Here at Bethea Family Dentistry, we understand just how stressful dental emergencies can be. That’s why we believe it’s important to have a plan in place so that you know what to do and how to handle an emergency if one arises.
Have Tooth-Related Items in Your At-Home Emergency Kit
We recommend including a pack of clean gauze in your emergency kit as well as a small container to hold a dislodged tooth, clean gloves, and salt. These items can come in handy if you are faced with a broken or lost tooth, a canker sore, or any other dental issue that arises.
Contact an Emergency Dentist Right Away
Oftentimes, dental injuries can cause lasting damage if not taken care of right away. As soon as an emergency occurs, we advise that you contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Not only will this allow you to get into a dentist sooner, but they can also advise you on any steps you should take before you get to the office.
What to Do for Certain Dental Issues
Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
If you lose a permanent tooth, pick it up immediately by the crown and rinse it off, if needed. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and bite down gently on a piece of gauze until you get to the emergency dentist. If you can’t put the tooth back in place, put it in a small container of milk and bring it with you to the dentist’s office.Tooth Pain
If you are suffering from tooth pain, first try to gently floss between your teeth. This will dislodge any food debris that may be causing the pain. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication and apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15 minutes. If the pain doesn’t subside, contact an emergency dentist.Broken or Chipped Tooth
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, collect any pieces of the tooth that you can and bring them with you to your emergency dental visit. Then, rinse out your mouth with warm water. If the area around the injured tooth is painful or swollen, apply a cold compress for 15 minutes and use pain medication as needed.
Dental Emergency? Contact Us!
If you have a dental emergency, please contact Bethea Family Dentistry right now. Our team is standing by to take care of your urgent dental needs and get you back to smiling in no time at all!