Here, our Nanaimo dentists provide you with some tips on the steps you should take if you find yourself in a dental emergency, including how you can help protect your dental health and reduce pain until your dentist appointment.
What To Do In a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can happen at any time and take many forms. You might have a tooth knocked out, injured your gums, have an abscess, or have another painful condition.
Did you know that the speed with which you act during a dental emergency can influence the final outcome? We’ll explore a few common dental emergencies and what you can do to give yourself the best chance of a positive result.
1. Determine your dental emergency.
Here are some common dental emergencies and quick explanations of what you can do:
Severe SwellingDo you have moderate to severe swelling on your face, mouth, or neck areas that are causing you to have difficulty breathing or swallowing? Your face will often appear inflamed and you may see red or purple bruising starting to form.
Chipped, Broken, or Knocked-Out TeethChipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth often have jagged edges. There may be parts of the tooth still in your mouth or the entire tooth and the root may have fallen out.
If you’ve fractured or chipped a tooth, try to find the missing piece and bring it to your appointment. Be careful to only hold the tooth by the crown (the part that’s visible in your mouth, which you use to chew food).
Rinse the tooth in water. Don't use soap or chemicals, and do not wrap it in tissue or a towel, because this could damage it. Also, ensure you don’t rub or agitate the tooth.
If you are able, hold the tooth in the socket it fell out of. If this is not possible, attempt to preserve it and keep it moist by placing it in a container of your saliva, or a glass of milk. Your dentist may be able to reattach the tooth.
Lost Crown or FillingLost crowns or fillings may leave pieces in the mouth or you may have lost the entire restoration. Try to locate the crown or filling, and rinse it. Do your best to place it back on the tooth.
2. Help reduce the swelling or/and pain with home remedies.
You can hold an ice pack to your face to help minimize pain and swelling. You could also rinse your mouth with warm water.
3. Stay calm.
As painful as a dental emergency can be, it will pass. Breathe deeply and try to stay calm as you contact your dentist and ask for advice.
4. Contact our Nanaimo dentists immediately.
Call our office immediately for any dental emergency. We can make an appointment for you to see a dentist as soon as possible at our dental clinic. Our dentists can examine the swelling or affected area to determine the cause and develop the best possible treatment plan.
5. Weigh your treatment options.
Your dentist will explain your treatment options, which may include a crown, tooth extraction, dental implants, or alternatives. The dentist can also provide a referral or recommendation for a specialist if required. At Brooks Landing Dental Clinic, we take a preventive approach to treatment and always use the most non-invasive treatment options at our disposal.
Bookmark our website or type "dentist near me" into your favourite search engine, and our information will likely come up. We will be happy to answer any questions, address pain or other symptoms and explain treatment options in a language you can understand.