A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. You might experience a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth, or even a knocked-out tooth. It is, therefore, very important to remain calm while waiting for urgent dental care and take the following steps. If you’re in Long Beach, it is always advisable to seek help from a Dentist in Long Beach as soon as possible so that he or she can lead you through your subsequent steps. Until you see a dentist, however, here are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and safeguard your teeth.
1. Calm Down And Assess The Situation
Step one is to relax. Panicking won’t cure the condition. Take a few deep breaths and observe your situation. If you have a toothache, try to know what the source of the pain is coming from. If the tooth is broken or knocked off, assess the damage. This can help you enlighten your dentist on what exactly happened when you call.
2. Stop the Bleeding
If your dental emergency is a bleeding case, such as knocking out a tooth, you have to control the bleeding until help arrives. To do this, you can take a clean piece of gauze or cloth and bite down gently on it. Hold this in place for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bleeding to cease. If the bleeding does not cease, you must apply more pressure or call for urgent care from a professional.
3. For a Knocked-Out Tooth
In case your tooth is knocked out, here are the steps to follow to raise the possibility of saving it: Handle the tooth by the crown and not by the root. If it is dirty, gently clean it with water. Avoid scrubbing or using soap. If possible, attempt to place the tooth back into the socket. If you cannot do that, place the tooth in a glass of milk or saline solution. This will keep it moist until you visit an emergency dentist.
4. Handling a Broken or Chipped Tooth
You should be able to take care of a broken or chipped tooth until you visit the dentist. You can rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and if there are any sharp edges, cover them with orthodontic wax or a piece of sugarless gum so they won’t cut your tongue or cheeks. In case of swelling, you could apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to try to reduce the swelling.
5. Relief from Toothache
Toothaches can be extremely painful. If you’re waiting to see a dentist and you need some relief, here are a few things you can try. First, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to numb the pain. Avoid placing ice directly on the tooth because it may worsen the pain. While waiting for urgent dental care, you need to manage your symptoms and be calm.
For any knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, or a toothache, if you take the right steps, it can definitely make a big difference in terms of comfort levels and prevent more damage. Just call a local dentist as soon as possible and seek guidance. An emergency dentist in Long Beach can provide you with urgent care if you need it. Time plays an important role in dental emergencies. So do not waste your precious time. Rather, move immediately and take proper treatment.