If you have a dental emergency, the most important thing to do is not panic. This is of course easier said than done. You can avoid unneeded stress by having a plan set in place. Always know your dentist’s contact information and inform them as soon as the emergency occurs. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and how to prepare for a visit to your Emergency Dentist in Eden Prairie.
One of the most frightening dental emergencies is having a tooth knocked out. Getting to your Emergency Dentist in Eden Prairie within an hour of the incident will give you a better chance of being able to keep your tooth. The first thing to do is find and retrieve the lost tooth if possible. When you find it, pick it up by the top or crown of the tooth, not the root. Use warm water to very gently wash it off and remove and dirt. Putting a paper towel or wash cloth in the sink is a good way to ensure the tooth doesn’t go down the drain. Next, attempt to reinsert the tooth into the empty socket and try to bite down. If you can’t do this, preserve the tooth in a container with either salt water or milk.
Having a loose tooth is another reason you may need to contact your Emergency Dentist in Eden Prairie. After you make an appointment with your dentist, very gently push on the loose tooth with your finger using light pressure. It is important that you do not try to force the tooth back into place because this could cause further damage to the root. You can bite down gently on the tooth to keep it in place until you get to the dentist.
If you have an abscess or severe infection in your mouth, contact your Emergency Dentist in Eden Prairie immediately, as this can become life threatening. The infection can cause serious health problems and spread to other parts of your body. The dentist will need to drain the tooth right away to prevent further infection and likely perform a root canal. If your dentist is not available or cannot be reached, head to an emergency room.
