subject: How To Care For Injured Teeth [print this page] An injury to the teeth or gums can happen without warning. 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 have a detrimental effect on living tissues inside your teeth, and delaying treatment will only lead to more serious problems and the need for more extensive repairs.
Today, dentists have many options for handling and treating dental emergencies, including pain management, cosmetic dentistry and restoration techniques. Your dentist in Ann Arbor can identify the severity of your dental damage and administer the best treatment for your needs.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth should be acted on quickly as your chances for successfully reinserting the tooth depend on how quickly you get to your dentist. Generally, if you can reach your regular dentist within 30 minutes of the injury, the chances of saving and reimplanting your tooth are very good.
If your tooth is knocked out, gently try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If this isn't possible, place it in a small container of milk right away, being very careful not to injure the attached living tissue and take it with you to your dentist. If bleeding occurs, apply moistened gauze directly to the injured area and for swelling use a cold compress. Even if your tooth can't be saved, don't panic. With so many new and improved advances in dentistry, such as dental implants, your Ann Arbor dentist can restore your smile to its natural, healthy state.
Fractured and Cracked Teeth
A minor chip or crack may seem like a simple cosmetic issue and you may be tempted to put off a visit to your dentist. No matter how small the crack appears, however, these seemingly minor injuries can worsen with time and lead to serious infections and more extensive damage.
A severe fracture that enters into the pulp of the tooth will need to be treated right away. Rinse your mouth with warm water and get to your Ann Arbor dentist immediately to avoid infection and nerve damage. Cracks 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.
Preventing Tooth Injuries
You won't always be able to stop a dental emergency from happening, but there are simple precautions you can take to help reduce your chances of suffering a lost or cracked tooth. Always wear your seat belt while driving and avoid eating or drinking in a moving car. When riding bikes, wear helmets, and if you play contact sports, wear proper-fitting mouth guards and face masks. Since injuries to your teeth can happen unexpectedly, keep your Ann Arbor dentist's telephone number readily available.
Teeth are remarkably strong, but a hard fall or a strong blow to the face can chip, fracture and dislodge even the strongest, healthiest teeth. Remember, any injury to the teeth or gums could be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Keep your teeth healthy and protected as an integral part of your overall health.
by: Gen Wright
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