Dental Emergency: What Should I Do?
No one wants to have a dental emergency, but when you do, you want to be prepared as much as possible.
Dental Emergency: Tooth injuries and Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are avulsed (knocked out), extruded (forced out of position) or fractured. Oral injuries are often extremely painful and should be treated by a dentist immediately.
When should I see the dentist?
As soon as possible. Getting to the dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. In addition, the sooner a patient gets to an office, the sooner pain relief.
What should I do when a tooth is knocked out?
• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub the tooth.
• Keep the tooth moist by placing it back in the socket if possible. Gently place the clean tooth in the socket to keep it moist, if possible. It is important not to let the tooth dry out.
• If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk or the patient’s saliva.
What should I do when a tooth is pushed out of position?
• Reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, if possible, but try not to force the tooth.
• Bite down to keep it from moving.
What should I do when a tooth is fractured?
• Rinse mouth with warm water.
• Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Rotate on and off in 20 minute increments
• Use ibuprofen for discomfort and pain.
• Do not use Asprin for pain. Aspirin is an anticoagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding
• Immediately go to Off Island Dental, who will determine treatment based on how badly the tooth is broken. Only a dentist can tell how bad the break is, so immediately make an appointment.
Dental Emergency & Fractures
Minor Fractures: These can be left alone or smoothed by a dentist. Composite restorations, also known as fillings, can also be used to treat a minor fracture. In both cases, treat the tooth with care and call our office if necessary.
Moderate Fractures: Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp (nerve and other live tissues). A permanent crown will restore the tooth if the pulp is not permanently damaged. If the pulp of the tooth is damaged, further dental treatment will be required.
Severe Fractures: In these cases, recovery is slim. Only a dentist is able to tell if the traumatized tooth can be restored. Call us immediately (843) 815-7844 to schedule an appointment.
What should I do if I injure my gum tissue?
Dental Emergency & Injuries: The inside of the mouth can be damaged during a dental emergency. This includes tears, punctures, and lacerations. Not only can this be present in the gum tissues, but also the cheeks, lips, and tongue. Any wounds should be cleaned right away with clean warm water. Bleeding from the tongue can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and applying gauze with pressure.
An injured person should be taken to the hospital emergency room right away.
Dental Emergency: What can I do to be prepared?
Pack a dental emergency care kit, including:
• Dentist’s phone numbers (843) 815-7844
• E-mail Address: offislanddental@gmail.com
• Handkerchief
• Gauze
• A container with lid
• Ibuprofen (Remember, not aspirin. Aspirin is an anticoagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.)
• Milk, if possible
• Clean water, warm
A Dental Emergency is Seen Promptly!
Call Off Island Dental Today!
(843) 815-7844
Off-Island Dental has build a reputation on great service and care for every patient. We plan on building our relationship with you and know you will stay in our care for.
