Are you or a family member suffering a dental emergency? While unpleasant, it is vital to remain as calm as possible and get the help needed. Some common dental emergencies include:
A severe toothache with pain and swelling. This is often due to an infection that needs professional attention. Untreated dental infections can spread thru the body causing additional health complications.
A tooth that is chipped, cracked, loose, or has been knocked out due to injury. Whether it was a sudden impact during a sports game or a clumsy trip and fall, accessing the damage to the tooth and determining the treatment necessary is of utmost importance to saving the tooth.
In these situations, it is essential that you seek professional dental attention immediately. Once treatment is provided, it is important that you understand the treatment that you received and the follow-up care that is recommended to ensure proper recovery. While this is always explained in our Placerville dental office after the procedure, consider this page a handy reminder.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
As mentioned, after your emergency treatment is completed, your dentist provides specific aftercare instructions. These instructions include recommendations for managing pain and swelling, as well as how to maintain good oral hygiene despite the discomfort. Following are examples of instructions that you may receive:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control pain. (In some cases, we provide prescription painkillers.)
- If provided, complete any courses of antibiotic treatment.
- Apply ice to affected area(s) for a specified amount of time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Brush the affected area gently.
- Rinse your mouth with a recommended mouthwash or saltwater to keep the affected area clean.
- Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods, avoiding pressure on the injured area.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure you heal properly.
Following the instructions based on your specific dental emergency aids the healing and recovery process.
Monitoring Recovery
Dental procedure recovery time depends on the treatment that was necessary. Your dentist gives you an estimated time for recovery, based on typical healing patterns. They will also advise you to watch for potential complications, such as extreme swelling and redness, persistent pain, and infection. In most cases, swelling and pain were why you came to the dentist in the first place! If they persist post-treatment, there is a high likelihood of a new infection. Contact your dentist immediately. Your recovery is our top priority!
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
Once fully recovered, you should do your best to avoid future dental emergencies. Here are some suggestions:
- Use a proper mouthguard during sporting activities. (The Placerville Dental Group provides custom mouthguards.)
- Ensure you have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain your overall dental health.
- Recognize and address potential issues, such as tooth sensitivity or bleeding gums, before they become emergencies.
At the Placerville Dental Group, we strive to provide the best possible emergency care! Our goal is to help you fully recover and help you maintain your oral health for years to come. Contact us today for more information on the many services our team provides, for cosmetic, preventive, and emergency dental treatment.
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