Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and, if not handled promptly and correctly, can cause permanent damage to teeth and gums. Knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth.
Without exception, once you have dealt with dental emergencies at the time they happen, you should go to your dentist so that he can perform the necessary revision and examinations, and thus carry out the corresponding treatment.
When damage or trauma occurs to the tooth
A tooth that has shifted outward can be brought into position by yourself using firm and gentle force. If the tooth is very loose, it should be held in place by gently biting on gauze until you can be seen by a dentist. If necessary, we would perform dental implants.
If the tooth is pulled out completely and you put it back in place before 30 minutes have elapsed, the tooth generally tends to latch back over time. Still, it will probably require a root canal, but it will work like a normal tooth with dental implants.
Before repositioning the tooth, inspect it to make sure it is complete and free of fractures. Hold only the crown part of the tooth (the part that normally shows in your mouth), and do not touch the layer of tissue that covers the root. Return the tooth to its usual position using firm but gentle pressure, and lightly bite down on gauze to hold it in place. Seek a dentist immediately to have your tooth stabilized in a fixed way.
If the tooth cannot be repositioned immediately, carefully keep it in a container immersed in serum, milk, or saliva. This will keep the tooth moist while taking it to the dentist. Do your best not to leave the missing or forgotten tooth when you go for care.
When you bite or split your tongue or lips
If you bite or split your tongue or lip, gently clean the area with water and apply a cold pack of ice wrapped in a napkin, intermittently (do not leave the cold pack on tissues for long periods). If the bleeding does not stop, visit your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
In case of inflamed gums
The gums may become red, swollen, and may bleed when you are brushing your teeth. Gum inflammation or bleeding usually occurs from poor oral hygiene.
To ease the feeling of discomfort, brush a minimum of three times a day and rinse with warm salt water or an antibacterial rinse. Remember that these signs generally indicate the presence of gingivitis or some systemic problem, therefore visit a dentist so that he can determine the cause and define the treatment.
Regardless of your dental emergency, it is essential to consult your dentist as soon as possible.
