How to Respond to Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. For children on the playground at school, sports activities or biting down on a crisp apple, dental emergencies can easily happen. Following are some ways to plan for and handle a variety of dental emergencies. The steps you take in an emergency situation could save the affected tooth.
Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergencies?
The appropriate response to dental emergencies varies, according to the situation and severity of the problem.
What to Do If a Tooth is Knocked Out
A tooth lost due to an accident has a 90 percent chance of being saved if proper procedure is followed. For the tooth to survive, it needs all the tiny nerve fibers to remain attached.
- Call your dentist – time is of the essence. Ideally you should see the dentist within 15 to 30 minutes following the accident.
- Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
- Carefully wipe any excess dirt from the tooth and either place it into the socket or hold it in your mouth between your cheek and gums while heading for emergency help. Your own saliva will help keep it alive.
- If the tooth can’t be placed in your mouth, the next best thing is to place it in cold, whole milk.
Lost Your Filling?
Chewing on a piece of gum or sticky candy can be detrimental to fillings. If you lose a filling, do the following:
- Keep the tooth clean by brushing gently with toothpaste and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Avoid chewing in the area where the filling is missing.
- Over-the-counter products such as Temparin and Dentemp can plug up the hole until you see the dentist.
What Happens If Your Crown Falls Out?
- Thoroughly clean the crown. If there is residual cement in the crown, scrape it out using a clean paperclip.
- Place the crown back over the post until it is properly seated. You may have to do this a few times for it to feel right.
- When it is properly seated, use an over-the counter product, such as Recapit Cement to glue it in place and bite down gently.
Treating a Chipped Tooth
If you chip a tooth, take some acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the risk of infection.
- If the damage left a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue and cheek.
- If you need to eat before seeing your dentist, eat soft foods and avoid biting down near the damaged tooth.
Prepare A Dental Emergency Kit
If your dental emergency happens at home, you’re the first line of defense. Following are a few basic items to get you through an emergency until you can see your dentist.
- Latex disposable gloves
- Dental Floss
- Gauze Pads
- Tweezers
- Cotton Swabs
- Topical Pain Medication such as Orajel and DenTek
- Oral Pain Medications
- Dental Filling and/or Dental Crown Repair Kit
- Iodized Salt – ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water to ease infection.
- Baggies
No matter what the dental emergency is, call Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS so she can advise the best course of action for you to take. While you’re at it, schedule a regular check-up, which is the best way to avoid dental emergencies. Contact our office online or by calling (720) 409-0008.
As in any medical situation, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Prepare now for a dental emergency, because it is bound to happen!
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