Dental emergencies are difficult to deal with because they happen at the worst moments. Not to mention, if you’re not prepared, it can make the situation even worse. That’s why you should always contact your emergency dentist in Uptown New Orleans directly after the accident. They can schedule an appointment for as soon as possible to help ease your discomfort. Read on for some helpful tips to handle the most common dental emergencies until you reach your dentist’s office.
Ease Your Pain From Toothaches
If your toothache won’t go away, it’s likely being caused by a tooth infection, which requires immediate attention from your emergency dentist. While you’re making your way to their office, there are some ingredients you can find at home to help ease your discomfort. First, try rinsing your mouth with a ½ teaspoon of salt mixed in a glass of warm water . This can help reduce any inflammation and heal oral wounds. You can also place a small amount of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the area of your mouth that’s in pain. This will help reduce inflammation and numb your oral tissues to make the pain more bearable.
Act Fast For Knocked-Out Teeth
If you’ve knocked out a tooth, time is of the essence, and it’s important to get to your emergency dentist within an hour of the incident to increase the chances that they’ll be able to replant it. In the mean time, you’ll need to keep your tooth moist to keep it alive. When you pick it up off the ground, only handle it by the biting surface, being sure to not touch the roots. After rinsing it under water to get rid of any debris, you’ll need to place it in a container full of milk or saltwater. You can also try to place it back in its socket in your mouth, but this may be difficult.
For any bleeding, be sure to hold down a piece of gauze on the area to help the blood clot. If you experience any swelling, a cold compress can help bring it down. Just be sure to use it for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
Don’t Put Off Fixing a Damaged Cavity Filling
If you have had a cavity filling for awhile and noticed that your tooth has begun feeling sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, it may be because your filling is either leaking or damaged. Although this type of pain may not seem like a pressing or urgent situation, it’s important to act in a timely manner. After contacting your emergency dentist to schedule a visit, be sure to floss and brush gently using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
No matter what common dental emergency you have on your plate, you should always contact your dentist right away. They’ll provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and fit you into their schedules as soon as possible, so you don’t have to deal with oral pain for longer than necessary.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Camenzuli is passionate about getting to know each of his patients and understanding their needs, concerns, and the desires they have for their smiles. He understands how stressful dental emergencies can be, which is why he strives to make the process more convenient for patients by offering late appointments. His team also offers over-the-phone first-aid guidance to help prevent further damage from occurring. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit Camenzuli Dental Excellence’s website or