Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, dental offices have been offering limited hours and services. At Foxhall Smiles, we’ve been exclusively seeing dental emergency cases only. But how do you know when you’re suffering from a dental emergency and how do you handle it? Dr. Joseph Catanzano, a dentist in Washington DC, offers answers.
Taking On a Dental Emergency
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately. We want to make sure that you’re seen as soon as possible. Below is a list of common dental emergencies and how you can handle them until you’re seen in the office.
Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is never something that should be brushed off or ignored, particularly if it’s sudden or sharp. There are a variety of conditions that can be causing you this much pain. These include severe tooth decay, an infection, or an abscess. Unfortunately, it’s often hard to tell which one is the actual cause until a dentist takes a look. Use over the counter pain medication to help ease the pain and a cold compress to help with any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
The first reaction when an adult tooth is knocked out may naturally be panic. However, it’s important that you stay calm and retrieve the tooth. Take care to only pick it up by the crown and not to touch the tooth root. Gently rinse off any dirt and debris that may be on it. Place the tooth in a cup filled with milk or your own saliva to preserve it. Never try to replace the tooth on your own.
Bring the tooth with you to your appointment. Dr. Catanzano will analyze it and determine if it’s viable for replacement. If it’s not, there’s no need to worry. Our office offers multiple options for replacing missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. They’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. You may not even be able to tell the difference!
Broken Dental Restorations
Dental restorations are made for the long haul, but accidents can always happen. What to do depends on the type of restoration. If a dental crown breaks or falls out, it’s unlikely that it can be replaced. Don’t try to use superglue or anything else to reattach the crown. The dentist will have to make a new one for you.
If it’s a dental bridge or denture, collect the pieces of it and bring it with you to your appointment. Dr. Catanzano will determine whether it’s better to repair this one or fit you with an entirely new restoration.
Your Dentist in Washington DC
If you have a dental emergency, call us immediately. For other appointments and services, we’ll be here to help you when we can reopen after the pandemic. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future!