What To Do If You Have Popped Out or Damaged a Tooth
Accidents happen, and sometimes they can lead to dental emergencies like a popped-out or damaged tooth. While your tooth enamel is strong, this doesn't mean that you can't have a tooth get chipped or even disrupted from its root base in a sports injury, fall, or other type of accident. It can be painful and scary for anyone to experience such an issue, and they may not know what to do regarding getting emergency dental care.
Use this helpful list to understand the steps of what to do if you have popped out or damaged a tooth.
Remain Calm and Take Care of Yourself
The first step in any dental emergency is to remain calm. This might feel impossible to do, but you should do so to ensure you don't further damage your tooth or put yourself under undue stress. Check for any other injuries or damage, and once you're sure you're okay, check your tooth.
If it's a temporary tooth, let it stay out if it's not painful, but go to a dentist as soon as possible. If it's a permanent tooth and still attached to your gums, try not to touch it, especially near the roots and gumline (you don't want to touch the nerves). If it's loose, keep it in its original position until a dentist sees you. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help disinfect and control swelling.
Call Your Dentist
Call your general dentist as soon as possible with the details of your emergency. If your general dentist is unavailable, call an emergency dentist near you. They'll be able to give you immediate guidance on what to do next, and if they're open, they'll schedule you in for a consultation. The sooner you get into a dental professional, the more likely you can be to preserve your tooth.
Care For Your Tooth and Mouth
To avoid getting an infection, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day. To minimize swelling and pain, place a cold compress on your cheek. Take over-the-counter painkillers as needed and as directed by the manufacturer. Follow a soft diet and avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that can cause irritation or may dislodge the tooth. Don't smoke or drink coffee, alcohol, or sugary drinks until the tooth has been restored.
Visit the Emergency Dentist
Once you're at the emergency dentist, they'll examine your tooth and take radiographs to determine the extent of the damage and the most appropriate course of action. Depending on the severity of the injury, the dentist may suggest a root canal, crown, or extraction. They'll also provide you with detailed instructions for post-treatment care to minimize any discomfort and speed up your healing process.
Prevent Future Dental Emergencies
Some tips to help prevent dental emergencies include avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods; wearing a mouthguard while playing sports; and scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. If you have previously experienced a dental emergency before, carry a dental first aid kit with you and keep your dentist's number handy.
Dental emergencies can be stressful and worrisome, but knowing what to do and how to take care of yourself can help save your tooth and prevent any further complications. A prompt visit to an emergency dentist like our team at Carlino & Paton, DDS PC, can make all the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure, so take steps to prevent dental emergencies, and if you're experiencing any tooth pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. We look forward to seeing you!
