Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and it is crucial to know how to handle them. Not all dental issues require immediate attention, but some do. You should not ignore dental emergencies, as they can lead to severe problems. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the different kinds of dental emergencies and what steps to take to deal with them.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as biting hard food or accidents. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to decrease swelling. If the tooth is sensitive to cold, avoid drinking or eating hot or cold foods and call your dentist immediately. Your dentist at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry may recommend a dental restoration like a dental crown.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out due to an injury, do not clean the tooth or remove any tissue attached to it. Rinse the tooth with milk or saline and try to put it back into the socket if possible. If you cannot put it back in place, put the tooth in a cup of milk or keep it in your mouth, between the cheek and the teeth, and seek dental care immediately. Saving the knocked-out tooth will be vital for our dentists to have a chance to re-implant it or give another tooth replacement option.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth results when a cavity or gum disease goes untreated and the infection spreads to the root of the tooth. An abscessed tooth is painful and can cause a fever, swelling in the mouth, or ear pain. If you have an abscess, you need to visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry as soon as possible. Our dentists may perform root canal surgery to save the tooth or drain the pus from the abscess. Otherwise, the infection can spread to your jaw, neck, or other parts of your body.
Lost Crown or Filling
A lost filling or crown is not life-threatening but can cause discomfort and sensitivity. If a crown or filling gets lost, rinse your mouth with warm water, and try to place the crown or filling back into the tooth with toothpaste. If you can’t, keep it safe and contact us immediately. It’s essential to replace the lost filling or crown to save the tooth from further damage and prevent bacteria and food from entering the cavity.
Severe Toothache
If you are experiencing severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and floss gently. Try to remove any food particles lodged between your teeth. If the pain persists, avoid over-the-counter painkillers and avoid putting aspirin or any other medication directly on the tooth or gum. Call Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately if the pain persists as it could mean tooth decay, gum problems, or infection.
Contact Us
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and it’s essential to know the types of dental emergencies and how to handle them. Broken or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, abscessed teeth, lost crowns or fillings, and severe toothaches are the most common dental emergencies that can occur. If you experience any of these dental emergencies, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental care. By seeking professional dental help, you can prevent more severe problems and save your teeth. Remember, quick action on dental emergencies makes a difference. Contact us at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for all your dental emergencies, including routine checkups and cleaning.