It happens in an instant. One second, life is going fine; the next, you have a dental emergency on your hands. You stay calm and call your emergency dentist in Lafayette for their next available appointment. But what do you do in the meantime? How do you address the emergency while you wait? If you don’t have a dental emergency kit already prepared in your home, you may be scrambling for what you need, losing precious time. Here is some helpful information about dental emergencies and making a kits for you and your family.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency occurs when something is obviously wrong with your teeth or gums. It can include the following scenarios:
- Toothache, especially if it is severe.
- Dislodged or knocked-out tooth.
- Chipped or cracked tooth, especially if you also have pain or there is a sharp tooth edge.
If you are experiencing one of these or something else that you think is a dental emergency, call your emergency dentist in Lafayette right away. They may be able to see you on the same day and fix the problem.
Why do I need a dental emergency kit for my home?
Although calling your dentist and going into the office as soon as possible is preferable for most dental emergencies, you likely need to address the problem on your own for a little bit until you get there. Having a kit in your home allows you to be ready and take actions that could help you save the natural tooth or prevent the need for more extensive treatment.
For example, with a knocked-out tooth, you should try to put the it back in the socket without touching the roots. If that’s not possible, it should be stored in milk or in between your cheek and gums. Having a dental emergency kit handy can give you the necessary supplies to do what’s necessary to save your tooth.
What should go in a dental emergency kit?
A dental emergency kit needs basic supplies similar to those that are in a standard first-aid kit, but here are the essential items that should specifically be in a dental emergency kit:
- Gauze.
- Gloves.
- A dental mirror.
- Cold compress.
- Ibuprofen or pain reducer.
- Mouthwash.
- Tooth storage container or jar.
If you make a dental emergency kit for your family, you will be better prepared to face all the possible scenarios that life throws at you. No, you can’t plan when or how a dental emergency will happen to you or your loved ones, but you can plan how you will respond with helpful supplies. For more information about dental emergencies and what to do, contact your emergency dentist in Lafayette.
About the Practice
With three talented, experienced dentists, Sage Dental Care of Lafayette offers a full spectrum of dental care with friendly, compassionate attention for each patient. Using state-of-the-art technology, they are able to deliver the most effective treatment for any dental need. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them by calling or clicking here.