Are you prepared for a dental emergency? Our Norwich, CT, dentist, Dr. Edward Yates, discusses the steps you should take if you or a friend or family member experiences an emergency.Stay calmA dental emergency, particularly if it involves bleeding, may make you feel a little flustered. When you know what to do in case of an emergency, you may find that it’s easier to remain calm.Assess the situationIdentify the type of emergency. Most dental emergencies fall into one of these categories: Broken tooth Loose tooth Knocked out tooth Facial lacerations Dental abscess (Symptoms include tooth pain, swollen lymph glands, fever, red gums, pus around your tooth and facial swelling.)Perform emergency first aidPerforming dental first aid can stabilize your condition until you can make an emergency visit to our Norwich office. If your tooth has shifted out of its normal position, try to gently move it back into place. If it won’t move, don’t force it. Whether your tooth is loose or has changed position, don’t chew on it or apply any pressure to it.Broken teeth can be painful and may cut your lips or mouth if the broken edges are rough or sharp. Applying dental cement, which you’ll find at local drugstores, will dull the pain and smooth the edges.It may be possible to reimplant a knocked out tooth if you act quickly. After you locate the tooth, rinse it, then try to put in back in the socket. If it won’t fit, put it between your cheek and gum or wrap it in gauze and put in a container filled with milk, saline solution or your saliva. Call our office immediately, as implantation is most successful if it’s done in the first hour or two after your accident.Bleeding may be an issue if you experience a fall or blow to your mouth. Control it by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth.Control your painOver-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve pain caused by injuries or dental abscesses. Applying an ice pack may also be helpful.Call our officePrompt treatment will help you recover from these dental emergencies. Call our office right away if you experience any of these issues.Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your smile. Call our Norwich, CT, dentist, Dr. Yates, at (860) 889-6445 to schedule an emergency appointment.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
by Dr. Edward C. Yates | Mar 1, 2018 | Oral Health