7 Tips for Dealing with a Dental Emergency

You can take precautions to minimize the risk of a dental emergency, but it is not always possible to avoid one. However, before reaching an emergency dentist near you, there are steps you can take. They will help save the tooth and minimize the damage. Here are tips to help you deal with a problem with a tooth or its surrounding tissues.

What to Do If You Experience a True Dental Emergency

1. If a tooth gets knocked out, locate it and handle it by the crown instead of the roots. Touching the tooth’s ligaments damages them, compromising the replacement process. Rinse it with water without scrubbing away the tissues on it. Put the tooth back in the socket.However, if unable, place it in a glass of milk or warm saline water. Rush to the dentist near you within the hour of the accident. This enables the replacement of the knocked-out tooth.
2. For a broken tooth, locate all the pieces of the tooth and gather them. Rinse your mouth to remove all the small debris. Apply a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling and reduce pain. Take the pieces of the tooth with you to the dentist since they may be used to repair the tooth.
3. A toothache can cause severe discomfort. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Then floss gently to remove any trapped debris causing the pain. If the pain-relieving medication does not work, do not apply it to the tooth or gum tissues. Contact the emergency dentistry in Rocklin, CA, and describe the details of the tooth pain. The expert will instruct you on other steps you may take depending on the symptoms.
4. If you have a broken jaw or fractured jaw, apply a cold compress to reduce the pain and swelling. Rush to an emergency dentist near you or an ER for immediate treatment.
5. When a wire from your braces breaks out, try to adjust it to a comfortable position. If you cannot reposition it, add a cotton swab to its end to keep it from poking the surrounding tissues. Do not try to cut it but rush to a dentist’s office.

Tips for Dealing with a Dental Emergency

1. The first thing you must do is remain calm when an emergency occurs. Panicking will prevent you from taking proper steps to address the problem. Remember that dental emergencies are seldom life-threatening, no matter the pain or discomfort.
2. Next, contact an emergency dentist near you and explain the situation. Give the dentist all details of the emergency so that they advise you on the right course of action. They will also use the information to prepare for your treatment immediately after you reach the practice.
3. Do your best to mitigate the bleeding, pain, and discomfort before getting to a dentist near you. Use clean gauze and cotton balls to staunch the bleeding, and get some ice to minimize swelling. Take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to relieve pain and swelling.
4. Act quickly since most dental injuries and problems are resolved more effectively if addressed right away. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, it should be replaced within 1-2 hours. Delaying will diminish the chances of restoring that tooth.
5. Skip going to the emergency room when you have a dental emergency since they will refer you to a dentist. Instead, rush to the emergency dentistry in Rocklin, CA, for prompt treatment. However, head to the ER if your dental emergency involves severe injuries.
6. Do not forego a visit to a dentist even when you have controlled the situation at home. The dentist is trained and has the equipment to check for issues that you cannot detect. For example, a crack in your tooth may seem minor but may have extended to the tooth roots. A dentist will see the damage through x-rays and take suitable action to save the tooth.
7. Do not avoid seeking treatment in an emergency, even when you are afraid you cannot afford it. Search for a dentist who will care for your issues and offer payment options that meet your financial needs. At Little Fish Dental, we offer affordable financial solutions. We also accept most dental insurance plans.