One notorious characteristic of dental emergencies is that they can happen anywhere and at any time. Even though it’s important that you seek out professional treatment from dentist near you, sometimes this isn’t always possible to do right away.
Fortunately, there are things you can do in the meantime to help preserve your smile and stop any more damage from occurring. And, if you have any questions or concerns about your dental emergency in SE Calgary, please don’t hesitate to call the team at our local dental clinic today.
How to Manage Common Dental Emergencies
If you have a:
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Toothache:
Gently rinse your mouth out with warm water and floss to extract any food particles that could be contributing to the pain. Take an Advil or Tylenol before applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek as this will help reduce swelling.
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Chipped or broken tooth:
Again, rinse your mouth with warm water and press a cold cloth to the impacted side of your mouth If you can, try and save any pieces of the tooth that have b broken off and take them with you to dental clinic.
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Knocked-out tooth:
Start by rinsing off any dirt and debris from the tooth but don’t scrub at it. Place your tooth in a glass of milk, saltwater, even your saliva and take it with you to the dentist. If you act quickly enough, they might be able reimplant it into the socket.
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Lostcrown or filling:
Apply a small amount of toothpaste, petroleum jelly, or dental cementto the affected area, then go visit the dentist as soon as possible.
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An object stuck between teeth:
Using dental floss, very carefully try and remove the debris. Do not use anything sharp like a toothpick to do this as it can cause more damage.
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Broken braces or wires:
Cover the damaged area with dental wax or cotton ball to prevent irritation; contact your orthodontist for an appointment.
General Rules to Remember
We understand that finding yourself in the middle of a dental emergency can be scary. To help you deal with such a situation, here are some general tips and reminders:
Tip 1:
Stay calm. Take a deep breath and try not to stress yourself out. A clear mind will help you assess the situation.
Tip 2:
Protect your mouth.Cover a broken tooth or damaged orthodontic appliance with dental wax, cotton balls, or gauze to protect your cheeks and tongue from being scratched or cut.
Tip 3:
Do your best to control any bleeding. Thoroughly swish saltwater around your mouth and apply pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention immediately.
Tip 4:
Avoid touching the affected area. Touching or poking the region your tongue, fingers, or any other object as this can cause further damage or infection.
Tip 5:
Take pain medication. Over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil can help reduce pain and swelling until you can see a dentist.
And of course, be sure to contact your Calgary dentist as soon as you’re able. If you cannot reach your regular dentist, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic for treatment.
Emergency Dental Care at Inglewood Family Dental
At Inglewood Family Dental, our staff, comprised of specialists, general dentists, hygienists, and administrative personnel are all ready and waiting to welcome you to our practice. No matter what you’re needing assistance with, whether it’s scheduling your next checkup, a consultation, or you’re need help dealing with a dental emergency near you, we highly recommend calling, or emailing us when it’s most convenient for you.
FAQs
1. Can a dentist help in an emergency?
Of course! All dentists are trained to aid patients with urgent matters. They’ll do their best to see you in a timely fashion and identify the best solution for your specific case.
2. What would be considered a dental emergency?
Persistent bleeding, irritation, an abscess (sac filled with pus, often caused by an infection), and a darkened tooth are just a few examples of dental emergencies. If you’re dealing with any of these, go see your dentist right away.
3. What should you do in a dental emergency?
It’s important that you try and remain as calm as you can and then take a trip to see your dentist. Avoiding the problem or trying to fix it yourself may only cause more serious harm to your smile.
4. When is a toothache an emergency?
If your toothache persists for several days, it may be time to see your dentist; this could be a sign of infection, gum disease, or that you need a root canal.
We hope to see you and your family soon!