|
|
|
The Experts Say - Dental
Health |
Dental Emergency –
Trauma to Teeth
Article contributed by:
Parkway Dental Practice
Facial trauma sustained
during falls or
accidents can result in
soft tissue injuries to
the lips and cheek as
well as trauma to teeth
and its surrounding bony
housing. If luck
is on your side, minimal
damage is done and the
affected teeth may just
feel tender for a few
days. In some
cases however teeth can
be displaced sideways,
pushed in or out, pushed
forward or backward, or
even be completely
knocked of the mouth.
Fortunately, there are
actually a few things
that you can do to
increase the likelihood
of salvaging the tooth
and decreasing your
agony while waiting to
see your dentist.
If your tooth is knocked
out of its original
position, you can
attempt to gently
reposition it back,
though it may feel
fairly tender when doing
so. Rinsing out
your mouth with a warm
saline mouthwash will
usually provide some
relief, cleaning out the
mouth of any dirt and
bacteria at the same
time. It is also
advisable to hold a cold
compress, such as an Ice
pack (or simply a bag of
frozen peas), against
the tender area to help
numb the pain, reduce
potential swelling and
bleeding, while at the
same time act as a good
distraction from the
discomfort while waiting
for your turn at the
dentist.
If your tooth has been
completely knocked out
of your mouth, FIND IT!
Handle it with extreme
care by holding the
dislodged tooth by its
crown (portion of the
tooth which can be seen
in the mouth) and rinse
it gently with saline,
milk or water. DO
NOT scrub or attempt to
remove any soft tissue
that is attached on the
root surface. Make an
attempt to position the
tooth back in its socket
but if that is not
possible, keep the tooth
moist by placing it
between your teeth and
cheek in your mouth, or
simply in milk.
Time is of essence when
trying to salvage a
dislodged tooth so you
should get to the
nearest dentist as soon
as you can, preferably
within an hour.
Your ability to do the
above and gain access to
early professional care
will increase the
likelihood of the tooth
being successfully
retained.
Return
to Top
Article contributed by:
Parkway Dental Practice
Dated: January 2015
|
Parkway
Dental
Practice
is a group
dental
practice
located in
the central
part of
Singapore.
Our
experienced
team of
dentists and
specialists
aim to
provide the
community
with
affordable
multidisciplinary
oral care in
a safe and
comfortable
environment.
Our clinic
is equipped
with the
latest
diagnostic
technology
and
equipment,
enabling us
to practice
at the
forefront of
modern
dentistry. |
Back to
Table of Contents
|
|
|