Don't Fret! How to Deal With Common Dental Emergencies

Last updated 11 months ago

Dental emergencies can be frightening experiences. Having a contingency plan in place to deal with them can help to alleviate panic, as well as get you the treatment you need quickly. A general dentistry provider or emergency department doctor can treat most dental emergencies easily. Follow these tips on how to handle common dental emergencies:

Knocked Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it may be salvaged with prompt attention and proper handling. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and carefully place it back in the gum socket. Bite down on gauze or a teabag until you get to your dentist's office. If you can't get the tooth back into the gum, then place it in a cup of milk or saliva, and get to the dentist right away.

Broken Tooth
A broken tooth may consist of a broken crown only, or it may entail a broken root as well. If you can, find the broken piece, and treat it like a knocked out tooth. Use gauze or teabags to stop the bleeding, then and call the dentist's office for treatment. Your dentist can repair the broken part and stop the pain.

Cut Gums or Soft Tissue
Teeth or braces can cut the inside of the mouth, as can accidents and blows to the mouth. Use gauze or teabags to help stop the bleeding. If you can't stem the flow yourself, then you will need to see a general dentistry provider or ER doctor for stitches. A severe cut needs immediate medical attention, while minor cuts should be examined as soon as possible.

Broken Jaw
If you suspect that you may have a broken jaw, then you need to go to hospital right away. Signs of a broken jaw include a misalignment of the teeth, not being able to close your mouth, and severe pain. Go to the emergency room for treatment and call your dentist on the way.

For all your general dentistry needs in Vancouver, visit Cascade Dental. We can help with your dental emergencies as well. For an appointment, call us at (360) 213-1999 today.