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Pain is one of the main reasons people go to the dentist. A painful tooth can be triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks. Heavy biting or grinding may break a tooth and cause it to hurt when you chew. Other times, when a filling falls out, you may experience a throbbing ache. Any injury to your teeth or gums should not be ignored. When this occurs, nerves or blood vessels could be damaged causing a risk of infection. If an infection is not treated it can spread to other parts of your head and neck, which can cause serious health problems. It is vital to always seek treatment for a dental injury because getting injured teeth repaired and treated as soon as possible after an injury is the best thing you can do for your teeth. Knocked Out Tooth When you knock out your tooth, it is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If the appropriate emergency steps are followed instantly after the tooth has been knocked out, the chances are very good that the tooth can be reinserted and preserved by your emergency dentist in San Mateo. If you knock out your tooth follow these steps in preparation for your emergency appointment and to potentially save your tooth:
• Pick up the tooth by the top (crown). Do not touch the root of the tooth.
• Rinse the tooth off very gently to ensure that it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that may be attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or washcloth in the sink so that the tooth does not go down the drain.
• If you can, gently place the tooth back in the socket. Hold it gently in place while trying to bite down.
• If you can't place the tooth back in the socket, put the tooth in a small container or in a cup of milk. Note that the latter is preferable.
• Call your dentist immediately, since getting to the dentist quickly with your tooth is critical for saving it. The longer you wait to re-implant the tooth in its socket, the less chance you have of the tooth "taking" and remaining viable. Is it a Dental Emergency? If you are unsure if you are having a dental emergency, answer the following questions:
• Are you bleeding from your mouth?
• Are you in severe pain?
• Do you have any loose teeth?
• Have you been hit in the face or mouth?
• Do you have any swelling in the mouth or facial area?
• Do you have any bulges, swelling or knots on your gums? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be having a dental emergency and should call your dentist immediately. It is important to describe to your dentist exactly what has happened and what you are currently feeling. Any obvious damage to your tooth should be treated as soon as possible. Chips or fractures can affect the living tissue inside the tooth, causing more problems in the future. Your dentist can prevent the damage from worsening. Quick treatment improves the odds of saving injured or damaged teeth, so visit your San Mateo emergency dentist immediately with any dental emergencies you may experience.
Dr. Pascal is a leading emergency dentist in San Mateo. Offering a full array of services including Invisalign, implants, and CEREC in San Mateo, Dr. Pascal and his professional staff are qualified to handle every dental need for patients of every age.
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