It’s hard to know how to respond in an emergency situation, especially with all the chaos going on around you. Do you know what you would do if you accidentally chipped a tooth before you had to go into work or injured your jaw while you were out on the town? It’s important to seek immediate care from your emergency dentist in Hamden to get the relief you need as soon as possible. Here are some dental emergency basics in case you ever find yourself in that pickle.
What Are Some Common Dental Emergencies?
It’s a good idea to know what’s classified as a dental emergency so you are able to make a snap decision in a moment. Some common dental emergencies are:
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Severe toothache
- Cut lips or gums
- Lost crown or filling
- Jaw injury
What are Some Tips on how to Handle Dental Emergencies?
Sometimes, your judgment and reaction time can be the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. Here are some tips on how to handle dental emergencies:
- If you knock out a permanent tooth, attempt to keep it moist, and if you’re able to, try putting it back in the socket without touching the root. Other ways to preserve your tooth is to place it between your cheek and gums or in some milk.
- If you crack your tooth, use warm water to rinse and clean your mouth. Use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
Keep in mind that while you are attempting to do these, the number one priority is to get to your dentist as soon as you can.
Dental emergencies may not be avoidable, but being prepared can reduce the chance that you’ll cause further risk or harm to yourself. If you’re experiencing dental pain or injury, make sure you know of an emergency dentist in your area that you can rely on to help treat or fix the problem as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide you with the immediate assistance you need to find relief.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of a Dental Emergency?
When you’re eating food that’s rough or difficult to chew, it’s a good idea to chew slowly and be cautious of what it may do to your teeth. If you play contact sports, you may want to get custom-fitted for a sports guard by your dentist. This can drastically reduce your chances of knocking out or cracking a tooth. Lastly, and most importantly, always attend your semi-annual routine dental checkups to prevent small situations from turning into dental emergencies later on.
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera, our dentists strive to provide fast and effective emergency dental care. With decades of experience, our dentists can make you feel comfortable and at home while giving you necessary and individualized treatment so you can show off your smile on your way out. Because our dentists have focused on emergency-based dental care, they are able to provide you with relief and treat you confidently and quickly. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or contact us at 203-697-8558.