No matter how careful are, accidents will always happen. If you don’t know what to do, it can mean a case of a lost tooth. But if you are informed, you can save the tooth. In this article, we discuss what you can do in different scenarios that need urgent dental care.
Knocked-out Tooth
Well, this is the most urgent dental emergency. Most people end up losing their tooth but if you follow the necessary steps, it can be saved. Here is what to do:
Pick it from the ground by the crown. Ensure not to touch the roots. Place a towel in the sink to prevent the tooth from going down. Rinse it slowly until it is clean enough. During the process, ensure not to remove any tissues that may be attached to the tooth.
If possible, try to place the tooth back. But if you can’t, place it in a container containing some milk. If you don’t have milk, put some salt in water and place it there. Contact an emergency dental clinic. The faster you arrive at the dentist, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A chipped tooth that is not painful may not be a dental emergency. You may wait a bit before you visit a dentist. Just make sure to be very careful while chewing with the chipped tooth. You may chip it more. Visit a dentist and he will smooth out the chip. He may also fill it with some materials.
A cracked tooth, on the other hand, is a serious dental problem. Before anything else, call your dentist and book an emergency appointment. Then follow the following tips.
Warm some water and rinse your mouth with it. If it’s a trauma caused fracture, use the cold compress method. Apply an ice bag from the outside. This will help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Take some painkillers for the pain. Never apply painkiller on your gums. Some people will advise you to do that but that is ill advice. Applying painkillers on the gum may burn them which is a bigger problem.
Once you visit the dentist, an x-ray will most definitely be carried out. Depending on the results of the test, a root canal may be performed or you may be given a permanent crown. The dentist will know which option is best for you.
Loose Tooth
A loose tooth or a tooth out of alignment will use the same procedure. First, contact your dentist and arrange an appointment. As you wait, try pulling the tooth back in position using your finger. Just use gentle pressure, using a lot of pressure may cause more harm than good. Walk-in dentist and he will know what to do.
If a Dental Crown Fall
If a dental crown falls off, there is no need to cause alarm. Place some Vaseline or toothpaste on your tooth. Try put the tooth in place and add some adhesive on it. Bite down on a washcloth to apply some pressure on it. Wipe off any excess adhesive. Visit your dentist soon to have it properly cemented.
Broken Braces and Wires
Use the eraser side of a pencil to try to push the wire into a good position. A position that is more comfortable. If you can’t do it, use some orthodontic wax to cover the wire until you reach the office of your dentist. Avoid cutting the wire at all costs. You may end up swallowing it.
Objects Caught Between Your Teeth
This is not a problem that warrants booking urgent dental care. However, if you don’t handle it correctly, you may end up causing problems. Never use sharp objects to remove the objects caught between your teeth.
The right thing is to use dental floss to try to remove the stuck objects. In most cases, it will work. If it doesn’t, just visit your dentist. Using sharp objects like pins may only do more harm than good. You may end up scratching your teeth or even hurting your gums. Better be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
How you handle a dental problem makes a very big difference. By following the right tips, you may save teeth and even money. The above tips will work but visiting a dentist will always be a necessity. For the best services, visit our offices at Dental Art Clinics. We guarantee you services of the highest quality.
