When you experience a dental emergency, which involves any non-life threatening injuries to your teeth or gums, you should see your Astoria, NY, dentist right away. But what about in the immediate aftermath? We have a few tips for limiting your discomfort and injury immediately following your dental emergency. Find out how to control bleeding, prevent swelling, and more.
Don’t Panic
These situations can be scary, but don’t panic! Remember that your Astoria, NY, dentist can restore your damaged tooth and ensure your smile remains healthy and functional.
Easing Your Discomfort
First, if you chip a tooth, see if you can recover any pieces of the tooth. If you knock one out, pick it up by the crown (visible portion) and don’t touch the roots. Then rinse the tooth under water to remove any dirt or foreign debris. Next, use gauze or a piece of cloth to control the bleeding. Put the recovered pieces of the tooth in a bag or container. If you’ve knocked a tooth out, place it in a glass of salt water, milk, or even better, back into the socket. A cold compress against the side of the face helps reduce swelling and you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Repairing Your Damaged Teeth
If you can’t recover any pieces of a chipped tooth, then we can still help. For chipped teeth, we may restore the tooth in one visit with a dental bonding procedure. For fractures, we may suggest a dental crown. Treating damage teeth quickly helps prevent the onset of cavities or infection. Remember, we’re also available if you experience sudden pain in your tooth or if something becomes caught between them that cannot be removed with floss. Other common emergency scenarios include loose or lost restorations, which expose the sensitive inner tooth structure to bacteria and may cause discomfort.
Preventive Tips
While many accidents are random and unexpected, you can always take steps to help protect your smile. Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as pencils/pens or ice. Also, if you play sports, be sure to wear a mouthguard, which helps limit the risk of damaged teeth. You should also see us for routine visits every six months so we can monitor your smile for developing issues, such as decay. If you have any questions about addressing emergency situations, or if you have a damaged or aching tooth in need of attention, then contact our team today.
Don’t Ignore That Damaged Tooth!
We want to help you enjoy a healthier smile, which involves repairing any damage you may sustain. For more information on our emergency dental care options, then schedule a consultation with us by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
