In this article, we discuss why prompt action is crucial in dental trauma and the most common types of dental emergencies.
Why Quick Action Matters in Dental Trauma
Quick action matters in dental trauma for two main reasons:
- Traumas can damage the roots, nerves, or pulp in your teeth, leading to tooth loss if not treated promptly. In some cases, the damage is not visible and can be detected only by a professional.
- Some types of trauma will require less expensive treatment if done promptly. For example, a knocked-out tooth can be restored and healed if addressed immediately, which is much cheaper and less traumatic than replacing it with an implant.
Below, we list the main types of dental traumas that require immediate treatment and give tips on what to do in each case:
Knocked out Tooth
If your tooth is knocked out of its socket, collect it and bring it to the dental office. If you receive medical attention within 30 to 60 minutes after the accident, there is a chance your tooth can be replaced in its socket and heal over time.
To preserve the tooth before you get to see your dentist, place it in a clean container filled with milk or saliva. You can also use tooth-preserving kits sold in some stores. Another option is to keep your tooth between your cheek and gums, but be careful not to swallow it. The main goal is to prevent the tooth from dehydration. However, you should not store your tooth in water or clean it with water. Do not rub your tooth with a cloth or tissue, as this can cause damage.
Also, if you experience bleeding, place a sterile gauze on the area and gently bite down on it. Additionally, you can apply a cold compress to the outer side of your cheek and take a painkiller to reduce pain and swelling.
Dislodged Tooth
A dislodged tooth is not completely knocked out from its socket, but is partially loosened. But it still requires immediate treatment—within the first 30 to 60 minutes. While you are waiting for your appointment, do not try to force the tooth back into its original position, as this can cause nerve or root damage. You can manage pain and swelling with over-the-counter painkillers or cold compresses.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Cracks and chips in a tooth can expose its inner pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, leading to bacterial infections or necrosis of the pulp tissue. That is why we recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible to determine if treatments such as a root canal are needed to preserve the tooth.
Also, we recommend collecting the chipped tooth fragment and bringing it to the dental office, as it may be possible to bond the fragment back to the tooth.
Strong Impact to the Face and Jaw
As we mentioned before, even if a strong impact to the face or jaw does not result in visible damage, such as broken teeth or bleeding, the nerves and roots of your teeth underneath the gums can be affected by the trauma. That is why it is essential to have a dental exam and X-ray to prevent tooth loss caused by root and nerve damage.
Visit Encino Family Dental in Case of Emergency
If you sustained a dental trauma, do not hesitate to contact an emergency dentist at Encino Family Dental. Specialists at our dental office work to help our clients restore and preserve their oral health.