Dental emergencies can be overwhelming as they can vary in severity and come at the most inopportune times. Whether you have a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury or a trauma for a car accident, proper dental care is key to your long-term oral health. Maintaining your composure is one of the most important factors if you experience a dental emergency. Steps need to be taken to address the issue promptly. Below you will find helpful tips on staying calm in a dental emergency.
Staying Calm in a Dental Emergency
When an emergency hits, you may feel a sense of panic. This is normal but it’s important to stay calm to ensure the longevity of your oral health. Dental emergencies can vary in severity, so consider the following tips and use your best judgment.
Emergency Kit:
If possible, prepare an emergency kit in advance. Having an emergency kit at home, work, and in your car can help address any dental issue right away. While you may not be able to address the injury entirely, it can help reduce your risk of infection and improve your recovery outcomes in some cases. The emergency kit should include essential items, including sterile gauze pads, a secure container with a lid, over-the-counter pain relievers, a small mirror, dental floss, and temporary dental filling material. Avoid getting caught without an emergency kit by preparing it now.
Contact A Dentist:
Contact an emergency dentist near you in Fontana right away. They have the necessary expertise to provide appropriate guidance and arrange the necessary care. Let them know all of your symptoms, how the accident happened, and any of your concerns. Severe dental emergencies require treatment from an emergency dentist. However, less severe injuries may be treated at home and require a dental visit during normal office hours. It’s important to note that any excessive bleeding or deep wounds should be treated right away by an emergency room doctor. Use your best judgment to ensure your oral and overall health.
Gather Teeth or Crowns:
If your dental emergency involves missing teeth or crowns, be sure to get them right away. They need to be cleaned and preserved in the event that they can be used to address your injury. If you lose a tooth, gently rinse it with water and place it in a clean container with milk. Also, if you lose a crown, rinse it with water and see if you can easily fit it back into the area it came from. If not, get to an emergency dentist right away.
Address Your Symptoms:
While waiting for your dental appointment, it’s important to address any unwanted symptoms you have. Dental emergencies often come with pain, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling. Start by rinsing your mouth with saltwater to clean the affected area. Mix one-half of a teaspoon of salt with warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat the process if you are concerned there is still harmful debris in your mouth. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to address your pain and inflammation. You can also use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
Seek Treatment Right Away:
Depending on the advice of your dentist, it is advisable to seek dental treatment right away. While temporary measures can provide temporary relief, care from a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist near you in Fontana is necessary to address the underlying issue and prevent further complications. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, provide appropriate care, and offer guidance on long-term management and preventive measures. Delaying or avoiding professional dental care may exacerbate the condition and cost you a lot more time and money.