Action taken in the first few minutes after a dental emergency occurs can make the difference between a serious problem and a situation that a dentist can easily repair.
Different types of dental emergencies require different action. Some common dental emergencies and appropriate actions to take include:
- Tooth is partially or completely dislodged. If a tooth is completely knocked out, rinse it without scrubbing and attempt to set it gently back in the socket. If it will not go back in easily, place it in salt water or milk and immediately visit a dental office to have the tooth properly restored. For a partially dislodged tooth, use cold compresses and over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen to reduce discomfort and visit the dentist immediately.
- Lost crown or filling. A crown can be held in place temporarily with denture adhesive or even toothpaste. The opening in a tooth left behind by a lost filling can be covered with over-the-counter dental adhesive or sugar-free gum until a dentist can help replace the crown.
- Abscesses. An abscess is an infection in the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. These infections can be serious, affecting not only the mouth but spreading to other areas of the body. Toothaches or any signs of infection or other discomfort in the mouth should be brought to a dentist’s attention immediately.
Our Fort Worth dental office is well equipped to help deal with any dental emergencies. Always consult with a dentist as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome of these often traumatic events.
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Braces and other orthodontic treatments have become a common rite of passage for many teenagers. Even adults often choose orthodontic treatments to help correct misaligned teeth either for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate problems like teeth grinding and TMJ disorders.
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment in Fort Worth, we recommend the following practices to ensure a successful outcome.
1. Follow the dentist’s instructions. If told to wear headgear or avoid hard or sticky foods, do this. It might be temping to go a night without headgear, or to succumb to a caramel apple, but the results could adversely affect long-term success or even break the braces.
2. Don’t miss orthodontic appointments. Coming to the dental office every few weeks might seem excessive, but these visits are vital to ensure treatment is working. The dentist will also make adjustments to braces and bands during these visits to make sure teeth end up where they are supposed to be.
3. Maintain immaculate dental hygiene. Regular dental hygiene is always important, but the presence of braces makes it even more vital to be sure teeth and gums are kept scrupulously clean. Dentists provide instructions on how to clean around braces and even offer or recommend special equipment to ensure effective cleaning. It is also important to continue regular dental visits.
For more information about braces and how to ensure successful orthodontic treatment, contact your dentist to discuss desired results and possible treatment.
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Dental surgery can be a traumatic experience for someone who hasn’t undergone one before. Dental surgery in Fort Worth can include routine dental extractions and implant surgeries to more complex maxillofacial surgeries and impacted tooth surgery. The steps to take to reduce the post-surgical complications are almost the same for most routine dental surgeries. Dental operating procedures have progressed to an extent that most surgical procedures are quick and relatively painless.
Steps to take after oral surgery:
- Swelling and discomfort: Swelling and discomfort can be expected after any surgery for a few days and the amount of swelling will depend on the area of surgery and the complexity of the surgery. Antibiotics and NSAIDS will be prescribed to reduce discomfort and swelling. Consume them as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Avoid aspirin, as this can prolong bleeding time.
Immediately after surgery place ice packs on the face intermittently (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for 1-2 hours. Moist heat application after 4-5 hours can increase circulation and aid in healing. After 24 hours, gargle with warm saline water 3-4 times daily, to aid in healing. If the swelling and pain does not reduce after 3-4 days even after taking medications, visit your dentist immediately. Keep you head elevated while sleeping.
- Bleeding: Slight bleeding after tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal is normal and can be expected for at least 24 hours. Bite down on the gauze packs you receive at the dentist’s office for at least 30-45 minutes. If the gauze piece becomes moist, replace with another one. Do not spit out the blood as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause the formation of a dry-socket. Do not brush the area of the surgery for at least 2-3 days. Gently wash your mouth and take care not to spit forcefully as this can also dislodge the healing blood clot. Avoid drinking with a straw or sucking on the wound for a few days as this can cause the formation of negative pressure within the mouth. Avoid irritating the wound with your tongue or finger.
If biting down on clean cotton gauze piece does not help stop the bleeding, moisten a tea bag with water and fold it in half and bite down on it for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in black tea helps stop bleeding.
- Rest and recovery: Take complete rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Bring along someone to drive you home after the surgery. Avoid bending down and heavy physical labor or strenuous sports activity for 3-4 days. Do minor stretching exercises with your mouth 1-2 days after the surgery to keep your jaw flexible.
- Diet and habits: Consume cold and soft food for 3-4 days. Avoid hard foods like chips and nuts. Having an ice-cream after the surgery is a good idea. Gently wash your mouth after each meal to remove the food debris. Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can help promote healing. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for 3-4 days after the surgery.
- Go back to your dentist to get the stitches removed after 1 week.
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