It’s a mild spring day, and you have plans to get out and about to enjoy the lovely weather. Suddenly, a roadblock to your plans appears: a severe toothache[. Your first priority is to find relief for your pain, but how should you go about it? Your emergency dentist in Lawrenceville explains how to respond to this and other common forms of dental trauma.
Am I Having a Dental Emergency?
If you have a sudden and negative change in the status of your oral health that produces acute pain, bleeding, a break or some other issue that requires immediate attention to be corrected, it qualifies as a dental emergency. No matter what the specific problem is, here are three steps you should always take:
- Take a moment to gather your senses and calm your nerves.
- Carefully assess the situation so you can have an understanding of what the problem is.
- Reach out to your emergency dentist to explain what has happened and to schedule a visit.
How to Handle a Severe Toothache
By the time you’re experiencing the acute pain of a toothache, bacteria have typically progressed to the inner area of the tooth and are the cause of the strong pain sensations. To decrease the discomfort, you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Then, to reduce any swelling, apply an icepack to the outside of your jaw in 20-minute increments.
Addressing a Chipped/Broken Tooth
One of the main causes of chipped or broken teeth is participation in sporting events without wearing a protective mouthguard. Thus, a sudden impact to the mouth can result in a dental emergency.
If this happens, rinse your mouth with salt-water to eradicate any new bacteria growth, and you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the discomfort.
What to Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth becomes dislodged, you should first retrieve it by the crown and then attempt to reinsert it in its rightful place. If that isn’t possible, then you can place the tooth in a cup of water or milk until your emergency dental visit.
A Temporary Remedy for a Lost Filling/Crown
A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to infection and injury. If this happens, you can attempt to temporarily reinsert the fixture using a dollop of toothpaste or dental wax.
There is one thing you’re definitely sure of: you want no parts of a dental emergency. With the help of your emergency dentist, though, you can fully recover and get back to enjoying the beautiful spring season.
About the Author
For over 30 years, Dr. Bruce E. Carter has been a fixture in the Lawrenceville area. Still, the University of Florida College of Dentistry graduate remains passionate about expanding his knowledge and skillset. Thus, Dr. Carter has taken over 1,600 hours of continuing education, and he maintains professional affiliation with such organizations as the Academy of General Dentistry and the Georgia Dental Association. He treats all types of dental emergencies at Transforming Smiles, and he can be reached for more information through his website.