Injuries to teeth happen more frequently than anticipated through accident, including sporting injuries, falls, and, for example, chewing something hard. The first few minutes after an accident are typically the most critical; thus, doing the right things in those first few minutes can help save the tooth you injured.
It is very important to see an emergency dentist in Walnut Creek immediately after your injury, but there are a few things you can do before seeing a dentist to save your damaged tooth.
Emergency dental professionals will typically provide these three suggestions to help patients preserve their damaged tooth until they can receive treatment.
1. Act Quickly and Protect the Tooth
The amount of time that has gone by plays a crucial role in determining whether or not you may be able to save a damaged or knocked-out tooth. If the tooth has been completely knocked out of the mouth, you need to pick up the tooth by the crown only (the visible chewing surface) and as gently as you can without touching the root of the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, you may rinse it gently with clean water only; do NOT scrub it and do NOT remove any tissue attached to it.
The best method for preserving the tooth is to reinsert the tooth back into its socket; however, if this does not work, then place your tooth in either milk or a tooth preservation solution until you can get to an emergency dentist in Walnut Creek. The sooner you receive treatment from an emergency dental office, the better your chances of successfully reattaching the tooth will be.
If your tooth has been chipped or cracked, you should rinse out your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces. Swelling and discomfort can be alleviated by applying an ice pack over the area where the tooth has broken or cracked.
2. Control Pain Without Making the Injury Worse
While it’s perfectly normal to seek out instant relief from pain, many home treatments can do more harm than good to your mouth. If you have a painful tooth (or any other dental injury), here are some possible treatments for managing your discomfort until you’re able to visit your dental facility:
- Rinse gently with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt to cleanse the area.
- Apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, but make sure you do not put ice directly onto the skin.
- Use medication as directed by your doctor.
- Do not chew with your injured tooth or chew with the same part of your mouth.
- Restrict yourself from consuming foods that could increase the sensitivity to heat, cold, or sugar (i.e., extremely hot beverages; extremely cold beverages; or anything overly sweet).
Aspirin should never be applied to the gums, as this may irritate or burn the soft tissue.
3. Don’t Delay Restorative Treatment
Regardless of how well you’re managing this pain, you should always see a dentist to evaluate the extent of damage to your tooth. Even the smallest of cracks can extend deeper down your tooth with time, allowing bacteria to enter your tooth, which could ultimately lead to the development of a dental infection or, worse yet, the loss of your tooth altogether.
A skilled restorative dentist walnut creek will evaluate your tooth’s damage and develop an appropriate course of treatment. Based on the extent of damage, the dentally restored tooth’s options would consist of:
- Tooth colored fillings
- Dental bonding
- Custom-made crowns
- Root canal therapy
- If your tooth can’t be saved, dental implants
Today, with modern restorative practices, the goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring the strength, aesthetics, and function of a restored tooth. Many practices utilize advanced imaging technologies to accurately evaluate and quickly treat their patients.
When Is a Dental Injury an Emergency?
If you sustain:
- A lost tooth that has an established root
- Serious pain in the teeth
- Serious pain in addition to having badly broken or chipped teeth
- Rapid bleeding out of the mouth
- Puffiness in the face
- Loss of a crown or filling with significant pain or discomfort
- Symptoms of an infection like swelling or pus
Then you must call a dentist as soon as possible. Quick response to these types of injuries will help take away the pain and will also help eliminate the possibility of having to have a lot of work done on teeth later.
Conclusion
A broken tooth does not mean you have to lose it. If you react quickly by protecting your tooth and relieving the pain, and see a dentist straight away, you can greatly help the healing process. Whether you need emergency treatment or restorative care, a qualified dental professional can help improve your dental health and make your mouth smile again.
For compassionate emergency and restorative dental care, visit milcodental to find out about what services are available to you so that you can make an appointment.
