At the start of the summer, you could dismiss the discomfort stemming from the right side of your mouth. But a few weeks later, the constant throbbing and sensitivity are nearly intolerable. It is time to face the music: you have to schedule a visit to the dentist.
While dental injuries can happen suddenly, knowing the common triggers, and how to treat them, can make all the difference in saving your tooth. Your emergency dentist in Carrollton shares the top four causes and their advice for each situation.
Knocked-Out Tooth
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, over five million teeth are knocked out each year in sports-related activities. If you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to:
- Call your dentist to schedule a same-day emergency visit.
- Locate the missing tooth.
- Avoid touching the root.
- Rinse it off with water or milk.
- Keep it moist by placing it inside your cheek or a glass of water.
Painful or Infected Tooth
While toothaches can be inconvenient, your teeth and gums are designed to experience pain to communicate that something isn’t right. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you don’t dismiss abnormal symptoms like swelling, discomfort, bleeding, and sensitivity. Each of these could be a side effect of an infection in your teeth or gums. In this scenario, your dentist in Carrollton recommends calling your dentist, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain medication if the pain becomes unbearable.
Broken Dental Crown
Although dental crowns can last up to 15 years, their longevity is largely determined by your oral hygiene routine and dental habits. If you notice that the crown is coming off, then avoid biting down too hard. The broken piece (or pieces) can easily be lost or swallowed, so try using Vaseline as a short-term bonding agent until you can see your dentist. A small tab to the back of the crown should do the trick!
A Cracked Tooth
Whether you bite down on your fork the wrong way or years of poor dental habits have finally set in, cracked teeth are at the top of the list of most common dental injuries. Although the side effects largely depend on the severity of the crack, priority number one is to call your dentist for a same-day visit. From there, work on treating any swelling or pain with at-home remedies like:
- Using an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time to treat swelling.
- Swishing with dissolved salter and warm water for 30 seconds to prevent infection.
- Taking over-the-counter medication if the pain persists.
When a dental injury arises, it is crucial to get the pain-relief and treatment you need to prevent further damage to your teeth. Fortunately, an emergency dentist can fix the root of the issue no matter the day or time! That way, you can get back to smiling, chewing, and living your life pain-free.
About the Author
Since graduating from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh has spent the last two decades using his talent and passion for dentistry in Carrollton! Plus, his specialized training and active membership in the American Dental Association resulted in him being nominated in both 2015 and 2016 as one of “America’s Best Dentists.” If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency or are in need of a dentist in Carrollton, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Azmoodeh through his website or give him a call at 972-820-7294.