While it is important to take good care of the smile for optimum health, there are times when patients in the Azusa area may be faced with a dental emergency. It is best to have an emergency dentist in mind for these unexpected situations. Dr. Brianne Luu and the team of Gentle Care Dentistry provide quality emergency care for patients on an as-needed basis. She accepts new patients to her practice for immediate dental assistance as necessary.

A dental emergency can encompass many different situations. This may include lost teeth, a severe toothache, or breakage to a tooth’s structure. It may also include the loss of a restoration such as a crown or bridge, or even a severe cavity that causes so much pain that it may be difficult to sleep at night. All of these situations can occur when we least expect them, so knowing how to handle a dental emergency is helpful.

Below are some of the most common dental concerns and tips on how to handle them when they occur:

Severe toothache

Patients should rinse their mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between the teeth. Use a cold compress if swelling occurs and contact the dentist for an examination. Never use over-the-counter pain medication directly on the tooth, as this can result in damage to the gum tissue.

Broken tooth

Save any pieces of the tooth if possible, and then use a piece of gauze in the mouth to stop bleeding if present. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress if necessary to reduce swelling and pain. Contact the dentist as soon as possible and bring any of the broken tooth pieces with you to the appointment.

Knocked out tooth

Save the tooth if possible and keep it moist. It can be placed in milk or water with a pinch of salt. Reinsert the tooth in the socket if possible. Get to the dentist within approximately one hour after the incident to increase the chance of saving the tooth and avoiding the need for restorations such as dentures, bridges, or dental implants.

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