ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
While you might not be in a position to stop injuries and accidents, you may be ready for the way you manage a dental crisis. You might want to know: What exactly counts as a dental crisis? Should I contact a dentist in Durham, NC? What do I do when I lose a tooth or restoration? All of these are really great questions, which our staff at DentalWorks – Durham wishes to help you with. If anything occurs to you or someone you know, we’re available to assist you with urgent treatment.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Basically, whenever you are feeling pain or a tooth is missing, you should get in touch with a dentist in Durham, NC. If you’re in doubt, get in touch with a dentist to learn if you require urgent care. Here are a few of the most common dental crises we have seen at DentalWorks – Durham:
- DAMAGED OR LOST RESTORATION
When a filling, bridge, crown, or any restoration is either loose or falls out, then get in touch with your dentist straight away. If the restoration is lost or loose, your teeth are more vulnerable to damage and other problems.
- A CUT IN YOUR GUMS
Just a little blood from your gums after flossing or brushing isn’t great; however, it isn’t a crisis. If a cut on your gums causes substantial bleeding or the wound does not stop in a few minutes, it’s a dental crisis. Continue to maintain pressure on the area using a sterile cloth as you get in touch with a dentist.
- CHIPPED TOOTH
Although a chip on your tooth might not look like a major deal, it really is. Based on the size and positioning, a chip may expose the pulp of the tooth. This can result in an abscess or infection if you don’t get treatment, so call your dentist if you have chipped tooth.
- ACUTE TOOTH PAIN
Although all tooth pain ought to be mentioned to a dentist, acute tooth pain is a dental crisis. Sometimes, the beginning of tooth pain could be sudden and intense. In other cases, tooth pain can also start as mild and turn into acute pain as time passes. Whatever the situation, get in touch with your dentist immediately to get care for acute tooth pain.
- CRACKED OR BROKEN TOOTH
A broken or cracked tooth ought to be treated immediately to prevent a bigger problem. Although the crack may be little or difficult to see, you still will need to get urgent attention from a dentist. With no treatment, a broken or cracked tooth may make it possible for bacteria and irritants to get into your pulp, resulting in pain and sensitivity.
- LOST TOOTH
Your tooth could get knocked out when playing sports, a car crash, a regular mishap, and more. When a permanent tooth comes out from your mouth, gently pick the tooth up, wash it off as much as possible, then put the tooth in your cheek as you go to your dentist. Though your natural saliva is excellent for saving your tooth, milk can also be a good substitute.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
In case you or a relative is having a dental emergency, speak to your dentist straight away. If you are unsure it is an emergency, please speak to your dentist. They can help you determine if you need help since you shouldn’t take chances when it involves your oral health. If you’re contacting your dentist when their office is closed, then they will possibly use a service that will deliver a message to a dentist in a crisis or have a message providing directions in the event of an emergency. When you talk to somebody to make your appointment, ask for suggestions on the best way to preserve a lost restoration or tooth.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Based upon your particular dental crisis, your dentist will suggest an appropriate procedure. A broken or cracked tooth might be protected using a temporary crown or a bonding procedure using composite resin. If your tooth is knocked out, it might be saved if you preserved the tooth correctly and got to the dentist immediately.
AFTER A DENTAL CRISIS
Following your emergency appointment, make certain to adhere to any directions from your dentist. This might consist of following a soft or liquid foods diet, a round of antibiotics, or visiting for a follow-up. In the event you got a temporary crown, then your dentist will let you know when your custom crown is returned to their office so that it can be set. Based on your oral health, your dentist might suggest scheduling an oral health examination sooner or more frequently to help identify issues before they turn into dental crises.
TIPS TO AVOID DENTAL CRISES
Occasionally mishaps cannot be prevented, but if you would love to do everything you can to prevent dental crises, here are a few of our tips:
- AN ORAL CARE ROUTINE AT HOME
Creating and adhering to a great home oral hygiene regimen is able to help you prevent issues such as gum disease or a cavity, which may become a painful dental crisis. You should brush your teeth two times every day and floss one time every day for healthy gums and teeth. Should you require assistance with your flossing or brushing technique, request a demonstration from your dental staff at your next trip.
- USE A CUSTOM MOUTH GUARD
When you’re playing a contact sport, such as hockey or football, an athletic mouth guard is most likely required. But a mouth guard is a fantastic accessory for virtually any game when you may knock a tooth out, such as skateboarding. DentalWorks – Durham provides custom mouth guards for comfort and security.
- VISITING YOUR DENTIST TWICE A YEAR
Seeing your dentist in Durham, NC at least two times per year is able to help you stay away from dental crises. In your examination, your dentist may find and address problems, such as gum disease or a cavity, before they become pain. Your dentist can also assess the condition of any restorations, so that they can ascertain whether they will need to be mended or replaced.
- AVOIDING HARD AND STICKY FOODS
Try not to bite hard candies and ice because this may cause cracks and chips in your teeth. If you’ve got a restoration (bridge or crown), you may need to prevent sticky foods, such as caramel, because these may make them loose or pull them out.