This time of year, there is a higher likelihood of a dental emergency. We are more anxious due to the stress of the season, which can often include travel. Vacation itself can lead to an elevated risk of a broken or displaced tooth. We are on edge and in areas where we are less familiar. No matter how well we think we handle the holidays, the risks are there.
So for that reason, it is important to know some guidelines for handling these sorts of situations. Whether it be a fender bender in the shopping mall parking lot that knocks a tooth loose or the rowdy uncle has had one glass of punch too many, these instances do occur. It can be very helpful to keep these rules in the back of your head so that they come innately in times of crisis. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist notes some of the common pitfalls that patients make when faced with a dental emergency. Don’t go into this surprise unarmed!
Don’t Risk It
The first thing that you need to do in the case of any emergency is to identify if the situation could possibly be life-threatening. Some situations simply require an emergency room, no matter how much you might like to avoid them. For instance, if the location will not stop bleeding, it may be necessary to be in a place with access to specific care. The ER has the ability to give a blood transfusion if required. If you have any questions about your ability to keep you or your loved one safe, take them to the hospital.
If you are sure that the injured person is safe, then you can take a small second to gather yourself. You can make mistakes by rushing or becoming too anxious. Little can be done to turn back time, but you can make positive steps from here on out.
Collect And Clean
If there is a broken or missing tooth, one of the first things you will want to do is to identify as many of the pieces that you possibly can. Restoration can be most effective with natural material, and it gives your dentist the widest array of options. Place these into a bit of clean cloth or a paper towel.
If the entire tooth has been dislodged, gently rinse it to clean off bacteria and debris. If it fits within its socket, you can return it and keep it there as best as you can until you see your emergency dentist. It is important to use milk or saltwater to transport these pieces and not regular tap water.
If you are facing a dental emergency, it is important to get help as soon as you safely can. Time is of the essence, so collect as much as you can and get help quickly!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
