September 24, 2016
Across the country, dentists report they handle thousands of emergency procedures every year. From knocked out teeth to broken dentures to cracked crowns, your dentists in Burlington,
Dr. Richard Lewis and his associate dentists, are available for immediate advice and prompt treatment. Do you know what to do in a dental emergency?
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an urgent problem which causes pain, bleeding or severe aesthetic problem. The most common dental emergencies are a broken tooth, an avulsed or knocked out tooth and throbbing toothache. Other problems include displaced teeth, broken prosthetics, such as full dentures, fractured jaws or deep laceration to soft oral tissue.
First Aid for Common Dental Problems
Dental Abscess This tooth infection occurs because of deep decay or gum disease. Symptoms include bad breath, toothache drainage, fever and swelling of the jaw and gums. Fever and malaise are generalized signs of infection. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, and call Dr. Lewis for treatment.
Avulsed (knocked out) tooth A blow to the face can partially or completely dislodge a tooth. The probably of saving that tooth increases with quick action. Rinse the tooth in warm water, and place it in the empty tooth socket. Hold it there while getting to Dr. Lewis’ office. If you cannot put it in the socket, tuck it between your cheek and gum or place it in a sealed container with milk or an over the counter tooth preservative ( a good item to keep in a sports first aid kit). Treatment may include splinting the tooth to its neighbors while it heals and/or root canal therapy to avoid nerve pain. A porcelain crown adds strength and corrects aesthetics if necessary.
Foreign object stuck between two teeth Gently try to dislodge the object with dental floss. If this does not work, call Dr. Lewis for a recommendation.
Cracked tooth, filling or crown Save the pieces in a plastic bag, covered with milk, water or tooth preservative. Cover any jagged edges with orthodontic wax or toothpaste. Call the dental office for an appointment.
Broken jaw or deep laceration Get to the nearest hospital ER right away.
As the saying goes, stuff happens, but we can take some preventive measures to decrease the chances of suffering a dental emergency. Good habits include:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily to decrease incidence of gum disease and tooth decay
- Getting semi-annual cleanings and and check-ups with Dr. Lewis
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting processed sugars and carbohydrates
- Wearing a mouthguard to protect against sports injuries and teeth grinding
Your Emergency Dentist
Find him at Richard Lewis DMD and Associates. When you have a big dental worry, be sure to contact Dr. Lewis and his professional team right away. Your smile is important to us!
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