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How to Handle Dental Emergencies

August 18, 2017

We may not think about our teeth on a regular basis, but when something goes wrong, we want an immediate fix. From a toothache to a lost crown or a cosmetic problem, when it comes to our teeth, it’s important to have an emergency dentist in Seattle on speed dial. But what do you do in between the time when an accident occurs or when you can’t handle the pain any longer and your appointment? Learn how to handle the worst case dental scenarios.

Toothaches

Putting up with pain, especially tooth pain, can be more than challenging. We can put on a brave face when it comes to broken bones or headaches, but there is something unique about tooth pain that makes it hard to wait for relief. When you first begin feeling pain, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck in between your teeth. If there is any swelling in your mouth, apply a bag of ice or a package of frozen peas to the side of your mouth. Use a paper towel or a light, clean rag around the bag. Take some pain relief medication as needed until your emergency dentist visit.

Emergency Dentist Seattle

Knocked Out Tooth

We have covered what to do when a permanent tooth is knocked out before, but we’re going to briefly go over it again because knowing how to handle this situation is important for the health of the tooth itself and your mouth. If you are able to locate the tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse it off with water. Try not to scrape at any attached tissue fragments. If the tooth is whole, you can try placing it back into the socket, but be sure it’s facing the right way and don’t force it. If it’s not possible to replace the tooth, it needs to be stored properly until your appointment. Put the tooth in a container of milk or water with a pinch of salt in it. Call your local Seattle dentist as soon as possible.

Lost Crown

When a crown falls off, whether from eating or after wear and tear, call an emergency dentist right away. If you have the crown bring it with you. If you are experiencing pain and can’t get to your dentist, purchase clove oil at your local drugstore or even the spice aisle of your grocery store and apply it to the sensitive tooth to help relieve the pain. If the crown is intact, you can try replacing it over the tooth. To do this, coat the inner surface of the crown with a toothpaste or denture adhesive. However tempting it might be, don’t use superglue to replace the crown.

Abscess

Emergency DentistIt can be tempting to wait and see if an abscess will go away on its own, but they can be a serious health issue and can cause damage to the tissue and surrounding teeth if left untreated. If you see a pimple-like swelling on your gums or in the space between your teeth, this infection needs to be treated right away. While you’re waiting for your appointment, to help relieve the pain and possibly draw the pus to the surface, rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day. Use ½ teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water.

Soft Tissue Injuries

If there has been an injury to the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips that result in bleeding, try to control it and call an emergency dentist. To stop the bleeding, rinse your mouth with salt water first. Find a piece of gauze, tea bag, or small piece of clean cloth and moisten it. Hold the cloth to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a cold compress to help relieve any pain.

Lost Filling

Fillings usually last for years, but when one falls out, rinse your mouth and brush your teeth to remove any food particles that could become lodged in the space. Any food that remains could cause bacteria to form. If your appointment is scheduled quickly, you can place a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity or use dental cement. Otherwise, be sure to brush your teeth after each time you eat.

Urgent dental care doesn’t need to be scary or overwhelming. With the right action, your teeth and mouth will be just fine before your emergency dentist visit. But be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as an issue occurs.