Dental emergencies can pop up when you least expect them. Maybe there was a slight pain nagging at the back of your consciousness that finally progressed into a full-blown problem. Maybe you bit into a bagel and your crown fell out. It can be any of a number of things that happens suddenly. That’s why they are called emergencies because they are a sudden, unexpected occurrence that needs immediate attention. If you are faced with a dental emergency, what should you do? Don’t lose your head…or you might lose your tooth.
Common Dental Emergencies
Some common dental emergencies include breaking or chipping a tooth on a piece of ice, hard candy, or even a fork, spoon, or glass. Teeth can get knocked out while playing a sport (or during a barroom brawl), or other accident. If the tooth doesn’t get knocked out maybe it was knocked loose. A pounding toothache is always a dental emergency, and broken fillings or crowns, or a dislodged crown can be a need for concern. In any one of these instances there are things you can do until you reach your dentist.
Home Treatment
Broken filling or crown: Don’t swallow it! Usually you are eating when a filling or crown breaks. Be careful you don’t swallow it. Discard the filling but save the crown, as your dentist can rebond it.
Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take some Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you suspect that it is caused by a piece of food, gently floss the area to try to remove it.
Knocked out tooth: Immediately find and save the tooth. Reinsert it into the original socket or store it in a container of milk, water, or saliva, and see your dentist ASAP.
Tooth knocked loose: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and visit your dentist ASAP. The tooth can be saved by placing it back into position and protecting it with a splint until the connective tissues heal.
Chipped or broken tooth: If the jagged edge of the tooth is causing tissue pain or damage, cover it with a piece of sugarless gum until you visit your dentist.
ABOUT YOUR KATY, TX DENTIST:
Dr. Colin Lathrop and the Lathrop Dental Center proudly serve patients and families from in and around Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, and all surrounding communities. If you’d like to schedule a dental appointment, you can reach our office in Katy, TX, by calling (832) 437-3849.
