Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

Oral Injuries That Are Considered Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are mouth-related issues that require immediate attention. A delay in treatment could result in the loss of a tooth or the development of a more serious condition. A dental emergency can occur when a condition in the mouth becomes severe or when a tooth is damaged by trauma.

Here are a few oral injuries that are considered emergencies and what you should do if one occurs. 

Dislodged Tooth

When a tooth is knocked from the mouth, the tooth is only salvageable for a period. If the tooth is placed back in position in a timely manner, the tooth may be able to reintegrate with oral tissues and become firmly planted in its socket again. However, if too much time passes, the reintegration of the tooth may no longer be possible.

Once a tooth is dislodged, you should notify your dentist as soon as possible. Additionally, you should only hold the tooth by its crown, avoiding the dental root and any bits of soft tissue that may still be attached to it. 

Still, you can rinse the tooth gently to remove foreign debris. Also, it is important to store the tooth in a cup of milk or in the pocket of the cheek to prevent it from drying out before you reach the dentist.

Displaced Tooth

A tooth may be pushed out of its normal position by excessive bite force or a blow to the mouth. While the tooth is still loose from the trauma, you can reposition it to align it properly.

A light touch of your finger should be sufficient. Harshly forcing the tooth into its usual alignment could result in further injury. Also, you can bite down on a piece of gauze to prevent the tooth from moving as you head to the dentist.

Broken Tooth

A tooth that is broken is also deemed a dental emergency. To preserve the fractured tooth and treat the pain, you can gently rinse your mouth with a bit of water. Also, if swelling is present, consider applying an ice pack. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may be used, but aspirin should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of excessive bleeding. Once you arrive at the dental office, your dentist can determine the best course of treatment.

Small chips may be treated with composite bonding material. However, moderate breaks in the tooth material may necessitate the application of a dental crown.

If you believe that you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact an emergency dentistry in your local area as soon as possible.


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