Emergency dental practice in Brookline, MA explains first aid tips for dislodged teeth
Even with the best intentions, the unexpected can occur, causing damage to your otherwise beautiful, healthy smile. Whether you get bumped in the mouth playing a sport or break a tooth while eating, trauma can strike at any time. In Brookline, MA, Dr. Stan Kovtun, and the compassionate team at Alpha Plus Dental Center, offer emergency dental care for patients who experience the unexpected.
Life does not always happen on a schedule. Dental needs or problems can arise at any time, especially when you are least expecting it. A dental emergency may include a toothache or tooth pain, soft tissue lacerations, a broken tooth, a lost tooth, or damage to a filling or restoration.
First aid for a dislodged tooth or teeth
Emergency dental care does not just occur in a dentist’s office. Some first aid for an emergency occurs before you even enter the office. When the unexpected occurs, first, it is important to remember to stay calm and to contact your dentist. Emergency dentists are regular dentists who are fully trained and qualified to treat a range of dental problems.
A dislodged tooth and a knocked tooth are common dental emergencies. However, the two are different and require different care before arriving at your dentist’s office. A dislodged tooth has become loose but remains attached to some degree. A tooth that has been knocked out is no longer attached to the gums in any way.
Tooth trauma can occur due to a fall, sports injury, or traumatic event. If your tooth has become dislodged or knocked out, every second counts. For a tooth that has become loose but is still somewhat attached, try to place the tooth back into its proper position in the gums. Bite down to keep the tooth stable until you reach your dentist’s office.
The period right after the tooth is knocked out is very important. There are steps to follow to improve your chances of saving your tooth.
- Locate the knocked-out tooth or teeth.
- Pick up and hold the tooth by the crown only. Do not touch the root.
- Carefully rinse the tooth to clean it off but do not scrub it.
- If possible, place the tooth in saline solution which may be found in some first aid kits. If saline solution is not available, put the tooth in a cup of milk. The goal is to keep the tooth moist until your dentist can assess it.
- Contact your dentist immediately.
- Visit your emergency dental practice for treatment.
In the best-case scenario, if your tooth has been located and preserved, it can be reinserted and restored. If the tooth cannot be saved, your emergency dentist will explain options such as dental implants or restorations.
Additional emergency dental care tips
A dislodged or knocked out tooth is not the only emergency that requires preparation before visiting the dentist. If you experience trauma to your teeth, gums, or mouth, follow these tips until you get to the dentist’s office.
- For a chipped or broken tooth, rinse the area immediately to cleanse it. Hold cold compresses on your face to minimize swelling.
- If you have a toothache, rinse the area with warm water and floss your teeth gently. You may take an oral pain reliever, but do not place it on the tooth or gums.
- If you have soft tissue trauma, rinse your mouth to clean the wound and apply a cold compress to the cheek or jaw in the affected area.
- If an object or food item is lodged between your teeth, try to gently floss, or rinse the area. If you cannot free the item, allow your dentist to use precise tools to dislodge it.
Every patient and situation is unique. When problems occur, your dentist assesses your teeth, gums, and mouth to determine the problem and the best course of action. Regardless of the exact problem, the goal is to ease your pain, to keep you comfortable, and to maintain the health of your mouth.
If you experience dental trauma, contact Dr. Stan Kovtun and the team at Alpha Plus Dental Center in Brookline, MA. Our experienced team works quickly and gently to restore your smile. Call (617) 274-8494 to schedule your appointment.
