In many cases, when people experience a dental emergency, their first instinct is to search for solutions online. However, this is not advisable. Instead, you should immediately call your dentist, who can provide guidance on the best course of action. Please continue reading to learn how to handle a dental emergency and why scheduling an appointment with our general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ is in your best interest when an emergency arises.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be classified as any dental problem that requires immediate attention. It’s important to understand that not every dental problem qualifies as an emergency. There are many different types of dental emergencies, but some of the most common include:
- Severe toothache
- Badly cracked tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth
- Dental abscess
- Lost or broken dental restoration
- Severe soft tissue injury
- Bleeding gums
How to Prepare?
In the unfortunate event that you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist for further instructions. In most cases, your dentists will treat your dental emergency in their office. For more serious injuries, such as broken facial bones, it’s advisable to go directly to an urgent care center or emergency room.
After you have made the call, if you are experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter medication until you can get to the dentist to manage your affliction. However, don’t put anything else in your mouth besides the medication, as this could further damage your teeth or gums. If bleeding is present, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure with a clean cloth. Don’t use mouthwash, as this could irritate your gums and even make the bleeding worse.
If one of your teeth has been knocked out, you should try to locate the missing tooth and bring it with you. When possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it there with a clean gauze. If this isn’t feasible, store the tooth in milk or saliva until you can get to the dentist as this will help keep the tooth from dying. According to research, if a tooth is put in milk within five minutes of being knocked out, the tooth’s root cells can survive for 30-60 minutes. Once you arrive at the dentist, they will examine your mouth, assess the situation, and provide appropriate treatment.
At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you minimize the pain and discomfort you are experiencing. When dental emergencies are left untreated they can lead to further issues, including the spread of infection and even tooth loss. Prompt treatment is crucial. Schedule an appointment today to learn how we can help you prepare for any potential emergencies that may arise.
