No matter how well you care for your teeth, accidents do sometimes happen and your pearly whites get damaged. Taking the right prompt action before seeking urgent dental treatment can help to save your smile.
Here's what to do in case of common dental emergencies.
Your tooth is knocked out
If one of your permanent teeth is knocked out completely, rinse the root of the tooth under cold, bottled water. Hold the tooth by the main body of enamel, rather than the root itself. Put the tooth firmly back into its socket, making sure that the flat surface faces forward. Push down on the top of the tooth so that it doesn't fall out.
If your jaw is damaged and you can't replace the tooth, put it in your mouth between your gums and cheek.
If the casualty is a child and there's a danger they might swallow the tooth, put it into cold water or milk for transportation to the dentist. Note here that a child's baby tooth can't be saved so you shouldn't try to replant them.
Your tooth is pushed out of place
If one of your teeth is shoved out of place or pushed deep into your jawbone, it's important that you leave it alone and don't fiddle with it in an attempt to reposition it. Your dentist should be able to reposition the tooth by means of splinting it to adjacent teeth or through orthodontics.
It's essential that you see a dentist as quickly as you can; waiting too long can make it very difficult to successfully reposition the tooth.
Your tooth is is chipped or cracked
If one of your teeth is chipped, try to save the broken fragment if possible. Your dentist may be able to reattach the chip with dental bonding material, forming a virtually invisible repair. Never take the DIY approach and try to file the tooth down or glue the chip back on!
If your tooth is fractured or cracked, try to avoid eating on it and don't fiddle with it; the tooth could be very sensitive if the pulp has been exposed.
Your dentist may be able to save the tooth, but if the fracture extends below your gum line, extraction may be the only practical option.
In conclusion
The above notes will enable you to take the correct action in case of a dental emergency. In all cases, it's vital that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Prompt attention will give the dentist more chance of saving your damaged tooth.
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