How can you handle a dental emergency? Before anything else, contact White Clay Dental Associates in Newark. The emergency dentists, Dr. Bond and Dr. Ganfield, direct their staff to answer pressing concerns with knowledge and empathy. Plus, a dentist will treat you the very same day if the situation requires. Following is some information on dental emergencies and what you can do to stabilize your condition.
What is a Dental Emergency?
If you have a severe toothache, are bleeding or have lost a tooth or restoration, call White Clay Dental Associates immediately. A dentist or a dedicated staffer will assist you in controlling pain, preventing more damage and getting you treated as soon as possible. Nothing means more to them than your well-being.
There are several kinds of dental emergencies, including:
- A throbbing toothache
- A dental abscess (infection)
- Jaw or gum swelling
- Dental sensitivity from a lost filling or crown or from a large cavity
- Cracked denture or bridgework
- Profuse bleeding from a laceration to the lips, tongue, or gums
- Broken or knocked out (avulsed) tooth
- Displaced tooth
- Broken or dislocated jaw
What You Can Do
Besides contacting your emergency dentist, first aid measures stabilize urgent issues until the doctor can intervene. Here are some examples of what to do first.
- A sudden impact to the face Your jaw may be broken, or you cannot stop bleeding with direct pressure. Don’t wait. Go directly to the nearest hospital ER.
- Avulsed (knocked out) tooth Wash any debris off the tooth, leaving any attached soft tissue. Try placing the tooth back into the empty socket, and hold it in place while traveling to White Clay Dental Associates. If this doesn’t work, place the tooth between your cheek and gums, or in a sealed sandwich bag with milk, water or over the counter tooth preservative. It’s important to keep the injured tooth moist. The American Association of Endodontists says most avulsed teeth can be re-implanted if the patient and his or her dentist act within one hour of injury. If you lose a filling or chip a tooth, save the pieces, and bring them to the office.
- Abscessed tooth Take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce swelling and discomfort. Many abscessed teeth respond well to root canal therapy which removes diseased inner pulp and crowns the tooth. Contact your dentist at the first signs of infection (drainage, pain, swelling, fever).
Protect Yourself
Avoid dental injury. Wear a customized mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth. Don’t bite into hard items such as ice. Don’t eat peanut brittle and other tough foods, especially if you have extensive restorations such as crowns and veneers. Call the office at the first sign of a problem. The dentists would rather see you more often than less!
Also, practice good dental hygiene habits. Brush twice a day, and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. Visit your dentist semi-annually for an exam, cleaning and X-rays (as needed). The doctors will diagnose and treat dental problems before they become painful, complex and expensive.
Contact Us
Contact White Clay Dental Associates immediately if you are having a problem. Compassionate and precise care has voted this practice the Best of Delaware in 2015!