Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a huge difference for your smile in the long and short terms. If you have questions about what to do if you are faced with dental trauma, our Toluca Lake emergency dentists are here for you! Today we are answering questions about key dental issues, so keep reading to learn more.
Q: What am I supposed to do if my tooth is knocked out? Is there any way to save the tooth?
A: In some cases we are able to reinsert the patient’s natural tooth into his or her gum/bone tissue so that the tooth takes root again. In order to increase the likelihood of successful reinsertion, you want to see your dentist as soon as possible after dental trauma—within an hour or two. To keep your tooth viable until you get to the dentists’ office, try to place the tooth back into its space along your gum line; if this doesn’t work, or if it hurts to do this, place your tooth in a glass of milk instead.
Q: What should I do in case of a sudden toothache?
A: A toothache may be indicative of a serious dental problem, like a cavity or dental damage. You may, however, also experience a temporary toothache due to dental debris or food particles. If you think that you have something stuck near your tooth, use floss to gently dislodge it. Call your dentist to schedule an assessment, so that your dentists can ascertain whether you are dealing with a more serious oral health issue. You can use an ice compress to numb your jaw and tooth in order to minimize the pain; you can also use over the counter pain killers if these are appropriate for you. However, do not apply a numbing agent or pain killer directly to your tooth/oral tissues, as this can further damage your smile.
Our Toluca Lake emergency dentists are here to answer any additional questions that you may have, so please feel free to contact our office to get in touch!