may occur because of tooth grinding, during a sports event, or after an accident. Since an injured tooth can ruin your smile or cause pain and discomfort, you should visit a dental clinic immediately.
While waiting to see a dentist, consider rinsing your mouth using warm water. Doing this will remove any blood or dirt. Moreover, if you are bleeding, consider applying pressure on the affected area using a clean towel or gauze to control the bleeding. You may also take medication to alleviate pain if necessary. You should know that if you have tooth fragments, it will help if you preserve them. Therefore, locate, rinse, and submerge them in milk, then bring them to the dentist.
Lost/Damaged Crown or Filling
If a tooth decays or gets damaged, a dentist may recommend using a crown or filling to restore it. Therefore, you must see a dentist immediately when you lose the crown or filling. The treatment they offer will prevent further infections or damage.
If the crown or filling is damaged, remember to keep the broken piece and bring it along when visiting your dentist. In some cases, the dentist could reattach it back to the tooth. Also, consider sanitizing your mouth to kill harmful bacteria that are likely to cause more problems to the already exposed tooth.
When you follow these guidelines after facing a dental emergency, you will attain the best results after treatment. Contact a local dentist to learn more about handling dental emergencies.
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