Handle a Dental Emergency the Right Way
Dental emergencies usually happen when you least expect them. Eating, playing sports, working out, or just following your normal routine can cause injuries to your teeth and mouth. Teeth often break or become loose. Crowns fall off, and lips and cheeks are bitten. It’s important to know how to handle such emergencies until you can get to an emergency dentist for professional treatment. Doing the wrong thing, or neglecting to do the right one can mean the loss of one or more teeth. The following guide will help you know what to do when an accident or sudden dental crisis occurs.
Saving Knocked-Out Teeth
The first priority in saving a knocked-out tooth is to get to the dentist within the first hour, when you have the best chance of success. Handle the tooth by its crown only; never touch the root. Rinse the tooth gently, but don’t rub or scrub it. Keep it moist; if you can’t replace it in the mouth, wrap it in gauze and store it in milk or salt solution.
Tooth Fracture
If you think your tooth has been fractured, rinse with warm water, and apply an ice pack to your face to lessen swelling. Take ibuprofen for pain if necessary; don’t use aspirin. See your dentist in Downtown Detroit as soon as possible to determine if restorative procedures are needed.
Soft Tissue Injury
Tears, cuts, and lacerations can be serious if bleeding is severe. Clean the wound with warm water, and take the victim to an oral surgeon for emergency dental services or to an emergency room for care.
Loose or Misaligned Tooth
If a tooth becomes loose or moves out of position, try to reposition it gently. Never force the tooth back into place. Contact your dentist immediately.
Create a Dental Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should include the following items:
- Your dentist’s contact information
- Alternate contact information for emergency dental services
- Sterile gauze
- Small lidded container
- Saline solution
- Clean handkerchief
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (not aspirin)
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Downtown Detroit, call Gentle Dental at Jefferson Avenue today at (313) 879-4769 or make an appointment.
Gentle Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Downtown Detroit. With 8 affiliated practices throughout Michigan, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental at Jefferson Avenue, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental at Jefferson Avenue.
