Dental Emergency? Tips From an Emergency Dentist in Ken Caryl!

Are you one of the many people who enjoy munching on popcorn kernels from the bottom of a popcorn bag? Or do you or your children enjoy sports and recreational activities? Unfortunately, these are just some of the situations that can lead to dental emergencies – and often when you least expect them! The good news is that, after calling an emergency dentist in Ken Caryl, there are some immediate steps you can take until your appointment to manage the pain and minimize the damage to your teeth. Keep reading below to learn how you can be prepared for the most common emergencies!

How Can You Handle the Most Common Dental Emergencies?

The first step in an emergency is to call a dentist in Ken Caryl who can give you advice for your specific situation and schedule you for the first available appointment. Having said that, here are some things you can do until you can be seen:

Broken tooth or filling – If you’ve broken a tooth while chewing, or it’s simply cracked on its own, start by rinsing out your mouth with lukewarm water. If you’re in pain, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and take over-the-counter pain medication. You can also use dental wax from the store to cover any sharp edges.

Toothache, Abscess or Swelling – If you have a persistent toothache, abscess or any swelling, you likely have an infection that can spread and become dangerous, so it’s important to seek out care right away. After calling to schedule an appointment, swish with lukewarm salt water every few hours until you can be seen and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.

Knocked-Out Tooth – For a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence! A dentist will have the best chance of saving your tooth if you can be seen within one hour. It’s also crucial that you handle the tooth properly until you get to your appointment. Start by gently rinsing it off (holding it only by the crown, not the root) and place it back in its socket, facing the right way. If this isn’t possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk or water, or hold it in your cheek pouch. The most important thing is that the tooth stays clean and moist!

When Should You Go To the Hospital?

There are some circumstances that require medical treatment first. If you think that you’ve broken your jaw or you have heavy bleeding that doesn’t subside after applying pressure for 15 minutes, go an urgent care center or the ER right away. After you’ve been stabilized, you can call an emergency dentist in Ken Caryl for any restorative work that needs to be done.

Dental emergencies are never pleasant to deal with – but with these tips, you’ll be able to handle them as effectively as possible!

About the Author

Dr. Susan Kutis is a general, restorative and sedation dentist in Ken Caryl who has won numerous awards for her professional excellence and dedication to dentistry. She and her staff make emergency care a priority and are always just a phone call away. If you have any additional questions about dental emergencies, she can be reached via her website or at (303) 973-1112.