Keep Calm and Save Your Teeth – Dealing with a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can be frightening and confusing, and a crisis almost never occurs at a convenient time. Try to remain calm when an incident occurs. In general, bleeding and protecting the injured tooth are the first issues to address; if you are bleeding profusely, apply pressure, and go to a hospital emergency room immediately. Never take aspirin or ibuprofen as these can increase blood loss. Below are more specific tips for dealing with various common dental accidents and injuries.
Knocked-Out Teeth – To save a knocked-out tooth, prompt emergency dental care is essential. Re-implantation is most likely to be successful within the first hour or so after the accident. Rinse out your mouth and bite down onto gauze to reduce bleeding. Handle the tooth by its crown only; rinse it and place it in a small container with milk, saliva, or saline solution. See your dentist immediately.
Broken or Fractured Teeth – When large pieces of a tooth have broken off, it may be possible to reattach them if you act quickly. Save the tooth pieces and rinse them in warm water. Place the broken pieces in milk or saline solution, and see an emergency dentist immediately.
Mouth Swelling and Gum Pain – Swelling and gum pain may indicate an abscess, so schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately. If an abscess ruptures, you could experience the sudden release of foul fluid from the area. Rinse with warm water until all the fluid is removed.
Bite to Tongue, Lip, or Inner Cheek – Clean the wound by rinsing with water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and use pressure to control bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t stop within ten minutes, go to a hospital emergency room.
Burned Mouth – Hot foods and drinks can easily burn the roof of your mouth. Rinse your mouth with salt water after suffering a burn and use over-the-counter topical anesthetics to control pain. If the burn has not healed within ten days, visit your dentist.
Orthodontic Dental Emergencies – Emergencies affecting braces include swallowed or inhales pieces of orthodontia, protruding wires, mouth sores, and trapped food. If you inhale or swallow a foreign object or experience a severe laceration or bleeding, seek immediate emergency dental treatment.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Ocala, call Advanced Dental Care of Shady Road today at (352) 433-4934 or make an appointment.
Advanced Dental Care offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Ocala. With 21 affiliated practices throughout Florida, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Advanced Dental Care of Shady Road, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Advanced Dental Care of Shady Road.
