How To Handle Common Dental Emergencies - Marysville, WA

Finding the Right Solution for Your Crisis

When accidents happen, you want to be prepared, right? Knowing what to do and how to handle common dental emergencies in Marysville, WA, is important. Before you start to panic, first remember that you need to remain calm if you want to find the right solution to remedy the problem. At Allen Creek Family Dental, our team is happy to assist in providing step-by-step instructions over the phone. While we work to schedule an appointment for you to come in, we want to make sure you are comfortable and confident handling the situation where you are.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

A young woman holding her cheek in pain

When food or other items get stuck between your teeth, you might be tempted to reach for unconventional tools to remove it. This is not a good idea and can result in additional injury or harm to your teeth or gums. Instead, try using waxed dental floss. Once you wrap the floss around your index fingers, begin to gently move it back and forth in the problem area. It might help to rinse your mouth with warm water to soften whatever might be lodged between your teeth. If you are struggling to remove the object, call us as soon as possible.

Extruded Tooth

A person flossing between their teeth

Extruded teeth are those that have not been knocked out entirely. If a tooth is moved from its socket, you will need to seek immediate assistance, as time is of the essence. A dislodged or knocked-out tooth must be treated within an hour if you want to try and save it. Otherwise, the conversation turns from how to save the tooth to how to replace it.

In the instance of an extruded tooth, it is likely you will experience pain and discomfort, so make sure you take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate some of the discomfort as well as place a cold compress against your cheek to reduce swelling and pain. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth but avoid chewing on the side of the problem area.

Abscess

A woman holding her cheek in pain while talking to the dentist

If you are experiencing severe pain and notice a pocket of pus developing above a particular tooth, there is a good chance you have an abscess. This type of infection occurs near the root of the tooth and if left untreated, it can become problematic for your nearby teeth and gum tissue. Depending on the severity of your abscess, we may need to extract the tooth to prevent your oral health from worsening. Until you are able to see us for treatment, make sure you rinse with mild saltwater multiple times a day to reduce pain. You will also want to look for other symptoms such as fever, swelling of the face, swollen lymph nodes, or a constant toothache.

Soft Tissue Injury

An abscess appearing on the gums

Soft tissue injuries can easily occur. Whether falling off a bike, tripping over carpet and falling, or getting hit with a flying frisbee, you can bust a lip, bite your tongue, or severely scratch your gums. If your cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips are injured, you can rinse with saltwater to clean the area and use chewing gum to cover the laceration. This will help to stop the bleeding. After 15-20 minutes, apply an ice pack for 5-10 minutes. The bleeding should lessen but if it does not, make sure to seek immediate medical attention.

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