Dental emergencies can be scary, and if you’re not prepared or know what to do, you might be more prone to panic. Before you rush to the local emergency room, let the professionals at Preston Bend Dental offer some valuable insight into how to handle common dental emergencies. By following these tips, you can ensure that your specific injury does not worsen before making it to our office for treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Instead of reaching for a fork or knife to dig out whatever is between your teeth, opt instead for waxed dental floss. This useful and safe dentistry tool can effectively remove stuck objects without damaging your teeth or gums. First, begin by rinsing your mouth with warm water before gently moving the floss back and forth to dislodge the item. If this doesn’t work, try to use a water flosser, as this pushes water between the teeth. If you are still unsuccessful, make sure to call our office and let us help by using specialized instruments.
Teeth that are partially or fully knocked out require immediate attention. Time is of the essence if you wish to save your tooth, so make sure that if you’re faced with an extruded tooth, you try to reinsert it back into the socket until you are able to make it to our office. No matter if you are able to put it back into place or not, call us and alert us to the situation. We will work to get you in as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is likely that you will experience some pain or discomfort, so feel free to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
If an abscess develops in your mouth, you can expect to feel serious pain. Very seldom will an individual be unaware of this type of situation because pain is a very common symptom. When a pus-filled pocket appears above your tooth, this is a sign that the infection has reached the root of your tooth and will need treatment sooner rather than later. Depending on your situation, it may be necessary for your emergency dentist in Plano to extract the tooth to prevent worsening oral health problems. Before your appointment, go ahead and rinse your mouth with mild saltwater a few times a day to reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Whether it is a busted lip, scratch on your gums, or biting down too hard on your tongue, a soft tissue injury can be incredibly painful. Should this happen to you, make sure you use a piece of chewing gum or gauze to cover the area and stop the bleeding. After applying for 15-20 minutes, use an ice pack for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Make sure to call us so that we can get you in as soon as possible.
