Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR
Accidents do happen and when it happen it’s important to act quickly. Head and neck region is one of the most sensitive and also the most affected area. It’s important to know what to do in a dental emergency because knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. No matter what kind of emergency it is, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. Here are some do’s and don’ts; which you should do in the most common dental emergencies:
Chipped or cracked tooth: If you crack a tooth, immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you chip a tooth, try and save any broken pieces. There is a strong possibility that swelling will occur, so cold compression in the affected area can be used to minimize this. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so that all the risks can be ruled out and proper steps can be taken in order to save the tooth.
Knocked out tooth: It is important to keep the tooth that has been knocked out moist at all times to keep it healthy. If you can, place it back in the tooth’s socket or inside your mouth between your check and gums. This is the best environment for the tooth to be in. If you are unable to do this, place it in a jar of milk and get to your dentist as soon as possible. There is the highest possibility of your tooth being able to be saved if you see your dentist within one hour of the incident occurring.
Jaw Fracture: If you suspect that your jaw might be broken, immediately apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation. Immediately go to your dentist or the emergency department at the hospital to get an x-ray.
Dislodged Tooth: Try to relieve pain by applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or by taking an over-the-counter pain medication. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Soft tissue injuries: These are injuries to the soft tissue inside your mouth such as your tongue, cheeks, lips and gums, which cause bleeding. Your first priority is to control the bleeding by rinsing out your mouth with water, applying pressure to the affected area with a moistened piece of gauze and reducing swelling by applying a cold compress. If the bleeding does not stop, go directly to your dentist or doctor and continue to apply pressure on the area until you can be treated.
For toothaches: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Clove oil dampen cotton pellet on the affected area also helps. If pain persists take some analgesic and see your dentist.
Investigations like x-rays may be taken to evaluate the extent of damage; also it helps in treatment planning. Few precautions can be taken like using sports guard while playing outdoor games, avoid consuming too hot or too cold food items and not using teeth to cut things or open bottles to be on safer side. Always remember, when you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.