You fall down some stairs and knock out a front tooth. Do you know what to do? Please contact your emergency dentist in Prince Albert, Dr. Jerry Janzen. He and his associate dentist, Dr. Jenna Gogolinski, will help stabilize your condition until you can see them for proper treatment.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Many different scenarios can constitute a dental emergency–anything from a knocked out to a severe toothache to an oral laceration. When you or a loved one experiences pain or bleeding in or around your mouth, your dentist in Prince Albert wants to know immediately.
Dr. Janzen and Dr. Gogolinski urge their patients to call the office to receive advice. Even baby teeth are important to a child’s nutrition, speech, oral development, facial appearance and sense of well-being. For the adult who has lost a crown or broken a denture, quick help is essential for his or her best oral function.
While a dental emergency is an individual experience, there are commonalities among these pressing problems. Here is some first aid advice to use before seeing your dentist.
A throbbing toothache Dental pain often signifies tooth eruption as with teething and with wisdom teeth. However, it can mean deep tooth decay or infection, too. Gently rinse the painful area with warm water, and apply a cold compress to the jaw if it is puffy. Leave the compress in place for 20 minutes and then off for 20 minutes. Repeat this process as necessary. Give over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort, and contact the office for further instructions and an appointment.
Cracked or avulsed tooth Many broken or knocked out teeth can be repaired or re-implanted if attended to rapidly. The American Academy of Endodontists says that a knocked out tooth can be saved if it is treated within one hour of injury. So, place the tooth or tooth fragments in a sealed plastic bag with milk or water, and bring them to the dentist. He can bond the tooth fragments back in place using composite resin.
If you lose an entire tooth, rinse off any debris but leave remaining soft tissue in place. Gently put the roots into the socket, and hold the tooth in place. Also, you might bite gently on a piece of moistened gauze or on a tea bag to stabilize the tooth. If neither is possible, bring the tooth to the office in a sealed container with milk or water.
Sometimes, teeth get displaced to one side or into the gum. The doctor will want to examine the area to determine treatment. He or she can often reposition the tooth and stabilize it by splinting it to neighboring teeth.
Foreign object lodged between teeth This can be very uncomfortable. Visually inspect the painful area. If you can see something in the space between the teeth, try dislodging it with dental floss. If this isn’t possible, contact the office right away.
Blow to the jaw or soft tissue laceration A dislocated or broken jaw needs immediate treatment at a hospital emergency room. Regarding a cut on the lips, tongue or other soft tissues, apply gentle, firm pressure, using sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop within 10 to 15 minutes, go to the emergency room.
Work to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Your emergency dentists urge patients to wear mouthguards during sports to avoid dental injury. Never hesitate to contact Dr. Jerry Janzen when an accident occurs or oral pain is severe. The entire dental team wants to get you comfortable and restored to full oral health right away.