Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies

If you’ve ever had a tooth knocked out or experienced a fracture, you know how quickly and unexpectedly a dental emergency can happen. How you react after the event occurs is important; if possible, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes. Knowing the right steps to take before you are able to see an emergency dentist can save your tooth, and reduce your risk of infection. To keep damages minimal, find an affordable dentist you trust and remember the following tips for handling dental emergencies.

Dislodged Tooth: If a tooth has been pushed out of place, try to reposition it gently with your fingers. Don’t force it. Bite down to keep the tooth in place until you can see the dentist.

Broken/Fractured Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm, clean water. If swelling is present, apply an ice pack or cold compress. See your dentist in Miami immediately to determine the extent of damage and treatment options. Your dentist may be able to smooth a minor fracture. Moderate fractures may involve dentin or pulp tissues, so more extensive work may be necessary. If you have pain, take ibuprofen instead of aspirin.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Call your dentist immediately. Handle the tooth by its crown; do not touch its root. Rinse the tooth gently in clean water, but don’t scrub. Place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If unable to do so, wrap it in a clean cloth and immerse it in cold milk.

Oral Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the mouth, cheeks, lips, or tongue should be cleaned with warm water, and the injured person should be taken to a hospital emergency room for care. If there is severe bleeding from a tongue injury, pull the tongue forward and place gauze on the wound to reduce blood loss.

Emergency Dental Supplies: To be prepared for all dental emergencies, keep your dentist’s phone number in an easy-to-find spot. Essential medical supplies include a handkerchief, rolled gauze or gauze pads, ibuprofen, and a small container with a lid for storing injured teeth.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Miami, call Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry today at (305) 306-9250 or make an appointment.