Steps to take when dealing with common dental emergencies

Dental emergencies are scary. Immediate intervention is usually necessary to minimize the complication and risk of tooth loss. Not every clinic is equipped to deal with such situations. It is pertinent that you have the number of an emergency dentist in Waikiki, Honolulu, on your phone at all times. In this post, we are discussing three dental emergencies and the steps you need to take.

Avulsed tooth

When a tooth has been knocked out of your mouth, you should book a dental appointment immediately. It could happen due to trauma or injury, and if the tooth is fixed back into the socket within an hour of the injury, there is a chance of recovery. If you have an avulsed tooth, take these steps –

1. Call the dental clinic immediately.
2. Handle the tooth carefully and place it in the socket if possible.
3. Do NOT touch the root of the tooth.
4. If you cannot place the tooth in the mouth, you can put it in milk or water.
5. Do not scrub or try to clean the tooth entirely.

Worn-out crown

It is not uncommon to deal with a situation where the crown is displaced from its position, especially while eating. If the cap is out of your mouth, you must see a dentist immediately. While it is okay to wait until the next day, do not ignore signs like extreme pain. Take the following steps –

1. Call the dental clinic and ask whether you should come immediately.
2. Apply clove oil to the tooth to reduce the pain.
3. Clean the crown and keep it safe.
4. If you can find dental cement, you can try to fix the crown back in place. DO NOT use glue.
5. If you have lost the crown, you can apply dental cement to the tooth.

A broken tooth

Teeth are prone to breakage, fractures, and cracks. You may experience severe pain if there is a deep crack that extends to the root. If you have a broken tooth, take the following steps –

1. Call the dental clinic and schedule an appointment.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm water and preserve the tooth fragment.
3. You can apply gauze to the tooth if there is bleeding.
4. Apply a cold compress on the cheeks to reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Take a pain reliever after talking to the dentist.

Dental emergencies don’t improve on their own, and you need to rely on your dentist to find the best ways to preserve your natural tooth. As for crowns and restorations, replacements are usually necessary.