1. Move on an Emergency Quickly
Taking quick action can lessen the severity of many dental injuries. Many devoted athletes will play a game to the end when they've been hit in the mouth. They feel a greater loyalty to their team or to winning than to their teeth. Many cracks and chips can be repaired if you get to the dentist immediately. Dentists can bond a cracked tooth with materials that are the same color as the tooth and avoid what may turn into costly extractions, bridgework and even serious infection.
2. Use Speed Dial for Your Dentist
If you or your family plays rough sports regularly, find a dentist who will give you an emergency number. Call ahead to let her know that you've been hit and need to be seen right away. Most hospital emergency rooms do not employ dental experts and can only stop heavy bleeding or remove the remnants of your shattered teeth. They will give you pain medication, an ice pack and tell you to call your dentist in the morning. Get to the dental office as soon as possible to save what you can of the teeth.
3. Saving a Knocked Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, don't throw it away. Take several steps to save the tooth and possibly have it reconnected if the break was clean enough. Put the tooth in a glass of milk to preserve the pH balance and the color until you can get to the dentist's office. If you plan to rush to a dentist immediately, leave your tooth in your mouth under your tongue. A knocked out tooth can be implanted in the socket with wires, splints and cement, giving it a good chance to reconnect. If the tooth has been shattered into little pieces, don't bother. The first step a dentist will take is to remove what's left of the tooth and prepare you for an implant or bridge.
4. Swollen and Sore
An abscess or infection can occur in your mouth, especially if you haven't taken very good care of your teeth or are at risk for periodontal disease. If you run into an emergency situation and cannot get to your dentist right away, be wary of the advice of a stand-in. Most dentists who do not have a vested interest in your long-term dental care will suggest extraction of an offending tooth, especially if you do not have the cash for dental care. Instead of letting an emergency dentist yank out the sore tooth, ask for some antibiotics to reduce the pain until you can get back home. Talk to your own dentist who will do everything he can to save the original tooth. You may need a root canal or other major dental surgery, but saving a tooth is always the better option whenever possible.
