Dental emergencies can happen suddenly, or they may build up over time until the patient is in severe pain. At Amin Tabatabaian DDS PLLC, whatever your trouble, you can trust us to be available during this challenging time. Our team has years of experience handling urgent situations and providing immediate relief.
Which Dental Problems Are Emergencies?
Here are some of the most everyday situations we see:
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Broken dental restoration
- Partially dislodged tooth
- Fully knocked-out tooth
- Broken or fractured partial or full denture
- Oral bleeding
- Gum injury
- Jaw injury
- Painful toothache or dental sensitivity
- Infection or swelling in the gums or other soft tissue
- Object stuck between teeth
How to Handle Emergencies at Home?
Some of the primary pain management steps you can take to protect your smile and prepare for your emergency visit include:
- Clean the damaged area with cold water, but do not brush, scrub, or use oral hygiene products unless specifically asked to do so.
- Take the specified over-the-counter pain medicine.
- Don't put aspirin directly onto the damaged tooth, as this home remedy can cause more harm.
- Handle knocked-out teeth or pieces of the tooth by the crown surfaces. The root structures are susceptible and can be easily damaged.
- Reinsert knocked out teeth in the vacated socket whenever possible. If you cannot do so, place the tooth in a milk or water container to protect healthy tissues until you reach our office.
- Slow bleeding by applying pressure to the damaged area using a clean cloth or cotton gauze.
- Use cold compresses at twenty-minute intervals to reduce pain, control bleeding, and ease inflammation and swelling.
- Use floss to remove things caught between teeth.
- Don't use sharp pointed objects as this can accidentally damage the gums and soft tissue.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
We understand that the majority of dental emergencies cannot be avoided. However, some basic precautions can help reduce your risk of experiencing dental emergencies, including:
- Brush your teeth twice every day using soft-bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day to remove tartar and plaque accumulation between teeth and at the gum line.
- Use mouthguards to safeguard teeth from nighttime teeth grinding and clenching or during sports competitions.
- Regularly visit your dental provider once every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Avoid using teeth as instruments to open packages or crack nuts.
In case of a dental emergency, visit our office, Amin Tabatabaian DDS PLLC, at 5701 Northeast Bothell Way Suite 3, Kenmore WA, 98028. You can also reach Dentist Kenmore WA at (425) 486-9233.
