Emergencies can be frightening, and a dental emergency is no exception. However, your Pella dentist is here to help. If a dental emergency occurs, contact us immediately. Here are some common oral maladies and tips for addressing the pain until you can visit Dr. Allen.
How Can I Stop a Toothache from Hurting?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, and remove any stuck food particles with dental floss. If your mouth is swollen, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek. Do not put an aspirin or any sort of pain medication against the affected tooth, because you could burn the surrounding gum tissue. Call Allen Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
What Should I Do if I Knock Out a Tooth?
If the tooth is dirty, gently clean it with warm water while holding it by the crown. Be careful not to scrub it. Then, try to place it back into its socket. If you cannot reseat the tooth, store it in a small glass of milk or a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. Call our office immediately, and remember to bring the tooth to your appointment. Your tooth has the highest chance successful re-implantation if we reset it within one hour of being knocked out.
How Can I Prevent Oral Injuries?
Because accidents happen when you least expect them, dental emergencies are not 100% preventable. However, certain precautions will decrease your risk of injury. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard. About 200,000 sports-related oral injuries are prevented every year by mouthguards. Don’t take them for granted. Also, take care of your teeth and gums with a strict oral hygiene routine. The better you care for your mouth, the less likely you are to develop infection.
An Invitation for Your Family
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides emergency dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.