Dental emergencies can happen at any time to anyone. Whether you are participating in a sporting event or biting into a snack, there will come a time when your teeth need professional help. As one of our valued patients, all of us here at Smiles of Punta Gorda want you to be as prepared as possible in the event of a dental emergency.
Below are five of the most common dental emergencies and some information about what you should do in each situation. Check it out and then give us a call at 941-585-0424 to request an appointment in Punta Gorda, FL.
Knocked-Out Tooth
It happens more than you think, especially during contact sports. But would you know what to do if your tooth got knocked out?
The first thing to remember is to try and stay calm. It can be a bit alarming to lose a tooth, but it is a problem that can be taken care of. Try to save the tooth in case it can be reattached. Don’t touch the roots, but if necessary, gently rinse it off then store it either in your cheek or in water or milk until you can get to our office.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
If your tooth is cracked or broken, call our office right away. Over-the-counter pain medication can minimize any discomfort you are experiencing. Use ice packs to help with any facial swelling. Even if swelling is minimal or unnoticeable, use an ice pack until you can get to our office.
Temporary Dental Crown Comes Off
If you begin to feel your temporary crown coming off, try to grab a hold of it before you swallow it or lose it. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the back of the crown so that it can temporarily bond to your tooth, but avoid biting down too hard as it could cause further damage.
Then, call our office and schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can replace the crown.
Toothache or Tooth Infection
If you are experiencing a nagging toothache or think you may have some kind of oral infection, call our office immediately. Infections can be dangerous and can potentially lead to more serious oral health problems. No matter what, don’t try to treat the infection yourself.
Broken or Injured Jaw
If you hurt your jaw, even if you aren’t sure if it’s broken, see your dentist as soon as possible. Use ice packs to prevent swelling and avoid eating solid foods until you’ve seen us.
How to Prevent A Dental Emergency
Accidents happen sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take to prevent them. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help avoid an accident or injury to your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candy
- Never use your teeth to open or cut things
Remember, our team at Smiles of Punta Gorda is here for you. Your health and happiness are important to us, so in the event of an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to call us at 941-585-0424 to request an appointment. In the end, it’s much better to be safe than sorry. We’re conveniently located at 100 Madrid Blvd., Unit 414.
