Dental emergencies can be immensely traumatic and cause severe damage to your oral wellness. However, you can minimize this impact to an extent by taking certain wise steps during such emergencies. Here are a few crucial things given by dentists in Kelowna BC, to keep in mind during dental emergencies.
Eight things to remember during a dental emergency:
Contact Your Dentist: Calling your dentist is the first step in dealing with a dental emergency. Many dental facilities offer emergency services or can advise you on what to do next. Inform the receptionist of the problem, and they will advise you on the best line of action.
Preserve Knocked-Out Teeth: If a tooth has been knocked out, hold it by the crown. If you find it to be dirty, you can just clean it with water. If feasible, try to reinstall it into the socket or keep it damp in milk or saliva until you reach the dental clinic.
Manage Broken Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown gets dislodged, make an effort to preserve it and take it to the dentist. You must cover the exposed region with dental cement or sugarless gum to shield it until you see your dentist.
Manage Pain: Dental emergencies tend to be painful. Some over-the-counter drugs for pain can alleviate discomfort momentarily. However, aspirin should not be used directly on the affected area because it can cause burns.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to swelling, pain, or injuries to the face can help reduce inflammation. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Self-Treatment: While some factors can drive you to try self-treatment during a dental emergency, non-professional remedies should be avoided in case of emergencies. Using paper clips, tweezers, or super glue might aggravate the issue and cause extra complications.
Financial issues: Dental emergencies do need expert care; however, you cannot ignore the cost factor. Inquire about emergency coverage if you have dental insurance. Some dentists provide easy-payment plans to help patients deal with financial stress.
By keeping these above tips in mind, you can assuage the severity of the trauma. Remember, during a dental emergency, a slight delay can cause some irreversible damage. Seeking professional care quickly, in such cases, should be of utmost priority.