25
May
Responding to Boise Dental Emergencies
If you’ve ever had an accident where you’ve injured your teeth or gums, you may have experienced a dental emergency. That’s why it’s important to stay educated in order to prepare for a worst-case scenario so you can apply first aid before heading to your Boise dentist for more comprehensive treatment.
Responding to Dental Injuries
Seeking emergency dental services when an accident happens can determine whether or not a tooth can be saved. By understanding what you should in an emergency, you can also prevent infection or making a wound worse, especially if you can’t get into your Boise dentist right away.
One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to have a first aid kit ready to go. In addition to the necessary materials of a standard first aid kit, it should include the following materials meant specifically for oral injuries:
- Gauze to stop bleeding
- Mouthwash to help clean wounds
- Toothpaste or denture adhesive to temporarily hold lost crowns or fillings in place
- A small cup or a special kit to preserve a knocked-out tooth
In the case of a knocked-out tooth, a person should be seen by a Boise dentist as soon as possible. If you don’t happen to have a first-aid kit on hand, you can simply fill a small cup with water or milk and use it to transport the tooth to the dentist.
When to See Your Boise Dentist
Not all injuries to the mouth warrant a visit to the dentist. However, it’s important to see your Boise dentist right away if teeth are loose, broken, or have become dislodged. With immediate dental care, teeth in these situations can often be saved. Without professional dental treatment, the chances of losing them greatly increase.
Lost crowns, fillings and bridges should also be promptly attended to. In the meantime, however, you can use toothpaste or denture adhesive to hold them in place. Other minor injuries such as lacerations, bruises, tears or cuts can be treated at home unless stitches or other special care is required where it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Contact Summit Dental Group
Keep in mind that no matter how hard we try to prepare for a worst-case scenario, accidents do happen. In the case of a dental emergency, contact your Boise Dentist ASAP. At Summit Dental, we can provide you with over-the-phone recommendations as well as schedule an appointment depending on the severity of your dental emergency.