You know when you're having a dental emergency: you may be in severe pain or you may have had a tooth knocked out. No matter your individual symptoms, it is essential that you contact an emergency dentist in your area immediately. You can never assume that your family dentist will be available in times of trouble, especially if you need him in the middle of the night.
Fortunately, no matter where you are in the United States there should be a qualified professional on call or an emergency dental office that is open 24/7 to assist you. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to handle emergency situations until you can get the help you need.
If You Lose a Crown
You don't want to expose sensitive tooth areas to germs if at all possible. The longer the exposed area is unprotected, the greater the likelihood of infection. You can try to re-snap the crown back into place until you can see an emergency dentist.
Don't try using household glue or other ordinary adhesives to keep it in place: if it can't be snapped in, keep your crown in a sealed baggie until the dentist can cement it in place again.
Broken/Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can be extremely painful. Quick thinking on your part despite the pain may help to save your tooth and prevent infection. If the area is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the gum area directly above or below the tooth: you should never apply direct pressure to the tooth itself.
If possible, collect tooth fragments and put them in a sealed baggie to take to the emergency dentist with you: he may be able to use the pieces to reconstruct your tooth. Once the bleeding has eased, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and apply an ice pack to keep down the swelling. If the pain is unbearable, take ibuprofen products only.
Knocked Out Tooth
The following advice applies only to permanent teeth: do not try to replace baby teeth. If possible, located the tooth and pick it up by the enamel portion: never by the root. If it is soiled, rinse it gently in cold water or milk and place it in a sealed baggie. It should never be soaked in water or milk.
If the situation is handled correctly, a lost permanent tooth can be re-implanted successfully if you can get to an emergency dentist soon enough. Follow the directions above to handle bleeding and pain.
Dental emergencies can have positive results: make sure you keep the number of a good emergency dentist on hand at all times. Quick action will make all the difference.
Author Resource:-
Urgent Dental (http://www.urgentdentalusa.com/) Southern Nevada's first choice for Las Vegas emergency dentists. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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