FAQ About Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen at any given time and, unfortunately, often when they are least expected. It is important to know what to do in the event of a dental emergency, so you can address it without further jeopardizing your oral health.
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
- What is a dental emergency and can they be avoided? A dental emergency can occur when a tooth breaks, cracks, or is knocked out. For those who have dental crowns, these can potentially come off and cut the lips, gums, or cheeks. To help prevent these emergencies from happening, some precautions can and should be taken, such as wearing a mouth guard while engaging in sports activities and avoiding particularly hard foods. If you do sustain an oral injury, it should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
- What happens if a tooth gets knocked out? In the event that a tooth gets knocked out, it is imperative that you call a dentist for an emergency appointment. In fact, it is best to see your dentist within an hour of having your tooth knocked out for the best chance of having it survive the trauma. Make sure to handle the tooth by the top and not the root. If you touch the root of the tooth, it can potentially damage cells that are necessary to reattach it to the bone. Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist and absolutely avoid letting it dry out. If you cannot store it in your mouth, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and soak it in milk or saline solution.
- What should I do if a tooth is pushed out of position? If a tooth becomes loose and is pushed out of position, you need to call your dentist as soon as possible. As you wait, try to reposition it to its usual alignment using light finger pressure. However, do not ty to force it.
- How should I handle a chipped or fractured tooth? Some chips and fractures are minor and others are substantially more severe to the point where the tooth cannot be repaired or salvaged. If you fracture your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling. Your dentist will be able to assess what is the best course of action for the damaged tooth. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to glue your natural tooth back into place.
- How can I make sure I am prepared for a dental emergency? You cannot completely prevent dental emergencies from happening, but you can make sure you are prepared for them. Keep an emergency dental care kit that includes your dentist’s phone number, saline solution, a handkerchief, gauze, ibuprofen, and a small container with a lid. Make sure that you do not take Aspirin for pain relief when you have a dental emergency. This could cause excessive bleeding since it is an anti-coagulant.
Emergency Dental Services in Clifton, Paramus, & Beyond
No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen, but when they do, it is important to be able to have a dentist you can trust to go to during these unfortunate occurrences. At Dental Health 360˚, we are able to provide urgent dental care options to our community and, thanks to our expanded office hours, we are equipped to take on most emergency calls.
Call us today at (201) 809-9566 to schedule an appointment for emergency services in Clifton, Paramus, or the surrounding areas.