No matter what you do, dental emergencies are impossible to completely avoid. Knowing when to visit your emergency dentist in Westminster could be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Save your oral health and smile by learning what the most common dental emergencies are and how to react when they happen. Read on to know when it’s time to visit your dentist, and when it’s time to phone 911.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you accidentally knocked out your tooth, immediately pick it up by the biting surface and try to reinsert it in its socket. If you’re not able to, try storing it between your cheek and gums to keep it moist, or place it in a glass of milk. While you’re doing this, immediately make your way to your dentist. Once you reach your Westminster dentist, they can determine the damage and attempt to reattach it if possible.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
If you’ve cracked or chipped your tooth, immediately contact your dentist. If you’re in severe pain, try taking over-the-counter pain medication to help ease your discomfort. Also, if you notice your face beginning to swell up, place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to help reduce it. Sometimes, your tooth may appear to be fine, but when you eat or drink, it could hurt due to temperature change. If this causes you frequent pain, you could have nerve or blood vessel damage, which is a serious warning. So, even if it doesn’t look bad, contact your dentist.
Severe Toothache
If you’re experiencing a searing toothache that won’t go away, it could be a sign of oral infection or serious tooth decay. It’s important to get help as soon as possible to avoid the infection from spreading to surrounding areas of your mouth. In the meantime, swish warm salt water around your mouth and spit it out. You can also try gently flossing around your damaged tooth to remove any lodged food particles that may be causing the pain.
When To Visit The ER
Facial traumas like a broken, fractured, or dislocated jaw requires immediate medical attention, so it’s best to visit your local ER first. After they have determined the problem and addressed it, you may need to follow up with your dentist later on. If you’re experiencing uncontrollable bleeding due to facial wounds or have an issue that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, call 911 or go to your emergency room as soon as possible.
Other emergencies that aren’t life-threatening but still need immediate attention can be handled by your emergency dentist. Reacting fast and effectively can keep you from experiencing future oral health problems and help preserve your teeth.
About the Author
At Sage Dental Care in Westminster, we offer the services of two highly trained dental professionals. Their goal is to provide each of their patients with the best quality of care, all while ensuring they’re comfortable. They use the most advanced technology and treatments to give their patients treatment they can trust.