You might not be planning on a dental emergency over the holidays, but unfortunately severe toothaches and broken teeth can happen to anyone at any time. The first step is to call your emergency dentist in Carlisle; after that, you can focus on protecting your tooth, easing your pain, and preventing the damage from getting worse. To make sure you’re prepared, here are 6 emergencies that could strike during the festivities – and what you need to do to take care of them.
1. Toothaches
The first step is to floss around the affected tooth and rinse with warm salt water; the pain might simply be caused by a piece of food that got stuck between your teeth. If that doesn’t help, or if the toothache lasts more than 48 hours, it should be considered an emergency. Use a cold compress if you notice any swelling.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Try to save any pieces (if possible). Broken teeth sometimes bleed; hold a piece of gauze over the wound for ten minutes or until the bleeding stops. Also, use dental wax to cover any jagged edges so that they don’t irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth. Avoid chewing with the broken tooth, as it’s likely to be fragile or sensitive.
3. Knocked-Out Teeth
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the flat end, not the pointed root) before rinsing it off. Call your emergency dentist right away and try to make an appointment within the hour; you won’t be able to save the tooth if you wait too long. You can try and put the tooth back in place, but otherwise preserve it in a glass of milk or saline solution.
4. Partially Dislodged Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked loose but is still in its socket, make an appointment as soon as possible. You can use a cold compress and over-the-counter medication to deal with any discomfort.
5. Lost Crown/Lost Filling
Dental wax can be used to temporarily reattach a crown or protect a tooth that has lost a filling. If the tooth is sensitive, you can try dabbing clove oil on it. Take the crown with you to your appointment.
6. Infection/Tooth Abscess
If you see a painful, blemish-like growth on your gums, it’s a sign that the tooth has become abscessed – meaning it’s badly infected and the damage could soon spread to other parts of the body. While waiting to see your dentist, rinse with salt water to lower bacteria levels in your mouth and draw pus to the surface of the swelling.
Hopefully, your dentist will be able to help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible so that you can get back to the celebrations. The most important thing is to act fast so that you can take control of the situation.
About the Practice
At Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Thomas Neslund and Dr. Eric Weed offer all kinds of dental treatments – from basic cleanings to implants – for patients of all ages. They’ll make every effort to treat a dental emergency on the same day that it occurs. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (717) 258-5455.