The Dos and Don’ts of Handling a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can be scary. This type of situation can strike when you least expect it. It can lead to uncertainty and panic. Staying calm during such situations is often difficult. However, you must stay during this time. You must know the right steps to take to get better oral health outcomes.

Keep in mind that not all dental emergencies will cause the signs you expect. You must call your emergency dentist right away if you suspect a dental emergency. It is estimated that approximately 2 million people in the U.S. visit the dental clinic for emergency care.  Sometimes, it can be a hassle to visit the dentist right away; however, you must see a professional to get an evaluation done to prevent problems.

Dos and Don’ts to Manage a Dental Emergency

Here are some “dos and don’ts” you have to follow if you face any dental emergency.

Do Try to Find the Pieces of a Broken Tooth

You need to be sure to look for any pieces that may have fallen out when the tooth is chipped or broken. Dentists can often bond these pieces back onto the tooth, especially when there is a clean break instead of several shattered pieces.

Locating all the broken pieces is vital. Once done, you have to place them in a cup of milk. You have to bring them to your emergency dentist Penn Township, when you come for your appointment. The tooth needs to be able to be repaired and reaffixed.

Don’t Ignore a Cracked Tooth

When a tooth is cracked, it can significantly lead to a dental emergency. A professional dentist must assess this right away to offer you the needed treatment.

Fractures and cracks often expose dentin, the living tissue, within your tooth. The dentin can become infected if you do not repair the fracture or crack is not required quickly. If it happens, you will need a tooth extraction or root canal treatment.

Do Use Pressure to Stop the Bleeding

You must prioritize stopping any bleeding if any medical emergency occurs. A little blood mixed with saliva does not cause much concern. However, profuse and intense bleeding needs immediate action.

Apply direct pressure to the injury site in the event of bleeding in the mouth or tooth knocked out. You must use a clean and cool washcloth while applying pressure. Make sure you lean forward to prevent blood from flowing down your throat.

Do Not Put a Knocked-out Tooth in Your Pocket

Trained dentists can reattach a knocked-out tooth in many cases. You must keep the lost tooth and bring it to your dentist. However, you should not tuck the tooth into your bag, pocket, or envelope, or do not wrap it in tissue.

You must put it in a jar of milk, as this significantly helps the dentist put the tooth back in place successfully. This is because milk comes with a similar chemical composition to saliva and can keep the tooth from drying out until you get the dentist’s treatment.

If you face any dental emergency, you can consider contacting our dentists. Our dental professionals have years of experience and skills to help you to the core.