The emergency dentist in Queens, NY, and their expert team are well-trained and highly efficient in handling dental emergencies, especially in children. Dental emergencies can affect anyone at any time. Being calm and composed during such challenging situations is essential until you reach your dentist.
Let us explore some common dental emergencies and how to handle them.
An introduction to dental emergency
A dental emergency is a challenging situation, requiring immediate and prompt attention. Not all cases can be deemed as an emergency, but certain injuries to your teeth and surrounding soft tissues can become serious, leading to further damage. It is essential to contact your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room for treatment of a dental emergency. Failing to address an emergency situation can negatively impact your oral health and wellness.
Some common forms of dental emergencies and ways to handle them
Here is a list of a few of the common forms of dental emergencies and tips to handle them until you reach your dentist.
Persistent toothache
- Common causes
- Dental decay
- Tooth fractures
- Dental trauma
- Wisdom teeth eruption
- Management
- Gargle your mouth with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
Tooth avulsion (knocked-out tooth)
- Common causes
- Trauma
- Fall
- Management
- Do not touch the roots, and handle the crown carefully
- Rinse the tooth to remove debris without scrubbing the tooth
- Submerge the tooth in milk or saliva until you reach the dental office
Dental intrusion (tooth pushed into the jawbone)
- Causes
- Extreme forces from trauma
- Management
- Rinse the child’s mouth with cold water
- Place ice packs to reduce swelling
- Offer painkillers to relieve pain
- Seek emergency dental care
Tooth luxation/Extrusion/Lateral displacement (tooth displacement)
- Causes
- Fractures and trauma
- Management
- Place a cold compress on the affected area
- Offer pain relief medication
- Consult your dentist immediately
Other emergencies include:
- Crown fracture
- Root fracture
- Dental concussion
- Injured cheek, lip, and tongue
- Fractured jaw
- Head trauma
Final takeaway
A dental emergency is any injury to your mouth that causes uncontrolled bleeding, persistent pain, or a broken tooth that may impair your oral form and function. Left untreated, a dental emergency can lead to further damage and complications. Thus, prompt and timely treatment is crucial.
It is essential to not panic and handle these emergencies with a calm and cool mind. Knowing the necessary management tips can help protect the teeth and soft tissues from further damage.