The Importance of Staying Relaxed During a Dental Emergency
 Emergencies, including dental emergencies, can instill a sense of panic. For medical emergencies, you can call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room. In the case of a dental emergency, it is not always possible to find an emergency room that is equipped to deal with these types of injuries. Many dental emergencies do not require hospital care and can instead be handled in the dental office or even your own home. When you can stay calm, you are better able to deal with the situation you have been faced with. Optimum Oral Surgery Group is here to help.
The Importance of Staying Relaxed
While dental emergencies can be scary, panicking can make the situation worse. When you are frightened, your blood pressure can rise, which can worsen bleeding, if there is any, as well as exacerbate pain. Keeping calm helps to keep your blood pressure normal, making it easier to control both pain and bleeding. Being scared during a dental emergency can also prevent you from thinking clearly. If you are not thinking clearly, you might end up doing something that can make the situation worse.
How Can I Stay Calm During a Dental Emergency?
One of the key factors in staying calm during a dental emergency is knowing what to do when one occurs. There are a few ways you can help to prepare yourself if you or one of your family members experiences an emergency.
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Prepare a dental emergency kit. First aid kits are important when accidents happen. You can also create a separate dental emergency kit that includes such things as gauze, pain relievers, latex gloves, and a small, resealable container or bag. Store this kit in an easily accessible location.
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Get your bleeding under control. If you are bleeding, your first step should be to get it under control. Place a piece of moistened gauze over the wound and apply gentle pressure.
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Have our phone number handy. If you are unsure of what you should do when an emergency arises if you are uncertain of whether you need to schedule an appointment, or if you are wondering if you should head to the emergency, call us first. We can direct you on what steps to take to ensure that your emergency is properly dealt with. |
Dealing with Common Dental Emergencies
One common dental emergency is chipped or cracked teeth. These issues can arise from facial trauma or from biting down on an object that is too hard. If your tooth is causing you pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with a salt water solution. Even if the damage seems minor when the injury occurs, make sure that you call the office to schedule an appointment. Minor damage can worsen over time if not treated.
Another common dental emergency is a tooth that has been knocked out. A knocked-out tooth can be replanted if action is taken immediately. First, find the tooth and rinse it under running water. Handle it only by the crown. After cleaning the tooth, store it in a jar of milk or salt water until your appointment. If the tooth can be replanted, we will set it back into place and secure it with a splint. If the tooth cannot be replanted, however, we will discuss your options for replacement.
Staying calm and relaxed during a dental emergency is crucial for restoring the health of your mouth and preventing serious complications from occurring. If you have been faced with a dental emergency and are unsure of what you should do next, or you need to schedule an emergency appointment, call Optimum Oral Surgery Group at (856) 437-4432 today.
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