We hope that you never have to deal with a dental injury. However, being well prepared and having a plan of action in case you do experience a dental emergency greatly increases your likelihood of a speedy recovery.
Grab Your Dental Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit in advance. Keep it stocked and easily accessible so you can quickly respond to a dental mishap. Items like the following can be helpful:
- Nonwoven gauze
- Disposable gloves
- Alcohol wipes
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Container to hold knocked-out teeth
- Contact card for your emergency dentist
Remain Calm & Call Your Emergency Dentist
Although dental injuries can be painful and scary, it’s important to keep a level head. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and call Bridge Dental Care for emergency dental care. We will help evaluate the severity of your injury and walk you through next steps, including scheduling an emergency office visit if necessary.
Control Bleeding
If your mouth is bleeding excessively, try to staunch the flow of blood. Wear gloves or disinfect your hands and gently apply pressure to the affected area with a clean, nonwoven gauze or cloth. This will help stop the bleeding and encourage a clot to form.
Save Knocked-Out Teeth
In certain cases, a knocked-out adult tooth can be successfully reattached if the proper steps are taken. Pick up the tooth by the crown, being careful to avoid touching the root. Gently rinse the tooth with water or milk and reinsert it into its socket if possible. If not, place it in a small, lidded container and cover it with milk to keep it moist. See an emergency dentist within the hour—swift action can help preserve your smile.
Manage Pain
Manage oral pain by taking over-the-counter medication as directed on the bottle. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods that can irritate the affected area.
Emergency Dentist in Chattanooga, TN
When an urgent dental injury occurs, Bridge Dental Care is here to help! Reach out to us as soon as you can. If it is after our office hours, follow the instructions in our voicemail. We strive to provide prompt and compassionate care when you need it because your oral health and comfort are our priorities!
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0