Handling Dental Emergencies: Tips from Lakeland Family Dental
Accidents happen, and knowing how to handle a dental emergency can make all the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. A dental emergency involves an injury to your teeth or gums that requires immediate attention. Ignoring such injuries can lead to permanent damage. At Lakeland Family Dental, we emphasize the importance of immediate action in dental emergencies to protect your oral health.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
When a dental emergency occurs, contact Lakeland Family Dental as soon as possible. Provide detailed information about your injury so we can guide you on the best course of action before you arrive at our office.
Here are some common dental emergencies and tips on how to handle them:
Knocked-Out Tooth:
1. Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but avoid scrubbing off any attached tissue fragments.
2. Keep the tooth moist by gently placing it back in its socket if possible. Do not force it.
3. If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt.
4. Contact Lakeland Family Dental immediately for further instructions.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth:
1. Save any pieces of the tooth if possible.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove small tooth fragments.
3. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
4. Seek dental care promptly.
Objects Caught Between Teeth:
1. Gently use dental floss to try to remove the object.
2. Avoid using sharp instruments like pins to prevent injury to your gums or teeth.
3. If you can't remove the object, contact Lakeland Family Dental for assistance.
Soft-Tissue Injuries:
1. Rinse your mouth with mild salt water to clean the area.
2. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or a tea bag to the bleeding site for about 15 minutes.
3. Use a cold compress to alleviate pain and swelling.
4. If bleeding persists, seek immediate care from our dental office.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, taking precautions can reduce your risk of dental emergencies:
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports.
- Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.
- Use scissors instead of your teeth to cut things.
If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact Lakeland Family Dental immediately. We can provide step-by-step instructions on how to care for your injury or may ask you to come into the office. For any additional questions or concerns regarding dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay prepared and protect your smile with Lakeland Family Dental.