What To Do In Case of Emergency

No matter how careful you are, dental emergencies can happen at any time to anyone. While some dental emergencies may only be minor, others require immediate dental care in order to preserve the tooth and oral health. Below are some common dental emergencies as well as tips on what to do until you can seek care.

Avulsion: A knocked out tooth is a dental emergency requiring immediate care in order to increase the chances of saving and placing the tooth back into the socket. In the meantime, hold the tooth by the top (the crown), rinse off the tooth using water, and try to place the tooth into its original socket. Do not touch the roots as this can also limit the chances of being able to save the tooth. If you are unable to replace the tooth into its socket, place it in a small container with milk and see your dentist immediately.

Partially dislodged tooth: Similar to avulsed teeth, partially dislodged teeth require immediate dental attention. Applying a cold compress and talking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alieve the pain until you can see the dentist. Additionally, avoid playing with the tooth with your tongue or finger, as this can introduce bacteria to the vulnerable and exposed roots.

Abscess or Infection: Another serious condition, tooth infections can have significant consequences for a patient’s oral and general health. Often indicated by a painful pimple-like swelling on the gum and tooth pain, if you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it is crucial to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Until then, trying easing the pain with a mild salt water solution several times a day.

Fracture, Chip, or Crack: Depending on the type of break, the tooth may be salvageable. In the event you experience a tooth fracture, save the pieces of your tooth and rinse your mouth using warm water. If there is bleeding, use a gauze to staunch the bleeding and apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to alleviate swelling and pain.

Toothache: While not an immediate dental concern, a persistent toothache may be an indication of underlying dental issues. Until you can see your dentist, use floss to remove any lodged food debris in between teeth and apply a cold compress to the area outside the mouth. While you can take aspirin to relieve the pain, do not put the painkiller directly against the affected area as that can burn the gum tissue.

Lost Crown or Filling: After making an appointment, use over-the-counter dental cement to cover the empty cavity. In the event of a lost crown, save the crown and if possible, try to slip the crown over the tooth.

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implant and Oral Surgery, we offer procedures to help patients regain function following dental emergencies. In the event you are experience excessive bleeding or pain, visit your local dentist or emergency room.

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, preventive dental care techniques are among the most important tools patients can adopt to protect their teeth and gums. Often, the consequences of failing to do so can have lasting effects on your oral and overall health. However, there are steps that can be incorporated into your oral hygiene routine to keep your smile healthy.

Start Early: Adopting an effective oral hygiene regimen early can be the key to lasting oral health. By incorporating good oral health habits early in life, patients have the opportunity to learn those crucial skills before their permanent teeth come in, ensuring that they know the right way to take care of their smile. Additionally, an early introduction to dental health can reduce the likelihood of developing dental fears or anxiety in the future. 

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat: While this may seem redundant, establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine can minimize the opportunity for bacteria to develop in your mouth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, patients can prevent plaque from hardening into tartar and causing gingivitis. Following these actions with an antibacterial mouthwash can further reduce the opportunity for plaque and bacteria to wreak havoc on your smile.

Eat Smile Healthy Foods: A balanced diet isn’t just good for your health. Good nutrition is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding tooth decay. Certain foods, like cheese, peanuts, yogurt and milk are great for protecting your teeth from plaque development. Limiting sugary food and beverage consumption can also help prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, individuals should avoid indulging in a bedtime snack, as food left on the teeth overnight can increase the chance of cavity development.

Visit the Dentist: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals should visit the dentist twice a year for a routine professional cleaning. While these check-ups may seem unnecessary, they make up an important part of preventive dentistry and are a key element to lasting oral health. During these appointments, your general dentist will examine your entire mouth for abnormalities as well as signs of gum disease, dental decay, and oral cancer. Early identification of these conditions can prevent your dental visit turning from a routine check-up into an invasive restoration procedure.

By following these basic oral hygiene tips, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. However, in the event more extensive treatment is needed in order to re-establish your oral health, contact Dr. Patel and the team at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery today. We offer a number of restoration and correction procedures customized to help patients regain lasting oral health.