A dental emergency can arise without warning, and prevention is the best way to protect your teeth and gums. That’s why it’s best to act quickly and take the proper steps to minimize damage. Common dental emergencies include tooth decay, gum disease, and chipped teeth. With swift response and appropriate first aid to these freak dental accidents, you can help prevent long-term damage and restore oral health.
Broken Fillings or Crowns
Crowns and fillings are used to fix teeth that have been damaged. If this breaks, getting them fixed as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage or reinfection. As a temporary fix, you can place a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity. Do not attempt to fix the tooth yourself, as this could cause further damage. Put the filling or crown in a zip-top bag and take it to your dentist so they can reapply or fit you with a new crown.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A dental emergency can be as simple as biting something too hard, resulting in a chipped or broken tooth. This not only affects your lovely smile, but it can also be quite painful. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and putting gauze on the bleeding area. Then, apply a cold compress to the broken or chipped tooth area to reduce swelling and lessen the pain.
When you see the dentist, they will likely suggest you watch out for hard or crunchy foods and avoid activities that might cause your tooth to break or chip.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown and only rinse it if it is dirty. Gently return the tooth to its socket as soon as possible, careful not to push it too hard. If you cannot reinsert it, put the tooth in a glass of milk or water mixed with a pinch of salt. Doing this quickly, within the hour, is the best way to preserve the tooth and give yourself the best chance of restoring it.
Post-Procedure Bleeding and Pain
After having a tooth pulled, you may feel some discomfort, and there may be some bleeding. However, contact your dentist if the pain or bleeding continues for more than an hour. Cover the extraction site with a thick gauze pad and put pressure on it by biting down. Do not rinse your mouth, drink or eat, or do any activities that involve sucking, spitting, or smoking.
Toothaches
Pain is a warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore whatever’s happening in your tooth or gums. If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, you should seek immediate care from a dental clinic. Do not try to self-medicate with aspirin or other painkillers, as it can cause further damage to your gums.
A cold compress applied outside your cheek can also help ease the pain. After treatment, it is important to practice good oral care habits such as brushing, flossing, and mouthwash to reduce the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other dental issues in the future.
In Closing
The common denominator in all these scenarios is proper dental assistance. Whenever one or more of these dental emergencies occur, remember this guide and immediately contact your dentist for professional help. Resolving them on your own could lead to permanent damage that negatively impacts your smile and oral health.
Book an Appointment at Mass Dental Associates Today
Resolve a dental emergency in Boston by phoning Mass Dental Associates for a quick check-up. We’re open six days a week to fix your smile in an emergency. Book by calling (617) 859-3939!
