If you sustain a dental emergency, then you need treatment to address the injury and prevent complications down the road, such as infection or possibly even tooth loss. But what should you do immediately following common dental emergencies? In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about what to do following a dental emergency.
The Causes of Dental Emergencies
What causes a dental emergency? A tooth could be chipped or cracked due to an accident, such as a sports injury or even biting down on something hard, like a peach pit or popcorn kernel. You could also have an object caught between the teeth or under the gums. You could also have a tooth fully or partially avulsed, meaning it has been knocked loose or out completely. For others, decay or infection could cause sudden pain. You could also have an injury that compromised your restoration, prosthetics, or even orthodontics. When issues like this happen, you need to see us right away for dental emergency treatment.
Seeing Our Team
When these issues occur, call us right away! If you happen to reach us during our normal operating hours, then we will schedule a visit to see you right away, often same day. If you reach us outside of our normal business hours, then leave a message and a team member will reach out to you quickly to discuss possible appointment times, and offer tips for protecting your smile in the meantime.
Easing Your Initial Pain and Injury
When you have an injury, such as a chipped tooth or one knocked loose, then rinse with warm water and use gauze or cloth to control the bleeding. A cold compress or the side of the face can help ease swelling too. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever too, and try to avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, or items that are very hot or cold, as the tooth is quite sensitive. If a tooth is knocked out completely, then pick it up by the crown, not the root, and place it in a sealed container of milk or salt water. You can also return it to the socket and gently bite down to hold it in place until we can see you.
If you have any questions about dental emergency treatment, or about how to respond to these issues, then reach out to our team today to find out more! We want to help return your smile to full function and health, and to help you avoid complications down the road.
Schedule a Visit for Emergency Dentistry With Dr. Browne, DDS
We want to help repair teeth and treat issues that threaten your smile. If you have an issue that needs immediate attention, call Dr. Robert M Browne, DDS in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585 today.