When faced with a medical emergency, most people know exactly what to do - call their regular doctor if they have one, or go to the emergency room for treatment, depending on the severity of the problem. And while many people have a dentist they trust and have visited for years, the nature of dental work makes it so that appointments are typically planned, sometimes weeks or even months in advance.

However when faced with a dental emergency, many people find themselves at a loss of where to go and what to do. Just like a medical emergency, it is important to treat dental trauma and other problems in a timely manner in order to avoid complications and risk permanent damage.

Dental Emergency Treatment in Hartford, CT

One of the most common dental problems to require emergency care is sudden tooth loss or breaks, usually caused by trauma or a fall. Although dental accidents are not generally life threatening, getting immediate care from a dentist is necessary in order to help preserve the tooth and the smile's overall appearance. Even small breaks can cause nerve injuries through bacteria build up in the soft pulp inside the tooth, potentially resulting in permanent damage if left untreated. A tooth fracture that might seem to be little more than a cosmetic problem can sometimes actually need a root canal to prevent infection and nerve damage.

Other types of dental emergencies include:

• Inflammation
• Bacterial infection
• Abscess
• Loose tooth
• Knocked out tooth
• Cuts and lacerations to the gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped teeth are the most common dental injury, according to the American Association of Endodontists. If teeth have been chipped or fractured, or if they are loose or tender to the touch, make sure to see a emergency dental practice within 12 hours. Try to locate any pieces of the tooth that have come off, as it may be possible to reattach them to the crown with tooth-colored bonding material.

Knocked-Out Teeth

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of its socket (avulsed), immediate attention is required, be ready to find emergency dental services near you. First, recover the tooth — and if it's dirty, gently clean it off with water. Try not to touch the root portion of the tooth. Next, if possible, place the tooth back into its socket (making sure it is in the proper orientation), and apply gentle, sustained pressure to the area for five minutes. You can use a wad of wet tissue or gauze to help grasp and hold the tooth in place. Get emergency dental treatment as soon as possible afterward, and be sure to check whether a tetanus shot or booster is needed.

If it isn't possible to replant the tooth, have the patient hold it between his teeth and cheek, or place it into a plastic bag with the patient's saliva, or into a cup of cold milk. Control bleeding from the tooth socket by applying pressure to the area (use gauze if possible), and get the patient and the tooth to an emergency treatment center as soon as possible. Primary (baby) teeth, however, don't usually need to be replanted.

Partially Displaced Teeth

If teeth are driven into or pushed partially out of the jaw, or if they are out of alignment, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon within six hours of the accident. A careful examination of the mouth (plus x-rays if needed) should reveal the extent of the damage, and indicate what restorative treatments are likely to be required.

Soft-Tissue Injuries

In addition to the teeth, dental injuries often involve damage to the gums, the tongue, and the inside of the mouth. When these soft-tissue injuries occur, it's best to take the following immediate actions, and then see a dentist as soon as possible: Wash and rinse the area with soap and water if possible, or remove debris and foreign material by hand. Bleeding can usually be controlled by applying direct, gentle pressure to gauze pads placed on the wound. If it can't be controlled after about 10 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Don't hesitate to call the dental office for more specific information about handling a traumatic dental injury.

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Accidents happen. If a tooth becomes loose or falls out due to a fall or traumatic impact, try to keep the tooth clean and 

stable and seek immediate treatment. Call Capitol Dental Associates in Hartford, CT at (860) 247-5130 today!