When you have a dental emergency, this means you need to see us right away. Even outside of normal business hours, we’re ready to help you. But you can also take actions to limit the severity of the concern and ease discomfort. In today’s blog, Sunny Smiles explains how to respond to dental emergencies.
Chipped Teeth
If a tooth is chipped, then try to recover any pieces if possible, so you can bring them with you. If this isn’t feasible, don’t worry, we can still repair your tooth. You should then rinse with warm water and use cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding. You can also place a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face to fight swelling. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to keep you comfortable, and see us right away. A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth is vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, and needs care right away.
Sudden Toothaches/Objects Trapped Between Teeth
If a tooth begins to ache suddenly, or if you have a piece of food caught between teeth, then floss on either side of the tooth and rinse with warm water. If this fails to address the issue, then come see us right away. Don’t use anything other than floss to try and dislodge a trapped object, as you risk damaging your gums or teeth.
Loose/Missing Crowns or Fillings
If a crown or filling is loose or gone completely, then let us know right away. The exposed tooth will be very sensitive, so avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, and steer clear of items high in sugar and starch.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If a tooth is knocked out completely, don’t panic! Instead, pick it up by the crown, or visible portion. Never touch the root! You can gently rinse away any dirt or foreign debris, but keep tissues in place. You can put it back into the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place, or put it in a sealed container of milk or salt water. Bring it with you to the office right away!
One way to help limit the risk of injury is to wear a mouthguard when playing full contact sports, so talk to our team about one for you or your child. If you have any questions about treating dental emergencies, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to keep your smile safe, whole, and beautiful.
Sunny Smiles Provides Emergency Dentistry
If you have a damaged or aching tooth, please see us right away. To learn more about our approach to treating dental emergencies, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.