Indeed, there are several common dental emergencies that will require a prompt visit to your dentist to ensure that proper care and treatment will be provided. Previously, we had a discussion of the immediate response that one has to do regarding toothache, knocked-out tooth, broken or chipped, and loose or partially dislodged tooth. In this post, we take a look at other possible situations that might necessitate you to make an appointment with an emergency dentist in Phoenix, AZ.
- Abscess – This is a localized collection of puss, indicating infection in the space between the teeth and gums, or around the root of the tooth. This can be a result of poor oral care or other underlying conditions such as autoimmune disorders or other diseases that weaken the immune system such as cancer and diabetes. This is a serious problem that can lead to further tissue and structural damage, and can also affect other parts of the body when left untreated.
If you see a pimple-like swelling on your gums, usually accompanied by pain, then see your dentist immediately. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution – dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounce of water – to ease the pain and draw the puss towards the surface. Do this several times a day.
- Soft-tissue Injuries – Several activities or accidents can injure soft tissues of your mouth – lips, gums, tongue and cheeks – and result to bleeding. To control bleeding, you can rinse mouth with mild salt-water solution, hold in place a moistened gauze, and apply cold compress for five to 10 minutes. If bleeding does not cease, inform you dentist, or visit the emergency room of your nearest hospital.
- Loose Brackets and Bands – Call your dentist to set an appointment. For loose brackets, use an orthodontic wax to temporarily reattach the brackets, and apply over the braces to provide some cushioning. As for loose bands, save it and see your dentist immediately.
- Broken Braces and Wires – Set a dental appointment. In the meantime, you can reposition the wire using the eraser end of a pencil. If this does not work and the wire is still poking your gum, tongue or cheek, you can cover the tip with a gauze, cotton ball or an orthodontic wax. Never attempt to cut the wire because you can end up swallowing it, or worse, breathing it into your lungs!
- Detached Crown – Visit your dentist and take the crown with you. In the event that you cannot get to the dental center immediately, then try to apply a denture adhesive, tooth paste or over-the-counterdental cement and slip the crown back. If it causes unbearable pain, you can apply small amount of clove oil – you can purchase this from your local drugstore –with a cotton swab.
- Lost Filling – See your dentist ASAP. You can temporarily cover the cavity with a dental cement or sugarless gum.
- Items Lodged in between Teeth – Try to use dental floss, and carefully remove the object. Never use a pin or other sharp objects because these can scratch the tooth’s surface and cut your gums. If you cannot remove what’s stuck, pay your dentist a visit.
It is important that you always take good care of your oral health to prevent these situations. In the event that you get caught up in one, it will be best to immediately inform your emergency dentist. Phoenix offers several professionals, you simply need to have a trusted and reliable one in your contacts.