Are you experiencing dental pain or discomfort? Did you wake up with a swollen jaw? Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Unfortunately, they do not always occur during regular business hours. That’s why Dr. Thomas D. Mohr provides emergency dental services to individuals and families in the Covina, CA area.
If you are currently in pain, contact our practice right away by calling (626) 332-6416. We will do everything in our power to make sure your issues are addressed immediately.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Address Them
The first thing you should do in case of a dental emergency is call your dentist for further instruction. Next, do what you can to minimize damage or discomfort in the meantime. Knowing what to anticipate in the midst of a dental emergency can help you handle the situation with clarity and confidence. Listed below are some of the most common emergency scenarios and how to handle them:
- Fractured tooth: Rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater solution and apply a cold compress to the external jaw. If a fragment of your tooth has broken off, try to locate the piece and bring it with you to our office. It should be noted that small chips or cracks are generally not considered dental emergencies. These issues can typically be addressed during normal business hours.
- Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth becomes completely avulsed, or knocked out, keep it moist until you can make it to our office. If you can gently place it back in the socket. If this cannot be done, store the tooth in a cup of saltwater or milk. Avoid touching the root of the tooth at all cost.
- Toothache: Swish with a saltwater rinse and take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Soft tissue trauma: If you’ve sustained trauma to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, carefully clean the area with water and apply a cold compress.
- Object stuck between the teeth: If something becomes lodged between the teeth, attempt to remove it with dental floss. If this is not possible, call your dentist. Never try to dislodge an object with a sharp or pointed instrument.
If you have sustained a broken jaw, or are experiencing severe bleeding, head to your nearest emergency room.
The Importance of Emergency Dental Care
The primary reason for seeking emergency dental treatment is to eliminate pain. Sometimes, however, seemingly small injuries may need to be addressed promptly, as some issues can lead to more complex problems rather quickly. Treating a cracked, avulsed, or otherwise damaged tooth quickly can help you avoid more extensive issues in the future.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
Due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is impossible to avoid them all the time. However, there are a few guidelines that can help reduce the risk for dental trauma. For example:
- Avoid chewing on hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can damage your natural teeth and your dental restorations.
- Never use your teeth to open packages or tear tags off of clothing.
- Always wear a mouth guard when participating in football, basketball, boxing, soccer, or other contact sports.
Contact Our Practice Today
Rest assured that our team is here to help whenever you are faced with a dental emergency. To learn more about the urgent care offered at our practice, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohr. Call our office at (626) 332-6416 or contact us online anytime.
