This Greensboro Dentist Explains the First Aid Process for Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies occur unexpectedly, and at inopportune times. They can create a panicked feeling, especially when one is not sure how to effectively respond. Luckily, Dr. Sona Isharani at Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, NC can offer important advice and guidance for patients dealing with dental emergencies, helping you navigate life’s unexpected events calmly and effectively.

While many dental emergencies — such as have a tooth knocked out or cracked — can threaten your teeth, there are simple steps you can take to respond to the emergency in a way that prevents additional complications and can even potentially save a tooth. Dr. Isharani offers the following advice in response to unexpected dental emergencies:

When to Call a Dentist

The easiest answer is do not wait. Getting to a dentist within a half hour of an emergency could be the difference between saving a tooth or losing a tooth.

How to Respond when a Tooth is Knocked Out

If unexpected trauma has led to a tooth being knocked out, you will want to act fast. Here are some of the things you should do first:

• Call a dentist and set up an emergency appointment as fast as possible.
• Avoid handling the tooth as much as possible, but if you must handle it do so by the crown, not the root. Touching the tooth’s exposed roots can damage the cells, making it harder to reattach.
• If dirty, avoid scrubbing the tooth. Rinse it gently under cold water.
• If possible, return the tooth to the now empty socket. You want to avoid letting the tooth dry out. If this is not possible, other solutions include wrapping the tooth in clean gauze (or cloth) and submerging that into a class of milk or a small amount of saliva.

How to Handle a Tooth That has Been Forced out of Position

If you are dealing with a tooth that has been forced out of position, you can begin by gently attempting to return it to its natural position. Use slight pressure and be careful — do not force it. If you can get it back in position, bite down gently to hold the tooth in place.

How to Respond to a Fractured Tooth

If unexpected trauma has resulted in a fractured tooth, begin by rinsing your mouth with warm water, then apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you can use ibuprofen to alleviate any pain, but avoid aspirin, which can thin your blood.

Call Dr. Isharani for Any Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can be scary, even painful. Handling them on your own can be stressful, and Dr. Isharani wants to help alleviate that stress and offer any guidance she can to help you navigate emergencies effectively and safely. If you have any issues not discussed here, or any other concerns, there is no wrong time to call Dr. Isharani. The Triad Pediatric Dentistry team can talk you through whatever you are experiencing and offer an emergency appointment if necessary. Do not hesitate to call us at (336) 804-8668.