Have you ever been awoken by a throbbing toothache? Maybe you’ve experienced a cracked tooth while enjoying your favorite crunchy snack? These situations are two of the most common dental emergencies.
If you find yourself in either scenario, it is important to stay calm and seek emergency care as soon as possible.
The following is a guide for how to treat the most comment dental emergencies:
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Permanent tooth knocked out: Until you are able to visit Dr. Sibia or an emergency center, you may place the tooth back in the socket without touching the root or in between your cheek and your gums. Call Ace Dental immediately or visit the nearest hospital for further care.
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Cracked or chipped tooth: Gently swish warm salt water around your mouth for temporary pain relief. If there is swelling, use cold compresses on the area. Call Ace Dental for further instructions.
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Severe pain due to an infection: Take a pain relieving medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Gently floss the area to remove any food debris and swish with warm salt water. Until the infected area can be examined by a dentist, take care to keep pressure off the tooth and gums by chewing on the opposite side. Make an appointment with Dr. Sibia as soon as possible. For severe pain, seek emergency care.
To ensure these scenarios do not happen to you be sure to practice routine and preventative dental care at and away from home. Make sure you:
- Wear a mouth-guard when participating in contact sports.
- Use appropriate tools for cutting or opening. Never use your teeth!
- Avoid chewing hard items such as popcorn kernels and ice.
If you find yourself in an emergency dental situation, do not wait. Call Dr. Sibia at (916) 226-4437 immediately! You can also easily book your appointment online.