Dentist in Medford Explains What to Do In a Dental Emergency

January 22, 2017

dentist in medford provides emergency care

You know what to do in the most common emergencies: house fire, call the fire department. Broken bone, emergency room. Spotty internet? Get ready to wait on hold. But what do you do when you experience a dental emergency? Skip the ER — unnecessary trips put a strain on everyone. Dr. Anthony Giamberardino, your dentist in Medford, is equipped to handle most urgent situations. What you do in the meantime can mean the difference in saving your tooth or not, so here’s what to do in a dental emergency.

#1: Save the Tooth

In the event of a knocked out or dislodged tooth, you can greatly increase the chances that we will be able to reattach the missing piece by keeping the tooth moist. Rinse away any debris or particles (do not scrub the root, try to avoid touching the sensitive cells altogether) and store it in the empty socket or in a cup of milk or water. Seeing the dentist within the next two hours is crucial for successful reattachment, so don’t delay in calling Giamberardino Dental Care.

#2: Stop the Bleeding

Most dental emergencies are accompanied by bleeding. If you are bleeding uncontrollably, head straight to the ER. Otherwise, apply consistent pressure to the wound with a clean gauze or cloth. Avoid taking pain medication that thins the blood — Tylenol is a safe alternative that won’t prevent blood clots.

#3: Reduce Swelling

When you have an injury anywhere in your body, your body sends extra fluid and white blood cells to the area — and that’s what causes swelling and inflammation. To reduce swelling after a dental emergency, apply an ice pack to the affected cheek in 10 to 15 minute intervals. Wrap the ice pack in a protective cloth to prevent burns or injuries on the sensitive facial tissue.

#4: Do a Quick Repair

If you have broken a filling, crown, bridge, or any other piece of dental work, try to temporarily reattach the piece with toothpaste or a denture adhesive. Doing so will protect your soft oral tissues from injury — but remember it’s certainly not a permanent solution. Contact your dentist ASAP for professional repair.

#5: Deal With a Child’s Toothache

Sometimes children will be bothered by a toothache — but it’s really just a food particle lodged between the teeth. If your child reports pain, first help them brush, floss, and rinse the mouth. If the toothache ache persists, get in touch with your dentist immediately.

#6: Stay Calm and Call Us ASAP

The most important thing to remember in a dental emergency is to keep your cool. It’s easier to stay calm when you know you can count on your dentist to provide urgent care when you need it most. Contact the family dentist in Medford ASAP — we’ll get you on your way smiling as good as new before you know it!