Dental emergencies can catch us off guard, and time is of the essence when seeking emergency dental care. There are steps you can take before your appointment that will help ease the discomfort experienced, promote a more successful treatment, and possibly save your natural tooth. Some of the steps you can take for these dental emergencies include:
Toothaches
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the cheek around the affected area can help reduce swelling in your face and ease discomfort. Persistent dental pain can be eased using over-the-counter pain relievers.
Lost/Damaged Crowns & Fillings
When a crown or filling falls out, you should wrap it in a wet towel and store it in a container before coming into our office. If you have tooth sensitivity or pain, apply a simple dental cement or wax found in local pharmacies to seal the exposed inner tissue before coming in. Avoid eating hard foods on the affected area until it's repaired.
Gum Bleeding
Persistent oral bleeding can be easily addressed before your appointment by biting down on gauze, a cotton pad, or a towel. The applied pressure will help reduce or stop bleeding before being seen by our dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsions)
A knocked-out tooth needs treatment as quickly as possible to save it. Carefully handle the tooth by the crown and not the roots. If it's dirty, rinse it with lukewarm water, but don't use soap. Place the tooth in a container with milk or saliva while transporting it to our office.