A dental emergency might show up at any time of the day or year. Injuries following a dental trauma are usually severe and require to be treated immediately to avoid any further damage. You must have seen sports players with broken teeth carrying their dislodged teeth in water to the dentist. Such measures can aid the dentist in providing effective and immediate treatment to patients.
It is of utmost importance for a patient to understand the immediate care of dental emergencies so that they can take initial measures of care. Some dental injuries, if not examined immediately or taken care of appropriately, can convert into severe injuries with long-term symptoms. Therefore, we have compiled a list of dental injuries and the initial dental care steps you can follow in each for immediate pain relief and avoidance of further complications.
Tooth Knockouts:
If you have come across a situation where one of your teeth has been knocked out of its socket, you should follow some immediate care steps. Try to find the missing tooth as soon as possible and place it back in its socket. Use a gauge piece and place it at the crown of the tooth before biting down to keep it in place. Be careful when touching the dislodged tooth and avoid holding it from the roof as it can affect the ability of the tooth to get reattached.
Physical touch causes damage to tissues of the tooth and they become vulnerable and unable to hold themselves within the socket when re-placed. Rinse with water to remove any dirt on the tooth before placing it in the mouth.
To relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the side of the mouth where the tooth is knocked out. Do not wait long and go to your dentist immediately for tooth reattachment. The longer wait can reduce the chances of successful replantation. Make sure that your dislodged tooth does not dry out by preserving it in a water or milk solution. You can even use your saliva as a base for the tooth, or you may buy solutions for tooth preservation from the pharmacy.
In some cases, if reimplantation is not possible, your dentist may suggest alternatives like dental implants or bridges to restore both function and appearance. Quick action after such dental trauma is key in saving your natural smile.
Tooth Fracture:
If a part of your tooth is broken, locate it immediately. And clean it from any environmental contaminants like dirt and debris. The cleaning can be applied to adult teeth only. After washing the tooth fragment, keep it in water or milk solution and head to your dentist immediately. If the pain is severe, apply a cold compress for pain relief.
If the tooth fracture is minor, your dentist will be able to easily fill it in and attach your tooth fragment back to its location. However, in cases where the enamel, pulp, or dentine of the tooth is damaged, a crown lodgement may be required. If the tooth has gone through severe trauma and injury, the chances of recovery are reduced.
Some patients also experience tooth sensitivity after a fracture, especially when exposed to hot or cold drinks. This is because the inner layers of the tooth get exposed. Regular follow-up with your dentist after initial treatment is important to ensure that the tooth heals properly without developing infections or further cracks.
Tooth Pushed Out Of Position:
If your tooth has been pushed out of its position as a result of trauma. Apply light finger pressure and place it gently in its original position. Do not apply excessive force as it can further dislodge the tooth from its primary location. Once the tooth is in place, bite on it gently to keep it in place and rush to your dentist as soon as you can. The tooth may be splinted in place by the dentist next to two healthy teeth.
In children, tooth displacement is common due to sports or playground accidents. Parents should avoid trying to move the tooth aggressively and instead seek immediate dental care. The earlier the dentist can realign the tooth, the higher the success rate of saving it.
Cuts Of Lips, Gums, Or Tongue:
Cuts and tears of the soft tissues in the mouth usually occur as a result of an accident like falls. And road accidents etc. Bleeding is inevitable in cuts of the mouth. And that is why it is recommended to use a cold compress to control the bleeding and reduce pain. Clean the area of the cut with water to avoid the attack of bacteria and viruses that may cause infections.
If the cut is deep and the bleeding fails to stop, rush to the emergency department to get stitches or other appropriate treatment for the type of cut. Avoid using unclean cloth or paper to stop the bleeding, as this can introduce harmful bacteria into the wound. Instead, keep a clean gauze or sterile cloth in your first aid kit for such emergencies.
Understanding Dental Trauma and Its Long-Term Impact
Dental trauma not only affects the teeth and gums but can also impact overall oral health in the long run. Ignoring early signs may lead to complications like tooth resorption, non-vitality (loss of blood supply to the tooth), or chronic infections. Severe trauma can even cause jawbone damage or misalignment of surrounding teeth.
Preventive care plays an important role in reducing the risks. For example, athletes can wear mouthguards during sports, children should be supervised to prevent falls, and car passengers must always wear seatbelts to avoid facial injuries during accidents. Knowing basic safety measures allows you to respond promptly when dental trauma strikes, minimizing long-term effects.
Be very careful and follow all safety measures after experiencing dental trauma. Trauma of the tooth may either heal without complications or result in non-vitality or tooth resorption. To avoid complications, follow the safety measures mentioned above. If you have come across an accidental dental trauma and need to connect with an Emergency Dentist in Bury, visit Emerdency’s webpage. We provide prompt dental services to help you relieve your dental issues.
