When facing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is call your dentist so they can schedule an appointment right away. This may mean the same day or the next morning. Until you get to the dental office, there are many things you can do at home, as a preventive measure. However, if any swelling, bleeding or pain is severe, or if the problem has caused shortness of breath, and your dentist is not immediately available, go directly to the emergency room.
Knocked-out Tooth or Crowns
If one of your teeth is completely dislodged, there are a few home remedies that provide temporary relief. After gently rinsing the tooth, try to fit it gently back into the socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or an ADA approved tooth preservation solution found at an over-the-counter pharmacy.
Crowns can fall out much easier than teeth. In these cases, the following process in place will help prevent damage: clean out the area, dab some petroleum jelly on it, and gently try to stick the restorations back in place. This method can work for up to three days while you wait to be seen by a professional.
If a filling is lost, you can fill the opening with your tooth with some dental cement, or if unavailable, sugarless gum.
Broken Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can vary in urgency. Mostly, rinsing with a saltwater solution and applying gauze to any bleeding area will be effective. Do not apply a topical pain reliever. If possible, save any of the broken pieces of tooth.
Toothaches and Abscesses
For most suffering from a toothache, temporary pain relief is the goal until a dental professional can be seen. Rinse with water, using floss to dislodge anything that may be stuck, and apply a cold compress before your appointment.
Abscesses are serious and should be treated by a dental or medical professional right away. In the time between when you can be seen, rinse with a salt water solution, and consider the emergency room if you can’t be seen immediately.
Ways to Prevent and Help with Dental Emergencies
Your dentist may have products or can recommend products found at the drug store to prepare an at-home dental emergency kit. In addition to preparation, many dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard during physical activities and to avoid using your teeth on an inedible object.
If you are in the San Antonio area and are experiencing a dental emergency, please call Dr. El Bjeirami at North Star Family Dentistry immediately.