How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies – Sugar Land, TX
Know What to Do When Disaster Strikes
Some of the most panic-stricken moments in our lives can be when a dental emergency strikes. Even a relatively minor problem, like a toothache, can be stressful and significantly damage your teeth and gums if you let it go untreated for too long. Here at Eco Dental, our team wants you to call us right away in the event of an emergency. We’ll schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to handle common dental emergencies until you can reach our office.
Something Stuck Between the Teeth
When a piece of food debris or some other object is stuck between your teeth, your first order of business should be to gently remove it with dental floss. By threading the floss between your teeth and moving it back and forth, you might be able to dislodge the object and relieve your discomfort. If removing the item doesn’t alleviate your toothache, there may be another issue beneath the gumline that is causing your pain. Once you arrive for your appointment, our dentists will examine the area to determine what kind of treatment is needed.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
Even if your tooth isn’t completely knocked-out, this is considered an extremely urgent dental emergency. Whatever you do, do not try to push the tooth back into its socket on your own. Instead, get to our office as quickly as you can. In the meantime, refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
When you arrive, we’ll determine whether your best option is to push the tooth back into place or extract it and discuss tooth replacement options. In either case, we’ll do our utmost to ensure your smile looks and feels great.
Infection
A mouth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is no laughing matter. In addition to being painful, the infection can damage your tooth to the point where it needs to be extracted to preserve your oral health. It could even reach your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body.
Rinsing with saltwater a few times a day can cut down on pain and inflammation and keep the area clean. However, you should still promptly call us so we can address the root of the problem.
Soft Tissue Injury
Cutting your lip, scratching your gums, or biting your tongue can all result in heavier bleeding than you might have expected. Firmly hold a damp, clean washcloth or a gauze pad to the area, and the bleeding should subside within a few minutes. Once it has slowed to a stop, apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain. Then, call our emergency dental office. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after more than 15 minutes of applying pressure, head to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.