5 Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies should never be taken lightly. Whether it is a broken tooth, lost filling, abscess, infection, or even a severe toothache, reaching out to your dentist in Parker, Colorado as quickly as possible is necessary. Delaying this trip can worsen the issue in a very short time.

While you're on your way to the dentist, there are a few steps you can take to prevent any additional damage to your teeth and gums.

1. Act Quick: As discussed earlier, you should never waste a single moment if you find yourself suffering from a dental emergency. The earlier you get to the dentist, the higher the chance they'll be able to prevent it from worsening.
2. Be Careful and Act Smart: While it is crucial to get to the dentist as soon as possible, it is equally important not to rush yourself so much that you make mistakes. If you lose or knock out a tooth, try to find it before leaving. Make sure only to touch the tooth's crown and rinse it with water. If possible, store it in a container with milk or warm water with a bit of salt. If you reach your dentist early enough, they may be able to restore your original tooth.
3. Skip the Emergency Room: You only need to visit the emergency room if you have a severe dental injury, such as excessive bleeding, severe laceration, or a broken jaw. Otherwise, you can skip the emergency room and go straight to an emergency dentist.
4. Alleviate the Pain: If it may take a while before you reach the dentist, you can take some other precautions to alleviate the pain. Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medicines can be used if available. You can also ice the area but only apply it externally.
5. Don't Panic: While it is important to act quickly, panicking won't help. There is a very rare chance that your dental emergency is life-threatening. If you remain calm, you are more likely to take the proper steps with your dental emergency.

If you're based in Parker, Colorado, dentists like Little Rockies Kids Dental will be able to help you out.