How To Handle Common Dental Emergencies – Phoenix, AZ
Immediate Care for Your Dental Injury
Do you need help learning how to handle common dental emergencies in Phoenix, AZ? If so, you are not alone, which is why the team at Devoted Family Dental Phoenix is pleased to provide helpful tips and recommendations on what you can do while at home and waiting to see an emergency dentist. It is always comforting to have someone with training and expertise to take care of a serious problem, but when accidents and injuries occur away from the dentist’s office, you need to be prepared to take care of the situation in the meantime. Feel free to contact our dental office with additional questions as we are always happy to help you learn more about how to handle common dental emergencies in Phoenix, AZ.
Why Choose Devoted Family Dental Phoenix for Dental Emergencies?
- Knowledgeable Dentists and Team Members
- Dedicated to Getting You Out of Pain Fast
- Modern Technology Enhances Diagnostics
Something Stuck
Between the Teeth
The best thing you can use to remove a lodged object between your teeth is waxed dental floss. But before you start maneuvering it between your teeth, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water as this will help to loosen up the object. Once you are ready, take the floss and gently move it back and forth to try and dislodge the item. If unsuccessful, you can try using a water flosser that pulsates water in-between your teeth; however, if this does not work, contact our dental office and allow us to use our specialized tools to extract whatever is causing you pain.
Extruded Tooth
Whether you have a tooth that has been fully or partially knocked out, remember that time is of the essence. Most dentists recommend that you seek help within an hour of the incident if you want to save the tooth. In the meantime, after you have called our dental office to alert us to the situation, you can try to push the tooth back into the socket, but do not use too much pressure. If it will not willingly move, simply leave it alone and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Feel free to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress to reduce swelling and decrease discomfort.
Abscess
When you begin to see a small growth above or below your tooth (depending on the location within your mouth) and experience immense pain, you have likely developed a serious infection also known as an abscess. These small pockets of pus can begin to form and serve as a signal that something harmful is occurring beneath the gum line. While you await treatment, try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater multiple times a day to decrease your pain level. It is important that you receive dental assistance as soon as possible, as an untreated abscess can lead to serious oral and health-related problems.
Soft Tissue Injury
Whether you have a busted lip or scratched gums, soft tissue injuries tend to bleed heavily. Your lips, gums or tongue can be easy targets, and when an accident occurs that involves these soft tissues, you must take swift action to reduce the amount of bleeding. This is why it is recommended that you use a clean washcloth or gauze to cover the laceration and stop the bleeding. After 15-20 minutes, remove it and apply a cold compress for 5-10 minutes. It is also helpful to rinse your mouth with saltwater, as this will help to clean the area. If the bleeding does not cease, make sure you seek immediate medical attention at your local emergency room.