Getting emergency dental treatment in Beaverton can be the
difference between having a perfect smile and a gap in your teeth. A dental emergency
can happen anywhere and at any time. In order to ensure that your family’s
teeth are well taken care of, it is important to understand what kinds of
injuries require immediate medical attention and which ones can wait until your
next dentist’s appointment. The Beaverton Dental Office gives new patients a
free comprehensive exam and cleaning, allowing you and your family to regain
control of your oral health.
What is Considered a Dental
Emergency?
According to the Consumer Guide to
Dentistry, a dental
emergency is considered to be any dental problem that requires immediate
treatment in order to preserve a tooth, stop ongoing bleeding or alleviate
severe pain. This includes tissue injuries, as well as any lacerations, tears,
or wounds to the lips, cheek, mouth and tongue. The most common types of dental
emergencies are teeth that are knocked out, loosened, chipped, cracked or
fractured. If a tooth is chipped, but does not cause pain, you can wait to
visit your dentist during normal office hours. However, if your tooth becomes fractured
or cracked, you must seek immediate treatment, as this usually suggest that the
damage has occurred both inside and outside of the tooth.
The Canadian Dental Association offers some tips and resources when dealing
with dental emergencies.
What to Do When Your Tooth Has Been
Knocked Out
When you have a tooth knocked out as an adult, it is
important not to panic, as you must act quickly. If the tooth is put back into
place within 10 minutes, there is a fair chance that the tooth will be able to
take root again. However, after just two hours, the chances become slim at
best. If the tooth looks lean, put it back in its socket. If this is not
possible, place the tooth in a container of cold milk and go to your dentist
(or the nearest dentist) immediately. Remember, you must try to get help within
10 minutes to improve your chances of it taking root again.
How to Avoid a Dental
Emergency
Many dental emergencies can be easily avoided by scheduling routine check-ups
and cleanings with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are healthy, strong,
and free from decay. Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports will help to
prevent teeth from being chipped, knocked out or fractured. When left
unattended, many problems that can be easily fixed can turn out to be dental
emergencies in the future.
Preparing a Dental Emergency Kit
Since
a dental emergency can happen almost any time and anywhere, it is important to
be prepared at all times. It is important to have the contact information of
your dentist available at all times in case you or anyone in your family requires
emergency dental treatment. Beaverton residents can also prepare for dental
emergencies by packing a small dental first aid kit. This will help you remain
calm and handle your emergency situation with ease. When packing your dental emergency
kit, you should include a small container with a lid, acetaminophen, gauze and
a handkerchief. It is important to note that you should not pack Aspirin or
ibuprofen because they can act as a blood thinner and cause excessive bleeding
during a dental emergency.