Dental emergencies occur unexpectedly, pushing many of us into stressful situations.
A good way to handle them is by gaining knowledge about the cause and prevention of dental emergencies. Knowing what to do during some of the most common dental emergencies can help alleviate anxiety and offer comfort as you deal with the situation. In this article, you will learn how to handle common dental emergencies in Bend.
Meet Dr. Mingus
Dr. Kelley Mingus is a longtime resident and practicing dentist in Bend. Over the years, Dr. Mingus has dealt with many dental emergencies, making him qualified to offer insights into how people can manage different situations in the best possible way.
Common Dental Emergencies in Bend
Anyone can experience tooth decay; chipped, cracked, or broken teeth; and dental abscesses. All such dental emergencies require immediate intervention to prevent permanent damage.
This is not always possible or practical. Hence, it is important to know about different dental emergencies and how to deal with them until a dentist is able to intervene.
The most common dental emergencies include:
Object Stuck in Teeth
If an object or food gets stuck between two teeth, it is quite annoying and may or may not be painful. But the persistent presence of an object could lead to infection or gum disease. If food or objects are persistently stuck in between teeth, you should visit your dentist to get them removed.
Toothache or Tooth Abscess
A toothache is the most common dental emergency and can occur at any time. It starts as a mild but persistent discomfort that can develop into severe pain.
If the ache shifts into a foot-stomping, non-stop torment, you could be dealing with a dental abscess, which is a form of infection. An abscess requires immediate intervention to stop the spread of infection. An abscess can cause pain and can also be hard on your health. Although dental abscesses require urgent medical attention, you should never try to open up an abscess yourself. Doing so can lead to further infection.
Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Teeth
Minor chips and cracks on tooth surfaces may not always require emergency dental treatment. But chips and cracks can also worsen if not treated in a timely manner. If a chip or crack appears deep in your tooth or you feel it cut, it can form into a larger crack. A larger crack can put your mouth at risk of infection and further decay. It is, therefore, in your best interest to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mingus if you happen to experience broken or chipped teeth.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency in Bend
Dr. Mingus encourages all Bend locals to follow three main guidelines to manage different kinds of dental emergencies:
Stay Calm
Panicking will only escalate the situation and add to the anxiety. Try to remain calm and focus on measures that will keep you safe and pain-free.
Take Action
Act responsibly and think of how to appropriately handle the situation before it escalates. Dr. Mingus advises that individuals experiencing dental emergencies:
– Wash hands with soap and water.
– Assess and clean the visible area around a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth with lukewarm water.
– Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling or pain.
– Apply gentle pressure in case of bleeding.
– Use dental floss or a dental pick to remove any object stuck between the teeth.
Call Dr. Mingus Immediately
Once you have secured the situation, remember to call Dr. Mingus and schedule an appointment right away. Dr. Mingus has always been dedicated to ensuring that all his Bend patients receive dental care as soon as possible.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Emergencies
Managing dental emergencies can be distressing, but many of the above emergencies can be easily prevented.
Start by maintaining good oral hygiene. Daily flossing and brushing are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You should also get regular dental checkups to identify potential dental concerns and have them addressed before they develop into major issues.
Ready for your next checkup? Give Dr. Mingus’ office a call today!