With the COVID-19 pandemic causing isolation across America, businesses are closing and limiting hours. At Premier Dental Care, a dentist in Palmdale, CA, we’re still open for any emergencies you may come across. But what is a dental emergency and what can you do to help until you can be seen in our office?
What to Do During a Dental Emergency
If you’re experiencing any of the conditions below, the first thing you should do is call us immediately. This is so you can be seen as soon as possible. The following are common dental emergencies and what you should do before you can be seen in our office:
Severe Pain
Sudden and sharp tooth pain is something that shouldn’t be ignored. It may be caused by tooth decay, infection, or an abscess. However, many times the exact cause can’t be determined until you’re examined by a dentist. But, if you do see an abscess, make sure you don’t try to pop or lance it yourself. Use over-the-counter pain medications to help with the pain and a cold compress if there’s any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Your first reaction to a fully knocked-out tooth may be to panic, but it’s important to stay calm. See if you can find the tooth. If so, pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse the tooth off gently, without any scrubbing, as that can damage any exposed tooth pulp material. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva to try and preserve it. Use a warm, damp washcloth or rag to stop any bleeding.
Bring the tooth with you to the office. The dentist will be able to assess if the tooth is still viable. If not, our office offers many methods to replace missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants, as they’re the most natural form of tooth replacement.
Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth
If you only have a tiny chip in your tooth, that’s mainly cosmetic and we wouldn’t consider it a dental emergency. However, a severe chip or break can be extremely painful and expose the pulp of your tooth. In this instance, try to retrieve the part that was broken off. If you can’t, we can use a technique like porcelain veneers or dental bonding to repair your tooth.
If you get a large crack in your tooth, that leaves an opening for bacteria to get inside of it. This can cause tooth decay or an infection in the pulp of the tooth. If let go, it can lead to needing a root canal or even a tooth extraction.
Your Dentist in Palmdale, California
The stress from isolation may cause problems with your smile as well. We’ll be here to give you a checkup to make sure once the pandemic has ended. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future. We hope to see you soon!