If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth it’s easy to be disoriented. In a moment you can go from having fun with friends or enjoying a meal to panicking about what to do next.
In situations like this, it’s important to stay calm. That’s easier said than done, but knowing how to handle the situation can make it more feasible. With that in mind, here’s what you should do if you’ve recently damaged a tooth.
Step 1: Rinse
The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth out with warm, clean water. This serves the purpose of cleaning the wound, but if the tooth is still in your mouth, it also gives you the opportunity to remove it. That reduces your odds of accidentally swallowing or biting down on it.
If a tooth did come out, try to submerge it in milk or saltwater. That will preserve it for long enough that your dentist may be able to reattach it.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
The last thing you want to do is lose a lot of blood, so it’s important to put some pressure on the area. Use a little bit of gauze or a clean towel, while being careful not to scrub at the wound. If you find that the bleeding doesn’t stop, or if the trauma that caused the injury has left you dizzy, call 911 or visit an emergency room to make sure that the problem isn’t serious.
Step 3: Pain Relief
If you’re in substantial pain, try and manage it as best you can. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be enough, but you can also apply a cold compress to the area.
Step 4: Call your Dentist
As soon as you feel up to it, you should call a dentist. They’ll try to get you in for an emergency appointment as quickly as possible. They’ll also give you a little bit of advice on what to do in the meantime to stay comfortable.
If it’s after regular office hours, see if your dentist has an emergency after-hours number. They’ll usually leave this on their voicemail. If they don’t, then you should leave a message at the front desk with a detailed description of what’s happened, and your dentist will get back to you as soon as they can.
About Our Practice
At Crossroads Family Dentistry, we want as many people as possible to have great oral health. That’s why we have done everything in our power to make visiting the dentist less stressful. Our dental team works hard to provide high-quality, comfortable, and affordable dental care to the members of our community.
If you have any questions about dental emergencies, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (434) 841-1704.