If you think you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to stay calm and be prepared. An emergency dentist, like Marielaina Perrone DDS, can quickly help you and relieve the pain and discomfort you are experiencing. Dental emergencies are almost never convenient.
In most dental emergencies, pain is typically the main issue patients face. It is important to seek timely care to relieve your symptoms.
In cases of swelling or acute pain and facial injury that has impacted teeth, seeking emergency dental care will be critical to avoid long term issues.
I Have a Dental Emergency – What Should I Do?
The following are some of the most common dental emergencies:
Toothache
Tooth pain can be unbearable disrupting your life and sleep. Relieving toothache pain is about controlling the pain and possible swelling. This will include use of a cold compress, over the counter pain relief, and possibly a presrciption for pain and antibiotics by your dentist. A toothache can be caused by dental decay or even a periodontal issue.
A Tooth That Is Knocked Out
If you have a tooth that has been knocked out and is intact, try to save it. There is a chance of it being re implanted by your dentist. Try not to handle by the roots and place in a milk or salt water solution. Typically, the best chance for re implantation is within the 1st hour of the tooth being knocked out.
Facial Swelling
Swelling in and around the face is a possible sign of a serious dental infection. A serious dental infection can be life threatening so it is important to seek dental care immediately.
Something Is Stuck Between Your Teeth
When something becomes lodged between your teeth and inside your gums, the body reacts by beginning the inflammation process. You can attempt to remove using floss but avoid sharp objects so as not to cause damage. Your dentist will be able to quickly diagnose this and treat it easily.
Bleeding Orally
Oral bleeding can be a sign of trauma or periodontal disease. If no trauma has happened, you are probably experiencing progressive periodontal disease. In its earliest stages (gingivitis), periodontal disease is reversible. After it moves pas that stage it can be managed but not reversed.
Tongue Injury Or Trauma
When injured, the tongue will swell and be quite painful. It may also bleed a lot. An open wound of the tongue can get easily infected so seek dental care ASAP. If extensive bleeding use a sterile gauze to slow the bleeding and an ice cube to keep swelling down.
A broken tooth can be quite painful depending on the extent of the break. If the dental pulp tissues are exposed it will be very painful. Seek dental care immediately. Also be careful not to cut your tongue or other tissues on a sharp piece of tooth.
Lost Dental Restoration
Seek dental care immediately as this could be quite sensitive and painful. You can cover the exposed tooth with a temporary dental filling you can buy at the drug store.
Lost Dental Crown
Try to save the dental crown so it can be recemented if possible by your dentist. If you are able to you can use denture adhesive and place crown back on yourself until you are able to seek dental care.
Broken Orthodontic Braces
If an orthodontic wire breaks or protrudes, it can be painful and a definite annoyance. You can try pushing the wire into a more comfortable position. You can also use dental wax or a piece of gauze to cover the sharp end of the wire. It is recommended you do not try to cut the wire yourself. This could be a choking hazard.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious medical issue. The infection can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Your best option is to seek dental care as soon as possible.
Who Can Handle Your Dental Emergency?
The ideal medical professional to handle a dental emergency is your family dentist.
Tips to avoid dental emergencies:
- Maintaining regular dental examinations.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
Las Vegas Emergency Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS has extensive experience and training to handle any dental emergency that may arise.