Life is full of surprises. Sometimes they’re good surprises, like an unexpected gift from your spouse or a promotion at work. But sometimes the surprises come in the form of a dental emergency. Ouch! When you suddenly find that your mouth is in pain, what should you do? Your emergency dentist in Hamden is here to give you some guidance on what to do with tooth trouble strikes out of the blue.
Know What Constitutes a Dental Emergency
What exactly is a dental emergency? Some situations that require urgent medical attention include:
- An avulsed (knocked-out) tooth. Don’t assume that the tooth is a lost cause. If you can get to the dentist within an hour or so after it gets knocked out, your smile might not have to suffer from a brand-new gap.
- A lost or broken crown or filling. Crowns and fillings are there to protect weak teeth. When one of these dental restorations isn’t working like it should, your tooth becomes vulnerable to infection and further damage.
- A chipped or broken tooth. If a tooth gets damaged to the point where the pulp is exposed, you could find yourself in some serious pain — and at a significant risk for infection.
- An abscessed tooth. This type of infection can cause serious pain and put you at risk for complications.
Perform Self-Care Before You Go to the Dentist
In most dental emergencies, there are a few things you can do yourself before you get to the dentist that will manage your pain and minimize the damage to your mouth.
- If you have an avulsed tooth, handle your lost pearly white gently. Store it in your mouth or in a glass of milk or water until you get to the dentist.
- If you lose a crown or filling, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Try to hold onto the restoration because your dentist might be able to repair it and put it back in its place.
- If you’re in a lot of pain, it’s okay to take some mild painkillers. However, don’t put them directly on the site of your injury because this could cause chemical burns.
Call for Expert Guidance
No matter what the dental emergency is, you should call your dentist as soon as it happens. They can give you specific tips on how to handle the situation, and they can make a same-day appointment for you.
But what if you can’t reach your dentist because it is outside their office hours? In some cases, you might be able to wait a day or two to receive care. However, if you have a jaw injury or you’re in a lot of pain, it might be best for you to visit your local emergency room.
A dental disaster can sneak up on anyone at any time! Knowing what to do in these situations can spare you from pain and benefit your oral health.
About Our Practice
The three dentists at our Hamden practice, along with the rest of the staff in the office, are ready to leap into action when you face a dental emergency. Simply contact us at 203-288-0951 so we can talk about your situation and get you the care you need.
