When Your Smile Needs Immediate Help – Hammond’s Dentist Emergencies
Okay, let’s discuss those times when your mouth surprises you with a curveball – dentist emergencies Hammond, IN! It’s never convenient for a toothache that seems to be throbbing to its own rhythm, or an unexpected chip that results in a rough edge. If you’re in or near Hammond, IN, being aware of what is considered a dental emergency and what you can do is really crucial. We’re here to help you on your way through the world of emergency dental problems.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency? Your Hammond Checklist
Not all dental problems involve running off immediately to the dentist. A cold sensitivity in teeth, for example, may indicate an examination, but it will not be an emergency. Then how do you know when you should stop everything and go find same-day dentist emergencies Hammond, IN ? These are some conditions that usually qualify as a dental emergency:
Severe Toothache
We’re not discussing a slight twinge. A bad, persistent toothache, particularly one with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, means you have a serious infection or other emergency.
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is a huge one! If a tooth is totally knocked out because of a blow, time is of the essence. With timely treatment (preferably within an hour or so), chances are that your dentist can re-implant the tooth.
Displaced or Loose Tooth
If a blow to your mouth makes a tooth move quite loose or out of place, you should visit a dentist immediately.
Lost Filling or Crown (with pain)
Although a lost filling or crown is not always an emergency, if the exposed tooth hurts a lot or has a sharp edge that’s cutting your mouth, it must be seen.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection at the base of a tooth or between a gum and a tooth. It usually feels like a puffy, pus-filled spot and may cause a fever. Abscesses must be treated promptly to keep the infection from spreading.
Severe Soft Tissue Injury
If you have cuts or tears to your gums, lips, or tongue that bleed profusely and won’t stop, you need to visit a doctor right away.
Broken Tooth (with lots of pain or sharp edges)
A badly broken tooth that hurts a lot or has rough edges that can cut your mouth must be treated right away.
Stay Calm and Call Your Dentist
Knowing how to act under pressure can make a lot of difference in the success of a dental emergency. Below is a quick reference guide for some likely scenarios related to dental emergencies Hammond, IN:
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Clean the tooth by the crown (the visible portion). Avoid handling the roots.
- Rinse the tooth gently with water, but do not brush it.
- Attempt to replace the tooth back into its socket. If it slides in freely, bite down lightly upon a clean piece of cloth to keep it in position.
- If you cannot replace the tooth, put it in a milk container, your own saliva, or a tooth-saving solution.
- Go to your dentist right away!
Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Carefully floss to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck.
- You may take an over-the-counter painkiller, but don’t put aspirin in your gum because it can irritate it.
- Call your dentist immediately to make an emergency appointment.
Displaced or Loose Tooth
- Don’t touch or move the tooth.
- Put a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to minimize swelling.
- Visit your dentist right away.
Lost Filling or Crown (with pain)
- If you possess the filling or crown, attempt to place it back onto the tooth gently. You may use a dental cement (which can be found at drugstores) or even a small amount of sugar-free chewing gum to hold it temporarily in place.
- Do not chew on that side of your mouth.
- Call your dentist for an emergency visit to have it repaired or replaced correctly.
Abscess
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
- Don’t attempt to drain the abscess yourself.
- Get your dentist’s treatment as soon as possible, which may include antibiotics and draining the infection.
Severe Soft Tissue Injury
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
- Place the clean cloth on the bleeding area and apply gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes.
- If the bleeding persists or if the cut is extensive, get immediate medical care, which may include a visit to the emergency room if your dentist is not readily available.
Broken Tooth (with severe pain or sharp points)
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to help minimize swelling.
- If there are any rough edges, try covering them with dental wax (available in drugstores) to avoid cuts.
- Call your dentist for an emergency visit.
Create a Trouble-Free Smile Routine
Although you can’t avoid every dentist emergencies Hammond, IN, developing good oral hygiene habits and taking some common-sense precautions can dramatically lower your risk:
- Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.
- Regular check-ups enable your dentist to spot and treat problems before they become dentist emergencies Hammond, IN.
- If you engage in contact sports, always wear a well-fitting mouthguard to cushion your teeth and gums from damage.
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles, rip tape, or crack nuts.
- Don’t neglect recurring dental problems. Have them examined by your dentist before they become an emergency.
Hammond Dental Group – Local Experts for Urgent Dental Needs
Dentist emergencies Hammond, IN, require someone who is not only experienced and competent but also appreciates the urgency involved.
At Hammond Dental Group, we believe in providing complete care for our patients’ teeth. That means being available when an unexpected dental emergency arises. Though we always recommend preventive care to avoid dentist emergencies Hammond, IN, we know that sometimes they do happen.
Our staff is well-equipped to take care of any number of dental emergencies in Hammond, IN, with kindness and efficiency, hoping to soothe your discomfort and restore your smile as quickly as possible. We stand ready to give you the urgent attention that you need in order to smile comfortably once more.