While businesses are closed or restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our office is still taking care of your dental emergencies. We want to make sure you can get the emergency care you need if something happens. Dr. Marvin N. Kaplan, a dentist in Cincinnati, OH, discusses what’s considered a dental emergency and what you can do until you’re seen in our office.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can encompass a variety of incidents. They come on suddenly and are often painful. If you experience one of the following, call our office immediately. Dr. Kaplan offers a list of common dental emergencies and what you can do to help with them before you’re seen in our office:
Tooth Pain
Sharp or severe tooth pain can come from many things. These include tooth decay, trauma to the tooth, or an abscess. Dr. Kaplan will have to assess the tooth to determine what the cause is. It’s imperative that you see the dentist immediately, as the longer it’s let go, the more severe the problem can get. Take over the counter painkillers to help with any pain and a cold compress for any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth gets knocked out, try to remain calm. Use a damp rag to try and stop any bleeding. If you can, retrieve the knocked-out tooth. Be careful not to touch the tooth root and only pick it up by the crown. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris that may have gathered on the tooth, without scrubbing. Place it in a cup of your own saliva or milk to try and preserve the tooth as much as possible.
If he can, Dr. Kaplan will replace your tooth with the one that fell out. However, that’s not always a possibility. If this can’t be done, our office offers multiple replacement options for missing teeth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Chips may be cosmetic and small, not doing your smile much harm. However, you can also have a severe break that exposes the pulp of your tooth. This is when it becomes a larger problem.
Similar to a knocked-out tooth, retrieve the broken piece if possible. Dr. Kaplan can also use techniques like dental bonding in order to make your tooth feel back to normal again.
Broken Dental Crown
With a broken dental crown, it often can’t be reused. Don’t ever try to replace the dental crown or broken part of the crown by yourself. If you have any pain, take over the counter pain relievers to assist. Dr. Kaplan will craft a new restoration for you to ensure that the tooth stays safe.
Your Dentist in Cincinnati, Ohio
If you’re suffering from a dental emergency, call us immediately. After the pandemic, make sure that it hasn’t caused any issues with your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future. We hope to see you soon!