Accidents are bound to happen now and then, and that’s okay. The most important thing is knowing that you can receive the type of health care you need to get things back on track and so that your body can heal.
Just like a broken arm can lead to further complications with your muscles, tendons, and bones if it is left unaddressed, the same goes for injuries to your face and mouth. Therefore, seeking the services of an emergency dentist in Cranbrook is essential.
If you’re in need of emergency dental care, there’s no need to worry; such events happen more than you may realize. Here at our local dental practice, we offer emergency oral health care to all our patients. Contact us today.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can be defined as a situation that requires immediate attention and you visit a dentist near you outside of a scheduled appointment.
A variety of things constitute a dental emergency, the most common examples are listed below:
• Serious tooth pain.
• Oral bleeding.
• You have an abscess or a cyst. (An abscess is a pus-filled infection, while a cyst is a fleshy sack that contains abnormal cells. These can form anywhere on or in your body).
• Swelling or inflammation.
• An infection.
• Your tooth’s been knocked out.
• A chipped or cracked tooth.
• Your dental filling, crown, or bridge has become loose or has fallen out.
• An object is stuck in your teeth, and you can’t remove it.
• Cuts to your lips, tongue, gums, and the inside of your cheeks.
If you’re unsure whether you should pay a visit to an emergency dentist near you, it’s always better to be safe than sorry so, you should come in. Be sure to explain in detail what happened so that your dentist can recommend and perform the best treatment for your specific case.
Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency
Going to a dental clinic is the best way to ensure that any injuries you have are dealt with properly. But there are also measures you can personally take before you contact a dentist in Cranbrook, such as the following:
- If your tooth has been fractured or broken, rinse the tooth with warm water. If you experience any swelling around the site, press a cold pack against your cheek to help it go down.
- If your tooth has been knocked out, make sure to save your tooth! Clean it off and then put it in a glass of milk or secure it between your inside cheeks and gums. If you act quickly enough, there is a chance that your dentist can reinsert your tooth. Just be sure not to touch your tooth’s root.
- Minor lacerations to your lips or tongue can be washed out with water. Swish it around your mouth gently. These types of wounds often heal on their own. But, if any bleeding doesn’t cease, stop by a dental clinic as soon as you can.
If you have an oral infection between teeth or on your gums, acute and persistent jaw pain, a fever, redness, swelling, or bumps that have formed along your gum line, unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to remedy these conditions at home. You’ll most likely require more complex dental care, especially if these symptoms are due to periodontal (gum) disease, gingivitis, bone deterioration, or, in more serious cases, oral cancer.
Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are unfortunate. With that said, there are always preventative methods you can routinely practice to minimize the chances of them happening or make sure they don’t happen at all. They are:
- Always follow any instructions provided to you by your dentist in Cranbrook. This is especially important if you’ve just received oral surgery and had a tooth extracted or your wisdom teeth removed.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day – although it’s recommended that you do this after each meal.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Use mouthwash.
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Wear a nightguard to prevent grinding and clenching while you sleep.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
- Limit the amount of hard candy and ice you eat.
Are you in need of emergency dentistry? At Symmetry Dental, we’re here to help you with whatever you need. Our staff will walk you through the various treatments we offer so you know what to expect at each stage. No one deserves to live with dental pain. Call or visit our website today! We look forward to working with you!