Right now, we’re all taking steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve, which is why our office is only scheduling emergency visits at this time. But what constitutes a dental emergency, and when should you contact your Brighton, MA, dentists for treatment? We’re talking about dental emergency care in today’s blog, and what you can do to protect your smile from injury.
Chipped Teeth
A tooth could be chipped as a result of a sports injury or even biting down on a particularly hard piece of food. When this occurs, try to recover any pieces you can and bring them with you to the office, wrapped in tissue or in a small container. However, if you can’t recover any pieces, then you’re okay, we can still fix your tooth. Before seeing us, you can take a pain reliever, use cloth or gauze to stem bleeding, and place a cold compress or ice pack against the side of the face to reduce swelling. Treatment is crucial as even minor damage could expose the inner tooth structures to bacteria, leading to cavities and dental infections over time!
Knocked-Out Teeth
Having a tooth knocked-out completely can be scary, but don’t panic! Pick the tooth up by the crown, never touch the roots. Place the tooth in a glass of salt water and milk and bring it to the office with you. Again, a pain reliever could ease your initial discomfort, and you can stem bleeding with a bit of cloth or use an ice pack to reduce facial swelling.
Loose or Lost Dental Restorations
What if a crown or dental filling comes loose or falls out? When a restoration is compromised like this, the inner tooth structure is exposed to harmful bacteria, allowing a cavity to form. A tooth can become infected too. Let us know right away so we can prepare and place a new restoration. In the meantime, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, or items very hot or cold, as this could cause sensitivity and discomfort in the exposed tooth. If you have any questions about addressing your emergency situations, let our team know. We have an array of treatment options to restore your tooth to full function and health, such as cosmetic dental bonding, and custom fillings and crowns. Each will be made specifically for your smile, blending seamlessly. To safeguard your smile, be sure to wear a mouthguard when playing sports!
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dentistry?
Repairing damage and addressing other serious concerns helps protect smiles from serious complications. To learn more about emergency dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Cambridge, Brookline, and all surrounding communities.
