Teeth are stronger than your bones, so you might be surprised to learn that they can still break, chip, or even fall out due to injury or decay. Time is of the essence when it comes to dental emergencies, which is why Bethesda Family Smiles, your local dentist office in Bethesda, wants to make sure you know what is considered a dental emergency and how to handle dental first aid while you’re waiting to see the dentist.
How Can Teeth Get Injured?
There are a few different ways that teeth can become injured, and some are more severe and urgent than others. However, all dental injuries should be addressed quickly so you don’t put your oral health at risk.
Most importantly, if your teeth were damaged as a result of severe trauma to the head or an auto accident, seek immediate medical care from an emergency room. Many hospitals keep oral surgeons on call to handle severe injuries, and they will determine the appropriate treatment to protect your health.
Less severe injuries such as cracks, knocked-out teeth without blunt trauma, or broken crowns need to be addressed quickly, but you probably don’t need an emergency room. Many cracks and broken crowns occur when chewing or biting down on hard objects. Some dental first aid can help address these problems while you await an emergency dental appointment in our Bethesda, MD dental office and increase chances of saving the natural tooth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- If blunt force trauma to the head occurred or if you were involved in an automobile accident, do not wait to see your dentist. Seek immediate medical attention.
- For cracked teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area free from germs. You may feel or see some swelling, which can be reduced using cold compresses. Small cracks in teeth put you at risk of bacteria entering the crack.
- A knocked-out tooth doesn’t automatically mean it can’t be saved. Keeping it moist will increase the chances of saving it, so you can gently place it back in the socket without touching the root, or even place it in a clean and sealed container of milk. See your dentist immediately.
Emergency Dental Care in Bethesda, MD
Most dentists keep openings in their schedules for dental emergencies, so if you need immediate dental care, call Dr. Khanna. Bethesda Family Smiles is here for all of your dental needs, so call 301.500.2205 to get more information on dental first aid or to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online for non-urgent inquiries.