Dental emergencies are not always caused by an accident or sports injury. In fact, most injuries are avoidable. If you’ve been struggling with a dental emergency for a while, it’s probably because you’re putting off having it fixed. However, the longer you wait, the more serious the problem can get.
At Auburn Dental Group, we strive to provide same-day appointments for our patients. We also know that even when you do everything right, accidents happen.
Some of the most common causes of dental emergencies include:
Knocked-out Tooth
If you think you have a knocked-out tooth, the first thing you should do is call your emergency dentist.
Until you can get to the dentist, the treatment for a knocked-out tooth depends on how long it has been out of the mouth. If it has been a few hours, rinse the tooth gently with water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that may still be attached.
If it has been longer than several hours, carefully rinse the tooth with saline or milk. Do not use a tooth cleaning solution. Do not scrub the tooth.
If you are unable to put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a container with milk and head to the nearest emergency room. The tooth will need to be reattached as soon as possible.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
If a front tooth breaks or cracks, you should call your dentist as soon as possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Your dentist can repair the broken tooth with a crown or bridge.
If a back tooth breaks or cracks, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you to your dentist’s office. Your dentist will likely repair the broken tooth with a crown.
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches can be extremely painful and may require emergency treatment. You might also experience fever, chills, and nausea.
If you have a severe toothache, call our emergency dentist in Bakersfield. We can examine your mouth to determine the cause of the pain. Then, we can recommend a treatment.
Object Caught Between Teeth
If you bite down on something hard and it ends up between your teeth, use dental floss to try and remove it. If that doesn’t work, call us to set up an appointment. Don’t use sharp or pointed objects to try to dislodge the object. You could damage your teeth or gums or even accidentally puncture the cheek or tongue.
Auburn Dental Group at 5603 Auburn St. Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93306, or call us at (661) 327-2189 to schedule an appointment to learn more about emergency dental services and the best dental care.
