Severe toothaches and significant injuries to the teeth or gums should never be ignored. Not taking timely action in the case of an emergency can result in permanent tooth damage and a need for much more extensive treatment in the future. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you have a dental emergency.
Chip Off the Old Tooth
If you have an accident, or sustain an injury that breaks one or more of your teeth, try to locate the tooth fragments. If they are of a large enough size, they could possibly be reattached. If there is significant bleeding, pressing gauze to the area of injury for roughly 10 minutes should help the flow to stop. Cold compresses can keep swelling down while you make your way to the nearest dentist. Locate a ride to your dentist if at all possible, since you are not likely to be in the state of mind for safe driving.
A Real Knock Out
As with chips and breaks, retrieving an entire dislodged tooth is highly important if there is any chance of reattachment. Rinse the tooth with water if there is any dirt or debris on it, but take caution if there is any tissue still attached to the tooth. You can keep the tooth moist by putting it in a small container of Gatorade, milk, or a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. Swift action in getting to your emergency dentist within an hour offers you a better chance of having your original tooth returned to the socket.
Abscessed with Healthy Teeth?
Abscesses are infections which begin at the root of the tooth. This often occurs as a result of periodontal pockets that exist in cases of severe gum disease. If you have severe, sharp, sudden pain along with a pimple-like swollen spot on your gums, you should schedule an emergency dental appointment right away. If abscesses are allowed to fester, tissue damage can occur and potentially serious infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Visit Downey Family Dentistry
To schedule an appointment with our Downey, CA dental practice, call us at (562) 472-2433. Also, visit our website for services, testimonials, and to learn more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Workman, Hollydale, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, and surrounding cities.
