Have you or a loved one ever been in a dental emergency? Are you wondering what to do? This article lists some of the most common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. If ever faced with an emergency and you are in need of a periodontist in Sugar Land, TX, look no further than Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology. We offer a broad range of treatments for a variety of dental needs.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A tooth may crack or fracture for a variety of reasons, including pressure from grinding the teeth together, chewing or biting on a hard substance or food, trauma to the jaws that affect the teeth, as well as age (in persons over the age of 50). Whatever the cause, the very first thing you want to do is to rinse your mouth with warm water to avoid infection. You may also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling in the jaws. For a chipped tooth, pick up broken pieces that are still intact, rinse with warm water, and save them in a clean paper bag to take to the dentist. If some bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze until it stops. In both cases, you should see a dental professional as soon as possible.
Toothache
Sometimes, toothache occurs suddenly and without warning. Toothaches are a leading cause of pain and discomfort for many people. Regardless of what is causing the pain in your teeth, you should never apply pain relief medication directly, as this could cause damage to the underlying gums. You should also avoid consuming very hot or cold fluids or biting into hard foods. If you suspect that the toothache is due to the presence of cavities, thoroughly flush your mouth using lukewarm water and do not insert any sharp or hard object into a cavity. Lastly, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked-out Tooth
A tooth can become knocked out of its root due to intense trauma to the mouth or jaws as well as the direct impact of the teeth on a hard surface. A knocked-out tooth that is intact should be disinfected and reinserted into the gum. You may use water with a bit of salt in it for disinfection. Be sure to see a dental professional for treatment as soon as possible to increase the chances of the tooth being reintegrated into the gums.
Dental Abscess
Dental abscess occurs when bacterial infection creates a pocket of drainage (pus) in the spaces between the teeth and gums or at the root. Common causes of an abscess include cavities, an injury, or a previous dental procedure. If you think you may have a dental abscess, check your gums to see if there is a painful, swollen spot (like a pimple). See a dental professional as soon as possible to get it treated.
Periodontist in Sugar Land: Contact Dr. Bret Dyer Today!
Dr. Dyer and his team at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology in Sugar Land, TX, are highly qualified and experienced in the treatment and management of all kinds of dental problems. We offer the best treatment with cutting-edge technology at an affordable cost to suit your needs. For more information about our services or to book a consultation with Dr. Dyer, please contact us online or give us a call at (281) 957-8820.
