Do you know how to handle a dental emergency such as a lost tooth? Before doing anything else, contact your emergency dentists in Las Cruces, Drs. Ramon and Natalie Ortiz, at Painted Skies Dental Center. The dentists will tell you the right course of action and treat you the same day as your injury if needed.
What is a Dental Emergency?
If you are in pain, bleeding or lose a tooth or restoration, call Painted Skies Dental Center immediately. Dr. Ortiz or a caring staff member will assist you in controlling pain, preventing additional damage and getting you treatment. Your oral health and well-being are their top priorities.
There are many types of dental emergencies, including:
- A throbbing toothache
- Drainage from a dental abscess (infection)
- Jaw or gum swelling
- Intense tooth sensitivity from untreated decay or a lost filling or crown
- Broken denture or bridgework
- Bleeding from a laceration to the lips, tongue, or gums
- Broken tooth
- Avulsed (knocked out) tooth
- Broken or dislocated jaw
What to Do First
In addition to phoning your dentist in Las Cruces, first aid measures will stabilize urgent dental issues until the doctor can treat the problem. Here are some examples of what you can do.
- A blow to the face You think your jaw is broken, or you cannot stop bleeding with direct pressure. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Dr. Ortiz will follow up with you once your condition is stabilized.
- Avulsed tooth Wash any dirt or debris off the tooth, leaving attached soft tissue in place. Try putting the tooth back into the socket, and hold it there while travelling to the dental office. If you cannot, put the tooth between your cheek and gum, or in a sealed bag with milk or over the counter tooth preservative. The American Association of Endodontists says most avulsed teeth can be reimplanted if you act within an hour of injury. If you lose a filling or chip a tooth, bring the fragments to the office.
- Abscessed (infected) tooth Take over the counter ibuprofen to reduce swelling and toothache pain. Many dental abscesses respond well to root canal therapy, which removes diseased inner pulp and crowns the tooth. Contact Dr. Ortiz at the first signs of infection (drainage, swelling, pain, fever).
Prevent Dental Emergencies
Be proactive about your dental health. Wear a customized acrylic mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth and gums. Don’t bite into hard foods such as ice cubes, peanut brittle and taffy (which is very sticky, too).
Also, practice disciplined oral hygiene at home. Brush twice a day, and floss daily. Visit your dentist semi-annually for an exam, cleaning and X-rays.
Contact Us
Don’t hesitate if you or a family member are in pain or even suspect you have a dental health problem. Contact Painted Skies Dental Center for the best care in the Las Cruces area.