Do you have your dentist on speed dial? If you do not, key that into your phone right now. Who else are you going to call if you take a punch to the mouth or something else happens that causes you to break a tooth?
The thing is, if you have a dental emergency, you might not have a lot of time before you end up losing a tooth forever. Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes. So, what are dental emergencies? Keep reading.
A Tooth Has Been Knocked Out
This is most definitely a dental emergency – one that requires immediate attention. If you get to your dentist right away, it’s very possible that the tooth can be re-inserted and saved.
If this happens, pick up the tooth by the crown, not the roots. Try to put it back in the socket. If you cannot do that, then put it in a container of milk.
Now, get to your dentist.
Loose Tooth
This isn’t quite so much of an emergency as a knocked out tooth, but you still need to deal with it as quickly as possible. Follow the same steps as above if you can, and get to your dentist.
Broken Teeth
Now we’re getting into what might not be an emergency. If you have a broken tooth, but there is no pain, it is probably not an emergency. Just be careful when biting, and book an appointment with your dentist. You might need a crown, but this is probably not an emergency.
Loose Tooth
Again, this is not an emergency. Just keep your mouth clean, and see your dentist at your earliest convenience.
Swelling
If your friends are looking at you and saying “Oh my God, what happened?” and your face is swelling up to the point where you are practically beyond recognition, then you should suspect a serious dental infection. If not treated, this could actually end up being fatal, so see your dentist immediately. If your dentist is not available, go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Is It Really an Emergency?
If you have lost a filling, it’s not an emergency. A loose tooth is not an emergency. Excessive bleeding, swelling, blows to the mouth, and serious pain for any reason most definitely are emergencies, so if they happen, call us immediately.
Contact Our Emergency Dentist in New Lenox
For emergency care, contact Atrium Family Dental in New Lenox at 815-462-9990 right away. We are here for you.