Like most injuries, a dental emergency is unexpected, overwhelming, and painful in most cases. They are typically the result of an oral trauma or head injury and can be long lasting if not promptly treated. That’s why we suggest the first thing you should do is contact your dentist, as they will have expertise in how to treat your gums, jaw, teeth, or soft tissues in the mouth.
While a dental checkup consists of routine cleaning, X-rays and consultations, a dental emergency is anything but.
Examples of common emergencies include facial swelling, extreme pain and discomfort, bleeding from the mouth, loose or fallen teeth, and broken dental fillings or abscesses.
For example, if your dental crown has fallen off, don’t panic! Hold onto the piece and keep it safe until your dental appointment. If a toothache persists, reduce sensitivity by applying clove oil. While it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible, it is possible for you to slip the crown over the tooth and use toothpaste or denture adhesive to hold it together temporarily.
As for toothaches, make sure to rinse and floss, and put a cold compress on your cheek or jaw in case of swelling. Chipped or broken teeth need to be pieced together immediately by your dentist, so in the meantime, use warm water to rinse the area and use gauze until the bleeding stops.
Lost fillings are similar to a dental crown falling out as you want to hold onto it and keep it safe, use dental cement to attach it temporarily. Another quick option is to place a piece of sugarless gum on the cavity to protect it.
As for any gum issues, excessive and frequent bleeding in addition to aches and pains is an indicator of periodontal disease. This can often be a preventative condition if you make sure to see your dentist regularly.
As for a knocked-out tooth, most can be reinserted into the socket as long as you keep the ligament alive. Often, the go-to home remedy is to put it in a glass of cold whole milk.
When you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t panic. Keep calm and contact your dentist, especially if they do services after hours.
You deserve the best dental care around the clock, so it’s important to see a dentist that you trust. At South Reno Dental, we take preventative measures and work quickly to resolve your dental pain.
