You can take care of your teeth impeccably, but accidents happen. Something can cause damage to your tooth, needing you to have emergency dental care. But what do you do when something like this happens? Dr. Robert Gauthier of Sudbury Dental Arts, a dentist in Sudbury, MA, lets you know what to do.
Taking Care of a Dental Emergency
The first thing you should do if you’re experiencing a dental emergency is to call us. We want to make sure we can get you seen in the office as soon as possible. Below is a list of common dental emergencies and what you can do to help them until you’re able to be seen in your office.
Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain isn’t something you should just brush off. It can be caused by any number of things, many of which are invisible to an untrained eye. These include tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. Take over the counter pain medication to help with any pain and use a cold compress if you experience any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
It’s natural to want to panic when an adult tooth is knocked out. However, it’s important to stay calm and retrieve your tooth if possible. Make sure you avoid touching the tooth root and only pick it up by the crown. Gentle rinse off any dirt or debris that’s accumulated on the tooth. Place the tooth in a cup of your own saliva or milk to try and preserve it.
Bring your tooth with you to your appointment. Dr. Gauthier will examine it to see if it’s viable for replacement. If not, you don’t have to worry! Our office has multiple solutions to replace missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. They’re the most natural form of tooth replacement, allowing you to do all of the activities you would with a regular tooth, without any restrictions.
Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth
Chips or cracks on your teeth can range from mild cosmetic issues to more serious ones. It’s the serious ones that require emergency dentistry. A severe chip or break can expose the tooth root and nerves, causing a lot of pain. Depending on how bad the chip or break is, it can be fixed with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or a dental crown.
A deep crack can also cause serious problems. A crack can give bacteria access to the inside of your tooth. This can lead to an infection of the pulp inside your tooth, leading to the need for a root canal, or even a tooth extraction if it’s left untreated. Dental bonding or a dental crown are often used to help with a crack in your tooth.
Your Dentist in Sudbury, Massachusetts
If you’re suffering from a dental emergency, call us immediately. To get a regular checkup to help prevent a future dental emergency, call us or schedule an appointment online!
