We spend months making extensive and intricate plans for the holidays, but no one plans for a sudden raging toothache or for a tooth to get knocked out! Since your dentist will probably be closed for the holidays, you’ve got to be prepared to take matters into your own hands sometimes. Thankfully, an emergency dentist in Hamden is here with some tips on how to manage common dental emergencies during the holiday season.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Maybe you got tackled to the ground playing some holiday football with your cousins and it dislodged a tooth. In this case, time is of the essence. You only have a few hours to get to a dentist to save the tooth. You may have to see someone who’s not your regular dentist, but it’s certainly better than losing a tooth.
In the meantime, locate and gently pick up the tooth by the crown, or the part that you normally see in your mouth, not the pointed root. Place the tooth back in the socket if possible. If you can’t, then hold the tooth in your mouth in between your gums and cheek. Alternatively, you could place it in a container of milk or saltwater until you get to the dentist’s office.
Broken Tooth
There’s always a chance that biting down on hard holiday candy might chip a tooth. If this happens, gather all the pieces of the tooth that you can find and save them. Apply a cold compress to cut down on pain and swelling. Your dentist will usually be able to place the pieces back and rebuild your tooth later.
Lost Crown
Sticky holiday candy can easily make crowns come off. As long as you don’t swallow the crown by accident, everything should be fine. Locate the crown and gently clean as best you can with warm water. Rub some toothpaste, dental cement, or denture adhesive on the inside of the crown and place it back over the tooth if you can. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution, and that you should see your dentist as soon as they open for a more permanent reattachment.
Toothache
Nothing ruins your holiday quite as quickly as a sudden toothache. If this occurs, first rinse your mouth out with warm water to dislodge any object that might be stuck between your teeth and causing pain. If that doesn’t relieve your discomfort, apply an ice pack to the area and take over-the-counter painkillers as needed. Just be sure to only take the recommended dose.
Holiday dental emergencies are no fun, but you can be better prepared for them by knowing what to do beforehand. Happy holidays from your emergency dentist in Hamden!
About the Author
Dr. Ronald D’Andrea is a graduate of the university of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Association, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. If you call his practice with a dental emergency, his team should be able to get you in and relieve your pain as soon as possible. To contact his practice, click here.
