Take Action to Protect Your Smile
A dental emergency can happen at any time, for any reason. When it does happen, it’s important to know what steps to take. The most important thing is to remain calm and contact our Atlanta, GA, practice for emergency dental care. After visiting the emergency room for an oral injury, we can help with the healing process. Read our guide below to learn more about how Atlanta emergency dentist Dr. Kauffman can assist you with your dental emergency.
How to Handle a Fallen Tooth
A broken, fractured, or damaged tooth is usually not a cause for immediate alarm. The situation can be easily resolved with emergency dental care at the Atlanta dental office of Dr. Kauffman. Start by rinsing out any blood or debris with water and placing an ice pack or cold compress on the skin near the injury to control the swelling.
If your tooth has been knocked out and is still in one piece, we recommend that you insert it back into its socket while waiting to see your dentist. If you can’t put your tooth back, pick up the tooth by the crown and put it in a cup of saline solution, warm milk, or your own saliva until you see your dentist or you go into the emergency room.
Caring for a Fractured Tooth
If a tooth is fractured, it’s best to rinse with a warm salt-water solution and apply either an ice pack or a cold cloth to the affected area. It may also help to take medication such as ibuprofen to control the swelling and any possible pain. If minor enough, some fractures can be smoothed or restored by Dr. Kauffman, assuming that the pulp is not severely damaged.
Dealing With a Toothache
Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of any debris. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between two teeth. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving aspirin can actually harm your gum tissue. Dr. Kauffman can also provide emergency dental care, including suggestions for dealing with the toothache.
Frequently Asked Questions
A persistent toothache can indicate the presence of an infection. This severe and consistent discomfort will only worsen until you seek professional dental care. In some cases, you may need to undergo root canal therapy to remove any bacteria that may have spread in your tooth’s pulp. If you’re experiencing frequent and severe tooth pain, don’t wait to seek the necessary dental care.
If your dental crown falls out or gets severely damaged, it can easily be replaced. Many dentists provide patients with same-day dental crowns to instantly create a new restoration to put over your tooth.
A tooth falling out can be a frightening situation, which is why it’s important to act immediately so your dentist has the best chance to save it. You’ll need to transport the tooth carefully to your dentist’s office so it can be placed back into your socket. Pick the tooth up by its crown and store it in a glass of milk to prevent the root from drying out. Call your dental office immediately if it happens.
If your child’s tooth becomes loose or falls out due to injury or trauma, contact your dentist immediately. An emergency dentist can evaluate your child’s oral health to determine the best course of action. Even if it’s only a baby tooth, it’s still necessary to seek immediate dental care to confirm there’s no further trauma or issues.
Contact Dr. Kauffman for Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone. That’s why Dr. Kauffman and our team of dentists provide crucial care for patients to quickly resolve their oral health issues. If you break or chip a tooth, know that we are here to help and provide you personalized, quality care. To learn more about our services, contact our Atlanta, GA office by calling (404) 671-4321.