Many businesses are limited or closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation. But we want to let you know that we’re still open to handle your dental emergencies. But what exactly is a dental emergency? The dentists at Maitland Ave Smile Co., a dentist in Altamonte Springs, FL, let you know what’s considered a dental emergency and how you can help until you’re seen in our office.
What’s a Dental Emergency and What Do I Do?
A dental emergency can be a variety of things. One usually comes from a sudden event, like trauma, or is pain that wasn’t there before. If you experience any of the below common dental emergencies, call us immediately and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. Here’s what they are and what you can do until you’re seen in our office:
Tooth Pain
Pain in your tooth that’s sudden and severe is something that you shouldn’t brush off. It can be caused by many things, like tooth decay, an abscess, or trauma to the tooth. The dentist won’t know exactly what the cause is until the tooth can be examined. Take over the counter painkillers to help ease the pain. A cold compress can be used to help if there’s any swelling present.
Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth
Any of these things can happen to your tooth, with a wide range of severity. The main things to worry about are severe chips or breaks that expose the tooth root and cause pain. Also, a crack in the tooth as this is asking for bacteria to get inside and cause tooth decay. If your tooth breaks, try to retrieve the piece that broke off. Take over the counter pain relievers for any pain, and take care to avoid touching the affected tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
For a tooth that’s fully knocked out, try to retrieve the tooth if possible. Take care to avoid touching the tooth root and only pick it up by the crown. If there’s dirt or anything on it, gently wash it off without scrubbing. Store it in a cup of saliva or milk to preserve it as much as possible. Never try to put it back in by yourself!
If we can’t use the tooth that you retrieved, our office has many other options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants, for example, are one of the most natural forms of tooth replacement.
Your Dentist in Altamonte Springs, Florida
We’re here for you if you experience a dental emergency during this pandemic. Make sure to schedule a checkup when it’s over, to make sure stress hasn’t taken its toll on your teeth. Call us or schedule an appointment for the future online. We hope to see you soon!