06 Feb Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?
For many, the idea of having to prepare for a dental emergency might seem minor. But if you have a child or are responsible to care for the well-being of a friend or family member, knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and how to respond if needed is very important. Having a family dentist is a great first step to this preparation.
Many dental providers offer an after-hours number to call for emergencies. Know this number and make it readily available for yourself or a caregiver by posting the number in a conspicuous place. Also carry the number on you in the event of an emergency away from home.
Oddly enough children can be most at risk when at play. Organized sports like soccer, football, softball, basketball or hockey might seem safe enough, and since there are usually coaches around you might feel secure that your child is in good hands.
A single coach will not be able to leave the rest of the team to care for your child. Staying on site during games and practices is a good idea. Also, having your child fitted with a quality, custom mouth guard will help protect teeth, gum tissue, tongue and the soft tissue in the mouth. Wearing a mouth guard can save broken teeth, knocked out teeth, and biting through the tongue or soft tissue in the mouth if hard contact is made.
Accidents do happen. Auto accidents, slips and falls, or everyday events can result in a dental emergency. If a tooth is knocked out, it is critical to get to your dentist within an hour. Carefully rinse the tooth in water being careful not to handle the root of the tooth. If you can replace it in the tooth socket and keep it in place until you can get to the dentist, this will offer you the best chance for your dentist to save the tooth and re-implant it.
A broken or chipped tooth that is not accompanied with discomfort is generally not an emergency, but you should contact our experienced dental team serving theDFW area for an appointment to make sure there is no damage to the nerve. Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency can be the difference between a manageable problem and one that results in a lost tooth. Call The Dental Place in Grand Prairie at 972-264-5795 for additional information.