Accidents happen. And there will be times when those accidents impact your mouth. From slips and falls to vehicle collisions, we've pretty much seen it all at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee. Because we’ve been caring for countless patients' smiles since we opened our doors in 1987, we’re always prepared to help in the face of an unexpected emergency. In fact, we make every effort to allot time during our office hours for an unforeseen accident that might require our expertise. The question is, are YOU prepared? When a mishap hits you squarely in the mouth, will you know what to do?
Identifying Common Dental Emergencies
It’s important to note that not all dental emergencies are accident-related. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), dental trauma – including a chipped tooth or avulsion (loss of a tooth out of its socket) – is just one form of dental emergency. Something as simple as biting into a sticky piece of hard candy could dislodge a filling or a crown.
We commonly receive calls the moment our office opens related to severe toothaches that make it difficult to sleep or focus on daily responsibilities. General oral pain that stems from an abscess or infection of the soft tissue also falls into the dental emergency category.
Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth
If one of your pearly whites gets dislodged from your mouth, it’s important not to panic. Find the tooth and pick it up by what we call the “crown” (the part that is exposed in your mouth – not the root). Try to place it back in your mouth without forcing it into place. If that proves too uncomfortable, place it in a sealable container with milk to protect it, and call your dental office immediately. You have a far higher likelihood of being able to save the tooth if it’s returned to its socket within an hour of being knocked out.
If your tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may recommend dental implants or the placement of a bridge.
Managing a Broken Dental Appliance
Trauma to your mouth may impact your dental appliances – including a lost filling, lost crown, a loose dental implant, or broken orthodontic brackets, wires, and permanent retainers. In all instances, you’ll want to make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. If you realize you’ve lost a filling, you’ve also lost the protection that filling provided. As a temporary measure until you can get in to see your dentist, pick up some OTC dental cement or wax at your local pharmacy. If you’ve lost a crown, you can use the same dental cement to hold it in place – unless it’s too uncomfortable. In that case, just be sure to bring the crown with you to your appointment.
Dealing with Severe Toothaches
A severe toothache can feel all-consuming – making it one of the most common reasons for an emergency visit to the dentist. Their causes run the gamut from tooth decay to an impacted tooth. While you’ll want to make an appointment with your dentist right away to get to the root of the problem, our blog, Toothaches 101, outlines some causes, tips for preventing them, and ways to get temporary relief at home. A cold compress or OTC pain reliever can go a long way in bridging the gap between your ache and your dentist visit. When seeking Suwanee toothache relief, look to the team of experienced dentists at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Oral trauma isn’t limited to teeth alone. You may also experience an injury or infection in the soft tissue of your mouth. Something may become lodged in between your teeth, impacting your gums. You may have an abscess – or pus-filled pocket – near the base of your tooth. You could also incur an injury to your lips, the insides of your cheeks, or your tongue. Because head injuries tend to bleed quite a bit, if blood is involved, you can try applying pressure with a cold compress to get the bleeding under control. If it’s inside the mouth, you can rinse your mouth out with a saltwater solution or place a piece of gauze at the site of the injury. A premoistened tea bag can do the trick if you don't have gauze. If the damage is to your lips, cheeks, or tongue and likely requires stitches, a visit to the emergency room may be your best bet. For other soft tissue injuries, make an emergency dental appointment with your dentist.
Know When to Seek Immediate Help
Any time you have a question or concern involving your mouth, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your dentist. At Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, many of our front office team members have been with us for years. They are well-prepared to assess the situation with you to determine if an emergency dental visit is needed.
That’s why the most essential tool in your dental emergency preparedness toolbox is the number of a great dentist. If you’re seeking emergency dental care in Suwanee, you’ll want to save the number for Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee in your phone and stick it on your fridge at home. We can be reached at 770-945-5850 Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and select Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. To learn more about our Restorative Services, visit us at www.gentrydentistryofsuwanee.com.
