You never know when an accident is going to happen, but should you be in need of emergency dentistry in Bell, CA , it's good to be prepared. It's also a good idea to teach your children about the basics of emergency dental care in case they have an accident when they're alone. Keep these tips in mind for when the unexpected happens.
1. Pay attention to how the pain changes.
If you knock a tooth out or feel a zing from nerve damage, it's obvious where your pain is coming from. However, other types of tooth damage aren't as clear cut. If you start to notice tooth pain, pay attention to how it changes or progresses. It's a good idea to write down your symptoms every hour. If it seems to be getting worse quickly, get in touch with your dentist.2. Keep your tooth and mouth safe.
If you lose a tooth, you'll want to protect it until you can get in to see your dentist. Keep your hands clean when handling the tooth and rinse it off to remove any debris or blood. Try not to handle it with your fingers; instead, use a clean cloth that's a bit damp with water. Keep the tooth in milk until your dentist can see you. If your gums are sore or bleeding, ease the pain and stop the blood flow by gently pressing a wet compress on it.3. Try to keep the swelling down.
If you've had some sort of trauma to your mouth, it's normal for a bit of swelling to occur. The swelling may be uncomfortable or even painful. Once all of the tooth is out of your mouth, soak a clean cloth with ice water and gently hold it to the swollen area.4. Contact a professional immediately.
Some types of mouth trauma in Bell, CA 90210 need to be treated immediately. You could end up bleeding a lot or swallowing parts of your tooth. Some trauma can even damage nerves. Don't hesitate to contact a dentist right away. If you wait, your symptoms and pain may progress quickly, making it even more difficult to deal with. Letting a mouth injury go unchecked can result in permanent problems, from having problems with chewing or speaking to weakening the jaw.5. Set the tooth in the socket.
If you've accidentally knocked a tooth out, you may be able to fit it back into the socket temporarily. First, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly – touching your mouth or an open cut with dirty hands can lead to infection. If you're able to gently place your tooth in the socket, bite down on it a bit to settle it in. To ease the pain, gently bite on wet gauze until you can see a dentist.6. Gather your medical information.
Your dentist should have access to all your records, but it never hurts to bring in copies yourself. Your dental history is important to know, especially if you're seeing a new dentist. You'll also want your insurance information easily accessible. This is also a good time to make sure your insurance covers dental emergencies. If you're not covered, you'll at least be prepared to pay in full after you receive treatment.
If you're in need of a dental emergency in Bell, CA, contact Gage Dental Care.