With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the nation, businesses are closed or limited to what they can do. At Palmetto Smiles, a dentist in Florence, SC, we’re still here to handle dental emergencies for all of our patients of record. But how do you know you have a dental emergency? Our dentists explain what’s considered a dental emergency.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies encompass multiple things. Usually, they’re sudden and you’ll know it’s something big right away. If you have any of the following common ones, the first step is to call us immediately. The following include tips for what to do if you experience one of them:
Severe Tooth Pain
Sharp, sudden tooth pain isn’t something that should be ignored. It can be caused by many things, such as tooth decay or an abscess. The cause can’t be easily determined, though, until the dentist can do a thorough examination. Until you can be seen in the office, use over the counter pain medicine to help with the pain. A cold compress can be used if you notice any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth is knocked out, the most important thing is not to panic. Try to retrieve the tooth, picking it up by the crown and avoiding the tooth root. Gently rinse it off without scrubbing and place it in a cup of saliva or milk to try and preserve it. Use a damp washcloth or rag to help stop any bleeding. It’s important not to try and insert the tooth back into the socket on your own.
If we aren’t able to use your natural tooth, our office offers multiple solutions for missing teeth. For example, dental implants are a great way to have a tooth replacement that looks and feels as natural as possible. This is because it replaces both the crown and root of the tooth, unlike other options.
Broken Dental Crown
While dental crowns are usually sturdy, accidents can happen. Crowns can break or fall out. Never try to put a crown back by yourself. Restorations can almost never be reused. The dentist can create another crown for you to replace the one that broke or went missing. It’s crucial to make sure that the tooth is protected by the crown.
Your Dentist in Florence, South Carolina
We’re here for you in the event of a dental emergency during this pandemic. Call us immediately if one happens. And after, schedule a checkup to make sure that the stress of the pandemic hasn’t been taken out on your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future. We hope to see you soon!