Dental emergencies often occur when you are least expecting them. It’s important that patients understand how to properly handle a dental emergency to avoid further pain or discomfort. The proper handling of a dental emergency can be the difference between saving your smile from permanent tooth loss. As your trusted dentist in Sterling, VA, we wanted to provide you with some tips on how to handle three common dental emergencies.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth becomes dislodged, we consider this a knocked-out tooth. This often occurs due to facial trauma or eating something that is excessively crunchy. It’s important that you visit our office as soon as a tooth is dislodged. If you can, try to locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown. Avoid touching the tooth roots as the tooth is still viable and you do not want to damage any nerves. Place the tooth back in its original socket in your mouth If you are unable to do this, place the tooth in a cup of milk to keep it moist until you can be seen. Our office is equipped with the latest dental technology and high-end materials needed to help emergency patients receive the care they need. We will do the best we can to reattach your tooth.
Toothache
Toothaches can occur for many different reasons. Some possible sources of toothaches can be underlying tooth decay, infection, or impaction. Sudden or throbbing tooth pain should be evaluated by our dental team as soon as possible. To relieve your discomfort at home, try taking ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter pain reliever. Do not place the pain medication directly over the affected area as this will only cause further inflammation and discomfort. A cold compress can also help relieve some discomfort and facial swelling until you can be seen. To help avoid toothaches, we recommend scheduling regular preventative care appointments. Regular visits to the dentist allow our team to spot any early signs of complex dental issues, such as tooth decay and disease.
Dental Damage
Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth are considered a dental emergency. It’s best to have a compromised tooth restored as soon as possible to avoid further damage. We do not want the damage to progress, get worse, and eventually cause pain or discomfort. If a large piece of your tooth comes off, try to locate it and bring it with you to your emergency dentistry appointment. Avoid chewing gum or foods on the affected tooth’s side of the mouth. When you arrive to our office, our team will assess your dental damage and repair fractured, chipped, or damaged teeth.