
Emergency Dentistry
Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Emergency dentistry at Blackstone Dental provides immediate care for urgent dental issues such as severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, and dental abscesses. Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, offering prompt and effective treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
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Quick access to emergency dental care is crucial for preventing long-term damage and ensuring the best possible outcomes. Emergency dentistry can save teeth that might otherwise be lost, reduce the risk of infection, and provide immediate relief from severe pain, significantly improving patients' quality of life.
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For all dental emergencies, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible, be sure to call and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when we are not open please call the office, it will be forwarded to one of the doctor's cell phones and they can give you additional instructions for what you need to do.
Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them.
What do I do if I knock out my tooth?
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it wet at all times, AVOID water if possible. Place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. Most important get to your dentist’s office right away.
How do I treat a toothache or sensitivity?
For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Use a drop of toothpaste on your finger to cover the tooth for 10 minutes to relieve sensitivity. Tylenol or Ibuprofen may alleviate pain temporarily, but if the pain persists, contact your dentist.
What do I do about canker sores?
Use an over-the-counter topical treatments, such as benzocaine gels or ointments to numb the area and provide temporary relief. Rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution or an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. For more severe cases, go to your dentist for further treatment.
How do I remove an object thats stuck in my mouth or teeth?
For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove it with floss. DO NOT try to remove them with a sharp or pointed instrument, as you may cause further damage to the area. The item might be painful or cause an infection, so see your dentist if you cannot remove it.
How can I avoid a dental emergency?
There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accidents and injury to the teeth:
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Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
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Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
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Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to open things.
What if I bite my tongue or lip?
If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room if there is excessive bleeding, the bleeding won't stop, or you are in a lot of pain.