Emergency Dentistry
An emergency dentist treats dental and mouth injuries that need immediate attention. A good many dental emergencies are situations that involve saving broken or knocked-out teeth. Making it to Legends Family Dental as soon as you can after your injury, preferably within 30 minutes, could mean the difference between saving and losing your injured tooth.
What should I do when my tooth is knocked out?
Act quickly, and there's a good chance you can save a knocked-out tooth. Without immediate dental care, there's a chance you'll lose the tooth. Do your best to rinse your mouth and the damaged tooth. Swish warm water around your mouth and rinse the tooth in warm water, being careful to avoid touching the tooth's roots.
Hold the tooth by the crown (the smooth white top part) as you rinse it. If it's possible, place the tooth back in your mouth and into the gum where it was knocked out. Close your mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with your fingers or gently bite down on it to help it stay in place until you can visit Fuller Smiles. Call immediately, or have someone call for you to explain the situation.
If you are unable to place the tooth back into its socket, put your tooth in a small cup of milk to help preserve it until you get to the dental office. In the event of a dental emergency, call Dr. Ford for expert assistance.
Is it time to call an emergency dentist?
If you're worried about a severe mouth injury you or a family member has sustained, it's the right time to call an emergency dentist. Immediate treatment calls for immediate action. Common dental emergencies often include:
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Knocked-out teeth
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A loose permanent tooth
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Severe tooth or mouth pain
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Bleeding inside your mouth from your cheeks, tongue, or gums
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An injury to your face or mouth
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Swelling in your tongue, gums, or mouth
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A severely cracked or broken tooth
You may not be dealing with a dental emergency if you chip a tooth but it doesn't appear as if you'll lose the tooth entirely. Even so, it’s a good idea to contact Dr. Ford at Legends Family Dental so they can tell you how to handle your tooth until you can get to the office.
