Dental Emergencies

Thursday, July 01, 2010

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to your teeth. One way to reduce the chances of damage to your teeth, lips, cheek and tongue is to wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities that may pose a risk. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.

Accidents do happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

This article is NOT meant to substitute for a visit to the dentist.

It's purpose is to HELP and to inform you on: how to care for a variety of dental emergencies; you can help Dr. Wilhoite diagnose your condition so that you can receive the treatment you need as soon as possible!

BITTEN LIP OR TONGUE
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop, call Dr. Wilhoite immediately.

BLEEDING AFTER AN EXTRACTION
Slight bleeding after an extraction is normal. Clots usually form within one hour if you follow the doctor's post-op instructions. Place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site and apply pressure by biting on the gauze. If bleeding persists, wet a tea bag and place it on the extraction site and bite on it.  Avoid rinsing, drinking, sucking, spitting, and smoking or eating for at least one hour following the extraction. After 24 hours rinse the area with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt in 8 oz of water) after eating to keep the site clean.

BROKEN/ FRACTURED /CHIPPED TOOTH OR FILLING
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down.

CROWN COMES OFF
Try to snap it back on with a small amount of denture adhesive paste, put a small amount in the crown and place it back on your tooth . DO NOT use ordinary household glue . Call Dr. Wilhoite as soon as possible to recement it properly

SWOLLEN JAW
Place a cold compress to the area that is swollen. Call Dr. Wilhoite immediately as you may have an infection and need to be on antibiotics

TOOTHACHE
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Gently use dental floss to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact Dr. Wilhoite.

KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
Hold the tooth by the crown.  Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket.  If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to Dr. Wilhoite as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!