What to Do In Case of Dental Emergency: A Comprehensive Guide

Even the most diligent oral care routines cannot prevent accidents that might result in a dental emergency. While preventative care reduces your chances of an emergency dental visit, it’s essential to understand that constant tooth pain can be just as serious as other emergencies involving a tooth. Pain always indicates that something is acutely wrong, and hence seeking treatment from Ghotanian Dental Encino can prevent an oral condition from getting worse.

How to Recognize a Dental Emergency? Persistent dental pain is a common factor in all dental emergencies. An unexpected, traumatic accident, chipped, cracked, broken teeth, or objects stuck between the teeth can be other reasons for seeking emergency care. However, the pain gradually increases in most cases that finally becomes impossible to ignore.

What Should You Do In Dental Emergencies?

A Knocked-Out Tooth A knocked-out tooth is a severe dental trauma that can be corrected with suitable treatment. If this happens to you, the first thing you need to do is carefully pick the tooth by its crown. Rinse it carefully with water, and if possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, then place it between your gum and your cheek. Alternatively, you can put the tooth in a small container of milk. Then immediately bring it to our dental office to see if we can save it.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth A severely broken, chipped, or cracked tooth can be extremely painful as it leads to your tooth’s root getting exposed. If you face this kind of dental emergency, you should instantly wash your mouth with warm water, put a cold icepack on your face to keep the swelling down and visit our office as soon as possible. Based on the damage your tooth has incurred, we may suggest a crown, bonding, or another restorative option.

Periodontal Abscess An abscess can be very painful and risky if left untreated. An untreated abscess can spread the infection to your jawbone, tooth, and other areas of your body. Abscess symptoms may include swelling of the face or gums, tooth sensitivity, pain while chewing, fever, and discharge from the abscess location.

Acute Pulpitis An acute pulpitis is when the tooth’s inner pulp gets swollen due to a bacterial infection. The infection is accompanied by continuous pain, sensitivity to temperature, swelling, and a fever. If pulpitis is left untreated, it can lead to the loss of the tooth.

Objects Stuck Between the Teeth If food particles or other objects get caught between your teeth, try to remove them gently with floss. Never use sharp or pointed instruments. If you are unable to remove the stuck objects, seek emergency care. Our emergency dentist will extract the unwanted objects, making sure nothing is left between the gum and the teeth.

At Ghotanian Dental Encino, we are always prepared to handle a dental emergency.

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