The Most Common Dental Emergencies
It’s important that you see your dentist right away for any type of dental emergency. For emergencies, most dentists will be able to attend to your problem and provide immediate care. However, there are times when you can call your dentist to provide important information and receive initial instructional care before your actual visit. Here are some common dental emergencies.
You have a severe toothache.
If a toothache becomes intolerable, it is a sign of serious decay or infection that has penetrated the sensitive pulp of the tooth. It’s also possible that it may be due to an abscess. Clean out your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food debris stuck in between the involved teeth. Call your dentist right away if the pain persists, and depending on the severity of the pain, the dentist will advise either a cold or warm compress on that part of the face affected. It can provide temporary relief. Pain killer medication can also do the same. Schedule to see your dentist in the soonest time.
You got your tooth knocked-out.
The most important thing to remember when a permanent tooth is knocked out (maybe due to trauma or accident), it should be kept moist. You don’t just wrap it up in a piece of tissue or cloth to dry. In fact, if you can put it back in its socket, the better. Just rinse it first in saline solution (or salty water) to remove dirt and blood. If this is not possible, place it between your cheek and gums or immerse it in a small container of saliva or milk. Get it to your dentist’s office right away, within the first couple of hours. If it’s a child’s tooth that’s knocked-out, similarly keep it moist and let your dentist decide if implanting it is necessary.
You cracked, chipped, or broke a tooth.
If this happens, rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clean the area. If there is swelling, apply cold compresses on that area of the face. You have to see your dentist without delay as any opening can cause bacteria to enter and cause inflammation and infection within the tooth. If the crack is minimal, tooth filling can take care of it. If it is serious, like the break is large enough, tooth removal or a root canal treatment are the options.
You broke or lost a crown or a tooth filling or broke a brace wire.
Restorations like crowns, fillings, or bridges can break or fall off. These can happen to temporary restorations as well as permanent ones. Both need emergency dental services to get them back to their original state. A wire in your braces that snapped or came loose is another dental emergency. Inform your dentist or orthodontist right away. To protect your soft tissues, cover the wire end with some orthodontic wax, gauze or a cotton ball. See your specialist as soon as you can.
SourceEmergency Dental Care in Lynnwood
When you encounter any of the above situations, consider them as dental emergencies. Give your Lynnwood dentist a call and let’s schedule a visit right away.
