How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

If a dental emergency were to occur, would you know what to do? It takes only a moment for a slip and fall accident to cause dislodged or broken teeth. In the minutes that follow, the choices you make could mean the difference between saving your teeth and needing dental implants near San Jose. When dental trauma occurs or a severe toothache strikes, the following steps can prove integral to your oral wellbeing.

Stop Blood Loss

Dentistry professionals often find that blood can make it difficult for patients to properly assess the nature of an injury. If you or someone you know experiences trauma to the mouth that results in bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze. As soon as you can, remove the gauze to determine the state of the injury. Also, save any tooth fragments. Under some circumstances, an emergency dentist may be able to reattach the fragment or use veneers to address permanent chips. If the tooth is completely dislodged, rinse it under water and preserve it in a cup of milk or saliva.

Control Pain

A swollen cheek accompanied by pain is often a sign of a tooth infection. To ease discomfort, apply a pack of ice covered in cloth to the cheek. Keep in mind that the longer an infection persists, the more likely it is that tooth extraction will be necessary. With immediate treatment, though, only a root canal may be needed. Until you are able to see an emergency dentist, over-the-counter pain relief aids may also help in easing discomfort. However, this kind of medication may not be suitable for traumatic injuries. Many medications act as blood thinners and can make it difficult to control blood loss.

Seek Professional Treatment

When a dental crisis occurs, call an emergency dentist. Not all dental offices have staff available to help patients around the clock, so before an emergency strikes, find a dentist who offers these services. When you contact your dentist, he can instruct you on how to control your pain and bleeding symptoms. After you explain your ailment, he can then determine if you must immediately come to his office for treatment or if you can wait to receive dental care during normal business hours.