At Desert Oasis Dental, Dr. Tran offers timely and effective urgent dental treatment. In addition, we know if you are experiencing a dental emergency, it can be alarming and painful. Treating yourself properly at home can minimize damage and increase the chances that your Albuquerque dentist can save your tooth.
If you are in an emergency situation, contact us immediately! Then read on to learn more about what you should do between now and your appointment.
A Toothache
If you are experiencing dental pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce discomfort. You can also try a salt water rinse, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and a cold compress.
A Broken or Chipped Tooth
Cracked teeth do not always cause symptoms. However, an accident, sports injury, or biting down on something hard can lead to sudden, painful damage. If this happens, rinse out your mouth with water and apply cold compresses to your face. You should also collect any loose pieces of your teeth so that you can bring them with you to the office. Non-prescription pain medications can also help to reduce any discomfort.
A Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth is knocked out, your dentist in Albuquerque may be able to save it when you act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the cusp, not the root, and gently wash it in water if it is dirty. If you can, place the tooth in the socket, biting down to hold in place. If this is impossible, keep the tooth moist either with saliva, milk, or a tooth-saving solution. Call your dentist right away. You will have the best chances of saving your tooth if you visit the office within thirty minutes, although it may be possible to put it back in place after a longer period.
Something Stuck in Your Teeth
Whether it’s food or another object, you can try to remove something between your teeth with dental floss. Never try to dislodge it with a sharp instrument, as this could seriously injure your gums.
Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Although biting your tongue or another part of your mouth is fairly common, it can be quite painful. If bleeding occurs, it may be alarming, as well. When this happens, rinse your mouth with water. If anything is lodged in the injured area, seek urgent medical attention. Otherwise, use gauze or another soft cloth to staunch any bleeding. Although you should not put ice directly on the wound, an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth can help with swelling.
As the area is healing, salt water rinses and antiseptic gels can help combat infection. Over-the-counter pain medications and topical anesthetics will reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Experiencing a dental emergency? Call us!
If you are facing an urgent situation, contact us now. In addition to scheduling your appointment, we will help you take the right steps to ease your pain and save your tooth. Call us at (505)821-8726.
