No matter how careful we may be, accidents will happen. Slips, trips, falls, and fender-benders are all a part of life. Sometimes, those accidents may result in damage to our teeth or mouth. You should contact Ranson & Ranson DDS PC Family Dental at 309-866-3026 as soon as possible so that we can schedule you for an appointment. The sooner we are able to see you, the better. In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to deal with the damage.
If a tooth is knocked out, rinse it in cool water. Do not handle it by the roots. Try to see if you can put it back in the socket. If it will stay in the socket, bite down gently on through a piece of gauze. If it will not go back in the socket, immerse it in milk or a tooth-preservation solution, or hold it between your cheek and gum. Your tooth may remain viable for about two hours after being knocked out, but for best results, the dentist should see you within thirty minutes.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, you should see the dentist as soon as you can. You can rinse your mouth with warm water, and if you are bleeding, apply a piece of gauze or a tea bag to the area. You might try covering the affected area with dental cement, and try an over-the-counter pain reliever to deal with any discomfort.
For a toothache, you can try an over-the-counter pain reliever either in a pill or in topical form.
If you injure your lip or tongue, rinse it with warm salt water, or a mixture of one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. If the cut is deep or will not stop bleeding, go to the emergency room and contact your dentist.
For a lost filling or crown, use clove oil or a topical pain reliever if needed. If you can slip a crown back on, clean the inside first and use dental cement to hold it in place. Dental cement can also be used in place of a lost filling. Cotton pellets or temporary fillings are available in many drug stores. Keep in mind that a temporary fix is just that! Even if dental cement seems to be doing the job, you still need to see us as soon as possible.
If swelling is a part of any oral injury, use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce the swelling.
If you live in the Morton, Illinois area and are having a dental emergency, it is time for your cleaning and exam, or if you are looking for a family dentist, Dr. Ron Ranson is here to help. Call us today for an appointment.