We all know someone who refuses to go to the doctor or dentist, regardless of how severe their circumstance may be. While some of us have a higher pain tolerance than others, there are a few dental red flags that require immediate emergency dental attention. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the following conditions, seek treatment at your trusted Aliso Viejo Family Dentist to get the assistance and relief you deserve to prevent serious complications.
Knocked out tooth:
If the proper steps are taken immediately after it has been knocked out, there is a good chance the dentist can preserve and reinsert the tooth. Here’s what to do if you are faced with this emergency:
- Pick up the tooth without touching the root.
- Rinse it gently to ensure it’s free of debris and dirt.
- Attempt to reinsert the tooth back into the socket while gently pressing down with your mouth.
- If this isn’t feasible, keep the tooth in your mouth, between the cheek and the teeth, unless there is a chance the tooth could be swallowed by mistake. In that case, place the tooth in a fresh cup of water, or more preferably, milk.
- Call your dentist immediately.
Chipped, fractured, or cracked tooth:
If you have a chipped tooth and are not experiencing any pain, your dental emergency can wait a few days. However, a cracked or fractured tooth can be a serious issue, especially if there is pain involved and should be considered a dental emergency. Fractured or cracked teeth usually suggest that damage has occurred to the inside of the tooth as well as to the outside. Severe fractures are so extreme that the tooth cannot be saved. If you suffer a fractured tooth, call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment, explains Your Dentistry Guide. Next, clean your mouth out with warm water and apply a cold compress to any facial trauma, if applicable. Most importantly, make an appointment with your dentist!
Facial pain and tissue injury:
Any type of injury inside the mouth, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears to the lips, cheeks, mouth, and tongue, are considered tissue injuries and a dental emergency, says the article. If bleeding occurs from the tongue, rinse with warm water and press gauze on the affected area. Next, contact your trusted oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Dental Pain:
If you experience pain in your mouth, whether it is associated with a tooth or not, you should seek immediate help. Pain can be caused by serious infections or damage to teeth or tissue and should not be ignored. Pain that is constant and achy or bad enough to keep you up at night is often associated with infection. Sharp, intense pain most often points to tooth damage. Some systemic illnesses, such as shingles, begin with painful lesions in the mouth.
About Turner Dental Care
At Turner Dental Care, we provide a wide range of dental services to meet your every need. Our family and cosmetic-oriented dental practice are dedicated to providing the quality treatment and care you deserve. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (949) 770-3294.
