A dental emergency can happen when it’s least expected. When such an incident occurs, it’s important to see an Emergency Dentist in Ann Arbor MI promptly. To minimize pain and loss of dental structure, a person should learn how to treat certain types of emergencies. The following information will give more insight into the actions a person should take.
A knocked-out tooth is a common occurrence. To handle this situation, retrieve the knocked-out tooth. Hold the tooth firmly by the crown to keep from dropping it. The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gumline. Avoid touching any dangling roots or other parts of the tooth. Turn on a steady stream of warm water. Hold the tooth under the water to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Let the water flow over the tooth without touching any part other than the crown. It’s a good idea to place a towel at the bottom of the sink in case the tooth is dropped. Next, try to place the tooth back in its socket. Don’t force this. When this is not possible, put the knocked-out tooth in a container of milk. Seal the container and visit a dentist promptly. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to relieve pain and discomfort.
A cracked tooth can be especially painful. When this occurs, rinse the mouth out with warm salt water. This will help reduce swelling. It will also help dislodge food particles in the cracked tooth Apply a cold compress over the injury site outside the mouth. Gently place the cold compress on the cheek. This compress can be made wrapping ice in a small hand towel. An ice pack or cold cloth can also be used as a cold compress. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to make a person more comfortable.
By using these guidelines, a person can perform pretreatment on an injured tooth to help reduce pain and save the tooth. It can also help an emergency dentist in Ann Arbor MI start treatment sooner. For more information on dental emergency services, please visit our website. Dr. Martha Rich can handle numerous dental services including restorative dentistry, emergency dentistry, and periodontal dentistry.
