Even if you’re taking great care of your teeth, a dental emergency can happen to anyone. While measures can be taken to help prevent them, they can happen at any time. Dr. Sahil Goyal of the Frederick Center for Dentistry, a dentist in Frederick, MD, lists some common dental emergencies and how you can handle them.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a dental problem that requires immediate attention. If you experience one, call our office immediately and we’ll get you seen as soon as possible. Below are some common dental emergencies and how you can take care of them until you’re able to be seen in our office.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is never something that should be ignored, particularly if it’s severe or comes on suddenly. There are a variety of reasons for tooth pain, including an infection or trauma. Sometimes it’s not obvious what the cause is until it’s diagnosed by a professional. Take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the pain and use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
It’s natural to panic when an adult tooth gets knocked out of your mouth. However, it’s important to stay calm and try to retrieve the tooth properly. Make sure you pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris that’s accumulated on the tooth, but don’t scrub. Place the tooth in a cup filled with milk or your own saliva to preserve it as much as possible.
Bring the tooth with you to your appointment. One of our dentists will examine it and determine if it’s viable to be put back in your mouth. If not, you don’t need to worry! Our office offers multiple solutions to replace missing teeth. Typically, particularly if it’s only one tooth, we recommend getting a dental implant to replace it.
Broken Dental Restoration
Handling a broken dental restoration depends on the restoration in question. If you have a broken denture or bridge, pick up the pieces. You can bring them into our office and we’ll determine if it’s better for us to repair or replace the restoration.
If you lose or break a dental crown, try to collect the pieces as well. Don’t try to put the pieces back together or place the crown back into your mouth. Typically, we’ll have to make a new custom crown to blend in with your smile.
Your Emergency Dentist in Frederick, Maryland
If you’re having a dental emergency, please call our office right away. Regular checkups can help make sure your oral health is at its best to lessen the chance of you experiencing a dental emergency. Call our office or schedule an appointment online.