Most of us would like to believe that we have planned for anything life can throw our way. However, as it typically goes, life can often present unexpected circumstances, no matter how much we try to prepare ourselves. With an unforeseen situation such as a dental injury or emergency, it can be both frightening and anxiety-inducing, especially when you may not know how go to about seeking proper treatment.
At Orchard Dental Care, Dr. Elizabeth Polanski and Dr. Martin Szczutkowski offer the following advice for handling a dental crisis and how to help prevent possible further damage.
What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?
When a dental emergency occurs, it can be difficult to determine what constitutes immediate care. Addressing dental trauma focuses on the efficient treatment of the teeth, gums, or jaw. It is essential to seek care right away. Prolonging treatment may cause debilitating complications that can significantly hinder everyday life.
A dental emergency can include any of the following:
- Intense tooth ache or pain
- Knocked out or avulsed tooth
- Fractured, chipped, cracked or damaged tooth
- Lost crown or filling
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above, do not hesitate to contact a dental professional. If left untreated, something as simple as a toothache could potentially evolve into more critical dental complications.
Handling Your Unforeseen Dental Emergency
Severe Tooth Pain - treatment is often determined by the cause of your dental discomfort. If decay or cavities are the contributors, a dentist may fill the cavity or extract the tooth if necessary. In the event where bacteria or infection are present, a root canal procedure will be performed to help alleviate pain and save the tooth as much as possible.
Avulsed Tooth or Knocked-Out Tooth - it is imperative that you seek treatment in the event of a knocked-out tooth. Be sure to handle the tooth by its’ crown without touching the roots to avoid possible nerve damage. Rinse the tooth clean making sure it is free of shards and debris. Keep it moist by dropping it into a glass of milk or inserting it back into its socket until receiving assistance.
Lost Crown or Filling - if a dental restoration becomes loose or dropped out of the smile, keep the crown in a cool, safe place so that a dentist may possibly have the chance of reattaching it. A prosthetic will be made that still fits properly in your smile, and if so, will often reaffix it.
If you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us at Orchard Dental Care as quickly as possible to receive further instructions. Dr. Elizabeth Polanski, Dr. Martin Szczutkowski, and their capable team want to help you preserve your teeth and keep your beautiful smile long lasting!