Do you know the basics of what you should do in the event of an oral emergency? Do you know that even if you have a tooth knocked out or shattered, it may still be possible for your dentist to save the tooth? Knowing what to do after an oral accident or injury is critical for ensuring your recovery is as successful as it should or could be.
One of the most common oral emergencies occurs if you bite your lip or tongue. Typically, biting your lip or tongue won’t do enough damage for it to cause serious injury, but an open wound should always be cared for no matter how big or small. To avoid the risk of infection, apply a small gauze to the wound until it stops bleeding. You do not need to apply heavy pressure, but rather just enough to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues after several minutes, you may need stitches.
If you have a tooth knocked loose, it is important to soak the tooth in a liquid substance such as milk or an actual tooth-saving product. Keeping the tooth moist increases your chance for a successful restoration later by the dentist. If the tooth dries out, it may be unusable. Also, be careful not to the hit the root or nerve where your tooth used to be.
Oral emergencies can be treated with the help of our licensed professionals at George R. Hussey, DDS, FAGD. To book an appointment with Dr. George R. Hussey at our dentist office in Arlington, Washington, please contact us at 360.653.5197. Let us help you get a whiter, brighter smile today!