When you break your leg or have a very high fever, the next steps are usually quite simple: either get to the emergency room or call an ambulance. However, not only do people typically not know how to handle dental emergencies, but they aren’t sure what constitutes as a dental emergency. This can lead to not taking the emergency as seriously when it occurs.
To help patients stay prepared, your emergency dentist in Hamden is listing the five most common emergencies that he sees and how to handle them before visiting him.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth
If the tooth is lost, then you need either an implant, partial denture, or bridge to fill the space. However, if you find the tooth, make sure to pick it up only by the crown and rinse off any dirt or debris that’s accumulated. The tooth may be salvageable for reimplantation, but only if you keep the root as preserved as possible. Avoid removing any tissue that’s still attached.
The best way to preserve the tooth is to place it back into the socket, however this should only be done with adult teeth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk, saline solution, saltwater, or saliva to keep it preserved for up to an hour.
Broken, Chipped, and Cracked Teeth
Teeth that have minorly chipped can usually wait until regular business hours to treat, especially if no pain is present. However, if the crack extends below the gum line, get to your dentist the same day if possible. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, until you’ve had the tooth covered with either a filling or crown.
Severe Tooth Pain
A toothache could mean a cavity has reached the nerve, gum disease is forming, or you have a chronic teeth grinding habit that needs addressing. You’ll likely experience swelling alongside the pain, so take painkillers like Advil or Motrin and apply an ice pack to your cheek until your dental visit. Do not take any more than 600 mg of painkillers per day.
Broken or Loose Restorations
Try to salvage your filling or crown for your dentist to examine. Since your natural tooth is exposed, purchase dental cement, denture adhesive, or petroleum jelly to reattach the restoration. In some cases, it may be better to leave it off your tooth to prevent accidentally swallowing it, but this depends on how soon you can get to your dentist. To ease any pain while reseating, apply clove oil to your natural tooth beforehand.
Bad Fall or Facial Injury
If you have a bad fall that results in excessive bleeding, a broken jaw, or serious facial lacerations, get to the emergency room first. Once stable, your dentist will be better able to help you.
When a dental emergency appears, don’t panic! Instead, schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Hamden; he’s here to get you back to normal!
About the Author
Dr. Ronald J. D’Andrea earned his DMD degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Him and his dental team are prepared to treat your dental emergencies six days a week and see you the same day whenever possible. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact him through his website.
