When tossing a frisbee at the park turns into a chipped tooth, distress can quickly take over. But while the collision may have ruined your day, it certainly doesn’t have to ruin your smile. By understanding the most common types of dental emergencies, you can take action quickly, visit an emergency dentist, and get the care you need. Use this guide to stay prepared in the event of a dental situation.
The Problem: Chipped Or Broken Tooth
The Solution: Rinse your mouth out with warm water to keep the area clean. Then apply a piece of gauze to control any bleeding and apply a cold pack to keep the swelling down. Call your dentist as soon as possible so they can treat the tooth.
The Problem: Split Lip
The Solution: Apply a cold pack to control swelling and apply pressure with gauze or a paper towel to reduce any bleeding. If the cut is deep, or if you can’t get the bleeding under control, you might need stitches. These types of injuries are usually best treated in the emergency room.
The Problem: Knocked-Out Tooth
The Solution: Try to find your tooth and place it in a cup of milk. This will preserve it until you are able to visit the dentist. If you don’t have any milk on hand, water with a pinch of salt will also be useful. Rinse your mouth out with warm water, and be sure to control bleeding or swelling as mentioned above. Get to an emergency dentist as soon as possible to increase your chances of having the tooth reattached.
The Problem: Lost Crown Or Filling
The Solution: If you are able, locate the crown or filling and place it in a small container or bag. Then make an appointment with your dentist to get it put in place. If your tooth is causing you pain, try to get an emergency appointment if possible.
The Problem: Toothache
The Solution: Start by rinsing your mouth frequently with warm water and flossing to check for any caught food. It is sometimes tricky to pinpoint the cause of a toothache yourself, so be sure to make an appointment for professional dental care.
Remember: if for some reason your dentist needs to remove a tooth to solve a problem, dental implants are an option. According to scientific literature, this technology has a success rate of 98%. Even though dental emergencies are scary, you can rest easy knowing that your emergency dentist will usually have a solution.