When it comes to dental emergencies in Bend, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. But, the most important thing is to stay calm. In the case of a knocked-out tooth, there are a few steps you can take to ensure it gets back in place quickly and with as little pain as possible. This article outlines the proper steps to take in the event that you knock out a tooth in Bend.
Preparation is Key for Dental Emergencies in Bend
One of the most important tips to remember if you have a dental emergency in Bend is to be prepared. Keeping a dental first aid kit on hand, especially if you have young children, is key to being ready to handle an emergency situation. Some items you might want to include in your kit include dental floss, a toothbrush, gauze, an antiseptic or antifungal mouthwash, an over-the-counter pain reliever, and a temporary cavity filling material.
Always keep emergency contact information for your dentist and a local emergency room easily accessible, as well as the American Association of Endodontists’ dental trauma toolkit. Preparing for an emergency before it happens will help to mitigate any potential stress and quickly address the injury.
What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth in Bend?
If you accidentally knock out a tooth in Bend, it’s important to act quickly but carefully. The most important thing you can do right away is to handle the tooth carefully to prevent further damage. Here are the steps you should take to save the tooth and prevent infection.
Step 1: Remain Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do if you knock out a tooth in Bend is to stay as calm as possible. Once you have calmed down, assess the situation; identify the extent of the injury, check to see if the tooth or teeth have been broken, and see if there are any other injuries present. Call for medical help if the person is unable to adequately alert you of their injuries.
Step 2: Find the Tooth and Handle it Carefully
If the tooth has been knocked out it is important to find it as quickly as possible. When you locate the tooth, do not remove any tissue that is attached to it, and handle the tooth by the crown only. Touching the root of the tooth can potentially cause further damage and should be avoided. Rinse the tooth with water or milk if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it with any type of fabric or apply any chemicals to it.
Step 3: Try to Place the Tooth Back in the Socket
If it’s possible, have the injured party attempt to place the tooth back in the socket. If they are able to do so, it’s vital to carefully and gently bite down on a cloth or piece of gauze to hold the tooth in place. Most often, the tooth can be saved if it is placed back into the socket within 30 minutes of the injury.
Step 4: Store the Tooth Properly
If it is not possible to place the tooth back into the socket, store the tooth in at least water or milk. It’s important to store the tooth properly in a temperature-controlled environment until the person can get to a dentist. Storing it this way can help to preserve the tooth for up to 24 hours.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention
Once the tooth has been properly stored, the next step is to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Call the dentist’s office or the local emergency room and let them know that you have an emergency situation to get you in as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to assess the injury and determine the best treatment options.
Conclusion
No one ever wants to find themselves in a situation where a tooth has been knocked out in Bend. However, being prepared and knowing the proper steps to take can help to quickly address the situation and save the tooth. The most important things to remember include staying as calm as possible, handling the tooth carefully, and seeking medical attention as quickly as possible. By knowing what to do and acting quickly and calmly, you can help to prevent further injury and possibly save the tooth.