Being Prepared For Dental Injuries And Emergencies
From a minor chip or a severe crack to a knocked out tooth or a painful toothache
, every dental injury should be taken seriously. Even the smallest injuries can damage the living tissues inside your teeth, and delaying treatment will only decrease your odds of saving the tooth.
Today, dentists have many options when it comes to handling and treating dental emergencies, including pain management, cosmetic restorations and dental implants. Your dentist in Ottawa can identify the severity of your dental damage and administer the best treatment for your specific needs.
Preserving a Lost Tooth
It's extremely important to know what to do if your tooth is knocked-out. You must act quickly and get to your dentist- generally within one hour of the tooth being knocked out- in order to save the tooth and ensure the successful re-implantation of the tooth.
First, gently try to place the tooth back into the socket, being very careful not to injure the attached living tissue. When this isn't possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or water and take it with you when you go to your dentist. For bleeding, apply gauze to the injured area and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Even if your tooth can't be preserved, don't panic. There are a number of new and advanced dental treatments and procedures available today such as dental implants that can restore your smile to its natural, healthy state.
Minor Chips and Fractures Can Be Serious
A chipped or cracked tooth may seem like a minor cosmetic issue at the time, but putting off a visit to your dentist for an evaluation could lead to more serious problems down the road. No matter how small the crack appears, these seemingly minor injuries can get progressively worse over time, leading to serious infections and more extensive damage.
A deep fracture that enters into the pulp of the tooth will need to be treated immediately. Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid infection and damage to the nerves. A crack in your tooth won't always be visible, so it's important to see your dentist if you experience pain while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold as these are common warning signs of tooth fractures.
Dental Emergencies can be Prevented
Many dental injuries can be prevented by taking the following steps.
Visit your Ottawa dentist for regular cleanings and check ups to keep teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Wear a protective mouth piece when participating in sports. A properly fitted mouth guard can be custom-fitted by your dentist.
Wear a helmet and other protective face gear in physical activities during which an injury to the face, mouth or head could occur.
Since injuries to your teeth can happen unexpectedly, keep your Ottawa dentist's telephone number readily available
Having a tooth knocked out or fractured are only two of many possible dental injuries that can occur. Dental emergencies can turn serious fast, but when you know how to handle the situation, you can avoid unnecessary problems and alarm. While not all dental injuries can be totally avoided, in most cases you can significantly diminish the extent of the damage by wearing the appropriate protective gear and maintaining regular appointments with your Ottawa dentist.
by: Gen Wright
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