At Adams Dental, we know that dental emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. Today we would like to talk about three common dental emergencies and how to handle them. If you experience a dental emergency, give us a call to be seen as soon as possible. While you are waiting to be seen by our team, there are some things you can do to increase your chance of successful treatment:
- Cracked Tooth: For a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth to remove any oral debris or food particles. If you are experiencing swelling in the gum tissue around the affected tooth, you can apply a cold compress to your cheek where the fracture occurred. Make an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible.
- Painful Toothache: For a toothache that is painful, the first thing you will want to do is rinse your mouth with water to remove any debris. If there is food stuck between your teeth, gently remove it with dental floss. If a toothache is caused by a mild infection, it may go away on its own. Meanwhile, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day to reduce swelling and inflammation. If the toothache doesn’t abate, or if it is too painful, please call our office.
- Lost Tooth: If a permanent tooth falls out due to injury or trauma, you will want to preserve the tooth as best as you can before you are seen. Keeping the tooth moist is key. You can best protect it by keeping it in the socket or between your cheek and gums. Your saliva is an excellent protector of the tooth and tooth root. If you can’t keep it in your mouth, place the tooth in a small container of milk or a tooth preservation product. Handle the tooth gently and minimally by the crown only, never the root.
We are always ready to help our patients in the event of a dental emergency, so don’t hesitate to call us at (973) 377-6500 to be seen by one of our experienced doctors. If our office is closed, you can also visit your local emergency room for immediate assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call today. We look forward to preserving your healthy smile!
