Oral health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and any discomfort or injury in our teeth or gums can disrupt our daily lives. Unfortunately, emergency dentist NE Calgary are not uncommon and can occur at any time, causing immense pain and discomfort. Whether it is a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, these emergencies require prompt attention and proper care.
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to handle them promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what you can do to manage them before seeking professional help:
- Toothache:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it.
- Use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between teeth.
- Avoid putting aspirin or any painkiller directly on the gum, as it can burn the gum tissue.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce pain and swelling.
- Visit a dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any broken pieces.
- If there’s bleeding, apply gauze to the affected area for about 10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Visit a dentist immediately. If the chip is small, it can often be bonded back. For larger breaks, a crown might be necessary.
- Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth):
- Hold the tooth by the crown (top) and rinse it gently if it’s dirty. Avoid touching the root.
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. If not, keep it moist by placing it in milk or between your cheek and gums.
- Do not let the tooth dry out.
- Seek immediate dental attention. The chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly with time.
- Loose Tooth:
- Gently try to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure.
- Bite down to keep the tooth in place.
- Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
- See a dentist immediately. The dentist might need to stabilize the tooth with a splint.
- Lost Filling or Crown:
- Clean the area gently and try to reposition the crown with dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to keep it in place temporarily.
- Do not use superglue.
- If a filling is lost, you can place sugar-free gum in the cavity as a temporary filling.
- Visit your dentist as soon as possible to have the filling or crown replaced.
- Abscess:
- Rinse your mouth with mild saltwater several times a day to help draw the pus out and reduce pain.
- Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Seek immediate dental treatment. Abscesses are serious and can lead to severe infections if not treated promptly.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (Bitten Lip or Tongue):
- Clean the area gently with warm water.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If bleeding persists, visit the emergency room or an emergency dentist for stitches.
Remember, these are temporary measures to manage pain and prevent further damage. It is crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment for any dental emergency. Best Dentist NE Calgary professionals have the expertise and tools to address these issues effectively and prevent complications.