Taking care of your dental health through routine cleanings and daily brushing and flossing is an important part of a healthy plan, but sometimes things happen that require a little more care your typical cleaning appointment will provide. When those dental emergency hit and you’re left in pain and wondering who to call, your dentist should be the first person on your list.
Dental emergency visits in Scottsdale are never fun, but it’s important to take care of injuries to your teeth and mouth as quickly as possible in order to minimize the damage and, in some cases, to save a tooth that has been knocked out. If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, broken or pushed out of position, or have suffered from cuts to your lips, cheeks and gums, then it’s time to call the dentist in order to protect your mouth and remaining teeth from additional harm, and to repair the damage that has already occurred.
If you have had a tooth knocked out, it’s imperative that you seek emergency help right away and that you take care to not damage the tooth further before you get to the dentist. Always handle a tooth that has come out by the crown, as handling it by the root can damage important nerves and make reattaching impossible. It’s a good idea to lightly rinse the tooth and keep it from becoming too dry by placing it gently back into the tooth socket. If you’ve simply broken the tooth, immediately rinse your mouth with warm water and use ibuprofen and ice to relieve pain and swelling. It’s important to avoid using aspirin, which can lead to excessive bleeding in some dental situations and emergencies.
No matter what kind of dental emergency you are faced with, getting to your dentist as quickly as possible is always the best choice when it comes to preserving your dental health. It’s also a good idea to be prepared with a dental emergency kit in your home and car that includes your dentist’s contact information, sterile gauze, and ibuprofen.