How Should I Handle a Dental Emergency?

 
 

Life is unpredictable and accidents can happen when you least expect it. It is important to prepare and educate yourself ahead of time, so you know what to do and can act quickly when accidents do happen. Read on to learn about what to do in case of a dental emergency.

What Is a Dental Emergency

There are a few different things that classify as a dental emergency, including:

  • A broken tooth

  • A knocked-out tooth

  • A toothache

  • Bleeding gums

  • Broken orthodontia

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

  • Call your dentist or the nearest emergency dentist immediately. If these options are not available, go to an emergency room. Explain to them what happened and follow their instructions.

  • Stay calm and don’t panic. When you are calm and collected, you will be better able to follow your dentist’s instructions.

  • Try to find the tooth or piece of tooth if you have knocked out or broken a tooth. If you have knocked out a whole tooth, place it back in the socket. If it hurts to do so, place the tooth in a glass of milk, and place a gauze pad on the socket. You should also put a broken piece of a tooth in a glass of milk.

  • Carefully rinse your mouth with warm water.

  • Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you are in pain.

When you reach your dentist or emergency dentist, they will give you more specific instructions.

What Is Not an Emergency

        The following are examples of non-emergency dental issues:

  • Dental cleanings and check-ups

  • Cosmetic procedures

  • A minor chip to a tooth that does not cause pain or sensitivity

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, or are unsure if you’re having a dental emergency, call Cascade Dental Care; we can help!

Cutting Edge Marketing