December 4, 2018
Have you ever been chewing on a piece of popcorn, and then crack—you feel instant pain in your tooth? Dental disaster can strike at any moment and many people don’t know what to do when it does. Thankfully, your emergency dentist in Virginia Beach has a list of common dental emergencies, so you’ll know what to look out for in the future. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common emergencies that can happen to your smile and how to handle them from a trusted dentist.
Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out – Whether it’s from a fall or a physical sport, you could get a tooth knocked out, typically by physical force. To save your tooth, pick it up by the crown to avoid damaging the roots. Rinse it off and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it stored in water or milk until you see your dentist. The sooner you get into the dentist’s office, the better chance you have of your tooth being successfully replanted.- You Crack Your Tooth – If you have cracked or broken teeth from dental trauma, call your dentist immediately. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to keep swelling down, and take over-the-counter pain medication until you can be seen.
- Your Temporary Dental Crown Comes Off – If your temporary crown is loose or comes off, save it before swallowing or losing it. You can use a tiny bit of Vaseline to temporarily stick it back to your tooth, but make sure to see your dentist soon for a replacement.
- You Have a Toothache or Abscess – An infection can cause a tooth abscess that spreads to your whole smile and jaw, so call your dentist immediately. If you simply have a toothache, floss around the area to remove debris. If the pain persists for more than a few days, see your dentist for an evaluation.
- You Have a Broken Jawbone – If you break your jaw, go to the emergency room or see your dentist right away. Keep a cold compress on the area and avoid solid foods until you’re treated.
Now that you know about some of the most common types of dental emergencies, you’ll know exactly what to do the next time you experience tooth pain in Virginia Beach.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Melvin Cruser and Dr. Amrish Patel are a team of dentists who love taking care of their patients. They believe in patient education, which is why they want you to know what to do if dental disaster strikes. They currently practice at Lakeshore Dental and can be contacted through their website or by phone at (757) 490-3111 for any questions.
